Dragestil Writes

Dragestil. 30. They/Them | Ey/Em. Agender. Asexual. Artist. This is where I write things.

[dragestil]

for the ask meme: ✨🎀🕯️

✨What's a fic you've posted you wish you could breathe life into again and have people talking about it? (or simply a fic you wish got more credit)

- I have a series of stories about a fallen angel and a sentient android navigating humanity and loss of purpose and identity and emotions that will always be some of my favourite works because I love the characters and I was processing so much that even now I’m still discovering new layers of it

🎀 give yourself a compliment about your own writing

- People feel things when they read my work. They can relate to it, see something familiar and know therefore that in some way they are seen. That someone would be touched by my work and feel something because of it is the highest achievement for me and I’m proud that I can do that

🕯️was there a fic that was really hard on you to write, or took you to a place you didn't think it would take you?

- My first piece with a trans character and years later my first explicit piece with a trans character were both really hard to write because they just felt too close to home, but they also ended up being some of my most treasured works because I got comments from people saying they saw themselves being represented genuinely and connected with the works and as stated above that’s the highest compliment I could ever get

[hard4softthings]

Let's Get ((REAL)) fic writer asks

✨What's a fic you've posted you wish you could breathe life into again and have people talking about it? (or simply a fic you wish got more credit)

💘Is there any posted fic you want to rework/re-edit/re-write? 💫what is your favorite kind of comment/feedback?

🌈is there a fic that you worked *really fucking hard on* that no one would ever know? maybe a scene/theme you struggled with? 🦋what are you most insecure about when you post a fic?

🌻what makes you want to give up on writing? what makes you keep going?

🌿how does creating make you feel? 🍉in what ways has writing helped you process trauma and/or navigate through your own life?

🎀give yourself a compliment about your own writing

🎈describe your style as a writer; is it fixed? does it change? 🎉how often do you celebrate completing & posting a work? how often do you give yourself the credit/validation that you seek from others when you post? (if you don't, you should!)

💞what's the most important part of a story for you? the plot, the characters, the worldbuilding, the technical stuff (grammar etc), the figurative language

💝what is a fic that got a different response than you were expecting? 🤍what's one fic of yours you think people didn't "get"? 🕯️was there a fic that was really hard on you to write, or took you to a place you didn't think it would take you? 💥find your least kudos'd fic - say something wonderful about it. 🍭why did you start writing? 💎why is writing important to you? 📡why is writing and sharing your writing important for fandom?

🪄what is your post-writing/sharing aftercare? How do you take care of yourself or celebrate yourself when you've finished a fic?

🎙️which one of your fics would you like someone to make a pod-fic of? 🤲what do YOU get out of writing? 💋when you leave comments on a fic, do you want to hear back from the writer? ☯️how do you think engaging with each other through tumblr, twitter, comments, kudos, creates healthy fandom experiences? How do you deal with that if you're not a social person/experience social anxiety?

🧿what steps do you take to not take things personally if a fic doesn't do well, or if your writing/posting/sharing experience isn't going how you'd like it to? 💌share something with us about an up-and-coming work (WIP) that has you excited!

[dragestilwrites]

YOU! YOURE THE REASON I SEE FANFICS WHEN LOOKING FOR DRAGESTIL ARCHITECTURE (/silly, I dont actually mind it at all I just think its funny :)

guilty as charged! i wanted a cool aesthetically pleasing one word url for my writing blog eight or nine years ago and stumbled onto dragestil architecture and took the name for my own 😂 i think you’re the first person to ever know where the name comes from without me explaining so congrats!

as penance for my name theft and also for those of you unaware of my namesake aesthetic, some dragestil architecture!

[dragestilwrites]

Forest Folk

Forest Folk tells the story of a wandering fae musician and an elven healer fresh from the woods whose paths cross in the heart of a city teeming with magic. It is based on characters and situations developed by myself and my partner, and is set within my original, modern fantasy universe.

Original Fiction Rated G ~2.2k words Chapter 1: Where We Began

For all its many people, the city could be so lonely. But the Fates work in mysterious ways, and perhaps even an illness can be the catalyst for a wave of good fortune.

The tall man glanced at his reflection in the shop’s window. He hoped the baseball cap pulled low shielding his eyes and the nondescript clothes hiding his body would be enough to afford him a touch of anonymity. After a moment more of consideration, he reached for the door and pulled it open, glancing up at the gentle chime of a bell before turning his gaze to the counter. A slight woman appeared from the doorway to a back room and offered him a smile. He saw no hint of recognition in her eyes, and he returned her smile with a crooked one of his own.

“Good morning,” she said. She didn’t sound like she was from the city. It gave him a strange feeling of relief. “What can I help you with?”

“I’m looking for something to help with my throat,” he replied, voice tinged with a raspiness he really needed to stop from getting worse. “Been travelling a lot, and I must’ve picked up a bug or something.”

“Do you have any other symptoms?”

“Nothing else I’m worried about. Just really can’t afford to go losing my voice right about now.”

“Well I’m sure we can get that sorted for you. You’re looking for something that works quick then?”

“The quicker the better.”

“If you have a bit of time, I can brew something up specifically for you, but if not, I’m sure-”

“I can wait. I don’t have anywhere to be until after lunch.”

“Then I’ll get started right away. It shouldn’t be too long. Half an hour? maybe a bit longer if you’d like me to make a few extra flasks just in case.”

“Do you mind if I just wait here?”

“Of course not. Would you like some tea then?”

That caught him off guard, and he blinked. He glanced at the door to the shop and then back to the woman behind the counter. It felt like his throat purposefully dried at the mention of a drink just to tempt him. He weighed his options. He would certainly prefer to be inside, away from any potentially prying eyes who might recognise him, but what if she recognised him? He swallowed down the hesitation and nodded.

“Only if it’s not a bother.”

“I wouldn’t offer if it was,” she assured. She motioned for him to follow her as she turned back toward the backroom. “It’s been a slow morning anyway, and I just made biscuits last night.”

There was a not insignificant part of him that said this was not the wisest decision. But that part was drowned out by the sudden grumbling of his stomach at the mere thought of fresh baked goods. He glanced once more back at the door, double checking there were no prying eyes, before following her. Once in the backroom, the woman gestured to a comfortable-looking couch with a low coffee table in front of it. He sank into the worn cushions gratefully and fished his phone from his pocket to send a message about his whereabouts.

“Thanks for letting me wait here,” he said once the message was sent.

“It’s no bother, really,” she replied, back toward him as she prepared a tray with the pot of tea she had been brewing before the man’s arrival and an array of biscuits she’d made the night before. “Do you need anything for your tea? Milk? Sugar?”

“Oh no, it’s fine as is. Thank you.”

“If you’re sure,” she said before turning around and bringing the tray to the table, setting it down carefully. “If you change your mind, just let me know. Once I get everything simmering, I’ll have my hands free again.”

He nodded his head in understanding, but waited until she’d shifted her focus to sorting out the ingredients for his remedy before reaching for a biscuit. He wondered briefly what had come over him. Surely this was risky behaviour. He was trying to lay low, and yet here he was sitting down for tea in a stranger’s back room.

“Have you been here for long?” he asked after a few moments of contemplative chewing. “I don’t remember seeing this shop last time I was in town.”

“Not too long. I’m still getting settled. Are you from around here?”

“Not originally, but I’ve spent a lot of time in the city. How is business?”

“I’m sure you don’t want me boring you to death,” she answered with a laugh. He felt a smile tugging on the corner of his lips, and it was almost confusing. When did he become so comfortable making small talk?

“I like to keep up at least a bit with what’s going on, and I mean it’s always good to know a local healer.”

She laughed again, and he blamed the warmth he felt on the tea he was sipping. There wasn’t anything more to it, there couldn’t be. And if there was, it was just the fact he so rarely had casual conversations lately. He silently hoped she wouldn’t see through his weak disguise if she looked at him more closely.

“It’s pretty quiet. It takes a while to get people to trust you with their health when you’re from somewhere else, but I can’t really complain. I’ve got my own shop, and some of my customers are starting to tell their friends. How are the biscuits?”

“Really good. If whatever you’re brewing is as well-made, I’ll be one of those customers telling their friends,” he said with a chuckle. She felt a soft heat in her cheeks and was quite glad he couldn’t see her face.

A comfortable quiet slipped into the room as he slowly drank his tea and she prepared ingredients and set them to simmer in a large pot. He was admittedly glad for the silence. He needed to spare his throat, even if he was getting something to help with it anyway. He was a bit surprised when the woman pulled over a chair to sit on the other side of the table from him with a steaming mug of tea in her hands.

“The hard part’s done,” she explained as she reached for a biscuit. “Most of potion-crafting is just waiting for things to brew.”

“Thank you again for this,” he said, gesturing to the tray but meaning the whole atmosphere and moment surrounding them.

“Anytime-” she cut herself off suddenly and mentally smacked herself on the head. “Here I am offering you tea and biscuits and I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Linnea.”

“It’s alright,” he reassured with a smile. He almost wished she hadn’t remembered introductions at all. “I’m Finn. It’s nice to meet you, Linnea.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too.”

The quiet bubbled back up as they both enjoyed their tea and biscuits. As nice as it was to have a casual conversation, Finn wasn’t particularly adept at them, and there was the nagging fear that if he said too much he would be found out. Linnea was equally glad for the break. She was beginning to realise how bold it had been of her to invite this stranger into her space so suddenly. It was easy to forget that she was in the city now, that there wasn’t the same level of safety and familiarity she might have found back home. Still, neither of them could deny how nice it was to have a bit of companionship. For all its many people, the city could be so lonely.

“You said you’ve been travelling lately,” Linnea began after several minutes and biscuits, “is it a business thing, or just for fun? I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“I wouldn’t call it ‘business’ really, but it is for work I guess.”

“For work, but not business? Should I even ask?” She couldn’t help but laugh, and feel a small delight when he chuckled along.

“I’m in the music industry. I travel with a band, and this weekend is the end of a big tour.”

“So that’s why you can’t afford to be sick?”

“Exactly.”

“I didn’t even know there were concerts going on around here,” Linnea admitted, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her voice.

“I can get you tickets to a show,” Finn said before he had time to stop himself.

“Oh I can’t just take that from you. I’m sure those are expensive.”

“What if we consider it a trade? I mean you’ve given me food and drink, and then you’re helping me sort out my throat. Honestly all of that is probably worth more than tickets to a show.”

Linnea chewed her lip in thought and took a long sip of tea. She hadn’t really gone out very much since arriving in the city. Most of her time was spent looking after the shop or running errands to keep it well-stocked. It might be nice to have an excuse to close up early and treat herself to an evening out.

“Would it be rude of me to ask if the band is any good?” she finally asked with a small smile on her lips.

“I think I’m contractually obligated to say yes,” he answered with a lopsided grin. “But if it’s worth anything, the venues have been packed the whole tour. And, if you end up hating the show, I’ll buy you a drink after and you can tell me how bad it was.”

Before Linnea could respond, a timer went off and she almost dropped her mug. She was instantly grateful it was nearly empty or she would’ve made a mess and a fool of herself. She set it down carefully as she stood.

“If the tickets are expensive, I don’t want to cheat you out of what they’re worth. But if you’re sure…”

“Trust me, I should be the one asking if you’re sure. I can get a ticket for free, but you’ve got to pay for ingredients and all that.”

