Just read your opportunist x cold fanfic and woah… the angst potential. My eyes have been opened. Would you mind writing more of them pretty pleaseeee ❤️
(I'd love to! I wanted to add some more angst and hurt to my fics and I figured they'd be perfect for it, so enjoy!)
Cold wasn't the most attentive bird around, not unless something had truly caught his attention. He won't notice if one of the others are going through something, not unless he was already studying them to begin with.
He doesn't particularly care what way he comes off as. Cold knew he was who he was, and that was never going to change.
He was aware though, of someone who changed almost constantly-Opportunist.
Opportunist's personality seemed to be entirely different each day, depending on who he spoke to and what he wanted. Cold usually never entertained him much. It seemed like far too much effort to try and dig through all his masks to unveil the true Opportunist, so Cold never played along in his silly games.
But that was, until Cold realised how much he affected Opportunist.
Cold didn't realise it at first, but slowly and surely, during group conversations, Cold became acutely aware of how many times Opportunist sided with him.
He would roll up to him, swing an arm around Cold's shoulders, and would agree with whatever Cold brought to the discussion. Cold never cared to ask why, until he began to sense something.
The conversations were never anything serious-petty and ridiculous at best, but Cold would sometimes feel this sensation grazing against his skin, lingering right up until Cold lifted his head to try and figure out what it was. Then he found out that the culprit was Opportunist.
It was by pure luck that Cold managed to catch him, but during one of these conversations, Cold started to feel that sensation again, and he slowly lifted his gaze around the room, to find Opportunist staring at him.
Once he was caught though, the other swiftly twisted away and pushed himself back into the conversation, but there was no hiding from Cold anymore. He saw that look.
It was a look of pure desperation, of begging for something special, and that was when Cold realised that he felt Opportunist looking at him like that after Cold had spoken.
Was Opportunist looking for approval? Was he expecting Cold to be grateful that Opportunist sided with him?
It was so bizarre that Cold couldn't help but push it further.
One day, he was talking to Contrarian and trying to convince him to prank Stubborn for the fifth time this week. Stubborn was already waiting to snap-and if Contrarian knew that, then it must be bad.
At that moment, Opportunist chose to walk down that hallway, and now that Cold was paying attention, he could plainly see how Opportunist's dark gaze drastically brightened as he took in Cold.
"Ah, hello gentlemen! What are we talking about today?" Opportunist asked, inserting himself into the conversation easily, but for once, Cold didn't mind.
"Could you actually settle something for us?" Cold asked, keeping his voice as monotone as possible, but he was secretly intrigued to see how this would go.
He gestured towards Contrarian, who looked none the wiser, and if Cold had the capacity to care, he'd almost feel sorry for inflicting this upon the other bird. "I was trying to convince Contrarian that Stubborn needed to relax, and that he should help with that."
Understanding dawned on Opportunist's face at what he meant. Everyone knew how Contrarian liked to make others relax and feel better, even if it didn't work most of the time.
Opportunist tilted his head in Cold's direction, giving nothing away on his face when in front of Contrarian, and asked, "You think that would be a good idea?"
All Cold had to do was nod, and then Opportunist was spinning to face Contrarian at a breakneck speed, practically beaming at the other as he said, "Oh, well then I don't see why you shouldn't! I don't think there's anyone more capable of cheering people up than you."
Cold saw the nervous look Contrarian was wearing, still on the fence about whether he should go through with it, and Opportunist casually added with a shrug, "Or you don't have to. Nobody would be surprised if you didn't."
Then Cold had the pleasure of seeing Contrarian's face shift from nervous to determined-the thought of being predictable overpowering his common sense-and he instantly dashed away without even sparing either of them a goodbye.
That was definitely going to cause a ruckus later. But more importantly, now that they were alone, Cold had the chance to nudge Opportunist with a wing and softly say, "Thank you," as if the gesture actually meant a lot to him.
But then Cold got to witness how much Opportunist glowed under his praise, and he even seemed to stand up straighter, a starved look in his eyes that he didn't even try to hide.
Opportunist wanted Cold's attention and praise. That's what this was about.
