Chapter Text
A game to the death. It's so much like Grian, that Jimmy wonders why he was even surprised.
It goes well for him this far. He found resources, food and he found Scott. What started as a joke sparked feelings neither expected. Jimmy is content with his situation, despite his red color. Here, surrounded by all the colorful flowers, holding Scott's hand, the world is fine. "Should we keep away from the drama or dive in?", Jimmy asks while watching the clouds go by. Scott squeezes his hand anxiously. "I think it's best to wait. This is supposed to kill everyone at the end and I really want to make sure we survive as long as possible.", there is something lingering in Scott's voice. But the blonde can't figure out what it is. He can guess, though. "You know there is nothing to fear, right? Even if we run out of lifes here. We will just go back.", Jimmy assures the other. Scott sits up suddenly, worry twisting his face unfavorable. "I know that! It's just- I....", he sighs, giving himself time to choose his words instead of speaking from his overwhelmed heart. "What comes after the game is over? Will you leave me? Does this even matter or will I be left heartbroken? And-" Jimmy doesn't know how to stop his husband from rambling on. So, in a overwhelming mixture of helplesness and frustration, he quickly sits up too and connects their lips together. He can feel Scott tense for a moment before he melts into the gesture. A hand lands on his cheek, careful and ready to leave by the slightest sign of Jimmy's discomfort. The avian finds it weird to see Scott so unsure. Usualy the other is much more confident and forward. In hopes of providing some level of comfort and reassurance, Jimmy leans into the hand and humms at the fluttering in his own chest.
He didn't expect to fall in love with Scott, much less in a death game. But to be honest, he isn't entirely surprised. They knew each other before and had a flirty friendship from the beginning. Scott is charming, passionate and so incredibly talented at building. How could you not be impressed by his creations? How could you not melt inside when he compliments your own buildings with that smirk on his lips? How could you not gain a deep red color under his intense, beautiful eyes?
Jimmy let's Scott be the one to pull away. When he does, there is only warmth and affection in his eyes. "Look at you, beeing so bold.", he says teasingly. And there he is, the Scott that Jimmy so helplessly fell in love with. The avian ignores his warm face and trys to hold his gaze on his partner's eyes. "This matters to me. When the game is over nothing has to change.", he says as he cups the hand on his cheek with his own hand.
That night, Jimmy quietly leaves his home. His wings are useless on this server. So he has to walk all the way to the desert. On the way, he avoids mobs as best he can. His goal wasn't to leave Scott behind like this, after all. Jimmy reaches the sandy border of the desert biome, panting heavily from his run and the ocasional fight. His health is low but he knows that, at his brother's home, he would be safe. The blonde thanks the stars that said home is not far from the border. When he finaly reaches the front door his fist stops in front of it. Jimmy hesitates. His own situation made him awefully aware of the possibilities this server can bring. A zombie groans nearby and he decides then, apologizing is easier than asking for permission. Hastely he pulls the door open, slams it shut behind him and leans against it. "Void, never doing this again.", Jimmy says. "I sure hope so!", Grians voice rings in Jimmy's ears. He opens his eyes and quickly finds his brother on his bed. Perched on Scar's lap, with the other's hands on his hips. Luckily they are mostly clothed. Jimmy swallows down his embarasment. "Uh sorry. But I need to ask you something." Grian moves to sit next to Scar and both continue to stare holes into Jimmy. "Eh about this game..." He grows frustrated as Grian leans his head to the side in confusion. "Alone?!", Jimmy's voice displays his irretation. But finaly, it seems to click behind Grian's eyes. "Ah. Yeah okay. Let's go upstairs.", the smaller says and takes the lead. On the second floor is as little room as the tower let's you believe. However, that doesn't matter. Jimmy closes the trapdoor behind him and turns to face his brother. "So, what is it, Tim?" Jimmy takes a deep breath before sharing his question. "What happens at the end of this game? Tell me there aren't any weird quirks or alterations before we go home.", he asks. Grian's eyes grow and he agressively gestures 'no' with his hands. "Absolutely not! Geez, the things you expect of me! No, I just prepared a simple and fun little death game.", he says convincingly. Jimmy sighs in relief. Then Grian's eyes darken, a miscevious shadow rushes over them. "Is this about Scott?" Jimmy knows he is growing red when his brother's smirk grows. But he is not ashamed. So he quickly pulls himself together. "Yes! I.. don't want to lose what we have. So I guess fear actualy brought me here." he hangs his head but Grian puts a hand on his shoulder. "I think you are really brave. You are on your red life. Yet, you run all the way to the desert in the middle of the night, and burst into the home of another red. Just to make sure what you care for is safe." Jimmy smiles at the other avian. Then his communicator buzzes in his pocket. And Scar seems to get irretated by their secretiv behaviour. "Grian? Are you alright?", the other red asks as Jimmy reads his message.
Smajor1995 whispers to you: Petal, where are you? Are you ok?
You whisper to Smajor1995: I'm good, don't worry. I'm coming home to explain.
He writes while Grian responds to Scar. "Yeah, all good." The smaller looks at Jimmy, silently asking if there is more to discuss. "Thank you. I should go home now." The way back home is slighly more managable for the avian. Grian forced some food in his hands before eagerly throwing him out. Scott scolds him when he gets home. Angry, that his husband disapeared in the middle of the night. But Scott also rewards him with a loving kiss, unable to cover up his emotions over Jimmy's worry to loose each other.
Shortly after that night, the avian was dead.
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They reunite in a tender embrace and feather light kisses on a new server to call home. And like Jimmy promised, nothing had to change between them. Though they were busy growing their empires, they made sure to see each other as much as possible.