“Then if we’re both sure, it’s a deal,” she said, pausing for a moment as she reordered her thoughts. “Now I should probably get your potions sorted out so you can get on with your day. I don’t want to keep you if you’ve got things to do.”

Finn was almost reluctant to get up, and certainly was reluctant to leave. Though he wouldn’t be able to admit it out loud, this had felt like a much needed break from the chaos of life on tour. Part of him hoped that whatever was in his throat wouldn’t be fully chased away by Linnea’s remedies just so he had an excuse to come back again for a taste of normalcy. But he supposed that wouldn’t be possible after she went to the show. There wouldn’t be any hiding his identity at that point. He pushed his thoughts aside as he stood and brushed his hands off on his jeans.

“Thank you for the tea and the biscuits. If you ever got out of the healing business, I’d say you could go into baking no problem.”

Linnea was once again glad that her back was to Finn as she felt a blush creeping to the tips of her ears. She tried to keep her focus on carefully portioning out the freshly brewed potion into several flasks and not on the compliment. Only once she had filled them all and tucked them neatly into a paper bag did she turn around. She walked across the small room to Finn and offered him the bag.

“These should get you through the weekend. You should take one with lunch, and then one in the evening if you’re going to be doing a lot of talking. And if you need any more, well you know where to find me.”

“Before I take those, do you have a piece of paper?”

“Of course,” she answered, quickly setting the bag on the table and hurrying to a messy desk to retrieve a loose sheet of paper and a pen.

Finn accepted them and crouched down to use the table for support, scribbling hastily on the blank page. After a few moments, he stood back up and offered her the paper.

“Here’s the address of the venue, and the time of the show, and my signature,” he said. “I’ll make sure to let them know you’re coming, so if you bring this along, they’ll let you in and make sure you get the VIP bracelet and all of that.”

“VIP bracelet? I thought I was just getting a ticket to the show. Are you sure that’s not too much?”

“Don’t worry about it. The bracelet will get you up front at the show, and into the meet and greet after. Then you’ll be able to tell me what you thought about it, and I can get you that drink I promised if it was shit.”

Part of Linnea wanted to protest further, to insist that this was far too imbalanced a trade to accept. But another part of her, a part that perhaps she wished were quieter, didn’t want to give up the chance to see Finn again. She took the paper after a few moments of thought and then picked the bag back up to hand it to him.

“If you’re sure…then I’ll see you at the show.”

“I’ll see you there,” Finn replied, and the bright smile that wrinkled the corners of his eyes was too infectious not to return. “Thanks again for everything, Linnea.”

“You can thank me after the show if the potions work,” Linnea said with a light laugh.

“I can’t wait.”

[dragestilwrites]

It's been so long that I don't actually remember what I followed you for or when, but hey, as a fellow writer: I think if what you're producing is original content, than it's better to post that than to sit on a quiet blog. Post what you've got. Everyone who really supports your work will stick it out.

Personally on my blog I just sneak in original content every once in a while in the middle of the fandom content like I'm sticking a pill in cheese but. Whatever works for you, buddy! I'll be here, at least.

Thank you for your input, and for sticking around so long! I appreciate it very much

[dragestilwrites]

Question

I know it has been incredibly long since I have updated or posted anything. School and life have been very draining of my creative energy. However, I would like to know if there would be any interest by any of you in reading original content rather than strictly fanfiction? I understand it can be harder to become invested in and engaged with content and characters unfamiliar to oneself, but I have a significant amount of original work that I would love to get reactions to and input on. I will leave this post up for a little while to gauge if there is any reaction before deleting it to keep things clean on here. I welcome replies on here or in the form of asks (anonymous or otherwise) if you prefer that. Thank you for your time and support in my work over the years. It means so much to me

[dragestilwrites]

Yama no Kami 山の神

Rated G/T  ~3k words Chapter 10: One for the Road

On the road from the forest to the town, Hanzo reveals how the town got its name

The rain had cleared overnight, and the forest was bright and brimming with life. It surprised Cole that anyone could enter this place and think it home to a demon. Perhaps it was just a side effect of knowing Hanzo, but he felt remarkably comfortable beneath the dense canopy amongst the towering trunks. He wished they could take their time to explore and enjoy but soothed himself with the knowledge they would return. At least with Hanzo leading the way Cole could take in the scenery as he followed.

He wondered how big the forest was. He wondered how old the oldest tree was. He wondered how many secrets had been whispered between its trees. He wondered how long a man could hide within it without being found. He wondered so many things that his head nearly ached from the way they raced through. He inhaled slowly. He had had so many questions lately. And half of the answers just made a hundred new questions spring up.

“Cole.”

If it weren’t for the sharp whisper and the hand on his shoulder, he would’ve run directly into Hanzo. He shook his head and sighed.

“Sorry about that. Got a bit distracted,” Cole murmured rubbing the back of his neck and glancing to the side. “Why are we stopping? Are we already out?”

“No, but the men searching for you are just ahead. If we wish to decide how to approach them, now is the time.”

“Since this was my choice, it’s only fair I take responsibility. You just leave the bullshittin’ to me. You look like the strong, silent type anyway.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Well I’m certainly not sayin’ it’s  a bad thing. I’ve been known to find a strong man or two attractive in my time.”

“Then I will allow you to speak for us. I believe I will be able to keep up with whatever story you tell.”

“I’m sure you will,” Cole assured with a smile before raising one hand and tilting his head to the side, looking off into the trees. “I think we’re just about outta planning time. You ready, Han?”

“Of course.”

Cole nodded and stepped around Hanzo, heading toward the source of the sounds that had drawn his attention. He ran through possible options to explain their situation in a way that was at least believable if not entirely likely. He preferred not to lie more than necessary. He didn’t like having to keep track of all those extra narratives. But some things couldn’t be helped.

“Hey, kid! Kid, you around here?” The gruff voice of the man Cole had spoken to at the bar cut through the morning birdsong.

“Come on, we’ve looked for long enough. We shouldn’t even be here. Why are you doing this for some stranger?”

“He is a stranger, that’s the point. Hearing a few stories at the bar would never be enough to convince him of the danger here. I should have made it clearer. You can turn back if you want, but I am following this path.”

“Hey!” Cole called while he and Hanzo were still partially obscured by trees and brush off a narrow side path. “Is someone over there?”

“Is that really you, kid?”

“I’ve got a name,” Cole laughed as he stepped out onto the main trail, “but yes it’s really me - the one and only Cassidy.”

“You’re a lucky-”

The man from the bar froze and blinked in surprise. He had not been expecting to see a second man emerge from the trees. He had never seen the second man before either, which only deepened the mystery of his appearance. Cole read the confusion in his face and chuckled again. He glanced back at Hanzo and smiled.

“Turns out I’m not the only one curious about this place. We both got lost and ended up in the same spot. Seems like it’s not really used much, but there’s this old shrine in the middle of all these paths. We wound up there and decided two heads are better than one when you’re tryin’ to navigate in a forest you don’t know.”

“You made it all the way to the shrine? We all thought it was lost or destroyed.”

“Well great news for you all then! It’s just fine! A bit overgrown, bit mossy, but nothin’ too bad.”

“That’s great, yes, but have you seen...anything here?”  asked the man Cole recognised as the bartender, a clear look of growing apprehension on his face.

“Just trees and critters and my friend here and that shrine. Might’ve heard some wolves, but they left us well enough alone.”

“Are you sure?”

“Course I’m sure! If there was a demon here, I didn’t see any signs of him. Maybe he moved on. You did say no one’s been here in years, right? Whatever bad thing you think was here, I reckon he’s gone.”

“Now I don’t know about that,” the man said, giving the bartender a glance that told him to stiffen up, “but I do know we should get back now that we’ve found you. We don’t want them sending in a second search party to find us.”

Everyone seemed content with that suggestion, and after a moment’s pause they all began following the path toward the edge of the forest. It took far less time than Cole would have expected to make it out, and he stopped mid-stride to shield his eyes from the sudden direct light of the sun. By its position in the sky, he wagered it was ten or eleven in the morning. How long had they been searching for him?

“It was mighty kind of you both to come lookin’ for me, especially all the way in there. I’m sorry I don’t have much more than thanks to offer ya. Can’t say I was expectin’ a rescue party just for me.”

“Well...there’s one way you could repay us,” the bartender suddenly said, a spark in his eyes. “I’m sure plenty of people in town would be interested in hearing about what you saw in the forest. If they found out you would be at the bar later to tell your story, there might just be a full house. That would more than cover any repayment for getting you out of there.”

Cole chuckled. He hadn’t expected to have to put on a show, but he supposed it was an easy enough price to pay. He knew how to spin a yarn as well as anyone who lived on the road. Part of traveling was collecting stories and carrying them from place to place. Hell, this wasn’t the first time he’d know of a debt paid off with words alone. A good adventure, even told secondhand and not experienced, could get you far if you played your cards right.

“I’m sure they would. We’re not staying in town long, but if you were open for lunch, I’m sure we could take a little time to stop by.”

“You’re not staying?”

“Don’t worry about that,” Cole said with an easy smile. “You’ll find out about that at lunch. Can’t spoil everything right here and now, can I?”

“Fine, fine. I’m sure you two can make it back to town without us?”

“We’ll meet you at the bar.”

The men from the bar nodded their heads in acceptance and set off toward the village. Cole stood motionless watching them until he was certain they were well out of earshot.

“Well I think that went swimmingly.”

“You handled that quite well, but I assume this is not the first time you have been in such a situation.”

“What can I say? I’ve walked into a lot of dark places that people think are cursed and somehow kept living to tell the tales.”

“How often are the stories you tell true?”

“If I tell them just right, they’re as good as true. And really, people aren’t looking so much for the truth as something they can believe in. Tell a story so good they can picture themselves in it and then it’s real. Especially folks in small towns and far from anywhere else. They just want an adventure for an hour or two before they go back to their real lives.”

“Do you really need me here? It seems like you have everything handled on your own.”

“What if I just want you here?”

Why hadn’t that thought crossed Hanzo’s mind? Why didn’t he consider that Cole might want his continued presence? What was the feeling tangling in his gut - lack of nerve or fear of misinterpretation? Maybe he had spent too much time on his own. Maybe he had always been this bad at making connections. Maybe it didn’t matter, he thought, as one of Cole’s hands caught his own, squeezing it tight for a moment.

“You alright, Han?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t really have to stay if you don’t want to. I don’t want to ask for too much. You’ve given me...a lot.”

“I want to stay.”

Hanzo answered quicker than he planned but there was no taking it back once it had rushed out. He swallowed down the tangled feeling creeping up through his chest, and squeezed Cole’s hand in return.

“I should keep an eye on you - someone has to. And you would never make it back through the forest without me.”

“Aww shucks. For a moment there I thought you were gonna say that you’d miss me too much.”

Hanzo pointedly ignored any question of why he felt a flustered heat rising in his cheeks. He couldn’t get caught up in these thoughts right now. He was out of his element. He needed to have some sort of focus until they returned to the safety of the woods.

“Well c’mon then. We’ve gotta make it before lunchtime and I don’t feel like runnin’.”

“You will not be rid of me so easily.”

“And I’m mighty glad for that,” Cole said as he lifted Hanzo’s hand up to brush a kiss across his knuckles before letting go and turning to face the road to the town. “When’s the last time you were here?” he asked, glancing back over his shoulder.”

