CIELO.

independent & private corteo of 91 days portrayed by: ash est. jan. 25, 2017. revamped may 21, 2019.

[sofficecuore-blog]

maljefe‌

    Mouth begins to salivate as he lists off what was held within the bag. How badly she wishes to peek inside and see, but thanks to how he held the treats so close she hadn’t the opportunity to do so. Wind picks up, tossing locks of mauve into the wolf’s face causing her to snap her eyes shut before shoving them out of the way, attempting to keep them tucked behind her ears as she gave Corteo a scrutinizing expression, “Oh? Really?” He honestly hadn’t been expecting anything in return? How strange. Most people she tended to run into weren’t the kind to do something out of the goodness of their hearts. Even more, they didn’t simply get something just because they had an inkling they MAY see her. 

    “AH! Youse got me… These are some of my favorites.” Soft is the only way to describe the woman as she takes the little baggie cheeks darkening a bit in color ( how sweet of him to think to get her, her favorite ), “Well now I really need to thank youse so I hope youse weren’t too busy right now.” Hooking her arm around his she gives a tug, urging him to follow her steps, “It doesn’t have to be long! Just keep me a bit of company. I’m taking a break from the office right now and after being holed up all day, alone, it’ll be nice to have some company for a little drink.” 

       “t’s nothing’, really! ‘m not wantin’ anythin’ for it...” All it happened to be was a gesture of kindness. Had Corteo not seen Loni that would’ve meant he had a few extra sweets to share or eat for himself, but he might have been disappointed that he couldn’t give them to her. They were a gift for her, after all. “You bein’ the only person that likes ‘em, red velvet an’ all... I thought you might like some.” Holding the paper bag of the remaining sweets closer to himself, he hid his smile behind it if only a moment before perking his head up. There really was no need to thank him! He had truly meant that, but hearing Loni pretty much ask to keep her company, that was a little bit different. 

       Stumbling a bit on his feet as she tugged on his arm, Corteo followed along without any protest. “Hope you’re meanin’ coffee by drink...” He might have worked as a bartender, but that didn’t mean he wanted to do any day drinking. Nor any drinking at all. It was the one thing that interfered with his line of work aside from certain customers being a bit rough on bad nights, but despite not enjoying alcohol, he had quite a talent for knowing what tastes best and how to pair it with something to heighten its flavor. “I’d feel bad if y’went back workin’ and smelled like booze. Work gets done better with a sound mind.” 

[sofficecuore-blog]

[darklephise-art]

🔸I want a million🔸

[insoucicnce-aa]

"Did y'think I would forget?" Standing over the kitchen counter, Corteo was mixing a bowl of frosting. The cake was already finished and cooling on its stand, but he had hoped he would beat Itachi home to have all of it ready for his special day. "I was tryin' to keep the cake a surprise, but you were too fast." Bowl still in hand, he crossed the kitchen and held the freshly made frosting out to him. "The least I can do is let you taste it first, hm? Go on. It's your birthday, y'know."

itachi’s bday2k19 | @sofficecuore

No, he didn’t think Corteo would forget. The other was a stickler for details and he enjoyed celebrating stuff like this. He was home and that’s all Itachi could have asked for his birthday.      ❝  Mm, no. You don’t forget a thing. Though, you didn’t kiss me good morning yesterday, so that counts?  ❞  Grin slid across his features while watching his boyfriend mixing the frosting. If it was up to him, he’d eat the entire bowl and what would that do when he still have an entire cake to devour with Corteo.      ❝  How can I ever thank you for such a thoughtful gesture on my birthday? You spoil me…  ❞  

Humming, he moved forward, pressing a kiss to his forehead then grabbed a spoon, dipping it into the frosting and bringing it to his mouth. Mmm, sweet and delicious. Not that he could have expected any less. Smiling with the spoon around his mouth, he gently takes the bowl and sets it to the side. Gently does he toss the spoon in the sink and leans down to press a kiss to his boyfriend’s mouth, hand cupping his cheek.  What better way to share the taste of delicious, homemade frosting, right?   ❝   Mmm, i think it tastes amazing. we could eat the frosting alone, you know.  ❞  

[sofficecuore-blog]

avallcnis‌

Watching human flounder brought breathy chuckle to him, crystalline and light in cadence as he took to toying with opaline strands of hair. He supposes he can see where next question comes from for the nature of shapeshifters was a complex affair– what did he truly look like? Did Merlin himself even know? Such notions were close-guarded to his hollow heart, filled with all the oddities that constituted the creature that he was.

