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Chapter Text

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Prelude: Just a Sip

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Tucked away from view in the chaos of his room was a bottle of potion Kinich once received from you. A very heartfelt gift one could say, as it was rich in meaning and expression. Yet he did not know the nature of it upon reception, nor did he for many months after that, but now, the hunter felt inclined to find out. To take on a sip and all the responsibilities thereafter.

“Ah, there it is.” 

Hand reaching out, he pulled from the cupboards a heart-shaped bottle; there was a tag with his name tied onto it. ‘For Kinich’ it said on one side; ‘Whenever you are ready’ the other added. The liquid held inside looked odd but familiar, the colors swirling within a delicate gradient of green to orange—the color of his eyes, for you always had a fondness for their hues. 

A blip sounded by his ear, announcing the appearance of a certain saurian. “My, my, my, what’s this now?” cackled the sly voice of Ajaw. “Little Kinich thinks he’s finally man enough to take a swig of the mystery potion?”

After a great bit of deliberation, that was indeed what he decided on. “I’ve kept her waiting long enough.” 

The young man took the potion with him, settling on his chair, he held it up to the sunlight streaming from the windows. The potion was translucent, pure without a speck of unfiltered matter, it was clear the effort put into this. 

“Tch, didn’t she say this was poison or something? With any luck, it’ll finish you off and give back the great K’uhul Ajaw our rightful body to possess!”

Kinich shrugged, uncorking the bottle. ‘Poison, huh?’

“Keke, if she really does kill you off with this thing the almighty dragon lord just might give her the honors of becoming our loyal bride—” the hunter felt his eye twitch. “Oh, whoops, did we say bride? We meant servant! Ahahahah!”

Insufferable as usual. 

“You want to stick around to see the effects or not? I could always just banish you before I drink it.” As Kinich recalls, Ajaw had a curiosity about the concoction before forgetting about its existence in favor of spiting him. 

“Gggrrrr! Fine, whatever! Drink that thing if you want, I hope you collapse into a convulsing mess!” Well, whatever the side-effects ends up being, he’ll suffer through them without complaint.  

There was a thundering in the hunter’s chest now, one that crescendoed until it was a thrumming pulse that shook him to his core. But it was not a sign of fear, if anything, it reminded the him of the adrenaline he was so fond of, and so Kinich lifted the glass bottle to his lips, closed his eyes—

‘Should you decide on the same, that is.’

—and took a sip.

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Part 1: Not a Nuisance 

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It is wise for a hunter to be adept at a variety of weapons, for in that variety one will find the most optimal choice when faced with a daunting task. From the lightest pair of dual swords to the heftiest of claymores; the swift killer that is the arrow to the slow of the poison, Kinich saw the value in each. And so, at the age of nine, the boy followed Elder Leik into a discrete shop not too far from town to learn of the latter. There to consult the expertise of the witch doctor adept in creating saurian poisons. 

Senses sharp as they were, the boy smelled the assortment of unfamiliar herbs as he waited at the door by the elder’s side. Eyes tracing over every detail there is to glean from to assess the situation he found himself in; always a wise habit when in unfamiliar circumstances. After all, what exactly a “witch” was still eluded little Kinich, his only impression stemming from the days when his mother would tell him stories. He remembered them as powerful female mages of unpredictable alliance, often a helpful force whom people to go to for mystical services no other can offer. The promise of such high utilitarian value proved itself comforting to him, one could say he was excited for it. Out of all of the masters of their craft, the witch doctor is the one whose adaptitude is the farthest removed from his own abilities. Weapons and escape routes the young boy has gotten a grasp of already living in the wild, his skills merely in need of polish, but poison was untrodden ground. 

This was also to say, out of all of the visits, this should be the highest return of useful knowledge for time spent. 

“Ah, our guests are here. Go get the door for me, little one.”

He was not wrong about that prediction, only the extent of the return it entailed. 

“Hello, please come in and have a seat.”

The one at the door to greet the two was you, only a little girl back then with a kerchief in her hair and an apron around her waist. Despite being so young, a bracelet was already secured about your thin wrists encasing a lush green Dendro vision; the piece almost disproportionately bulky on your small frame. Posture straight and steps kept quiet, you had led them to a room further back before retreating to a corner on standby. “Madame Patli will be with you shortly.” Were you a witch too?

Shown to a seat, Kinich followed Elder Leik’s example and sat down quietly, his hands resting on the table stationed in front. Observing all that he could from his position. Any diagrams to make sense of, drawings, lists, equipment, ingredients—ideally, he should be able to perform the same craft offered here one day, even to a lesser degree. He looked to you, trying to gauge what to expect as an apprentice of poison, and found you staring back once sensing his gaze, unfazed.

Your kerchief was floral patterned the boy noticed, your apron colored only by fresh smudges of organic nature, the gloves worn were stained but thin. Nothing was on your face, only crumbs and crusts in positions of where food would have left their mark, those Kinich recognized all too well. 

From what he’s assessed, the work shouldn’t be too demanding. Good.

Just as he was about to draw his eyes away from your young self, a smile broke through the neutral facade that kept him there. It was a small one, not so sweet but gentle; it merely accompanied a nod in another direction to signal a message but still, the boy took a second to remember what it looked like. Something was different about it, he’ll figure it out later. 

For now, the witch doctor was here. 

“Old Leik, good to see you!”

The elder stood up to greet her. “And you as well, Patli. Thank you for sparing your time for us.”

The savant laughed lightly in the way adults so often do and shook her head, her ungloved hand coming up to tuck away a lock of smoke grey hair. “It’s no problem really, especially now that I got myself a new helper here.” 

Upon acknowledgment, you waved at the two guests with a polite smile. “Hello there, I am Madam Patli’s apprentice,” you introduced, followed by your name. 

