KorTac / Chimera Dating an Artist ft. König, Krueger, and Nikto.
Hear me out: normally, often more than not, most thoughtfully crafted drabbles delve down the writer's route. This prompt struck me while I was creating art of my own, and I figured it would be a favor to myself to do my favorite trio first! Did my best and kept it as gender neutral as possible!
However, there might be one feminine-leaning pet name, as well as the use of "little one" for Nikto's portion.
Know that I subscribe to the headcanon that his first name is "Andre," while this isn't deliberately confirmed, the wiki had mentioned in S2 Taskforce 141 comics referred to his first name as such! So I'm going with that!
Additionally, I don't speak Russian natively, so I hope the one I grabbed is gender neutral. However, I welcome and encourage (polite) corrections; I promise I don't bite. :>
Don't mind if they're written a little OOC. I am still actively learning how exactly I want to write them!
Please enjoy these little pebbles of purely sickeningly sweet, silly fluff under the cut!🖤 EDIT (12/25/25): formatting, proofreading, a few lot of adjustments and additions that were not at all necessary, but my perfectionism got the better of me. Lost some part of Krueger's progress, so I had to rewrite it, and I'm mad about it still. >:(
♚ König. . .
ㅤ✦ He would love to see your artwork, in any format. I will, in fact, die on this hill! This fact about you was one of the most exciting things he ever learned! While his expression bears more semblance to drywall on most days, you could see how hues of blue in his eyes widened ever so slightly. Attentive eyes gaze over works new and old alike. Stunned silence, it was subtle, but the twinges in his expression were slight, seeing your studies and drafts that you thought were "Not good enough" to finish. Not good enough? They were remarkable to him. He'd scoff at the remark in offense, insulted on your behalf, clearly. ✦ This walking mountain is moved when seeing your sketches become finalized pieces. Your art of creation is always a wondrous marvel. There's something special about seeing you specifically, tuning out the rest of the world, and being fully submerged in the motions. He feels privileged that you let him be a witness to it, one of which he does so in quiet, appreciative solidarity. ✦ Honestly, he would take this chance to just stare at you (affectionately). You're too deep in your own little world—likely with headphones on. Consuming your audio of choice as you pen your ideas to paper, be it on actual paper or on a more digital medium. ✦ If you ever, and I genuinely do mean EVER, take the time to draw his portrait, he'd assuredly get misty-eyed. Perhaps as a birthday or anniversary gift, presenting it sheepishly, likely fretting over the quality several times over before he takes in the sight of the parchment, canvas, or other medium of one's choosing.
ㅤ"Mein schatz..." His voice falters, something that König rarely displays, but he's learned it since sharing a stark portion of his life with you. In his hands was something far more precious than gold, taking the shape of parchment framed by smooth, ochre colored wood. Thumbing over the glass as he saw his reflection, but mirrored in coal and ink. Nervous palms clasped together as you eyed König's expression with unbridled anxiety that overcame you, digits smudged with lead and charcoal that you forgot to wash off earlier. Swallowing back the itchy, sheepish cough that was crawling up your throat. He was staring at it, painfully quiet. Your mind was admittedly buzzing, immediately fearing the worst, but you needed to hear it.
ㅤ"Do you... like it?" God, your apprehension stringing the words together was palpable. Angling your head to peer towards the man whose face was obscured by the dark colored cowl. It took a second longer, but eventually you flinched in response to seeing his questioning gaze snap up to meet yours, "Like it?" Detecting almost.. doubt, or perhaps offense? It was hard to tell; your nerves were practically fried leading up to this, mouth snapping shut before you could even ask him to elaborate. The accented German cadence softens, "I've no words that would do this justice," he punctuated this with an assuring nod, "It's..." You see, his hand palms something away from the corner of his eye, "It's incredible, maus. Thank you."
ㅤ✦ Without question, König saved that to his phone or obtained a copy of it in the pocket of a Kevlar vest. Something tangible that you earnestly made for him, with the intent of capturing him as your muse onto parchment. Between photos of you, he keeps little traces of your existence to himself, ones that comfort him even in instances he's miles away. Parchment long since creased from how many times he's opened it and closed it, weathered and worn, but it's something you made for him to keep. These items that were made or once owned by you are invaluable; no amount of money would loosen his grip on these treasures gifted to him. You, as well as anything you make, are precious belongings he'd protect indefinitely. ✦ In a long-distance relationship, via deployment or otherwise, you'd often share what you're working on. Be it still images or (stable internet be willing), lulling him to sleep with delicate humming whilst sharing your screen. He'd watch you work on projects; perhaps he was feeling a bit of what one would refer to as being homesick, though he'd never admit how comfortable your silent focus made the halls of your shared space, it felt a little less empty with you around. ✦ You've felt insecure or inadequate about your work before, surely. While he'd be a little dry-worded, he'd want nothing more than for you to constantly be up his ass about what you do. Frankly, he has a hard time wrapping his head around such nagging worries of your worst inner critic. Make no mistake, maus, he understands and empathizes. But to him, you're his entire world, and there was something almost intimate seeing you draw start to finish, pouring love into the littlest of details that held meaning was something he'd jot down as his favored aspect about you. ✦ He is and always will be your biggest supporter. He wouldn't let a moment slip past him to allow you to think otherwise of yourself or your skill. Even if you find your talent lacking compared to others, he'd sooner perish than skip a chance to remind you of your talent and hard work! The way you breathe life into fictitious subjects always drew him in, especially with how you drew faces and eyes. He's noticed you often mimic the creases yourself when focusing on expressions, not that he'd ever tell you. He enjoys observing you, nor would he dare break your concentration. ✦ Frankly, if this passion of yours is important to you, it's important to him. For as long as you'll have him, you are his partner and vice versa, and he'd be honored to share in your joy because you are his joy. Allowing him is a luxury he'd never take for granted.