“I do not recall the date. I do not know if anyone alive today would have been alive when I last went within the walls.”

“But you’re from here, right?”

“This is where the village I was born in stood. It has grown and changed greatly since then. If I had not watched its slow progression from the mountain, I would not believe it to be the same place, but it has always kept its name. Do you know the story?”

“What story?”

“I am sure you noticed the flowers.”

“Pretty hard to miss ‘em. Never seen so much green inside a town before.”

“Long ago, before even my lifetime, there was a small settlement. The few people who lived here were farmers, and their fields were abundant and fertile, irrigated by a river that flowed down from a spring somewhere on the mountain. For many, many decades, centuries perhaps, the people were happy and prosperous.”

“But then something happened?”

“They lost their respect for the land. They forgot to give back to it for all its bounty. They didn’t realise that the spring that fed the river that fed their crops that fed their stomachs was tended to by a powerful spirit. And it saw their disregard for its gift of water, and it sealed off the spring in a fit of anger. The river dried up and so did their crops. The land was cursed.”

“But obviously the curse was lifted. I mean I’ve seen the river in the forest, there’s flowers from here straight to the town. So how’d they lift it?”

“A traveling priest happened to hear of their plight, and it’s otherworldly cause, and decided to lend his services. The people did not know whether they could trust him or not, but they were running out of time and options. So they promised him that if he found the spring and lifted the spirit’s curse, he could take first pick of all of their crops when the next harvest came in. The next morning as the sun rose, so did the priest.

Though he was unfamiliar with the place, he was certain he could find this secret spring. As long as he followed the dry riverbed through the woods and up the mountain, he would end up at its source. But as he reached the forest, he made a shocking discovery. Whatever caused the drought in the land surrounding the town was confined to those lands. The forest was lush and green, and just within its boundaries there was a clearing with a full lake, with several tributaries feeding into it.”

“So the spring wasn’t sealed at all?”

“It seemed not. But this only made the priest more certain of the curse’s existence. The dry riverbed went all the way to the edge of the lake, but some unseen force seemed to be holding the water back. He decided that he would sit by the shore while contemplating his plan. He settled down beneath a large tree and stared across the placid waters. Though he was not tired, he felt himself drifting away, further and further with every moment. Across the lake, a shape appeared, and he did not know if it was truly there, or purely in his mind. But then he heard a voice that came from everywhere and nowhere.”

“What did it say?”

“It told him what he had expected all along. There was more to the story than the villagers had shared. There was a mountain spring, and a shrine deep in the heart of the forest, but the shrine had not merely been forgotten in the passage of time. The villagers had chosen to abandon it. It was such a long walk to reach it, and they assumed any spirit tied to it would only have power in the forest.

The entity told the priest that it held no ill will toward him, but that the curse would remain until the village returned what was owed and proved themselves worthy of the land’s bounty once again. The priest asked how the village would manage such a task when their fields were parched, but the entity had a question of its own. Why did the priest care?”

“I was never the spiritual type, but isn’t that what priests are supposed to do? Care about people and stuff? Help them out with...these sorts of things?”

“The priest said that he was called to the place. He said that one night he had had a dream about a sacred mountain and had woken up with the path to it seared into his mind. If the entity would lift the curse, the priest would make sure the shrine was tended to, and that the village would not forget that their land was borrowed.

The entity seemed confused by this, but equally intrigued. The village still would need to prove its remorse and renew its loyalty, but the entity would give them just enough water to do so. It gave the priest instructions to give to the people. Every spare plot of land was to be sown with wildflower seeds. The river would not return, but the villagers would be permitted to come to the forest and draw water from the lake to water the flowers until they were in bloom.

The villagers were skeptical when the priest returned and recounted this all to them. But they still had no other options. It seemed foolish to waste precious water on seeds that would not bear food, but this was part of their atonement. The entire harvest of the flowers would not be theirs to keep.”

“That’s how it made sure they wouldn’t go back on their promise, right? If it watered all the fields with the river, the villagers could’ve just kept the crops for themselves once they were grown. Growin’ flowers meant they had to prove they would keep their promises before the curse lifted.”

“That may have been what inspired the entity’s demand. But the people followed the orders regardless, and soon enough their streets and homes were surrounded by budding flowers. The priest traveled between the village and the forest shrine, keeping the entity informed of what was happening in town and relaying its instructions back. When every flower was finally in bloom, they were harvested and brought to the shrine, now restored and maintained by the priest, who knew his days of traveling were at their end.”

“And it worked? The offering was accepted and the curse was lifted?”

“It was not the offering that lifted the curse; it was the request of the people of the village.”

“A request? Isn’t that the exact opposite of an offering?”

“Perhaps, but this was a special circumstance. If the village had a name before this, even the oldest stories don’t recall it. All that is remembered is that the people of the village brought baskets and baskets of flowers into the forest, and they asked if the entity would not just return the river, but become the guardian of the village - the village of flowers, Hanamura.”

“And now we’re here, you’re here. Should I say welcome home?”

“I do not think I would be welcomed if I came on my own.”

“Well then it’s good you’re with me, isn’t it? Now let’s go get some shopping done before lunch. We can’t leave here without something to put in that empty kitchen of yours.”

“As you wish.”

[dragestilwrites]

Yama no Kami 山の神

Rated G/T  ~1.7k words Chapter 9: An Unexpected Plan

When they learn that villagers have come searching for Cole, he comes up with a plan that might change everyone's perspective on the demon of the forest. But will Hanzo go along with it all?

Breakfast was a quiet affair. The open window above the sink let in the morning songs of the birds, and they filled the space with their bright melodies. Both men enjoyed the food and the company, but they were also equally lost in their own heads. The previous day already felt like an eternity ago. Every hour in the forest passed like a lifetime. It was easy to see how Hanzo lost track of time.

They kept their silence until their plates and bowls were empty and the tea had run out. They might have kept it for far longer if there had not been the sound of footsteps from the hall. Cole’s head turned toward the doorway as a wolf crossed the threshold and padded steadily over to Hanzo’s side. Its head tilted quizzically at Cole for just a moment before it focused its gaze on Hanzo.

“News this early?”

If the wolf replied, Cole couldn’t hear it. But the small flickers of expressions on Hanzo’s face suggested they were communicating somehow. He supposed it made far more sense that they wouldn’t use words when one of the parties wasn’t human at all. It was a strange thing to witness, but everything had been strange lately, hadn’t it? He trusted Hanzo would fill him in once the conversation was done.

“It seems we have visitors,” Hanzo said after several long moments.

“Visitors?”

“You visited the town before you came here, yes?”

“‘Course I did. I don’t go wanderin’ into some place with wild animals and whatever else without talkin’ to the locals first. I like to know what I’m gettin’ myself into.”

“Well it seems you made some sort of impression on the people there. Someone has come looking for you.”

Cole blinked. He wasn’t sure what he had been expecting, but it wasn’t some sort of search party. He hadn’t been gone that long, and he hadn’t even spent that long in the town to begin with. His brows furrowed as he looked from Hanzo back to the doorway, half-expecting to see someone standing there waiting.

“Is that a...problem?”

“It does not have to be. The pack is keeping watch, but they will not act without my approval. What do you want to do about this?”

“What do I want to do?”

“It is your decision. Do you want to meet with them?”

“What about you?”

“They do not know my face. And they cannot see me, if I do not wish to be seen. If you do not wish to be seen, I can have them...guided back out.”

“You don’t think they’ll try again if they get turned around?”

“Most people do not choose to return here once they have left.” “I returned, didn’t I?”

“You are not most people, and you did not grow up in the shadow of my mountain. They may not have seen the demon in generations, but they do not doubt his presence.”

“Come with me.”

“What?”

“If they won’t recognise you, let’s go back to town for the day. We can get groceries before we come h- back,” Cole only just caught himself. He had no right to call this place home, and the thought of it made him strangely nervous.

“I don’t know if that is wise. It is suspicious to enter the forest alone and come out with a stranger.”

“We’ll say you’re a wanderer like I am. You heard about the legend and you wanted to see for yourself what’s in these woods.”

Hanzo’s brow furrowed. He knew it was foolish to feel hesitant about going to the town. Lifetimes ago it had been his home. It was as much a part of him as the forest and the mountain, and he was a part of it. But it had felt impossible to return after his wrath turned him from god into demon, and he only managed it on rare occasions when there were no other choices.

“Everything alright, Han? I’m sorry, if I’m askin’ too much, you can tell me no.”

“Why do you want me to go with you?”

“I think you could use a bit of direct sunlight. And I think you could help me change opinions about you. I mean only if that’s something you want. But I figure it might be nicer if people had more respect than fear.”

“How do you intend to do that?”

“I mean just us coming out of the forest is a good start, isn’t it? They all think you’ll never return if you go into the woods. But if we come out and say that we weren’t harmed or threatened, well that looks good, right?”

The wolf let out a huff and placed a heavy paw on Hanzo’s foot, grounding him in his body before his thoughts could fully take him. He moved a hand to its head and scratched it behind its ear. He took a long and deep breath.

“Do you really believe this will work?”

“I think it’s at least worth a try. Worst case scenario they think we’ve both lost our minds and we come back here and never show our faces again. If they won’t recognise you, there’s no real risk. And even if they came here lookin’, didn’t you say they’d never find you here unless you let them?”

“Fine,” Hanzo exhaled, nodding his head slowly. “Perhaps you are right. I have not left the forest in...a very long time.”

“Sounds like we’ve got a plan!” Cole said with a winsome grin as he pushed himself back from the table and got up. “Should we get ready to go then?”

“I will clean the kitchen first. And then-”

“Don’t worry about the kitchen, Han. You cooked the meal, so I’ll take care of the cleanin’. Go get ready. Won’t take me long to get myself ready once the dishes are done.”

Hanzo looked genuinely surprised at Cole’s interjection. He supposed he should’ve been expecting something surprising from Cole. Every conversation they had seemed to be nothing but surprises. He stood carefully and motioned the wolf toward the door. It diligently turned and exited, leaving Hanzo and Cole on their own again.

“Thank you, Cole. If you are sure,” Hanzo said, pausing to look for some sort of response.

“‘Course I’m sure. I may be a man of the road, but I’ve got manners, y’know?”

“Then I will go ready myself. Thank you.”

Hanzo bowed his head slightly before leaving Cole to handle the cleaning up. He returned to his room and headed directly to the closet. He slid the door open and sighed at his sparse wardrobe. His options for ‘normal’ clothing were limited, and they always felt like wearing a costume. He supposed that if ever there was a time for a costume, it was this.

In the kitchen, Cole hummed to himself as he washed the dishes and made sure the counters and table were wiped clean. They hadn’t exactly made a mess, but he wanted to do a good job. It was the least he could do, especially when he considered how Hanzo had clearly only agreed to go out for Cole’s sake. It didn’t take too long, though, and soon enough he was back in the guestroom to prepare himself for their journey to the town. He got dressed equally as quickly, but found himself lingering by the door, listening for sounds of movement from down the hall. Only when he heard the creak of a sliding door opening and then fading footsteps did he step out and head toward the front of the house.

Hanzo was crouched in the entry tying the laces of worn black boots and only glanced back over his shoulder at Cole’s approach. He returned to his task as Cole moved to put his own boots on. He couldn’t help but try to sneak in glances at Hanzo to see what casualwear he had put together for their trip. He felt excited in a way that he couldn’t quite name.