Elder Leik chuckled, the way he always did with children, ever mildly amused. “Goodness, you’ve grown so much since the last time I saw you. Already helping out at the shop I see.”

Your expression looked strained as you nodded along, thinking back, you didn’t act like you recognized either of them back there.  

“It really does help so much to have another pair of hands around. So freeing too now that retirement is in sight—just a decade or so and I’ll be released thanks to her!" The witch continued. "Actually, would you go watch the desk while we talk, little one? It'll be just like when you grow up."

“Okay!”

And just like that, the girl was gone, leaving Kinich here with the adults. You turned back to look at him while walking out; and having been done with his assessment, it was only then that the boy noticed the way you’ve been staring at him as well.

It was the same way he looked at you, he noticed. Observant, judging, but not unkindly. 

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Kinich later confirmed during lunch that you had assessed him as he did with you back there, with good reason too. The witch doctor, Patli, had told you of an upcoming guest student you will be guiding the basics of and training alongside. “I was worried,” you admitted to him easily. “A bad student can distract me, spoil my mood, or eat up my time. I wanted to know what kind of kid I was gonna be forced to study with.”

The boy nodded along, effortlessly following your train of thought and completely unoffended at the prospect of being perceived as a hindrance. Yes, it only made sense. 

“I see, that’s very reasonable.” Should he be in your shoes, the boy would have been concerned about the same things and tried to address them given the opportunity. “Do you think I am a good peer to you then?”

Pausing to take a sip of juice, a look of ponderance settled on your visage as you considered his question. “I can’t be sure yet, we’ve spent too little time together…”

“I agree.” Kinich concurred, not missing a beat.

“But so far you have not shown yourself to be a bad peer, which is good if it keeps up.” There was fondness in that statement, the boy felt that clear as day, something less common from those of his age. Nowadays, it was something he mostly received from Elder.

“Mhm. You have not been a hindrance to me either.”

To others, the exchange would have sounded devoid of warmth, so unamiable. An unfriendly exchange between two kids. One where they talked of assessments of one another, of preconceived concerns and a lack of concrete positive impressions. But that would not have been an accurate description of the situation at hand. At least, not judging by the cheerfulness displayed by both as they ate their lunch, nor the jovial tone used in discussing the work done today. Effortlessly relaxed in the other’s presence and engaged with what the other had to say, it was clear—the kids were getting along just fine.

The witch doctor was merely one expert amongst many that Kinich heeded the advice to seek guidance from; you, however, were not merely one kid amongst many he had the burden of being acquainted with at that age. No, you were actually pleasant; you did not jeer at him, you weren't rowdy, nor were you so roundabout or idiotic. In the workshop, you were a competent partner who pulled her weight. Not even for the briefest second did the boy ever want to kick you down in frustration—a rarity for other children his age. 

“Keep an eye out on the boiler, Kinich! I’ll run back to get more embercores!”

With time came a rhythm between the two of you. A mutual understanding of how the other thought and functioned, which was more or less the same as themselves.

“The portion you made today…”

“All yours, here!”

Neither of you expected to receive anything without compensation, nor would make a request without a price in mind. It was what you both were comfortable with. Communication was always efficient, quick to move on from the necessities and delve into the substance—the enjoyable parts, where learning is done and fun can be had. 

“Thanks, I’ll be sure to get the quenepa berries by this weekend for you.”

“Okay! But it’s no rush, you can bring it over at the next lesson too if you want.”

Kinich never wanted to conform to expectations, he couldn’t care less that the adults disapproved of his personality, that the other children did not want him around. Despite this, he found himself enjoying what your company ignited within his young heart. You were someone like him, someone who understood his thought process and accepted every part of his peculiar self; but looking back, it wasn’t so much that he liked the sense of acceptance you offered…

“I know.”

He just liked you.

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Part 2: Favorite Arrangement 

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As far as souls go, the two of you must have been cut from the same cloth, split apart by the same shears, even separated by the same incision—but similarities can only go so far when the individuals emerged from such different upbringings. Kinich was a child raised by the mountains, his parents long gone from his side at a tender age. To this day, it couldn’t be said that anyone else came in to fill that role for him. There was no one for the boy to go back home to, no one to help bear every single burden a child would encounter as they mature. And you, well…

You called Patli ‘mum’ when she was off work, often with Kinich in the workshop learning the methods of poison. The witch picked a vision-bearing child of potential and discipline amongst many who were without a family across Teyvat. Since then, you have integrated yourself with adults as a resident of the shop, more so than other kids considering the demographic of customers. You knew extensively the intricacies of their expectations and when to adhere to them for maximum advantage, all while without sacrificing much energy on deliberation no less. For Kinich, the mental cost does not justify the rewards gained, still, the boy was willing to listen to your conjectures, for he knew to trust your logic. 

“Hey, Kinich? You’re being paid pretty well nowadays, yes?’

“I guess, yeah.”

It was the weekends, one of those that he decided to visit instead of retreating to the mountains, a rare occasion at first, but becoming quite common whenever not particularly occupied by jobs. Especially if he was too tired to strain himself with the usual training he would subject himself to. The boy laid on the floor of your room, well, on the carpet you placed on the area where he always lay on the floor of your room. Head resting on folded arms as he enjoyed the gentle sunlight passing through your window, bathing in it like a well-behaved wild lizard.

“Have you considered investing more in clothing?” you asked your resting friend, laying on your stomach to look over from the foot of your bed. “A nice outfit to wear out, I mean. Not gears.”

His head shook. “Not particularly, my current clothes work fine.”

Kinich dressed practically, as expected, with plain items of clothing made from durable materials either by him or a seamstress he visited when in town one day. In a way, you were fond of it, the style was a good reflection of the personality you harbor an obvious affinity for. It’s just…

Well, perhaps it was because some of us became sensitive to appearance starting at that age. 