“If you’re hoping my true form is that of a wizened old man then I fear you will remain disappointed! This is the appearance to which I was born, though I am as you say.” A shapeshifter than, though so much more in addition. “Hm! Come, you seem familiar with the stories. Which have you read? Some of them are, alas, wildly inaccurate. One or two are not so far from a sliver of the truth, as tends to be the nature of ‘history’.”

       Though as disappointed as Corteo was, he kept himself from saying that aloud. The Merlin in his mind would always be this old wise wizard with a long beard and his magical bag full. Not even this Merlin had that by the looks of it. Unless it was somewhere hidden under fanciful white robes, but he thought it better to not ask. He had already successfully made an idiot of himself. Shaking his head, hands stuffed into the pockets of his pants as he took a step back. “You’re tellin’ me,” he muttered sadly, bottom lip pulling into a frown, “’m not wantin’ to say now. Now that I know ‘ve been misled, hard to trust what’s the truth.” Listing off anything he has read might only prove that myth had been incorrect or lost in translation over the years; he would rather not.

         “...y’know, ‘m tryin’ to understand. You always were lookin’ like that, huh?” His eyes lifted from the ground to follow over Merlin’s form again, still unable to believe that someone as him could exist. “Possible once you’d changed into somethin’ else and that’s what gave the idea to you bein’... um...” He quickly shook his head again, uncertain if what he was trying to explain made any sense. There had to be some reason for the image before him being very different than what he had expected, but he didn’t want to pursue it if it would mean digging himself deeper. “I guess people really like makin’ up stories.”   

[sofficecuore-blog]

karasx‌

He was incredibly exhausted, but it was rewarding to have Corteo back. Itachi had missed him terrible and was so proud of him.  ❝ Want to sleep in my arms? That’s the only way I’ll be able to sleep. ❞ Not that he was ever the restful sort but its been so long since he’d had the other so close.  ❝ Please don’t tell me no, I’ll pout.  ❞ He’s sorta teasing but lower lip is already poking out.

       "Do y’think I even could?” Just thinking about telling Itachi ‘no’ seemed doubtful. “I can’t have you poutin’ though. That’s how you’ll get wrinkles.” Not that it would mean he loved Itachi any less. If he was old and wrinkly and had gray hair, Corteo would still have a heart as full for him. Mostly, because by then, he would be just as full of wrinkles. Playing at the corner of the pillow still held in his arms, his gaze drifted to the couch where he had intended to let Itachi have a nap, but it would seem there was a change in plans. “Want to sleep on the bed? I mean, the couch ain’t that comfortable for two. Unless you’re wantin’ to share with me.” Time and distance might have separated them, but how easy it was to fall back into a sense a familiarity, to ease back into the spaces where neither had really left. “Can’t be stealin’ all the blankets though.”   

[sofficecuore-blog]

ardenssolis‌

     CORTEO’S STRUGGLES WERE SO entertaining that Ozymandias nearly grinned. It was more than enough to beat back whatever ire would have bubbled within the Pharaoh not having his demands (unreasonable as they were) met. ❝There is no need to explain. I am well aware that you can only do so much. A shame, really, but I accept this fault you have.❞ As if poor Corteo being just an average person with an average wallet was something to pity. ❝And as for the rest of your statement, cats are brilliant and beautiful creatures worthy of one’s time and attention. They are not just “they seem sweet.”  What a disservice you grant them with such lukewarm statements.❞ His teasing aside, though, he could understand what Corteo meant. His Master’s residence was hardly a good place to keep heaps of feline, and chances were, it would become rather overwhelming quickly in that small space.

     He would forgive the other.

     ❝To show that I can be reasoned with, I will allow you take them somewhere better. If it is not to my liking, however, I will punish you accordingly.❞ His words were stated with such nonchalance that it would have naturally taken many aback. Was he being serious? Was this just a really poor form of jest? It was hard to tell with him until that moment actually came into being. When your Master was already a nervous wreck most of the time, that probably did not bode well even if it was just a means of earning a chuckle from him.

       What was he supposed to say then? Did Ozymandias want him to give a detailed speech about cats including their history and redeemable traits? He would need to do a bit of research for something like that, but even so, he wondered if that would even please his Servant. After being told he would be punished, the only thing on his mind was making certain Ozymandias was happy. That, and staying within his good graces. Corteo knew what sort of power Servants possessed, knew that they could easily wield a Noble Phantasm that would wipe his home and everything in the general vicinity off the map. “I didn’t mean anythin’ by it.” Glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose, he nudged at his shoulder to push them back up, both arms still a bit preoccupied by two cats. “’ve never had cats in my home before. Guess you could say havin’ this many is a first.” 