Something dark and powerful came over Cold in that moment-the fact that he had this effect on Opportunist by doing the bare minimum to him. Part of him wanted to know why, but that would take the fun out of it, so he didn't bother thinking about why too much.
Especially when an hour later, they all saw Hero tending to Contrarian, who had his arm broken by Stubborn. Cold glanced at Opportunist and-try as he might to hide it- he saw a flicker of guilt on the other's face, and Cold knew that this was going to be really fun.
So Cold kept doing it.
He kept asking Opportunist to do little things for him-sometimes to the flock's misfortune-and he would reward Opportunist with either a thank you, a smile, or even a touch on the shoulder, if he wanted to be thoroughly amused that day.
Opportunist ate his attention up like a starved animal, having no shame or self respect in the slightest, it seemed.
The most amusing part of all this though, was whenever the consequences impacted another flockmate, and the result was usually negative.
Opportunist would stare at the results of his actions, his drive to do whatever Cold wanted of him. He would take in how he hurts his flock, whether physically or emotionally, feel guilty, and then come crawling back to Cold for validation.
It was baffling. It was twisted. It was exhilarating.
To think that he had this much power over someone, who let themselves be pulled along like a toy-the idea was almost laughable, but that's what was currently happening.
Opportunist tended to stick to Cold now, thinking that they were closer, and Cold suddenly got the urge to see what Opportunist was like when there was nobody else around to witness them. He wanted to see how far he could push him.
He stopped and looked down at Opportunist, making the other pause and glance up at him in confusion-and Cold gave no warning as he shoved Opportunist against a wall and loomed over him.
"What are you-" Cold shut him up easily by grabbing at his chest feathers, almost pulling him closer.
Cold watched the way Opportunist's eyes widened in both fear and glee, his breath hitching at their close proximity, and Cold could even feel his feathers puffing up beneath his fingers.
Cold pressed their bodies closer, and Opportunist shook in anticipation, gazing up at him in desperation, as if waiting for Cold to finally make a move.
Cold wasn't sure if Opportunist was in love with him, or just wanted to be in Cold's good graces. It didn't really matter in the end-he was still shamelessly begging for attention either way.
Cold leaned his head closer to Opportunist, who's eyes were clouded over now, and Opportunist was probably expecting a reward for all his hard work, to make all the harm he caused the flock worth it.
But when Cold's lips was inches away from the other's, he suddenly paused-and chuckled.
The feeling of Opportunist freezing beneath him was very satisfying, and Cold looked into his eyes, eyes that were usually scheming, but were now just left wanting. Opportunist wanted Cold so badly that it was pathetic.
He held Opportunist gaze, and then he moved his hand to pat the top of his head like a pet, and said in a mockingly loving voice, "Maybe if you keep managing to entertain me, you'll get more than this one day."
Cold didn't give Opportunist even a moment to process what just happened, and quickly straightened up and walked away without another word.
Before he left though, Cold had the absolute pleasure of seeing the devastation on Opportunist's face-along with the knowledge that he was going to keep playing along for Cold.
He truly was the most pathetic bird to ever exist.
Hiiii!!! Your stp writings are so good!!!! I love, love the way you write opportunist and cold!!! I was wondering if you could maybe write about a ship between them hehe 👀
(Thank you! I always wonder if the way the way I write Oppy and Cold is okay, so I'm glad to hear that! They'd be a really interesting ship, so they'll be fun to write for! Enjoy!)
(Is this the first time I need a warning for one of these? Warning-Blood, injury, knife play I guess)
"I win!"
Opportunist laughed in victory, slamming his final card down onto the deck, before his smile fell at the bored expression Cold wore across the table.
He was resting his chin on his palm, fiddling with one card between his fingers, the rest of his deck laying on the table for Opportunist to see, clear as day.
Opportunist chuckled awkwardly, reaching out to take the deck in his hands, shrugging as he went, "Maybe you'll win next round?"
Cold rolled his eyes. "I don't think so."