“Yes, but I would say there are sound reasons for you to consider an upgrade.”

“Heh,” Kinich huffed, gaze focused on you to give you his full attention; his eyes—so vibrant in their assortment of colors from green to orange—looked hypnotizing as usual.

“Enlighten me.”

With a chuckle, you drew yourself closer over to bed over to him.

“A big part of your job is to present yourself as someone whose services are worth a lot, yes?”

“Mm,” he nodded. 

“Well, to negotiate a better price for your time, a good getup grants the legitimacy to convince them of that quicker. Think of it like a built-up reputation, but subconsciously. It’s a reinforcement of your proposed high worth.”

“I follow your reasoning…” To your ears, that was half the battle, now to address any reservations.

“But I don’t think I am good enough at dressing myself to achieve that.”

“I’ll do it! I’ll walk you through everything, the fabrics, the accessories, the placements and colors—”

And before he could ask why.

“Oh I would love to see you styled up, this will be fun!”

To Kinich, that was more than enough. To indulge you in something that also benefited him was one of the boy’s favorite arrangements to enact. “Hm, sounds good then. I’m free right now, you?”

In a flash, your legs went from kicking back and forth to being swung over the bed, ready for a trip downtown. “Same here, you got the energy to go to town?”

Well, since he knew well that someone else would handle most of the talking. “With you, yeah.”

Patli sent the two of you off with an approving nod, a look of fondness subtly on her usually restrained visage. “Don’t stay out until dark,” she said.

“I’ll keep her safe.” Your friend asserted without hesitation.

“And I have a vision!” You added.

Patli, hummed, her standing still firm. “Yes, but it’ll be cold once the sun sets. It’s bad to get sick from it, you whined all weekend last time, remember?” 

You furrowed your brows at that one as well, “I have a jacket wi—“

“I’ll keep her warm.” Said Kinich, swift to assure. Likely as in with the newly bought clothes he would happily lend you on the walk back, be it a coat or jacket—but his candid speech failed to express that.

And so Patli laughed at what the boy said, looking no longer like a witch doctor, just another woman he would see in town in a good mood. By his side, your eyes widened at the certainty of the proclamation and its directness. Not quite grasping the extent of why, but still flustered by the verbal display nonetheless. Had you invested a few seconds of thought, it’d be clear to you what he meant. You were always good at it, knowing what he wanted to express, but alas, your thinking was muddled. 

“I see, I see, but my concern remains. So do as I say, children.”

“Okay.” The two of you concurred in unison, deciding that it wasn’t worth arguing. An effort shall be to return before nightfall and that was that. “Come on then, we should hurry.” You pulled Kinich along by the hand, jogging out the door.

It was always you who pulled him along with these things. Being the less physically adept out of the two meant that it only made sense that he would match his pace to yours. Not much point in speeding up if you were meant to travel as a pair. Well, for now, at least. The boy will be able to carry you one day; he’d be disappointed if that was not the case given how poorly that would reflect on the strength of his future self. Either that, or your lack of faith in his abilities to safely carry someone while swinging on a grappling hook. It's easier than it looks he swore.

Then again, it was always you pulling Kinich along to things, making sure he still exposed himself to society when need be; as he can be a bit bad at gauging that.

“Let’s go pick out the fabrics first from the textile store. I have a few specific shades in mind.”

So in that case, he supposed it would be him carrying you along to wherever you want to take him. 

“Hm, okay. Do you have an estimate of the cost?” Kinich always brought mora on his person, a good amount, so the price wasn’t the concern.

“Not too much given the quality, nothing luxurious or excessive.” No patterns, which was a shame, but you knew of your friend's preferences and how to balance them with your own requests. 

“Good.”

Plus, both of you were still growing, so to splurge on clothing would be an irrational monetary decision on your part. Maybe one day though. “As for the price, that depends on how much of each item you want and the sizing. You’ve bought fabric before and all so…”

“I’ll calculate it.” And haggle if need be, yes.

Tap, tap, tap sounded the duo’s little boots once in town, trotting along like a singular four-legged animal. Weaving through the crowd with ease until they arrived at the textile shop. Held hands now separated, Kinich opened the door for you both as you greeted the seller on his behalf. 

“Hello!" You called out. "We would like to buy some fabrics to be tailored into adventuring clothes, please.”

“Oh?” The shop owner looked between the two of you, recalling past encounters with such independent children. “Very well, do you know which ones?” 

You looked at the walls, searching for the dark colors. “We were thinking of browsing around a bit first, but would still like recommendations.”

As far as children who frequent the town market, the two of you had a reputation somewhat. 

While others played with friends while their parents shopped, the little witch and hunter conducted themselves just as adults would, and vendors would do well to treat them as such. Short-statured and baby-faced, yet neither played tricks nor faltered as customers; especially money-wise when it came to the boy-hunter, who always seemed to have more than enough to provide for himself. Shopping for all the living necessities required by a child, and weapons that none would think belonged in the hands of one. 

“Nothing delicate,” clarified said child, announcing his preferences on the matter. “Repairs are to be expected, but not often.”

His friend laughed. “But nothing that would irritate the skin after exercising either. You’re gonna be wearing it a lot, remember.”

As for the little witch, she would be more frugal; but even that frugality would falter should she be visiting with her mother, a woman of ambiguous age with whom she did not resemble too much. Buying groceries at times, supplies for the house and profession(potion-making, as far as they knew), but she paid more attention to the nonessentials than her counterpart. Decors and books, clothing and jewelry—the hat she now wears was a recent addition from here even. (‘I’ll grow into it!’ was the justification given should anyone point out the oversized nature of the accessory.) There were saurian teeth charms on it, they looked real.

“Oh, also, for the colors I was thinking of dark greens or teals, how does that sound? It’ll match your hair and eyes really well I think.” 