One day, Scott invites Jimmy to Rivendell. The emperor is excited. His husband had a lot Lore related things to do and little time for Jimmy lately. The last time they saw each other, Scott was kept in a dungeon in Mythland. Gem was also there. So a meeting with just them is something Jimmy is very much looking forward to.
He spots the other from a good distance away and forces another rocket to make himself faster. A bad decision as it turns out. He almost looses control but manages to land somewhat okay. However, Scott still jumped to the rescue, offering his arm for stability. "Thank you. I am much better with my natural wings, I swear.", Jimmy mumbles. That somehow startles Scott which in turn makes the blonde confused. "So, you have naturaly wings? I thought that was a poor choice of origin. You know, becouse they didn't work on that server.", Scott explains himself. Jimmy chuckles as he knitts their finger together. "No, on that server was no Lore magic. You can't do something like here, change your apearance and powers." The other emperor nods in understanding. Then he begins to lead Jimmy by the hand. "I prepared a surprise for you.", he announces with a charming smile. Jimmy could melt right then and there. His promising voice leaves the blonde confused when they reach a mine cart station. Unfaffected by Jimmy's expression the rivendellian ruler helps him inside the cart and they ride off. The view during the ride is breathtaking. Though Jimmy can easily take his attention away when it's clear, that their trip goes into a mountain.
A cave lays hidden inside. Grass covers the ground, a pond rims the edge and glowberry vines hang from the ceiling. Scott, the gentleman that he is, offers his hand to help Jimmy step outside his cart. Of course he takes it with a adoring smile. The blonde takes everything inside the cave in. Flowers bloom around a picnick. Only cods live in the pond and their banners hang side by side on the wall. Then it clicks. This is a proper date! "Oh, Scott...", he breaths. "Do you like it?", the other asks anxiously. The blonde has to giggle at that. "Like it? I love it! Void, this is amazing!", he says and slowly spins around himself, admiring his surroundings again. Almost ending his second spin, he bumps into Scott's chest. He holds on to Jimmy's arms to avoid the other's fall. "I made everything for you. The pond, the picnick, the decor, even the cave itself.", he says as he leads the blonde to the picnick and gestures for him to sit down. They do and only then Scott continues, "I missed you and after you saved me, I thought this would fit perfectly in our Lore.", something unsaid lingers in Scott's voice. "It does! I missed you too." Jimmy's expression is soft as he leans in. Scott mirrors him and their lips meet in a gentle touch. Jimmy's heart makes backflips behind his ribs. Then, out of nowhere, he realises something and pulls away. "Oh, we should eat the cake. You went through the trouble of making it. So we should at least try it." Scott's initial disapointment quickly fades as Jimmy speaks. "You are adorable.", he says, admiring the blush the blonde wears.
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When last life was announced to the pair, they agreed to follow Grian's rule and not team up again. Though that didn't mean they couldn't flirt a little here and there. And it certainly didn't mean they couldn't meet in secret. Under the cover of the night, with only the stars as their witneses.
So somewhere amidst the chaos, a oportunity arose. Things had been rocky for Jimmy. The southerners were falling apart, he could feel it. However their constant state of being alert had them exhausted eventually. Tonight, Jimmy sends a message to Scott that is more important than their rutinely update and good night wishes.
You whisper to Smajor1995: They are practicaly unconcious. Meet me at spawn?
Smajor1995 whispers to you: Pearl is sleeping too. You know I'll be there.
Jimmy's heart leaps in his chest. As quietly as he can, he leaves his tower. When he passes the entrance to the southlands, his speed takes up. The dark eyes following his back and the anxious flap of flightless wings go unnoticed by him. Jimmy is exhausted when he reaches spawn. But the sight makes up for his run. Sitting on the enchanter is Scott, turned towards the cloudless sky. The light from the moon frames his features perfectly. He notices Jimmy, presumably by the heavy panting he does to force air in his lungs. "Ah, I thought I knew that sound.", Scott says with a suggestive smirk on his lips. Jimmy laughs a little in embarassment, trying to force the heat in his face down. For a moment, Scott's eyes seem to look around him and the smile fades. But before the avian can turn around, his husband shakes his head and streches a arm out, reaching for him. Jimmy walks closer and Scott leads him to stand between his legs. Then he slings both arms around Jimmy to pull him even closer and combs gently through the yellow wings. "How are things in the southlands?", he asks. Jimmy chuckles at that. "You know I dodn't give you insight in my team." Scott humms, "I know.", he replies. There is a comfortable silence between them. Sudden rustling from the forest has the avian on edge but Scott holds him in place. "It's okay. Just a animal wondering why other's are out and about this late at night.", he explains with certanty. So Jimmy relaxes in his hold. He presses a gentle kiss to Scott's head. Said man slides his hands along the avian's body to his thighs and gently tugs at them. A hint of a invitation, a plea even. Jimmy is not about to decline and crawls in Scott's lap. The hands settle on his hips. "You are doing much better without me." It slips through Jimmy's lips before he can stop himself. Despite the bitter truth in the words. Scott kisses the corner of his mouth in return. "Becouse you can't distract me as much.", he says. The avian gasps. "That's not- I don't-", he stumbles over his words. And then pouts at his husband's laugh. In the corner of his eye, Jimmy notices light. For a fleeing moment he thinks it's warm light, fire. But no burning arrows come their way. So it must be cold light, something enchanted. He leans in to whisper in Scott's ear. "I think I saw the glow of something enchanted. We should move." His partner humms and presses a quick kiss to Jimmy's lips. Then they jump apart and run off, escaping into the cloudless night for the chance of a little more 'them' time.
Jimmy was out first again. He was a little disapointed but the news that Scott had won the game lifted his mood considerably. When the other returned to empires, they celebrated with a nice dinner and a loving night together.