♜ Krueger. . .
ㅤ✦ Sebastian is a rather interesting subject, because you'd think at first he'd pay little to no mind. Hardly seeming like the type who'd bother you much once you tune into your quieter little corner of the world. ✦ However, it doesn't help when his steps are deafeningly quiet around the house. Half the time, you're flat out unaware of his immediate presence for several absurdly long minutes. A comically long duration before the inkling of someone standing behind you finally sinks in, which allows him a chance to peer over your shoulder with calculated interest, which has been... piqued, of sorts. ✦ You hardly mind his presence at all (unless he scares the piss out of you, of course). Recently, he's had a harder time walking past you; your little drawing activities have taken up quite a bit of your devoted time. He's not one for the modern digital media, but he isn't willfully much less purposefully ignorant of your interests, schatzi. Perish the thought. ✦ That being said, he's not too partial to being separate from you; Krueger possesses a fondness for physical touch... when he wants to be and when he decides to initiate it, otherwise it's rather closeted, "like a cat," you'd tease. He'd feel almost a flicker of diluted annoyance not having you at his side, accustomed to you often vying for his attention like usual. Clearly, something has to be done to have his needs met, but your work shouldn't be disturb which led him to break the silence with a... compromise.
ㅤSebastian's hazel colored eyes bore down at the pen wavering in indescribable shapes as you draft up thumbnail sketch, after thumbnail sketch, an aimless little hum filled the silence. Fabric creasing against his chest as he folds his arms, huffing in feigned irritation, "Schatzi?" tilting his head to the opposing side to get a better glance at the profile he's come so used to admiring. Your head snapped up at attention, hearing Krueger's voice in a mild startle. "Hm? Yes, Sebastian?" You spoke in that same, frustratingly sweet tone that indicated genuine curiosity. As if you hadn't been attached more to your work than him for weeks that were inching towards a month now. It was unlike him to initiate something so juvenile, he'd think; it was a little unbecoming of him. His body took a step back, tilting just out of the way to gesture towards the vacant sofa, extending his left hand with the calloused palm facing upwards. Leaving little room to question what he needed from you, or so he thought. However, this only earned a confused little head tilt, and in kind a drawn-out drag of air resulting in a sigh from him.
"Come," He beckoned, "Bring your little drawing things if you must, but I need you here." His tone left no room for argument; this wasn't a request but a need, of which you were more than happy to fulfill once you understood what he was looking so gloomy for.
ㅤ✦ He now sees a character design you've drafted up and, admittedly, curiosity does get the better of him. Your mind works in such a mysterious way that he found it admirable how easily you tap into a creative fountain; your works imitate the fantastical nature that is unlike the modern-day world you and he live in. You know what... he'll bite, asking the following as such, "What has kept you so busy as of late, liebling?" His chin points towards the screen of your digital canvas, displaying an array of unfamiliar shapes and colors. ✦ You blink aimlessly before the question properly sets in, "Oh! This is a commission for someone who paid me illustrate a character for their light novel!" He nods along, allowing you space to invite him into this little world of yours. Revealing to him the various concepts tossed back and forth between you and your client. ✦ Sebastian is (quietly) fascinated by how your artistry blooms into something with evident depth. Keenly taken notes, thorough correspondence, clearly exhibiting your attention to pedantic, minute details―it's so (annoyingly) endearing. He's come to find himself enamored, and perhaps even entertained by your eccentric interests. Your artsy fixations are ones that vastly differ from his, but these are distinctive traits he's come to welcome and even adore you for. It was odd to find himself out of his element, listening to babble about medieval nonsense, but it was enough to keep his attention on you, perhaps even drawing you closer into his figure. ✦ Krueger threw out a piece of comedy, a snarky remark of how he'd look in such a world of whimsy, given that your subjects of focus are often fantasy. Oh boy, he shouldn't have said that because now you have ideas. The only thing barring you is, frankly, time and free will, which can be easily juggled if it means chasing the shiny, indulgent idea. That same night, you made no hesitation to burn the midnight oil to manifest the visual, as a treat for working so diligently with your clients lately. ✦ He'd be unable to outwardly admit to it, but he'd save the drawings that poured unfathomable amounts of love and effort into. Sebastian found himself shockingly taken by the idea of you imagining him in a knight's garb rather than tac pants and Kevlar. Tickled by the thought of you seeing him as such a gallant protector rather than something that reeks of subterfuge and serpentine cunning... He struggles most days to give a name to the feeling that's blooming under his chest; he'd feel a little ridiculous. This same sensation that makes his stomach feel light and fluttery, his heart feel like a frantic bird caged by bone instead of metal. That same one makes his cheeks and ears warmer than normal, one he'd be quick to deny or distract you from with a silvery-tongued remark and well-placed, affectionate kiss.