“Are you ready?” Hanzo asked, clearing his throat in a way that made Cole realise he had been caught staring once more.

“Yep, are you bringin’ your bow?” Cole replied, straightening up and gesturing toward the weapon left resting near the door.

“No. There will be far greater issues if I am in need of it.”

“If we’re sayin’ you came here to find out about the legend, won’t they be suspicious if you don’t have anythin’ to protect yourself with?”

Hanzo paused. He had not considered that angle. It was easy to forget that, dressed like this, no one would know his true identity, no one would think to be afraid of him. He looked at his bow and quiver and then back at Cole.

“It seems you have thought this through quite thoroughly.”

“Let’s just say I’ve learned a thing or two about maintaining appearances to smooth paths. Gotta know when - and how much - to show your hand.”

“And how is my appearance? Is it sufficient?”

Cole chuckled, but wasn’t about to refuse the opportunity to give Hanzo a lingering once over. A smile played on his lips as he nodded his head. Hanzo wore a white undershirt with an unbuttoned black collared shirt over top, and dark jeans tapered until they were tucked into his boots. There was a hint of hesitation in his expression that caught Cole off-guard, but he kept any comments on it to himself.

“Lookin’ mighty fine to me, Han. Never would guess you’re some sorta forest demon with pet wolves.”

Hanzo shook his head with disapproval, but he couldn’t fully keep the smirk of amusement from his face.

“Shall we go then?”

“After you,” Cole said, gesturing toward the front door. “I don’t think I could find my way outta here on my own just yet.”

“Then keep close. We would not want you getting lost.”

“Oh don’t worry, Hanzo. You’re not gettin’ rid of me that easily.”

[dragestilwrites]

Yama no Kami 山の神

Rated G/T ~2.4k words Chapter 8: A Fresh Start

What revelations will come after falling asleep in Hanzo's bed? What will the morning bring?

He woke suddenly, eyes snapping open and body tensing on high alert. This wasn’t a hotel, or a tent, or a bedroll beneath the stars. His mind raced as he realised there was a warm body wrapped in his arms. It took what felt like an eternity to reorient himself and remember the improbable sequence of events that led to this moment. He felt suddenly like that was the entirety of his life.

“Is something wrong?” Hanzo murmured, voice heavy with lingering sleep. “A nightmare?”

“I...not- not a nightmare necessarily. A…” The words weren’t coming out, tangled on his tongue. “A revelation I s’pose.”

“Revelation?”

“You said...you said sometimes you get pulled out of this realm instead of falling asleep? I was back in the desert. I was walking and walking and nothing was changing, but I was sweating and thirsty and the sun was so bright. I was sure I’d die sooner than I’d find anything or anyone. But I found...a sign post. All the way out there in the middle of a desert. A sign post. And an unlit candle, half-buried in sand.” He paused for a breath, and felt himself almost slipping back into the dream. “I reach into my pocket and pull out a lighter. I know it’s just a superstition among us wanderers. But you just don’t leave unlit candles at crossroads. Everyone knows that’s how you end up losing your way, finding yourself in trouble, or vanishing completely. So I crouch down and I light the candle and…” He trailed off, brows furrowing as he slipped his arms from around Hanzo’s waist and sat up.

Hanzo rolled onto his back and propped himself up on his elbow. His gaze was steady and just a bit concerned. “You don’t have to tell me,” he offered.

“No...it’s just...Well I guess it isn’t any stranger than anything else this week. I lit the candle and suddenly it wasn’t a desert at all. It was a forest. And there’s this...figure...leaning on the sign post. It looked like something that was trying to be a human, but didn’t get the details all right. And it looked at me, even though it didn’t have any eyes I could see, and I heard it inside my head. It thanked me for tending to its shrine. It said that no one had passed by in so long. That it would give me what I wanted the most as a thanks, as long as I gave it just one thing.”

“What did you want? Do you know?”

“I wanted a new life. I wanted a fresh start where maybe I’d do things differently and I could be free of my past.”

“What did it ask you for in return?”

“My name.”

He felt a squeezing, twisting sensation all around him and the room blurred as he blinked his eyes to try and clear them. He felt Hanzo’s hand touch his knee. He felt the entity grasp his hand. He was in the desert. He was in Hanzo’s bed. He was everywhere and nowhere, everything and nothing. He was just a human. And then he wasn’t. It happened so quickly he didn’t have a moment to think until it was done.

“A name is a powerful but dangerous tool if left in the wrong hands,” Hanzo said, bringing the room back into focus.

“I guess I was desperate. Or dying. It took my name, and then it was me. Or I was it? I don’t...It all got foggy. But I think you...I think it wanted a new body. It was dying too. So it took my name and gave me a new life by…”

“By giving you its soul, a god’s soul.”

“But something happened. Or went wrong. And I forgot. I forgot all about it and I forgot all about who I was. But then I met you.”

“And you are in a place infused with energy from the realm of the gods.”

“And it - or I - remembered what it was. But I still couldn’t remember what I was. Until we drank and we talked and fell asleep. And then I was right there. Right where it started.”

“Do you remember now?”

“I want to reintroduce myself. Get it right this time. My name’s Cole Cassidy, and I guess I’m not as old a god as you thought. Hope that’s not a let down.”

Hanzo was silent and motionless, clearly deep in his own thoughts. After a moment, he nodded and pushed himself up before extending his hand.

“It is good to meet you, Cole Cassidy.”

“Thank you, Hanzo,” Cole said as he shook Hanzo’s hand. “I...I’m sorry this is how you’re wakin’ up. Awfully rude of me to start your day with this mess.”

Hanzo chuckled and smiled. He wondered how his life could change so quickly. How many lifetimes had passed with everything staying just as it always was? And in all of those lifetimes, he never could have imagined the way things would go, how one strange man wandering in his woods would upend it all.

“I have woken in far worse ways. As long as you are alright…”

“I can’t say if I know yet all of what’s goin’ on, but I feel…”

“Like yourself?”

“Exactly.”

“I believe I understand. Though I chose to make a pact with the god of the mountain, I still experienced...a distance from myself. In the beginning, it had not settled fully in me. I had not acclimated yet. It was meeting my brother again that made me Hanzo Shimada once more.”

“Thank you,” Cole repeated with a soft smile. “Think I’ll ever have an uneventful moment around here?”

“Be careful what you wish for. I can’t remember the last time there was this much activity in the forest.”

“You callin’ me trouble?”

“I wouldn’t say trouble,” Hanzo replied, returning Cole’s smile, “but you are certainly quite interesting.”

“I’ll take it.”

Hanzo tried to remember the last time he had felt so at ease with someone else. He couldn’t remember the last time he had let someone get so very close. This should’ve been dangerous, deadly even, to let someone share his bed, to be so exposed. But he felt not even a hint of hesitation or doubt. In fact, all he could feel was an unfamiliar warmth that was strange but comforting, and something inside urged him to never let it go.

“So...what’s the deal with gods and food, Han? I know all about sleep now, but what about hunger?”

Cole’s words brought him out of his thoughts, and Hanzo blinked slowly to clear his mind. He shifted off of the bed and stood before turning to offer Cole a hand.

“Real hunger is rare. You have to expend a lot of energy very quickly to need food. But eating is a hard habit to fully break, and as long as humans offer their gods food, we will keep eating. It strengthens our connection to this realm and our domains.”

Cole nodded as he accepted Hanzo’s hand and pulled himself up. He stretched once he was standing and then looked down, remembering now that he had never gotten dressed after Hanzo left him in the guest room the night before. He chuckled quietly and ran a hand back through his hair.

“I think we could both use some breakfast, but I could probably also use some clothes,” Cole said, unable to keep a smile from tugging at the corner of his lips. “Not that you seem to be complaining about the view.”

Hanzo looked away quickly as he felt a flush rising in his cheeks. He tried to gather himself before Cole had any more time to make fun of him. He turned to face the doorway that led into the hall.

“You are free to go get dressed if you like. I will go prepare breakfast.”

“Do you have food? That fridge of yours looked pretty barren.”

“I have enough for us. You do eat fish, yes?”

“I’ll eat anything that doesn’t eat me first.”

“Excellent. I will meet you in the kitchen. You remember the way?” Hanzo asked, turning his head to look at Cole.

“Course I do. Might not remember everything yet, but I never forget where the food is,” he replied with a grin.

Hanzo shook his head but couldn’t hide a small smile as he turned back to the doorway and headed out into the hall. After a moment, he could hear Cole’s footsteps moving away in the opposite direction to get to the guest room. Hanzo exhaled as he made his way to the kitchen. His head felt foggy when he thought about the way it felt to fall asleep in Cole’s warm embrace, and to wake up in that same space. And try as he might, he couldn’t get the image of Cole, bare-chested and boxer-clad, standing by the bed with the morning light filtering through the windows behind him, out of his mind.

He swallowed down whatever feelings were threatening to creep up on him as he entered the kitchen. It was easier - and better - to just focus on the task at hand. It had been so long since he last cooked for anyone else, but he was certain he could make this meal in his sleep. It had been a staple of his life - his human life - growing up, and it had become a rare and familiar comfort in the years when he was still adjusting to what his new life entailed. All he had to do was let that familiarity take control.

He sang quietly to himself as he set to work. His mother always sang while she cooked. Despite the lifetimes that separated them, he could still hear her soft voice if he closed his eyes and thought for a moment. His kitchen seemed so small compared to hers, but perhaps it was all just a matter of perspective. He had been so young then. Thinking of her made his chest ache, but he willed the memories not to fade.

It felt like he was following her ghost as he prepared breakfast. He could see her performing every step in the process, and he was just her shadow, copying her every movement. The familiar smells told him he was doing it right. For just a moment, he was a child again, hovering by his mother’s side, impatiently waiting for her to finish. When he heard footsteps behind him and glanced back over his shoulder, he was half expecting to see Genji.

Instead, Cole stood in the doorway, staring back at him with an expression that Hanzo couldn’t quite name. It seemed almost like awe, but surely that was a stretch. What was there to be in awe of? He made sure the lid of the steamer was on securely before wiping his hands on a small towel by the sink and turning to give Cole his full attention.

“I hope you are not too hungry. It will take a while longer for the rice to be ready. The tea should be ready now though.”

“If it tastes as good as it smells, I don’t mind a bit of waiting,” Cole assured. “What are you making?”

“Grilled fish with steamed rice and vegetables. I am sorry I don’t have more. I was not expecting company.”

“I would’ve been happy with black coffee and yesterday’s bread. Wasn’t expecting a proper meal. I hope it’s not too much trouble. Need any help?”

“You are a guest here,” Hanzo said as he motioned toward the table and chair before turning to retrieve cups for their tea.

“If you’re sure,” Cole answered, moving to take the offered seat. It felt strange to be sitting there just watching, but he couldn’t complain. Though he would never admit it, he was sure he could watch Hanzo diligently moving about the kitchen forever. There was a quiet but firm steadiness in his every action, like he had performed them a million times. Cole supposed he probably had performed them a million times.

“Are you alright?”

Cole felt the heat rushing to his face. When had Hanzo turned back around? How long had he been staring?

“Yeah I’m- I’m doin’ fine. Just...well I didn’t take you for the cooking type.”

“Perhaps you are not the only one with surprises.”

“S’pose I’m not.”