Opportunist's shoulders slumped at the empty tone of Cold's voice. He had hoped that Cold would enjoy cards, but it clearly wasn't as stimulating to him as it was to Opportunist, who couldn't get enough of any card game.
"You never know," Opportunist encouraged still, "I'm sure there's a card game out there that you won't be able to get enough of."
Cold snorted at his words, flicking the card in his grasp at him. Opportunist barely blinked before he had snatched it into the deck. Cold shoved the rest of his deck towards him as he said, "You said that card games were full of strategy and bluff. I'm afraid I can't see the appeal that you and Skeptic see."
Opportunist waved him away, pretending not to be offended. "Oh come on, it's fun once you get the hang of it. I promise you'll love it."
"Love staring at shapes and numbers while we sit in awkward silence?"
Opportunist looked at him in surprise, before sighing in defeat, beginning to silent shuffle the deck, if only for something for his hands to do.
Opportunist had been determined to get Cold to enjoy playing cards with him-or, well, just to enjoy being around Opportunist.
It seemed like Cold hopped from one bird to another everyday, from causing chaos with Contrarian, to trailing after Hero or Paranoid, to even pestering Smitten and Stubborn. There just appeared to be some sort of activity that Cold enjoyed doing with each flockmate-everyone except Opportunist.
Something about it left a sour taste in his mouth, and he intended to fix that. Opportunist wasn't even sure why he cared so much. Who cares what Cold does in his spare time? What does it matter if Cold didn't give Opportunist the same time he gave others?
Opportunist told himself it wasn't a big deal, but then he saw the way Cold would rather be anywhere else right now, and his chest felt a pang of pain.
He busied himself with shuffling the cards more intensely, trying to convince himself that what Cold thought of him shouldn't matter that much. Cold was reckless and illogical most of the time, who couldn't try and see the bigger picture and possibilities if his life depended on it.
But at the same time-Opportunist couldn't help but admire Cold's unflinching attitude, how nothing seemed to weigh him down, and how he was unapologetic in his stony demeanor, despite the others frustrations with him.
For that, Opportunist was trying his hardest to get closer to Cold, but that was turning out to be a fruitless task.
He didn't tear his gaze away from the cards in his hands as he said, "If this is truly not enjoyable for you, you're welcome to leave," hoping he hid the disappointment in his voice well.
A few seconds passed, but Cold hadn't moved yet, and when Opportunist looked up, he was surprised to see Cold staring at him with narrowed eyes.
Opportunist found himself unable to look away from his steely eyes, until Cold suddenly shot to his feet, barely glancing at Opportunist as he said, "I have an idea," and then walked off.
Opportunist blinked in confusion, trying to wrap his head around what was happening, until Cold returned, one hand behind his back and an intensity in his eyes.
"I propose we add something to make the game more-interesting," Cold suggested, and although Opportunist was slightly nervous, he just showed Cold nothing but enthusiastic interest, resting his head against his palm as he said, "I'm listening."
Cold's eyes flickered with delight as he pulled his hand out-and Opportunist tried to hide his flinch at the sight of a knife in Cold's hand.
Cold swung the knife side to side as he calmly explained, "Every time we play a trick card, the other person has to toss and catch the blade." To demonstrate, Cold effortlessly tossed the knife up into the air, and caught it without looking at it once, and Opportunist found it was an effort to not stare at the action.
"What does the winner get?"
Cold's eyes shone. "To see the other bleed and keep playing."
This was dumb. This was beyond dumb.
But the thought of disappointing Cold further had him smiling and saying, "I'm in."
Cold's mouth quirked into a smile, and then he sat back down, looking more invested than ever, setting the knife down next to them, and Opportunist tried not to stare at it.
Although they all knew that they would probably nevee see the blade again, some of the others still grew antsy around any of their normal knives. Cold was actually forbidden from roaming the kitchen and cooking, or just handling knives in general, and Opportunist was just flat out not allowed in the area.
Still, he was decent with a knife, and if he stayed calmed, then he might not lose all his fingers today.
He swiftly dealt out the cards, and placed the first card down, before checking his own deck. Two sevens and an ace-not bad, but it all depends on how he plays them, and on whatever cards Cold had.