       And he hoped would be the last! If he survived the Holy Grail War, he didn’t want to wind up homeless over cats. Ozymandias would really have something to complain about if they had nowhere to be. “P - Punish me?! Pharaoh, I... um, that’s a bit extreme, wouldn’t y’think? ‘m not meanin’ to harm them.” No, no... Maybe saying that was the wrong thing to say! He wasn’t going to do anything bad to them at all! “I mean, they’re gonna go somewhere they can be ‘round lots of other cats. People come and visit ‘em too! They’re treated like royalty, really.” An animal shelter might be the best place to get them off the streets, and if there was time, in however much time they had together as Master and Servant, Corteo would try to compromise by taking Ozymandias there. Arms beginning to grow tired, he gently placed the cats back to the floor and sat beside them, trying to hide his discomfort as the little herd of feline pawed and mewed at him. “Trouble is gettin’ ‘em all there... How’d you even get ‘em here in the first place?” Honestly, if he said the cats followed him, Corteo wouldn’t have been surprised. 

[sofficecuore-blog]

       Let’s get one thing straight: Corteo is not helpless. Having a meek personality is not equivalent to someone that is weak. He might be soft spoken, but he isn’t someone that always needs to be saved. He knows how to stand up for himself and be resourceful. This is the same guy that managed to create a profitable whiskey by himself, his own recipe, and brew it out of his kitchen. When bombarded by Cerotto’s brother because Corteo didn’t want to sell to the mafia, he told the guy “too bad!” after getting knocked in the stomach for refusing. He stands by his morals even when it would be a lot easier, and a lot less painful, to give in. 

       There are moments when he needs someone to step in for him to be his voice, but he can handle himself if necessary. His actions might be heavily motivated by emotions, especially if Angelo or mention of the mafia is involved. He’s intelligent and careful, but his emotions can potentially outweigh logic when presented with a difficult choice. His hatred toward the mafia prevents him from selling his recipe, which is fueled by Angelo’s family and his father being killed. Stress, anxiety, fear, and the longing to get Angelo out of his current situation to protect him fanned the flames for him to partner with Fango, believing he could get rid of Nero and that Angelo would have a way out. The domino effect of that, leading to Corteo murdering Fango -- All of it was carried through heavy emotion and other underlying things. 

       However, despite him being an emotional person, that doesn’t make him weak or someone in this position where he has to be constantly rescued. Yes, there are moments when he needs to be protected. Yes, he might need someone to speak for him so his voice can be heard, but that has nothing to do with him being helpless.  

[sofficecuore-blog]

@maljefe​ || cont’d.

       Clever, wasn’t she? Not that he had underestimated her. Not at all! But he had thought he had been a little sneaky by asking the bakery clerk to put those treats in a paper bag to keep them hidden from prying eyes. Their usual colorful sacks were easy on the eyes and made anything look pleasing, but it was easy to spot exactly what was in the bag. Too bad Loni’s nose was too good to be be tricked by paper or plastic. Taking a step back, Corteo held the oh so desired treats closer to his chest and away from her, a lopsided grin playing at his lips. “Can’t tell? Thought that nose of yours would know what kinda stuff I got,” he teased, pretending to steal a peek into the top of the bag, “Looks like there’s some zeppole, a slice of toasted almond cake - ” 

       Trying not to laugh at Loni’s misfortune, he kept the last treat to himself, knowing it might strike a far better reaction than the one she already gave him. “Huh, didn’t think that’d be there, but...” Before he got another word out, Corteo’s grin slipped into a frown. Wanted some coffee or tea? That was no reason for his trip to the bakery. Well, there was, but it wasn’t being treated to tea and coffee; though he wouldn’t object. “I wasn’t wantin’ anythin’... Honest.” Still holding the bag a fair distance away from Loni, he reached inside to pull out a few neatly wrapped red velvet cookies, specially meant for her. “Kinda thought I’d be seein’ you on the way back. ”  

[glittertomb]

The scenery in 91 days is gorgeous.  Sometimes it looks like an old European painting come to life.

[sofficecuore-blog]

@karasx ❤︎’d for a lyric starter !!

       Itachi had to be tired after the day they had. Moving boxes and helping him to adjust, picking him up from the airport. It was a lot for one whole afternoon. Arms bundled with a pillow and blanket, Corteo gestured to the couch where he had planned to set up a makeshift bed, already set out to ensure Itachi got some rest. “...but you'll feel better when you wake up.”

Wake Up | EDEN

[golosi-blog]

In the few moments they were alone, Corteo could breathe easier. He didn't feel the looming presence of a certain Mafioso nor the urge to look over his shoulder every few seconds. Nerves were still frayed, however; being in another room wouldn't change that, but it helped. Hesitantly, his head came to rest against Angelo's shoulder if only a second before he pulled away and shifted, an apology quickly leaving him.