Hanzo placed a cup of tea on the table in front of Cole before leaning against the counter and sipping his own. Making breakfast. Drinking tea. Sharing space. It was all so familiar, and yet equally so new. He wondered if this was what his life could have been, what he could have had if he had chosen to do things differently. But then here he was, in this life, and he did have it, even if only for this one morning.

“Are you alright, Hanzo?”

“Yes. I’m just…”

“Thinkin’,” Cole completed the thought. “Can’t say I blame you at all. Don’t usually consider  myself the thinkin’ type, but I’ve sure had a lotta thoughts since I met you.”

Hanzo set his cup down on the counter and looked away, gazing out the window above the sink. His mind had hardly stopped since they first met. Everything happened so quickly. Everything changed so quickly. But he couldn’t imagine changing any of it.

Cole found himself staring again. In these quiet moments, Hanzo seemed almost like a statue, so still and silent. His hair was loosely gathered at the back of his neck, disheveled from sleep, and yet it appeared almost purposefully messy, as if to add a touch of realism and humanity to his refined form. He blinked when Hanzo finally moved again and broke the illusion.

“The rice will be done soon. I should grill the fish.”

“Don’t let me distract you. I’ve got this tea to keep me busy until you’re done.”

“I hope I do not disappoint you.” “Han, you’d have to try mighty hard to do that. Whatever you make will be more than fine by me.”

“I suppose we will see soon enough.”

“My stomach and I can’t wait.”

[dragestilwrites]

The Things We Lost

Rated G ~2k words LoZ: BotW Hurt/Comfort; Nonbinary Link; Link/Sidon

Link continues to struggle with the trauma of their hundred-year sleep and all the memories they lost in the process. How can they save Hyrule when they can't remember their own past? But Sidon will not let them suffer alone.

It was dark and warm outside, the air thick with humidity and the palpable anticipation of a looming storm. When had it gotten dark? How long had they been sitting in hollow silence? Had another hundred years disappeared in an instant? Link exhaled slowly as their external senses came back to them. The grassy earth was soft beneath them and the solidity of the tree trunk against their back was a reassuring comfort.

"Are you alright, Link?"

Of course. They had gone outside to sit by the pond while Sidon soaked for a while. How had they even momentarily forgotten they were spending time with Sidon? The thought tightened in their throat and knotted in their stomach. Every lapse in memory felt like another personal failure, and of all the things they could have forgotten now, Sidon was the worst.

"Link," Sideon repeated, "you're still here."

Sidon's cool palm cupped Link's cheek, and they instinctively leaned into the touch. They blinked and exhaled again, a sigh escaping with the breath.

"I'm sorry," Link murmured, unable to keep the shame from their voice.

"For what?"

They opened their mouth, but an answer didn't come. They knew it wasn't really about this little slip, even if it was far easier to tell themself that it was that simple than to face the bitter truth. 

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want," Sidon said, forever conscientious, forever attentive. Link knew he would see through an easy lie.

"I don't know," Link answered after a deep breath. "It's just...everyone knows who I am. Everyone remembers what happened a hundred years ago. Even if they weren't there, weren't alive yet, everyone knows. Except me. I'm the champion of Hyrule, and everyone is counting on me, but I can't remember anything."

"That's not true! You've retrieved the princess' memories."

"Maybe. But I don't remember them. It's like watching a performance. Even if I'm in them, it doesn't feel like me. I don't remember doing those things. Or all the things between the memories."

"I don't remember one hundred years ago very well either. I know it's not the same - I was just young, but I only remember scattered moments - watching Mipha train, seeing Princess Zelda for the first time, and..." Sidon trailed off, looking away for a moment. "Sometimes those memories feel strange to me too. It was a different lifetime."

"Why would you stick around me?"

"What? Why wouldn't I stick around?"

"If I had done my job right...Mipha, Zelda, the other champions..."

"You did everything you could, Link. How much more could you have given? You fought against Calamity Ganon to your last breath! And now you're back to fight him once again. Already you've freed my sister and the other champions from Ganon's influence and damaged him greatly in the process. What more could anyone ask of you?"

"I couldn't save them. I couldn't bring them back."

"They wouldn't want you to feel guilty after all you've done. Mipha wouldn't want that. They all knew what it meant to be a champion."

"But I lived! I'm here, I'm still here, and they're not. I should have-"

"Link!" Sidon surprised even himself with how swift his response was, but there was no taking it back. "Please, Link," he said, gentler now, "don't blame yourself for what happened. The only one to blame is Ganon. It's not your fault. None of this is your fault."

Link couldn't bring their eyes to meet Sidon's. Their fingers clenched around the grass and dirt beneath them. The tightness in their chest burned like a fire.

"You do know none of this is your fault, right?"

A silence grew between them, broken only by the faint rumbling of distant thunder and the soft patter of rain beginning to fall. Link wished the moisture on their cheeks was purely from the sky. But then again, this was hardly the first time Sidon had seen them cry. If they had any energy left in them for shame, they might've judged themself harshly for how quickly they fell into Sidon's arms when he opened them, but all they could feel was warmth and relief. There was nowhere they felt as safe as in Sidon's familiar embrace. Their breathing slowed and steadied as they relaxed against the prince's broad chest. Beneath their cheek, they could hear his heartbeat, and the intimacy of it all made their own heartbeat stutter.

"We should get inside before the storm hits. You Hylians aren't quite as waterproof as Zora."

A small smile crept onto Link's face, and Sidon could feel it in the shift of their lips against his skin. He felt a wave of relief. At least one of the storms had abated for the time. Still, despite his own words, he was in no rush to let go of Link. It took the bright flash of lightning and a sudden boom of thunder to spur him into action. He slowly released Link from his embrace and got to his feet. He offered them a hand, and Link gladly took it, pulling themself up. They swayed slightly as their body reoriented itself, and they realised it had probably been far too long since they had last eaten. Just another little tally against themself.

"Link, are you alright?" Sideon asked, arm wrapping protectively around their waist.

"I'm fine, don't worry," they replied, far too quickly to sound convincing, "just a little hungry. I think I missed a meal or two."

"Then there's even more reason to get back inside."

Link nodded, dusting themself off before following Sidon back into the house. The prince ducked low to fit under the doorframe, and Link habitually locked the door behind them. They began to head toward the kitchen, but Sidon stopped them, redirecting them to the table and pulling out a chair for them.

"Sit. I'll take care of you."

Link couldn't protest, couldn't honestly fight back when Sidon's words were so calm and certain. They nudgedd the chair to face the small kitchen before they sat just to keep Sidon in their sight. Had they ever seen Sidon cook before? Part of them wanted to ask what he was planning on making, but the other part of them didn't want to interrupt. They wondered if Sidon had watched them enough to know what was in their kitchen. They were interrupted as Sidon began to hum. The tune was unfamiliar, but soothingly spell-binding. They relaxed in their chair, eyes locked on Sidon as he set to work. From their position, they couldn't quite tell what he was doing, but they trusted him implicitly. It was shockingly easy to let their guard down around Sidon. They were more than happy to just watch him work.

If Sidon noticed his captivated audience, he didn't seem to mind. He knew what he was doing, even if it had been a lifetime since he had learned it. On his own, he rarely put much effort into cooking. Fish was just as good raw as cooked, but he knew Link needed a proper meal, something warm to fill their stomach. And he knew exactly what meal to make - a recipe simple enough for a child to learn and remember it, but satisfying and tasty. An eternity ago, Mipha had taught it to him, a meal for a tired champion, a meal he had made for himself on many lonely nights. Perhaps, even if they couldn't consciously remember it, the taste would be comforting and familiar.

"It's...it's not just the old memories," Link said, breaking their silence. "I feel like I'm always forgetting everything. I forgot why I was even outside before. What sort of hero can't remember whether they've eaten or not? Or why they're sitting outside? If I didn't have Zelda's camera storing those memories, I'd just forget them all over again. What if I forget everything again? What if I forget you?"

The last word came out quiet and pained, and it hung heavy in the air. Sidon set down the bowl he was holding and crossed the floor back to Link's side. He knelt down in front of them, settling one hand on their knee as the other brushed stray hair from their face and tucked it behind their ear. He took a breath to steady himself, feeling an unexpected weight in his chest at the pain in Link's voice.

"I know you won't forget me," he assured.

"You can't say that for sure. I forgot everything before - Zelda, Mipha, myself. What if I forget again? I couldn't forgive myself if I forgot you - but I wouldn't even remember that I forgot you."

"Link, you won't forget again. You...a hundred years ago you died. And I really don't understand how you were brought back, but that's when you forgot, right? Everything before then you forgot, but you've remembered everything since you woke up. You won't forget again because you're not going to d- nothing like that's going to happen again, I won't let it."

"Sidon, you-"

"Sorry, I'm sorry," Sidon said, shaking his head and glancing away. "I talk too much."

"No, you don't! But you...you don't mean that, do you? That you wouldn't just...That you would try to protect me?"

"Of course I mean it!"

"Even when I...when you know what happened before?"

"Of course," Sidon repeated, smiling softly. "Maybe it's hereditary then."

"Hereditary? What is?"

"Believing in the Hylian champion and vowing to protect them to the end."

"What if you regret it? What if she did?"

"Mipha? She'd never regret any time spent on you."

"How can you be sure?"

"The things she left behind. Her armour fits you perfectly. She taught her little brother how to make just one meal - a meal she learned for you. Mipha wasn't afraid at all when she knew she would be fighting by your side. She was glad to be able to help however she could."

"You really believe that?"

"I know I haven't had nearly as many moments by your side as she did, but I can't imagine regretting a single one of them. And she couldn't have regretted them either. Even now that you've given her peace she's trying to protect you with her grace."

Link fell silent again, but they moved one hand to sit on Sidon's where it rested on their knee. In the quiet, the sounds of the storm outside filtered in. Rain drummed heavily against the windows and the roof. Occasional thunder shook the walls, and everything hanging on them rattled. Sidon was half certain his heart was beating loud enough to be heard as well.

"I'm sorry," Link said finally.

"What for?"

"For...I don't know. You probably have better ways to spend your time than listening to me. You don't need me dragging you down."

"Dragging me down? There's nowhere I'd rather be. Why would I want to be anywhere else? You shouldn't have to deal with this all alone."

"I...thank you."

Sidon smiled, squeezing Link's knee gently. He took a deep breath to reorient and ground himself.

"I think I've let you distract me long enough from making your dinner. I don't want your memory of me to be that I let you go hungry when I said I'd take care of you after all."

"You really don't have to. I can make myself something. I don't want to be any trouble."

"You've cooked plenty of food for me. Really this is the least I can do. And if it's actually good food, well you'll just owe me a meal later, deal?"

"Thank you, Sidon, really. And...deal. I won't forget."

[dragestilwrites]

Hey, friends, I know it’s been a while since you’ve heard from me, but there’s been a lot happening in the world - as we’re all well-aware - but also in my personal life.

I recently got accepted to a university abroad, which is equal parts terrifying and exciting. Unfortunately, my mom, who supports our family, also recently was let go. I’ve never really pushed my commissions on here, especially when I’ve been so bad about putting up new works, but I could really use some money to start saving up. I am lucky in that, because of COVID, I’ll be able to stay in the US for my first semester, giving me time to gather my resources before I have to move across an ocean and start a new life. I hate asking for money, but I really could use the help so I can take this big step. 