The vendors also seemed to like her more, maybe it’s the smile she has on when chatting, small though it may be compared to the one when with the little hunter—it was charming. 

“I trust your judgment.” Said Kinich, showing his own small smile; gentle and faint, like moonlight borrowed from a brighter source. 

You giggle lightly. “Why thank you, Kinich.”

It was hard for him not to be in a good mood when you were; eyes jumping from one roll of fabric to the next, tiptoeing to reach the higher ones, and calling the vendor for help when that wasn’t enough. Unfortunately, Kinich was of similar height to you at this age and couldn’t be of much help. Though he did consider climbing up to grab anything you wanted, common etiquette went against that. 

“Lots of black and dark teal definitely, light green should be saved for highlights.”

“Mm, those are resistant to stains too,” Kinich mumbled in approval of your choice. “Blood looks awful on the lighter colors.”

From the corner of your eye, you saw the textile vendor looking on in concern and disapproval, as do most women of the tribe when your friend let slip his personality. Well, the men too, though the nuances between them are subtle. “Mhmm, good thing you look good in them.”

“How much was this again?”

Two minds work quicker than one when they do not conflict; before long, the fabrics were picked out and paid for. Black was obviously essential, followed by dark greens and teals as the primary colors, a bit of light green for lining, and finally, a sliver of orange that the vendor threw in for free. All of this the two kids carried it in their arms as they paced to the tailors, whom Patli and you were more familiar with.

“Mr. Paharn? I brought a friend with me!” A muffled noise sounded from further back in the shop before someone emerged from it. An older man with grey-black hair and glasses secured by a slim rope; it was the seamster.

He wasted no time greeting the two kids, arms reaching out to take the rolls of fabric off their hands. “Ah, Patli’s daughter! Here for yourself this time?”

You shook your head, the little charm on your hat swaying with the motion. “Not quite, but I convinced my friend here to get some clothes made by you actually.”

Knowing that you meant the kid next to you, Paharm turned his attention towards Kinich, taking a few seconds to examine him thoroughly, there was a pensive look on the man’s face. “What is it?” the boy asked sternly, unamused by the attention given.

“Ah, forgive me, it’s just…” The older man looked away apologetically. “I think I remember you.” 

If Kinich remembered this exchange, it was not shown, likely having forgotten it instead. As is often with the memories of children, they are fragile. Either that or because the boy did not care to remember.

“Yes, you only came once but—well, let’s just say not many kids come in unsupervised with pelts from his own game.”

You blinked, but another tongue was quicker. “So do we get a junior discount for being a repeat customer or what?”

Rather taken aback by the statement, the seamster chuckled as he set down the rolls of fabric on his counter. “Ah, well I suppose I owe one to your friend for bringing me a customer today. And they do say that a customer’s loyalty is worth its weight in gold.”

You certainly would not complain about the prospect. “So, does that mean we will?”

Mr. Paharn nodded. “Yes, I will extend a discount this time.”

You were quick to show courtesy. “Thank you! We appreciate it very much.” 

“But no promises that we will become regulars.” And Kinich was quick to clarify the agreements in place, regardless of the muddy potential negative consequences. 

“Oh?” Hummed the seamster, not offended by the youngster. “Not even if your friend here asks of you?”

The boy crossed his arms. “No promises.” It was not much to work off of, but the older man seemed to understand. 

“Either way, I shall stick to my word.” You sighed a breath of relief.

“Now, what were we looking to get made?”

To save him a future trip, it was agreed upon that the clothes would be made a size or two bigger than what would be fitted to Kinich right now. As it is hard to predict the various measurements, a stretchier fabric would be used for the shirt and waistband of the pants. “You’ll find it fitting before you know it,” said the seamster. “Kids always grow so fast.”

You giggled, raising your heel to highlight the minuscule height you have over your friend. It won’t last, you know this, but you intend to enjoy it in the meantime.

Kinich wasn’t sure how to feel about this.

“I’ll deal with it when that time comes.”

The transaction ended with a heavily discounted deposit and the two of you promptly headed out. Judging from the sky, dusk was approaching but there was more than enough time for another brief trip before needing to head back. According to Kinich, anyhow. “Got any more places in mind? Maybe something for yourself”

As if this hasn’t all been for yourself, even in fractions. 

“I’d like to check out the accessories…” Not exactly something top on his shopping list, but still. 

“You have the prettiest eyes,” you said, voice softened, likely for discretion. Regardless, it made the words flush the ears that picked them up. “Some accessories to match would look nice on you, I think."

The boy took a deep breath, keeping his voice calm as usual. “‘Kay, want to go buy some then?”

“Well, maybe me, yes.” Your hands begin fidgeting beneath your sleeves. “But what about you?”

It’s been a long day Kinich thought; he should have drank more water. 

“I’ve got the extra mora spare.” His throat felt weird.

You crossed your arms, giving him a look. “Not what I meant.” 

He knew that.

No reply was given, instead, a pair of amber-green eyes peered up at the sky above. “We don’t have that much time.”

This wasn’t what your friend  expressed earlier, not that one could tell with the way he grabbed at your hand; rough fingers locking into yours, his expression expectant. “Let’s go,” he urged. “I’ll follow.”

You looked down at his palm touching yours; not because it was a rare occurrence, but because it was not you who initiated it.

Kinich does not reach for the hand, not unless you prompt him. To him, the wrist provided a more secure hold; a better conveyer of the importance he places on the gesture. Fingers could easily separate, palms can slip, but it would take some effort for one to break the two of you apart if it was your wrist he held onto. It was his own form of care, you learned.

“Okay then,” you concurred. “It’s just west of here.”

Now, your wish was granted, just like that. But it was funny.