Cold placed a card down, and Opportunist shivered when it was just a normal one.
Opportunist's eyes flicked between his cards and Cold's weirdly focused gaze, and the heat of those eyes had him going, 'Fuck it,' and he placed a seven down with a sharp smile.
Cold didn't appear shocked-but when does he ever- and he didn't break eye contact with Opportunist as he took the blade, and flipped it in the air.
He caught it by the tip of the metal, the handle bouncing up and down, before he unceremoniously dropped it with a clatter.
Opportunist gave him an impressed look. "Well done."
"Not quite," Cold retorted with, and Opportunist was confused until Cold showed him his hand. It was easy to miss, but then Cold stuck his thumb out, and that was when Opportunist saw a small cut on the finger, a small bead of blood dribbling down it.
It was hardly a serious injury, but the sight of the blood sent Opportunist's mind spinning, and he wonder how much pain Cold could actually endure before he couldn't dull it down anymore.
He gave Cold a pout of fake sympathy, and mockingly said in a childish tone, "Aww, do you want me to kiss it better?"
"Keep playing," Cold just instructed, but his voice was a little too rigid and firm in that moment than normal, but Opportunist didn't comment on it.
He placed a normal card down, and it was smooth sailing for the next few minutes, but Opportunist then heard a 'plop', and he looked up, to see that the blood from Cold's thumb was dripping onto the table.
He stared at it. He didn't know why, but he couldn't stop staring at the blood. Maybe it was because he doesn't often see Cold actually bleed, despite his destructive behavior. Did he do this around others? Or was Opportunist just special right now?
The thought was driving him so mad that he jumped in surprise when Cold put a card down and announced, "Ace, change to hearts."
Opportunist's gaze snapped back to the deck, but sure enough, Cold had placed an ace down.
He chuckled, because he wasn't sure what else to do, other than send Cold a confident smile, stretching his arm out as if getting ready for a workout. Cold didn't speak-just looked at him expectedly.
Opportunist felt his face begin to hurt from how hard he was maintaining his smile, but he ignored it as he picked up the knife, staring directly at Cold, just as the other had when it had been his turn.
"Ready?" Cold asked, a hint of a tease in his voice, and it only egged him further on. He took a deep breath, looked Cold right in the eyes, and tossed the knife up into the air.
He told himself to remain calm, because a clear mind was how you survived dicey situations like this-but then his mind betrayed him, and he glanced at Cold's hand again, only to find him squeezing more blood out of his cut, and it dripped down his wrist, right in front of Opportunist, whose face suddenly flushed.
He choked on a gasp, before the knife came back down.
He smelled the metal before he felt the pain.
But when he did feel it, he hissed loudly as the knife landed right on his frozen palm, slicing it open. His body twitched and convulsed with pain, but Opportunist was determined not to panic and look weak, so he forced himself to remain seated, his hand burning as blood began coating his hand.
He tried to give Cold a big smile, but even he knew it wasn't convincing, but still, he tried. He laughed, blinking back tears and trying not to move his hand too much. "Fun! How fun this is!" he said cheerfully, choking on whimpers that threatened to come up his throat.
He gave Cold a wobbly smile, who actually looked a little surprised at him. Opportunist counted that as a win-that he managed to alter Cold's expectations of him.
Cold stared at him for a few seconds, his gaze also lingering on Opportunist's bleeding palm. He actually looked at a loss for words. The heat of his eyes on his palm was almost enough to soothe the searing pain he was in, but then Cold suddenly shot to his feet, his face unbothered but his eyes wild, attention never leaving his bloody hand as he shakily said, "I'll get bandages, then we're finished."
Horror shot through Opportunist, at the thought of Cold walking away, deeming him as nothing more than a scared little birdie who couldn't manage to be interesting for even a few minutes. Opportunist wasn't ready for Cold to discard him like that.
So he ignored the pain shooting up his arm now, and slammed a card down on the deck. "Ace," he declared, smirking up at Cold, whose feathers bristled at the look, "change to spades."
Cold held his gaze for a moment, before excitement flashed in his eyes.