If you’d like to help support me, and also get something in return, I’d really appreciate you commissioning me. The link above goes directly to a page that details what I am willing to write as well as prices. Any questions can be sent to me here or on Twitter.

And if you aren’t in a space financially where you can commission me, I would greatly appreciate sharing this post. Thank you all for the support you’ve given me over the years, and for sticking around through my creative dry spells. I hope to be able to share new work with you all soon <3

[dragestilwrites]

Yama no Kami 山の神

Rated G/T ~2.6k words McHanzo Chapter 7: All That Matters

However tired he feels, Jesse can't manage to sleep. But Hanzo knows more than his fair share about sleepless nights.

There’s a pain in my chest that hasn’t left since I met him. There’s a hole growing inside of me and I can feel the edge calling and calling and calling. I barely remember anything. I don’t even know who I am. Was there ever a Jesse McCree? Was he a man? Did I steal his place? Or did I make him up? Why did I forget everything? A god can have anything, right? Why would I - why did I - give that all up? There’s something I can’t remember and it’s eating me up from the inside out. I can feel it in my bones. And more than that I can feel the yearning to just...forget again. To go back to my blissful ignorance. To be the rogue Jesse McCree again, no home, no family, no memories to hold him back, to make him pause. But...can I really say I want that? After this? After him? He’s...nothing I ever imagined. Not even in the fanciest tale I could spin. He’s done things to be ashamed of. But haven’t I? Even if I can’t remember...I know I have. I’ve never gone to confession...no priest would have the time for a list of my sins. There’s something eating me up inside and I’m afraid if I don’t figure it out, it’ll claw its way straight out of my chest. I just-

“Still awake?”

Jesse jumped, cramming the journal he’d been writing in beneath the cushion he’d been sitting on.

“Yeah...I...”

“Couldn’t sleep? “

“No. I couldn’t.”

“God problems,” Hanzo said with a half-smile. “Once your brain catches on, sleep gets harder to come by. You don’t tire out the same way you used to. Things that should exhaust you don’t anymore. Days and nights pass but you close your eyes and nothing happens.”

“When’s the last time you slept?”

“Really slept? I don’t know. Sometimes you get pulled into the realm of gods, and it seems like sleep. To anyone looking at your body, you would seem asleep at least. But it isn’t rest. Not truly.”

“You don’t get tired?”

“Not physically, not unless you’ve been injured or spent too much of your power too quickly.”

“But mentally?”

“Every day. Time passes differently when you lose no hours to the vastness of your own subconscious. I don’t keep calendars or clocks. They lost their meaning a long, long time ago.”

“Do you miss it? Sleep I mean?”

“I miss dreams of happier things. But when I do sleep, those rarely come. No, there’s far too many memories in this mind for happy dreams. I used to try to sleep. When I was younger. But just trying to force myself into sleep became exhausting in itself, and it never worked anyway.”

“That sounds...horrible.”

“Being a god isn’t just about power. You have responsibilities. You have duties that must be fulfilled. If someone prays to you in earnest, if someone begs you for help, what sort of god would you be if you were caught sleeping? A minute may mean nothing to you. A day might feel the same as a blink of an eye. But to them, to humans with their fragile lives, a minute may be the difference between life and death.”

Jesse glanced away. The pain in his chest only seemed to grow. He swallowed.

“Fear is natural. There is no shame in it.”

“It’s not...that,” Jesse said after a long pause. “It’s just...one minute I’m Jesse McCree, the next I’m...this.”

“You are still Jesse McCree.”

“But am I really?”

“Of course you are. Just as I am still Hanzo Shimada. The life you lived before your awakening is no less real than it was when it was all you knew.”

“But I was living a lie!”

“Were you? Did it feel like a lie to you? Did you distrust your actions, your beliefs?”

“I don’t...know.”

“Whatever happened that made you choose the life you’ve lived, that life was real. All of the things you did, they happened, and you were a part of them. Whoever Jesse McCree is, that is you.”

“But what about all the shit I’ve forgotten?”

“We are not defined by our past, though it shapes us. What defines us is who we choose to be, what we choose to do. If we entangle ourselves too much in the past, we lose sight of where we are now, and where we want to go.”

“How long have you been a god?”

“Too long by some standards. Hardly long enough by others.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Some would say I have had this soul for too long, that it is time to allow it to pass on, that I should choose honourably to fade. Others would say I have not served sufficient penance for the deeds I committed in my former life.”

“But what about your own standards?”

“Longer than I ever would have lived as a human. If I had children, I would have outlived them, and their children, and theirs. But sometimes it feels like only a day has passed since I gave up mortality for this life.”

“And if this is all real, then I’ve lived even longer?”

“Longer by far.”

“It’s hard to even...think about.”

“If I said you would get used to it, I would be lying.”

Jesse closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He ran a hand through his hair as he exhaled and looked back at Hanzo. The ache in his chest was nearly matched now by the ache in his head. Everything felt like too much, and still he felt like he was grasping none of it.

“Would you like another cup of tea? Or something stronger?”

“Don’t s’pose you have any whiskey, do you?”

“Only sake I’m afraid.”

“Good enough for me.”

Hanzo smiled and nodded his head. He turned back toward the door, motioned for Jesse to follow, and headed back toward the kitchen. It felt strange to have someone else in his home. It had been so long since he last had company. But it was nice too. The house felt warmer, more comfortable even. It was hard to explain.

In the kitchen, there was a small table and a single chair. He offered it to Jesse with a gesture as he crossed to the fridge. It was nearly empty, but there were a few different bottles of sake. He picked the fullest of them and nudged the fridge shut with his foot as he turned to the cabinets to get out two cups.

“No need to dirty any glasses. I mean - I don’t mind sharin’ from the bottle if it saves on doin’ dishes later.”

Hanzo chuckled but turned back to Jesse. He blinked in surprise as he caught sight of the man sitting on the edge of the table.

“I didn’t wanna steal your only chair, but I didn’t feel like standin’ either,” Jesse explained easily.

“I didn’t think I could be surprised after as long as I have lived. And yet here you are.”

“Here I am,” Jesse said with a grin, “and there you are with a fine drink to share. So you should get over here too. I’m mighty thirsty.”

It felt safer to slip back into his usual casual confidence. It felt safer to let his fears and questions fade into the recesses of his mind. It was easier to think only about this moment. Perhaps this was what Hanzo meant when he spoke of not dwelling on the past. Jesse could only hope that it would always be this easy to set his anxieties aside. Hanzo closed the distance between them and offered Jesse the bottle. He took a quick gulp and sighed before handing it back.

“Can I ask you somethin’, Han?”

“Go ahead.”

“You…said you get nightmares. Are they…are they ever things you don’t remember? I fall asleep sometimes and everything’s crystal clear - it’s so familiar, like it’s a memory but...But I can’t recognise the people or the places but I just know that it’s all real - or it was anyway.”

“When you have existed for such a long time, memories and dreams are two threads in the same cloth. Sometimes they are woven together so tightly it’s impossible to know which is the truth.”

“What do you do then? When they’re that tangled up...How do you tell the difference?”

“Does it matter?”

“What? Of course it-”

“Jesse,” Hanzo’s hand settled over Jesse’s, steady and warm, “I can’t begin to imagine how many memories are contained within your soul. Dreams, realities - They both come from somewhere. All that matters is what you take from them.”

“Is this how it’s going to be now?”

“Hm?”

“If I’m really a god, am I just gonna...keep having nightmares - I mean when I can actually fall asleep? Will I get all my memories back? Is that even...possible? If I’m as old as you think I am...”

Hanzo sighed.

“I am afraid I don’t have answers for you. I have had little experience with such situations. Although I believe it would be difficult to find any accustomed to a case as unusual as yours. It is not frequently that an old god reawakens.”

“S’pose you’re right. I’m pretty remarkable.”

Hanzo laughed, soft but genuine, and the sound of it warmed Jesse through to his core. He did not know what would come. He did not know what the approaching dawn - or any dawns following it - would bring him, or where they might leave him. He did not know what he might remember, and he tried not to fear all that he had forgotten. But he realised for the first time in he couldn’t remember how long he was not facing the morning alone. 

“Y’know,” Jesse murmured after a moment, “I really can’t believe they all think you’re a demon. Maybe you’ve got some rough edges but...well who doesn’t these days?”

“Maybe it’s just how many years have past since they last heard from me. Time has a way of smoothing edges, but they still know me for a life I have not lived in ages. I was not always so happy to live quietly in the mountain’s shadow. I was a god. I wanted my rites kept. There were good reasons to fear my forest and my wolves. I was never...”

Hanzo looked away, trailing off and letting his hand slip from where it rested on Jesse’s, and he took a deep sip from the sake bottle. He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to decide just how much vulnerability he could dare to show. Though he could not say why, he trusted Jesse.

“You should know why they call me a demon. It was...so long ago now. The village was growing rapidly. Each year, they’d extend their fields and draw closer to the forest’s edge. The more people there were, the more houses they needed. They needed more supplies for construction, and where better to look than here. At first, they were cautious. They would offer gifts before they cut down any tree. But they needed more lumber, and quickly. They  hired outsiders to begin clearing out a whole section of the forest nearest to the edge. I couldn’t allow them to desecrate this place, to take so much of what was not theirs.

I killed them. And the ones who escaped my arrows were taken by the wolves. Only one was spared - the young priest charged with tending to my shrine. But he saw it all. He saw his beloved god bathe the forest floor in blood. He was not the same when he returned to town. His faith was shaken. They left my forest alone after that. They left me alone after that.”

“You were only protecting your home.”

“Is any home worth so many lives? I can still see them in my dreams. I hear the screams, the desperate cries for mercy. But I showed them none.”

“You’re not a demon,” Jesse said, slowly, quietly. “A demon wouldn’t feel remorse. A demon wouldn’t try so hard to change my mind. Whatever you’ve done, whatever has happened, you aren’t a bad person, Hanzo. I won’t believe that. You’ve had plenty of chances to kill me, or even just to scare me off. But all you’ve done is help me. You brought me to your shrine, you…showed me what I am. You told me yourself, the past doesn’t define us. I don’t know who you may have been years ago, but I know who you choose to be now. You aren’t heartless at all.”

Hanzo’s fingers curled into a fist as he stared at the table. Jesse chewed on his lip, unsure of what to do. The silence between them grew.

“People really get the whole godhood thing all wrong, huh?” Jesse finally said after several long moments. “They think it’s all superpowers and immortality. I mean, I’m sure that shit’s part of it, but...it’s a lot more than that, isn’t it? I’ve barely dipped my toes into it and I’m already questioning my entire existence. They don’t tell you about that in comic books.”

“I have never met anyone like you, Jesse McCree.”

“I’m gonna choose to take that as a good thing.” “You should,” Hanzo murmured.

He set the sake bottle down on the table beside Jesse, and before reason could creep into his mind, the space between them had vanished. Hanzo’s hand was on Jesse’s stubbled cheek and his lips were on Jesse’s and all thoughts of anything besides this precise moment were irrelevant and far, far away. He almost pulled back when reason began returning to him, but then he felt Jesse’s arm wrapping around his waist and nothing mattered beyond this kiss. He wished it could last forever, if only so he could never feel the absence of it, but eventually he needed a breath just to steady the spinning in his head.

“You sure you didn’t break into the sake before me?” Jesse murmured, breathless and smiling.