‘Let’s go’ your friend had said, his hand holding at yours the way you often would onto him. Yes, you preferred it comfort-wise, but there was another reason, the very same one that makes him prefer the wrist when initiating contact—it’s easier to slip away. You were always the one wanting to do this or that, go here and there and back again, but under every handheld trip was an understanding that he could slip away; easily and at any time. 

So in that case, him doing it to you instead conveyed a simple message.

‘What you want, I want.’

You wondered, then, if you would make it back by sundown if accounting for the time to convince Kinich to let you pay. 

Negotiations can be lengthy, even between twin flames.

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To be continued…

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Chapter Text

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Part 1: Private Picnic

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When it came to birthdays, the two of you had a system in place for each other. Ones that took some refining over the years with improvements to still be made, but that’s what made it appealing. To see the ongoing progress was satisfying.

Yours came before Kinich’s, hence the temporary height advantage you enjoyed over the lad; and when at home, the way you celebrated was similar to most kids, with family and friends. There would be a cake to be cut and gifts to unwrap, either from the town kids you knew or those whose parents who were patrons of the shop. Material things or sweets were usually what they brought; a friend started making earrings this year and gave you multiple pairs, from big to small and in many different colors. That way you have a variety to choose from whenever you want to pierce them, something you’ve been considering for a while now. Other than that, there was nothing too special, just typical gifts for a little girl of thirteen. They would be sorted and put away by afternoon, where then came the second part of the celebration—with Kinich.

He knew you were occupied earlier in the day and squeezed in his tasks during the morning. That way, he could prepare for the occasion and slow-cook the meat dish for optimal results. Not to mention the other foods he would prepare for the two of you, after all, a picnic was best with some variety. The boy was not much of a baker outside of plain breads, but that seemed more than enough for you when paired with quenepa berry jam. As a cook, he was best with proteins, which was why the main dish was going to be blazed meat stew—something reserved for special occasions. It was also what he left to cook when he set out to pick you up from your home.

For every birthday, Kinich’s gift to you would be a picnic in the mountain woods, the cooking all his own and with no expenses spared. He would stalk the biggest game he could find the day before just to trap it overnight. That way the little hunter can slaughter it fresh the morning of. 

Knock, knock, knock.

You greeted him at the door, dressed up for your special day; ribbons braided in your hair and lips tinted red. “Kinich…!”

You were getting prettier every year. A few more and he wouldn’t know what to do with himself anymore.

“Happy birthday,” said the boy, no gift on his person other than his extended hand. “Let’s go. Food will be ready when we arrive.” 

The two of you turned back to Patli, asking for the permission already agreed upon by the witch. “May I?” Your friend asked, awfully polite for the candid child he was known as.

She chuckled. “Take her away, just be back before dark.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The witch handed over the basket of sweets for you to take, patted you on the cheek, and sent you on your way with him. They’ll be safe, she knew; to have little Kinich by her daughter’s side was to have the strength of two men protecting her. Two men who knew the mountains like the back of their hands. You yourself had the power of a vision as well, all the fussing was a pretense for her role as guardian. The kids were still too young to worry about anything else, and even then the witch knew to trust the boy if not you. 

It didn’t take long for the pair to be out of sight.

“How was the party?” Asked Kinich, not out of breath whatsoever as he navigated the natural hurdles at an impressive pace. The tree roots and uneven earth walked over like freshly paved roads. As for you, you had your vision to compensate. Conjuring a floating flower to cradle you as it advanced forward at a similar pace. “It was nice,” you leaned back into the petals. “Just a little loud.”

Kinich hummed. “The mountains will be quiet.”

“And the food will be good.”

He smiled, small and delicate. “It’ll be better than last year.”

This started because the boy could not buy things for you as would the others, with their pretty clothes and chachkies. The disparity he knew better than to dwell on, that energy was better spent on thinking up what he could do instead; which was still a good amount. Skill-wise, Kinich certainly had more at his disposal than other kids. He was handy, but mostly with survival items, but even with something like a dagger, he would rather let you have the best one.

In the end, he settled on a picnic. The little hunter cooked plenty and saved ingredients to make the best dishes he could on that day. But things have changed now. Well-paid thanks to his exceptional skills, he could now buy the gifts for you instead. Yet the tradition stood, evolving instead of fading. His cooking got better and the effort put in became more and more rewarding. It made you happy, what he does for your birthday, more so than any other things you would receive. And that was all a birthday gift was meant to do, right? 

“Want to come in?” your friend asked upon arrival, nimble hands working to undo the lock on his door. Something he got upon your suggestion.

“I’ll meet you by the window and chat there.” You wanted to look at him upfront, even if his attention was occupied. 

“Sounds good.”

The picnic spot was not far off from here, a lush field shaded by trees and dotted with a variety of flowers. It was a beautiful place and also close enough to his lodging for convenience; it was also where you would always meet for picnics, regardless of the occasion. The first time around, Patli came along to take a look before agreeing to leave the two of you be. ‘Usually, I wouldn’t be keen on a friend of yours carrying a weapon, and taking you into the woods’ she had said, almost bemused by her own conclusion. ‘But things are always special with him, aren’t they?’

As far as offensive and defensive capabilities go, the two of you had each other covered, what else was there to worry about? That you were going to be lost? Not unless Kinich drops dead for some reason, which was unlikely given his track record in the mountains. 

“Smells good as usual.” You chirped, resting by the kitchen window to watch your friend at work. “I see that the spice collection is growing nicely.”

Kinich did the right thing by investing his earnings into lodging above all else, at first, it was your family’s kitchen he would use. Not that Patli minded, your friend always insisted on cleaning up after himself, but the alone time felt more preferable as the two of you got older. There was a stronger sense of independence coming out here for the occasion

“Honestly, I think it’s one of the few things I actively like shopping for.” Made sense, given the sheer amount of jars of them were scattered on Kincih’s shelf and countertops. 