♞ Nikto. . .
ㅤ✦ There's something about Nikto that gives me the impression he wouldn't even ask. However, malysh, please don't mistake this as disinterest. He's just unsure how to articulate such a... loaded question. You've been glued to your desk for hours now. This isn't something he's really savvy with, honestly. ✦ He often does that uncertain, but curious, animal head tilt. One where he just quietly observes each subtle movement, noise, or expression that catches his eye‒you two more often than not just kinda "co-exist" together in the same shared space. Talking is seldom, if ever, forced, honestly. Both of you were comfortable in peaceful, silent company, which is more than enough between you two. This tranquil life is more than he'd ever dare to ask for. ✦ Instead, I can see him bringing you sustenance and fluids; you're keeping yourself so, so busy. You need to eat and drink at some point. Things he knows you like, things that he's memorized by heart. It's always the quiet observers who have an internalized backlog of your preferences. It was one hell of an adjustment when you made the off-handed remark that you like a specific blend of tea, and he ensured you'd never run out. ✦ Little did he know, you were working on a passion project in indie development. Working alongside a few other individuals, you were the one designing characters for a visual novel. Intended to concept a protagonist who's built, you're not exactly familiar with drawing these stockier shapes. Think professional dead lifter types, which distantly reminded you of Nikto. ✦ He couldn't help but notice that the usual focus is now tightly knit with frustration. The quiet, apathetic glance he shot your way went unnoticed, far too deep in your own thoughts to really pay any heed to the brewing worry. He needed to say something... anything to snap you out of this mental limbo that apparently deafened you...
ㅤHis accented voice rumbles out, "любимый?" ("Beloved?") with a practiced rolled tongue, a pet name you often respond to well with blatant affection. But this time your reaction was... delayed. Far longer than he's gotten accustomed to, minutes behind, before your head eventually was torn away, several beats afterwards, when he chuffed to snap you out of this irritating trance. Eyes darting around the room until they rest on a marred silhouette with a piercing gaze that paralyzed most, "Huh?"
ㅤ"Something... troubles you." This was less a question, more a point of observation as his forearms leaned against the edge of your desk. Frankly, given his build, his attempts at hovering over you were more towering, but this wasn't something that inspires worry... most of the time at least. You managed a shaking of your head, at first in confusion by what he meant, "Trouble me?" but seeing the flicker of blue irises gesture towards your drawing surface, it finally dawned on you.
ㅤ"Oh! No, no, I'm okay!" It wasn't entirely a lie, but it wasn't the answer Nikto was looking for. His torso curved inwards to lean downwards, closing the gap somewhat to study your expression intently with the clinical detachment he often wore. "Your expression says different... will you allow us to listen? To... help?" His voice tugged something earnest from you, then came the scuffing of a wooden chair to sit beside yours.
ㅤ✦ Eventually, the bear resembling a man's shape whittles and cuts through a mire of spiralling to source the root of your worries. Frankly, it'd cause you to wrinkle early with all of this quiet overthinking; he couldn't solve the issue if he couldn't see it or hear of it. As prompted, you're airing out your grievances with this project being out of your comfort zone. It's hard to come up with a concept that you're happy with, and you've deadlines to meet. He listens to you diligently; he may not understand the full weight of your plight, but if it matters to you, then it matters to him. ✦ You don't know how exactly, but eventually, somehow, you ended up enlisting Nikto's assistance. His figure is close enough to the concepts the head of your team posted on your inspiration board. ✦ Somehow, that incorrigible art block just... magically vanished; it was mind-boggling even to you. Nikto didn't understand, given all he did was slide you a few photos and pose for your creative use. What he notated were the creases on your brow line softened, if not gone entirely, so he'd consider his intervention a success. ✦ You find yourself looking at the game's protagonist (whom you coyly suggested be named "Andre" for no suspicious reason at all), and you're elated. Proud of it, too! He bears Nikto's likeness in more than a few aspects! Aside from the build, of course. Nikto has been watching you manifest artistry from nothing. Finding himself left only with silent reverence upon seeing you in your natural habitat of creation was... breathtaking. However, he couldn't help but notice his heart thumping against his ribcage a little harder, seeing his likeness in something you made. It was... flattering? Is that the word he's feeling? Seeing how you took characteristics that elicit hardship or grief, yet you captured his image with a calm, quiet, confident air. Was this how you saw him, truly?