“I’m sor-”

“Don’t even think about apologising, Han. That’s the best I felt since I wandered into this forest. Everything’s been so...weird and out of control and...surreal but...That? That felt real. That felt...perfect.”

“Are you sure you didn’t break into the sake before me?”

“I’m tryin’ to be sweet or somethin’, Han! Don’t be rude!”

Hanzo chuckled, and Jesse joined him. Jesse’s arm was still warm where it curled around Hanzo’s waist. Hanzo’s fingertips were still warm where they cradled Jesse’s cheek. And despite everything, despite fears and anxieties, everything was perfect, even if only for a minute. The warmth between them was plenty enough to chase away the cold loneliness that lived in their chests.

“We should lay down,” Jesse said slowly, almost unwilling to break the stillness. “I think the sake’s gone right to my head, and I think...I might be able to get some sleep if I have...company. Don’t get me wrong- I’m not...suggestin’ anything too forward I just...I think I’d like some company and-”

“You don’t need to explain. I understand. I think...I would be able to sleep as well with you nearby. I feel...safer with you.”

Neither of them needed to say any more. Neither of them felt like they should say any more. So Hanzo slowly pulled back, and returned the sake bottle to the fridge. And by the time he returned to the table, Jesse had stood up. He interlaced their fingers, and let Hanzo lead the way to his bedroom. They laid down beside each other, and Jesse pulled Hanzo into his chest.

“Sweet dreams, Han.”

“Sweet dreams, Jesse.”

[dragestilwrites]

Your Wildest Dreams

*Rated E - 18+ Only!* 3300~ words McHanzo

Tags: Demon sex, Incubus Hanzo

Jesse McCree is in a bit over his head when he accidentally summons an incubus, but he certainly isn't complaining.

“You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into,” they said.

“You’re going to regret this,” they warned.

But Jesse had never been one for being told what to do, especially once his interest had been piqued. It had started simply enough. After classes one rainy Monday he found himself lingering in the library to avoid getting drenched on his jog to his car. There was an informal lecture going on in the main lobby, so he headed downstairs to the specialty section with niche materials. He spotted a section labelled “occult” and couldn’t help himself.

It grew from browsing the collection at the library to checking out books about witchcraft and magic. He had never been much for religion, but the occult had always been taboo. Now he had sudden access to forbidden knowledge laid right at his fingertips. When he wasn’t in class, at work, or doing homework, he was reading up on all things witchcraft. He had never imagined, though, that it would land him here.

His first spells were minor. He hadn’t even known if they would work. He grew a flower from a seed. He started a fire without a spark. He didn’t even consider looking at the sections in spell books for summonings. Magic was still only barely real. He had, of course, always wanted superpowers as a child, but he never would have imagined being able to do actual spells. But he took to witchcraft like a fish to swimming.

Now he was knee-deep in a summoning that was well beyond his expectations. But his preparations for the spell had been impeccable. He had made sure every word of the instructions was followed perfectly. If only he had taken the time to read about what he was summoning. He hadn’t, though, and was currently staring into a dark, swirling vortex opening in the center of the summoning circle. He took deep breaths as he braced himself for whatever was about to emerge from the abyss, and silently swore he would read ahead next time.

He should’ve known something was amiss with how large the circle was instructed to be. He should’ve caught on when the instructions said to expect a smell like rotten eggs at the moment of the summoning. But he had been caught up in the allure of a major summoning. He had been wanting to do something bigger for a while, but it had taken time to find a major spell that he could actually pull off without too much extra work. He didn’t have the resources for many spells or the stomach for others. But this one didn’t need anything he didn’t already have and only asked for a bit of blood.

What he wouldn’t admit was the small jolt of adrenaline he got from the nick on his fingertip. What he would pointedly ignore was the heat rising in him as a shadowy aura began to rise like smoke from the circle. What he would deny repeatedly was the thrill he felt chasing this dangerous unknown. But there was no denying the shock he felt when the vortex closed.

In the middle of the circle was a towering figure. Its bowed head scraped the eight-foot ceiling in Jesse’s apartment living room. The face was wide and angular and two curved horns emerged from either side of its forehead. From the features, Jesse took the creature - entity to be male, but there was no mistaking him for human or animal. His skin was charcoal grey. He was broad shouldered and bare chested. His torso and legs reminded Jesse of a minotaur, though he had no fur. Behind his shoulders sprouted an immense pair of mottled grey, bat-like wings.. One hoofed foot scuffed against the floor before he let out a huff.

“Perhaps one day they will not always stare. Never mind, I know what form you’ll like now.”

The entity - demon , Jesse began to suspect - wrapped his wings around himself and for a moment was engulfed in a thick, dark mist. When the coiling vapour settled down to pool on the floor within the circle, the demon had entirely changed form. He was now almost entirely human. In this form, he was at least half a head shorter than Jesse, and his horns were smaller. But his skin was still dark grey, he was still well-built, and his eyes glowed white. He was wearing a crisp, white button-up shirt with slim, black pinstripe trousers and polished, leather dress shoes. He also had on a black pinstripe vest with royal blue panels along the sides and a matching, royal blue tie. As his wings dissipated and disappeared from behind him, he rolled up the cuffs of his sleeves and stepped toward the inner edge of the circle. 

“Interesting preferences. Perhaps there is a reason you have summoned me, though you seem confused - even now.”

“Would you believe me if I said I didn’t know what I was summoning?” Jesse offered up with a sheepish smile.

“However foolish it would be if it were true, your expression is enough reason to believe. Shall I explain myself then?” He took a breath and allowed Jesse the chance to nod his head. “I am Hanzo, and I have been summoned into your service by this circle. I am a-”

“Demon! Ah, uh, a demon, right?” Jesse interjected rapidly, catching himself almost as quickly and rubbing at the back of his neck in embarrassment. 

“That is one term used to name me, yes, though it is broad. A more specific term within your understanding would be incubus.”

“Do I have to, uh, trade you my - well my anything really? I wasn’t plannin’ on makin’ any deals with devils today. Just wanted to summon something… complicated.”

Hanzo let out a bark of laughter that crackled in Jesse’s bones like thunder. It was rare enough that someone summoned him without knowing what they were doing. It was almost unheard of that someone who did manage to accidentally summon him would be composed enough to make jokes when confronted with a literal demon.

“Your summoning was remarkably well done for someone with no intent. Your execution was flawless. When you added your blood to the circle, you bound me to you for a period of twenty-four hours. For any continued service beyond that time frame, a contract would need to be made. For now, however, I am at your disposal.”

“Service? Well shit I should at least buy you dinner first.”

“Dinner?” Hanzo asked, eyebrow cocking as Jesse pulled a phone from his pocket.

“What do you like on your pizza? Wait do you even eat?”

“Accidentally summons an incubus and then asks if that incubus likes pizza. You certainly are interesting, aren’t you? What should I call you?”

“Jesse - just Jesse is fine.”

“Well then, Jesse, do you have a table? Shall I set it?”

Jesse took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to get some sort of grip on the situation. He opened his eyes to glance down at his phone and check the time. At least it was still early enough to order delivery, and he didn’t have anywhere else to be. Perhaps, even, in the time it would take for the pizza to arrive, Jesse would be able to figure out what he was going to do with a literal demon in his living room. He ran a hand back through his hair as he glanced over at Hanzo.

“I don’t actually have a proper table, but you can help move the furniture back in here. I usually just sit on the couch and eat off the coffee table.”

“You don’t usually summon company for your meals?”

Jesse let out a huff. “I thought you were at my service. Doesn’t that mean you’re supposed to be nice to me or something?”

“Only if that’s what you are looking for,” Hanzo answered with a slow smile that made Jesse suddenly aware of how warm he was in his flannel button-up. 

Jesse pushed his sleeves up past his elbows as he tried to collect himself from this latest jolt. He wasn’t sure what he had expected to summon. Whatever it was though, an astonishingly attractive incubus wasn’t it. He hadn’t even gotten around to browsing the sections devoted to the denizens of Hell. That, he realised now, would explain why he hadn’t recognised the summoning sigil. At the same time, he wasn’t sure he would want to have stopped this from happening. All things considered, this was a good outcome. He not only did a major summoning but he temporarily bound a demon to himself. 

Was this what everyone was trying to warn him about? Watching as Hanzo effortlessly rearranged the furniture on his own, Jesse wasn’t sure he saw a downside in this arrangement. It was unexpected, sure, but hadn’t life gotten boring? Classes, work, homework, sleep, repeat. Magic had been the first thing to wake him up in ages. And this was magic that he hadn’t even begun to dream of. He blinked and swallowed when Hanzo glanced over and he realised that he had been staring.

“I am an incubus, you know. You don’t have to romance me. If you want to forgo the formalities for the fun, I won’t mind,” Hanzo said, loosening his tie and unbuttoning his vest as he sat down on the couch he had just moved. He watched as Jesse’s gaze flickered down toward his crotch and smiled when their eyes remet. He leaned forward a bit and reached out toward Jesse, beckoning him closer. “Why don’t you put your phone down, forget the dinner, and let me give you what you hunger for?”

Jesse was halfway across the room before he realised it and he stopped himself to take a sharp breath. He blinked slowly as he exhaled and then returned his gaze to Hanzo’s. 

“I am going to get you dinner,” Jesse said purposefully, “but not right this minute.”

“Dessert and then dinner? More and more interesting, Jesse. I think we will both enjoy this,” Hanzo hummed as Jesse crossed the remaining distance between them. He reached forward and tugged Jesse down to straddle his lap. Jesse seemed surprised, his palms pressed against Hanzo’s chest almost as if to push him away. “Have you never had anyone handle you?”

“I wasn’t expecting-! I- You’re- I mean I did see you lift the couch by yourself but you’re still- I’m a tall guy and…”

“If it’s a matter of height-”

“No!” Jesse interjected, a bit more quickly than he intended and a lot more passionately. He began again, calmer, “No, this is- I didn’t expect it, but I figure you know what you’re doing here. You’ve gotten everything right so far.”

Hanzo caught Jesse’s chin in one hand and pulled him down for a breathless kiss. Jesse bent down hungrily into it and his hands slid up past Hanzo’s shoulders and neck to free his hair from its tie. Jesse’s fingers tangled themselves in the smooth, jet black locks. He felt Hanzo’s hand brush up against his chest and realised Hanzo was beginning to unbutton his shirt. Jesse felt his cheeks burning even as he leaned into the touch. He had to break the kiss though for a gasping inhale to fill his equally burning lungs. It felt like the whole world was spinning around him.

“Is this really happening?” Jesse blurted out before he could catch himself.

“If you want it to.”

“This is like a-”

“Fantasy? I feed on and embody the desires of the one I am bound to. I can give you everything you have ever dreamed of. I know what you want.”

“Could you tell me then, ‘cause this is - well this is somethin’ already and if there’s an explanation for why, I’d like to know so I can - y’know - have this happen again,” Jesse rambled, still a bit breathless, as he stared down into Hanzo’s bright gaze. 

“You have my service for 24 hours. We can go through your every fantasy. Even the things you keep hidden from everyone else. You cannot shock me, remember; I have seen far darker than anything you could share. But what you want most is to have someone take the lead, isn’t it? Out there, you’re so confident, aren’t you? You always know what you’re doing and you’re laughing through it all, right? But it’s tiring to always be so in control, don’t you think? And wouldn’t it be nice for a day, a night, a moment to just let it all go?”