“That’s great, beats me and my little decors. They get to be useful for cooking.”

He shrugged. “There is value in things that make you happy.”

The statement came out plain, but sweet to you nonetheless. “I know, just thought it would be nice if I were killing two birds with one stone. Having it be something practical alongside enjoyable.”

“Our preferences are the way they are.” He starts packing the dishes cooked for the picnic; as for the ones to be washed, they were shoved away in a corner to be dealt with later. 

“Yes, no use dwelling on them unless there’s harm.” You grabbed your own basket to meet him at the door. “I know.”

You followed him to the location picked out, something warm flickering within seeing everything already set up; the blankets in your favorite color, the cushions set out for two. This was why you didn’t eat much at the party earlier. Why would you want to spoil something so sweet?

“Over here!” Kinich called out to you, having been the first to arrive. The basket of dishes was set aside now as he gestured to the seat deeper in the shade. Waving back, you got off your summoned flower and jogged over, plopping yourself on the seat to wait for him to join. “Hehe, someone’s feeling awfully punctual today I see.”

He shrugged in response, unloading everything on the picnic blanket for the two of you. “Not really, I just don’t see a reason to take our time. This place is a much nicer place to hang out together.” A breeze blew the scent of food your way and your mouth began watering; the same way it always did when he cooked for you. “Plus the food might get cold.”

“True, true~” you hummed in a sing-song tone. “So does that mean we start now?”

“Not quite, hold on.”

“Whaaat?”

Kincih looked at you with an obvious suggestion of cooperation. ‘Come on now,’ it read. “Just close your eyes a bit for me.” You giggled and did as told, bringing both hands up to your face, helplessly curious about what he could have prepared in addition to the meal. Anything would have been enough for you, for anything from Kinich is precious. Just ask his customers.

There was shuffling behind you, movements that were too small to give away information and too quick to let your imagination roam. “Okay,” you heard from above and feeling just as delicate a weight placed upon your head. “You can open them now.” Immediately, your hands shot up to confirm your senses. 

“Happy thirteenth birthday,” Kinich congratulated, now finished with the last task he had set out for the celebration. Finally, there was nothing to keep track of besides the changing sky.

“A flower crown?” you gasped, feeling the fragile softness of petals beneath your fingers—the stems that wove into each other, there were so many. “I want to see it...” Across from you, Kinich seated himself, cross-legged and satisfied-looking. “So take it off,” he said. “It’s yours now.”

Just like that, the finely made crown was taken into your hands and before your widened eyes. “It’s beautiful,” you said in a trance, never having received anything like it. Flower crowns were things of fairy tales to you as someone who never learned how to make one, having little contact with flowers grown for beauty’s sake in general. “I didn’t know you could make these.”

“My mother,” Kinich replied simply. “She liked gardening and taught me once. Of course, it’s been forever since I’ve made one, but the memories made for a good guide.”

“Well, you did a great job, just look at it…!” You were sure he wove in every variety of flower there was to collect in the mountain. The colors, the shapes, the petals—they all came together in a vivid collection of woven blooms. A wreath made for a special occasion, something far from an add-on thought on top of everything he planned already. 

“But if there was anyone I knew who could make a flower crown, it would be you. So maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.” You placed the gift back on your head, adjusting it so it fits snugly on top.

“I didn’t think to bring it up since you’ve been wearing your hat for so long,” said Kinich, now portioning the stew into bowls for the two of you. “Kinda figured you wouldn’t be interested in something else. Even today, I only committed because I knew I could count on you to take it off for the occasion.” To show the ribbons Patli would weave in your hair, he was proven correct.

Done with his portioning, a bowl and cutlery were now held out to you. With a grin, you took both off his hands. “I don’t think any girl would turn down such pretty flower crowns on any day of the year, nicely hatted or not.” 

Had they known better, the flowers of that mountain would have quivered in fear upon that statement. 

“Is that so? Noted.” The raven-haired boy chuckled, to let out the thing in his chest if nothing else. “For now, let’s just eat.”

“Sounds good!”

Food filled the stomach of the duo the same way they did the air with their chatter. They talked about a variety of things—their latest projects, recent developments, and any sort of curious things they’ve seen. It did not matter what it was they talked about, as long as it was with each other. Excitedly, you told Kinich that you were going to get your ears pierced; he asked if you think he should do the same. “I mean, if you want to wear some earrings, I say go for it! The pain isn’t too bad from what I’ve heard, over before you know it.”

The boy brought his hand up to his chin in thought, pondering the notion. “I don’t mind the process, but do you think I would look good—?”

“—YES!” 

You thought he would look amazing in them. “Whoops, sorry…I didn’t mean to cut you off.”

“It’s okay,” said Kinich, his dark brows raised in surprise. “At least I have a clear idea of your opinion now.” You chuckled sheepishly. 

“I can let you borrow some of the earrings I have next time we meet! You can hold them up to the mirror to see how you like the look.” There certainly was variety for him to choose from. “I can give you the ones you like too, this way you can save a shopping trip. Since the town is farther away from your place.”

“Even if you really like it?” asked the boy, always keen on clarifying any proposed transactions. Even though nowadays, it was less transactions and more so an ever-ongoing cycle of favors and indulgences. But even those were deserving of clarification.l

“Even if I really like it I would be happier if I give it to you, that way I get to be able to give you something you like.”

Because at some point, the line between benefiting you and benefitting him began to blur. Maybe Kinich should have kept a closer eye on the developments, this way he could have considered if it really was a wise system to have in place, but it was too late now. That line has been irrevocably distorted and neither party was looking to reinstate it.

“Sounds good, keep them handy when we meet next up then.”

“I will!”