     ANGELO IDLY PLAYED WITH a cigarette between his fingers, patiently waiting for the next time he would be called off to head off somewhere with Nero (a Speakeasy knowing him and how he dealt with stress). He was still biding his time – still waiting for the right moment to move on with his plans without anyone being aware. Barbero still side eyed him with a hint of suspicion, though as long as he had Nero in his pocket, there was nothing he had to worry about. Glancing at Corteo from the corner of his eye, the moment he had opened his mouth to say something, his words were cut off the moment Corteo’s head went to rest against his shoulder. He tensed, so unused to such touch from another. It was an instinctual thing, but he was doubtful that the other had felt it since as soon as that head touched him, they leaned away again.

     ❝… S’fine.❞ Angelo glanced away once more, fingers sliding along paper surface of his cigarette as he fell silent. It did not last long before it was broken. ❝Go ahead.❞ He did not say more, that single statement being all that he would say. They were alone and it was doubtful they would be bothered for some time anyway. Corteo might as well get some rest while he was able. It would do wonders for his nerves if he was given that reprieve before opening his eyes and remembering the situation they were both currently in, a situation that Angelo had dragged him into in the first place. The least he could offer the other was his shoulder.

[sofficecuore-blog]

@rottingwomb​ ❤︎’d for a lyric starter !!

       Impossibly determined, Corteo’s hands clenched at his sides despite being afraid, terribly so before someone that exuded confidence. It might have been an act, a facade to appear more than he was, but it was better than shriveling into some wilted shell of himself.  

        “I might be a tad naive, but I learn quick.”    

How Do You Like It | Jynjo

[sofficecuore-blog]

       Depending on the verse, Corteo’s sleep patterns are somewhat all over the place. In his main verse, sleep is practically non-existent. Riddled by anxiety, he tosses and turns in bed before he actually does fall into a slumber, but even then it isn’t always the best night’s sleep nor an adequate amount. It is at least enough to leave him functioning throughout the day though. He has this constant need to look over his shoulder and be on guard, so it doesn’t make for being getting a good night’s rest. It doesn’t help either that Corteo thinks about his day in detail, focusing on things that shouldn’t matter, but to him – They matter a great deal. It is part of the reason why it is almost impossible for him to fall asleep right away because his mind cannot shut down or turn off the thoughts running through his head. At times, he will overthink an event that happened during the day then overanalyze it until he can’t remember why he started to worry in the first place, which will eventually lead him to falling asleep from being unable to keep his eyes open or he will wake up sporadically throughout the night.

       His sleeping patterns are better in other verses though, considering his circumstances aren’t as stressful. Not being involved with the mafia does help to get better sleep, honestly. But his bad habit of overthinking before bed still occurs, yet it isn’t quite as frequent unless something happened throughout the day that causes him to lay there, awaiting sleep to take him while he just replays whatever occurred. It happens more often if the event was negative, but if it was something positive, he will think about it fondly and fall asleep to pleasant dreams.

[sofficecuore-blog]

casually holds his hand. nothing seriously or anything.

@karasx

       How long had it been since he was able to hold Itachi’s hand like this? It felt as though it had been an eternity of text messages and hand written letters, of trying to make time to talk when difference in timezone conflicted. Even though all the time and distance that had separated them, Corteo hadn’t forgotten. He remembered how well his fingers fit between Itachi’s, comfortably laced in empty spaces with palms clasped tightly to the other; it felt right.  Saying nothing, he only gave a gentle squeeze to Itachi’s hand, a wordless reply that this was fine. It was a simple gesture, as it was when his hand was taken as casually with no reason at all, but those little things were what made a big difference to him.

       “’s kinda nice, right?” Soft voice broke the silence between them, head tilting to the side to meet Itachi’s gaze. “Not jus’ kinda,” he corrected, a smile slowly tugging at his lips, a lopsided grin that wrinkle his nose. “Really nice.” Corteo wasn’t one to be poetic nor overly eloquent when describing his feelings. Even with all the books he had read in his lifetime, he doubted he would ever be able to fully describe what it felt to reunite with someone after so long. Being able to touch and hear and see them there; it meant so much.

[sofficecuore-blog]

@motleymoxie ❤︎’d for a lyric starter !!

                  “I fought, and fought hard.”

       “I could've died.” And he could have lost a lot more quarters at that one arcade machine. Stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jean, Corteo gave a feeble smile and gestured at the pixelated screen, a huge ‘GAME OVER’ across it even after reaching the final level but not making a top score. “This game’s not fun at all...”

 A Terrible Ride | Lizard Boy: A New Musical

[uhrair-blog]

What’s that on your hand????? *holds it* itS ME