“How do you know all that about me? I don’t even know all that about me!”

“Jesse, I am a demon you summoned from Hell driven by your soul’s deepest desires. If I can’t satisfy you, I’m afraid no one can. But you don’t need to worry about that. You are going to be quite satisfied.”

Jesse bit his lip. He stared at Hanzo. His hands slid down to rest against Hanzo’s chest. His pulse was racing. He was sure he must have looked a mess. He felt like he was in uncharted territory. He was in uncharted territory. But he had a choice, he realised, and more than that a chance. He nodded to himself as he brought himself back into the moment.

“If we’re gonna do this, we should be somewhere more comfortable. And-” Jesse caught himself before swallowing his hesitations, “and I wanna see more of... of what you have to offer.”

“Oh? What were you thinking, Jesse?”

“Aren’t you supposed to know all my desires or whatever?” Jesse said, too quick, too eager, fingers curling around the edge of Hanzo’s tie, running along his collarbone. He would have sworn he was on fire for the all-consuming heat of the moment.

“Have you considered that I might have desires? Perhaps I want to hear it in your words,” Hanzo replied steadily. His hands were moving though, slipping lower and brushing along Jesse’s sides. Jesse was drawing shuddering breaths and his eyes were wide. “Tell me what you want, Jesse, and I will make certain you never forget this night.”

“C’mon, Hanzo, you know what I want,” Jesse said, hoping his tone was just short of desperate.

“There is no need to feel self-conscious, Jesse. No one else ever needs to know. I am - as you must be aware - not from here. No one will hear of this unless you inform them.” Hanzo’s grip shifted lower still until he squeezed Jesse’s ass firmly. “So tell me what you want.”

“Fuck me,” Jesse gasped as he wrapped his arms around Hanzo’s neck and let go of his last attempts to show some sort of restraint. “If I summoned a demon, and he’s come all this way for me, I don’t wanna waste both our time. Besides, none of my friends can say they’ve slept with a demon.”

Hanzo smiled slowly, evidently satisfied. “You should hold on. You seem unaccustomed to being carried.”

Hanzo gave no other warning as he stood from the couch, Jesse in his arms. The entirety of existence was reduced to just this moment. The whole universe revolved around only them. Every breath was an eternity as two hungry souls sought the satisfaction only another body could provide. Every inch of Jesse’s skin was alight with each touch Hanzo gave him. Jesse felt like he was losing his mind, and he wasn’t entirely sure he cared.

Time seemed to spin in slow motion as Hanzo carried Jesse to the bedroom. The bed was soft when Jesse fell gracelessly to it. He scrambled to get out of his clothes and tossed them haphazardly toward the wall. He was all too grateful to see that Hanzo had equally bared himself as the demon climbed up the bed to push Jesse up against the headboard and pull him into a bruising kiss. Jesse gasped into the kiss as one of Hanzo’s hands slid between their bodies and calloused fingers brushed against his stiffening erection.

Everything was so much. Every sensation was like the very first - sharp and bright and igniting. Jesse wondered if he wouldn’t be entirely consumed by this inhuman passion and hunger. Everything blurred into one continuous, never-ending rush of pleasure surging to meet the ravenous, insatiable desire for more. In fleeting moments of tenuous grasping at sanity, Jesse tried to lock every moment into his memory.

It started on the bed - Hanzo carefully but quickly preparing him before sinking in so deep Jesse swore he saw stars. Then Jesse was bent over the bed, fingers clutching desperately at the bedding as Hanzo, fingers curled into Jesse’s messy hair, kept him from hiding his face in the mattress. And then Hanzo was more demon than man, and Jesse was pressed up against a wall, and Hanzo was fucking him hard enough that Jesse hoped the neighbours wouldn’t hear. And then Jesse was pushing Hanzo back into the living room, nudging him back until the demon was sitting on the couch. Jesse straddled Hanzo’s lap and let his hands wander the expanse of Hanzo’s broad chest and muscular shoulders as he ground himself down on Hanzo’s cock until he was unsure of where either of them began or ended.

Jesse wasn’t even sure how long it had been - or how many times he had cum - by the time he found himself lying bonelessly on top of Hanzo. Hanzo’s demon form dwarfed the bed they were on, and his arm was a comforting warmth far better than any blanket where it draped over Jesse’s torso. Jesse’s face was pressed into Hanzo’s chest and his arms stretched to hug Hanzo’s sides. Hanzo found himself carding thick fingers through Jesse’s hair and humming a low tune. Hanzo wondered briefly that this was perhaps the first time he had ever cuddled someone. It was certainly the first time he had in his true form. Was he slipping? Was he getting sentimental? And what if he was? Could he assuredly claim he cared? 

“You okay, Han?” Jesse mumbled, and Hanzo realised he must have abruptly stopped humming.

“You are unlike any human I have met before, Jesse.”

“I dunno, I thought it was common decency to ask the person you sleep with if they’re doing good afterwards.”

“I am not a person, you know…”

“Person, demon, does it matter? You gave me the time of my fuckin life. Least I can do is check in on ya.”

Hanzo carefully sat up, his demon form melting away even as he shifted Jesse from atop him to sitting on the bed. He tied his loose hair up as he stood and materialised a silky, black robe draped over his shoulders. He offered a hand to Jesse.

“Didn’t you say something about dinner? You must be starving,” Hanzo said.

“Should I get - uh - dressed or…?”

Hanzo shrugged his shoulders.

“There’s no need if you don’t wish to.”

“But you-”

“I have appearances to maintain. If I’m looking to be contracted, I need to offer the finest quality services..”

“To be contracted?” Jesse asked, incredulousness creeping into his voice and expression.

“You were not the only one more than satisfied with tonight,” Hanzo replied as he leaned in and brushed a few stray locks of hair back behind Jesse’s ear. “I might not even ask for your soul.”

Jesse felt the heat rising in his cheeks and he let out a chuckle as he finally accepted Hanzo’s hand and stood. He slipped away for a moment to pull on a pair of boxers from his clean laundry stack before returning to Hanzo’s side and interlacing their fingers. 

“I think it’s probably a bit late for pizza,” Jesse began, glancing at the clock on his nightstand, which read almost 2 in the morning, “but I make killer mac’n’cheese.”

“If you are even half as skilled with cooking as you are with complex summonings, I’m sure I will enjoy anything you make.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere, Han.”

“Oh I know, Jesse. I’m counting on it.”

[dragestilwrites]

Coming soon!

[mythical-mchanzo]

What Happens Next?

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave us interest and support.

Now that preorders are closed, next comes the fun part (for me, the math nerd). We’ll be tallying up totals so that we can order the zines and goodies for every order. After that, we’ll put in the orders and play the waiting game. Then we’ll begin bagging and tagging everyone’s orders. Soon after, shipping.

There’s no strict timeline at the moment, but we will be getting this all done as soon as possible and keeping you all updated on the situation. The most tenuous thing will be nabbing some vacation time so the admins can have a packing party.

I really cannot stress enough how thankful we are to everyone involved. From the people who merely helped us spread the word, to our patient as hell contributors. We are so very blessed by your support and your faith in us.

[kashimalin-fanfiction]

50 Types of Kisses - Writing Prompts

Send in a number and a pairing!

Small kisses littered across the other’s face.

A small, fleeting kiss - which is immediately followed by a passionate, hungry kiss.

A breathy demand: “Kiss me” - and what the other person does to respond.

An accidental brush of lips followed by a pause and going back for another, on purpose.

Throwing their arms around the other person’s neck, hugging them close before kissing them passionately on the lips.

Wild, breathless kisses brought on by a heartfelt gift.

French kisses where they trace every tooth with their tongues as though trying to memorize them.

Laying a gentle kiss to the back of the other’s hand.

A kiss that lasts so long, they are sharing each other’s breaths.

A hello/good-bye kiss that is given without thinking - where neither person thinks twice about it.

Morning kisses that are exchanged before either person opens their eyes, kissing blindly until their lips meet in a blissful encounter.

Sneaking away to a hidden corner to share a secretive kiss.

Butterfly kisses against the other’s cheeks.

A kiss so desperate that the two wind around each other, refusing to let go until they are finished.

A fierce kiss that ends with a bite on the lip, soothing it with a lick.

One person pouting, only to have it removed by a kiss from the other person.

Tucking their hands beneath the other person’s shirt, just to watch them break the kiss and gasp in surprise at the sensation of cold/warm hands on their skin.

Teasing kisses where one person blows air into the other’s mouth and runs away.

One person stopping a kiss to ask “Do you want to do this?”, only to have the other person answer with a deeper, more passionate kiss.

Kissing in a stairwell, giving them an artificial height difference.

A chaste kiss given to each other because they are in mixed company.

A kiss that is leading to more, but is interrupted by a third party.

A kiss that tastes of the food/dessert they are eating.

Deep kisses where they have their hands tangled in each other’s hair to pull them closer.

Wet kisses after finding refuge from the rain.

Brushing a kiss along the shell of the other person’s ear.

Kisses exchanged while one person sits on the other’s lap.

One person tracing the other’s lips with a fingertip until they can’t resist any longer, tilting their chin towards them for a kiss.

Staring at each other’s lips for a moment before moving closer, as if drawn together by some unseen force.

Weak, sweaty kisses because it’s unbearably hot.

Pulling away from a kiss, whispering words of love against each other’s lips.

A kiss so passionate, so perfect - that after they part, neither person can open their eyes for a few moments afterwards.

An unexpected kiss that shocks the one receiving it.

Kisses that start on their fingers and run up their arm, eventually ending on their lips.

An awkward kiss given after a first date.

Starting with eskimo kisses before moving on to soft kisses.

Cleaning the other person’s lips with a lick and a kiss.

Whispering “I love you” before a chaste, delicate kiss.

Kissing tears from the other’s face.

A gentle kiss that quickly descends into passion, with little regard for what’s going on around them.

Kisses shared under an umbrella.

Distracting kisses from someone that are meant to stop the other person from finishing their work, and give them kisses instead.

A kiss pressed to the top of the head.

Tentative kisses given in the dark.

Kisses exchanged as they move around, hitting the edges of tables or nearly tripping over things on the floor before making it to the sofa, or bed.

A lingering kiss before a long trip apart.

A kiss paired with a tight hug, knocking the breath out of the person being hugged.

One person has to bend down in order to kiss their partner, who is standing on their tip-toes to reach their partner’s.

Short and sweet kiss after meeting up for a date.

A kiss, followed by more that trail down the jaw and neck.

[mythical-mchanzo]

PREORDERS ARE HERE!

MYTH//LEGEND, a McHanzo Fanzine, preorders have finally arrived! Preorders are running from June 11th, 2019 to July 9th, 2019. Be sure to order yours today >>HERE!<<

Our options are as follows:

Book + Goodies: $55 USD Comes with a physical copy of the zine, a digital pdf version, and exclusive goodies (2 bookmarks, 3 prints, and 5 stickers).

Book Only: $35 USD This will get you a physical copy of the zine as well as a digital pdf version.

Digital: $15 USD Only provides a digital pdf version of the zine.

Please note that digital versions (including those bought with the physical zines) will be purchasable during the preorder window, but will not be released until we begin shipping the physical zines.

Again, preorders will only be open from June 11th, 2019 to July 9th, 2019!

A portion of the zine’s proceeds will be donated to the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue, a sanctuary for big cats.