By sundown, the warm dishes were emptied from their bowls and the sweets effortlessly devoured. Seeing the ever-obvious reminder above, Kinich offered to walk you back home, his pace notably slower than the one used the last time around. When the two of you did arrive, the sun was fully set, only its faint lights still holding onto the sky above. 

“Welcome home, little one.” 

But Patli overlooked that. 

“What’s this? Are you a princess instead of a witch now?” The woman teased her daughter, seeing the woven wreath on her head and knowing where it must have come from. “This can’t be! Who will take care of my shop in the future?” 

You giggled at her jokes, standing a little taller as your hands reached for the floral gift. “It’s just a gift, mum! Kinich made it.” The boy nodded in greeting to the witch. 

“Well, thank you for your thoughtful gifts,” Patli smiled. “As you can tell, she really likes it. Still, you should head home soon, and be safe.”

Kinich straightened, limbs ready for the usual trip back. “I will, thank you.” But before he could fully turn around, you had another idea for a send off.

“Wait!” Your arms enclosed his thin frame before separating, pulling back to show a grin. “Goodbye, Kinich! I’ll see you later.” 

It was such a quick one, the hug; arguably too quick given that the recipient couldn’t even respond before you pulled back, but it was okay.

“Goodbye to you too, take care now.”

It just meant he could make it up to you next time, or even the time after that.

“You as well!”

No one was keeping score, it was impossible now. 

Chapter Text

◇──◆──◇──◆

Part 2: Physical Endangerment 

◇──◆──◇──◆

November rolled around and then came its eleventh day. Which could only mean one thing as far as you were concerned: that a very special boy has caught up with you in age. Thus your day will be dedicated to him, the same way he did to you earlier.

“Happy birthday, Kinich!” 

Your body always knew to wake you up early on this day. When the sun was barely comfortable in the sky, you were already out the door and on your way to your friend’s place; to your early bird, so that you could spend the full day with him. It wasn’t anything that was negotiated on, the similarity between what you settled on doing for the other, the two of you simply arrived at the conclusion that made the most sense to each. The similarity present merely a reflection of the one that exists between the individuals involved. Of course you should start early. There was only one of these a year to dedicate to the other, to make use of all the hours was simply efficient.

“Thanks, I’m glad you’re here.” 

When you first learned that your best friend had a passion outside of survival, you were ecstatic for him. 

“Plenty of sports to get to today. I’m thinking three or four depending on how time plays out.”

When you found out that said passion is the opposite of survival, you began to worry on his behalf. 

“Don’t forget about resting,” you tutted across the kitchen table. “I’m putting a stop to you once visibility is too low.” 

“Well, let’s hope the moon is bright tonight.” 

Extreme sports. Why did it have to be extreme sports? Yes, we cannot change our preferences, but you could have sworn there was a good case to be made here about its rescission given the harm it physically posed. Or at least, you could have had you not stepped in to sabotage your own rhetoric. 

“What about the potions?” Asked Kinich, finishing up the last of his breakfast in record speed. Fowl meat marinated in sweet sauce, with so much protein and sugar, practicality was clearly the main point of consideration rather than anything more sentimental. “Tried brewing anything new recently?”

“Not really. Impact immunity, stamina, first-aid—so the usuals, but better.” It was like a ritual in two parts. First was your birthday, an occasion filled with relaxing activities and by all means traditionally celebratory, where you were not subjected to anything taxing whatsoever. Then Kinich’s would come along and the opposite occurs, where he would spend the day doing what he enjoyed most with you acting as crisis support; taxing his body with all sorts of extreme sports until you drag him back to his place. And much like how he would hunt and cook for you on your birthday, you would reserve your best physical utility potions for him to make use of on his. 

“There’s a strength one too, but because that one burns you out afterwards it’s only for the last sport. Though I did try especially to improve impact immunity this year.”

Since the family business was poison making, brewing potions was technically a personal hobby for you. Very few poisons were in the form of potions, but the utility offered by this craft attracted you to practice it. Really, it was just something you could play around with and sometimes make a profit from. Maybe offer to a friend for support.

Having finished his food, Kinich grabbed his bag of equipment while chatting. “Have you considered brewing a night vision one?” He asked, and you must have been too tired because you swore there were actual sparkles in his eyes. 

Now heading for the door, you stood up to follow him, green jacket in hand. “Of course, but I don’t trust its efficacy yet.” 

You could tell what he wanted to ask without looking. “I am not using you as my test animal, Kinich.” 

You did plan to work on it eventually, but progress was purposely stalled so the formula would be only approaching completion after today. The project was too useful for him to just be abandoned but was pushed back to deter him from playing around well after dark. Frankly, the boy has too much energy and you were betting on it diminishing in later years. When he has more self-control and less energy from day to night, then you would allow him to get some night-vision benefits from you. 

Shoelaces tied and bandana secured, you unfolded Kinich’s jacket for him to slip on. “You sure you want to wear those?” 

There were earrings hanging from his lobes now, even a stud on his left helix. The boy had taken more of a liking to them than you anticipated, having gotten his helix pierced before the lobe even fully healed. He was even talking of getting a second one on the same ear; he couldn’t sleep on that side for the next few months anyway, might as well make the most out of it.

“Yeah, why not?”

Still, you worry about them hurting him if he crashes into these functionally open wounds. 

“Well, the helix I understand leaving alone but the dangling lobe ones not so much. It might hinder you, or get caught on something…” Your own piercing ached at the thought of all that could go wrong with keeping them on for these sports.

Kinich shrugged, “No, it won’t. I wouldn’t let it.” It was a light tone of voice and spoken in full seriousness. 

But you didn’t feel like refuting him today. “Alright then, I hope nothing goes wrong.” Grabbing your belongings, you followed the birthday boy to your first destination, as was tradition. It was just some cliff-climbing in the morning, nothing too safe for the body. 

You knew that your friend often played with these things on his own time, though he does invite you along whenever the schedules align. Where then you would watch over him from the sidelines with a shield enacted to ensure his life be preserved should anything go horribly wrong. Of course, he never asked for you to do so. Kinich always brought you along for the company and nothing else—you merely wanted to and he went along with it. To compromise, you told a white lie about how you made sure it was weak enough for the thrill to be preserved, just strong enough that he wouldn’t die on the spot with it enacted. In reality, you spared no expense on the strength of the shield.

“Hm, so for here I would need a stamina potion?” The boy pondered while gazing up at the cliff he was to scale. Performing his stretches, he looked very determined to push his body to the limits and then some.

“Yes, and the impact immunity, this one should last longer than the last one so you don’t need to retake as often.”

Pulled back from his anticipation, Kinich scrutinized the aforementioned potion, appearing not quite as excited about it. Likely because it did not directly aid him in extending the time spent on his precious hobby of physical endangerment. “Do I need both this and the shield at the same time…? I don’t see the necessity of having both.”

You sighed, arms crossing as the old lie came slipping out again. “I can weaken it even more than usual when the potion’s in effect if you want that.” No you wouldn’t. “That way the shield is merely enough to not let a fall kill you and the latter makes sure that your body will not be damaged beyond repair. ‘Cause if that happens I’m assuming your employment goes with it as well. Does that sound good?”

He finished up on his side. “Hm, okay yeah. I can do that.”

You sighed again. What would you do with yourself if he got hurt badly one of these days?

“Well, here they are.” You passed the glass bottles to Kinich. “Bottoms up now.”

Taking the potions from you and uncorking each, Kinich swallowed them down the contents swiftly; somehow expressing not even the faintest signs on the less-than-delicious taste of the fluids. Whilst you tried your best to make it as acceptable as possible, it was no fruit juice that was for sure. Maybe it was why he drank it so fast in the first place.

“Thanks!”

One second he was by your side and the next he was running to the rocky cliff behind. Looking so excited as he leaped onto the surface that you could not help but laugh as you enacted your shield around him. A subtle green glow on his body now indicated that it was in effect, it did not look like much and that was by design. Kinich was a smart boy, and one would have to do a tad more than speak confidently to fool him. 

“Hey! How does it feel up there?!”

Your friend scaled up the cliff with a practiced hand and an abnormal speed. Granted, he was rather abnormal himself. “Great! Not feeling tired at all!”

But as abnormal as he may be, you were willing to count on his rationality to not fact-check your assertion. That way he can hinge on the prospect of your words being true, allowing for the sense of excitement to be persevered. 

“Nice!”

To prove it purposefully would be a waste of time as the outcome would be the same either way. Either scenario would result in him being safe and sound, if the hunter was so curious he might as well wait for the day that he slips up naturally. Get his cake and eat it too. At least, that was the thought process you calculated for Kinich. When the truth of a matter does not—well, matter, the two of you always opt for whichever belief is more functionally beneficial for you. And in this case, believing in the white lie is a beneficial choice for both parties involved. Consequences will be dealt with only if the scenario does come to fruition.

“Keep your breathing strong! Your body still needs the oxygen!”

And if it does, what’s the worst that can happen? Your friend gets mad at you? He’ll be over it before you know it. Maybe refuse one of the protection methods from now on? You made sure either one was enough to keep him safe enough in the first place. The impact potion will remain useful on missions, no way he would give that up because of a little scuffle like this. Kinich simply cannot refuse both if he insists on cramming more sports than he’d otherwise be able to in a day. He still has his limits.

That his birthday get ruined? While a shame, it at least would not be your action that sets it in motion. He can fall and get hurt or he can fall and not get hurt, either way, something goes wrong with the activity. Either incapacitated for the rest of the day or be disappointed in a white, rational lie. And remember, this was the worst-case scenario.

Okay, so you have given this a grueling amount of thought. But can anyone blame you?

Crack. 

Hearing the dreaded sound, your heart stopped.

“KINICH!”

Rocks crumbled beneath one of his feet, making the boy briefly lose balance before catching himself with his limbs. Held up by his trembling arms as he found footing once again on the cliffside, Kinich sighed of relief as a force of energy enveloped him. Blood was rushing through his body and adrenaline was at the ready, yet he could have sworn that it was something else entirely.

“I’m okay! Everything’s fine now!”

It was hard to tell the difference between it and the usual sensations that came with extreme sports, but there was a burst of strength whenever you let your elemental skill spike up. Something that would envelop him the instant it was clear that something went wrong, no build-up whatsoever, like an external force crashing onto him to provide support. It would linger until dissipation like the adrenaline rush that naturally came, but there was a sense of comfort to it, a calm not rooted in focus on survival that held at him.

“Are you too tired?! Please rest if you are!”

“Not at all!”

Kinich knew you did not practice this defensive skill outside of time spent with him, it must have been a natural evolution of what you determined he required in addition to a physical barrier.

“Don’t worry! That was the whole point of the set-ups!”

If your safety had meant less to the boy, he would have loved something like this on his missions. But no convenience was worth endangering you.

“That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful!”

“I still am! Promise!”

He turned his back to look at you waiting below, wide-eyed and stern-faced as a hand clutched at your chest. With the fabric of your shirt so crumbled up in worry, your heart was no doubt beating at the same rate as his own against the rocky cliffside. If he wasn’t so high up Kinich would have shown you how he was still safe and sound, leaning in close and displaying each of his unbroken limbs and bones. (‘See? All fine!’) But it’s okay, he can still do it at the end of the day when it would count most. For now, all he could do was finish scaling the cliff, carefully. 

It was hard to gauge how long it took for him to get to the top, step after step was left uncounted and he could not check the position of the sun, his shadow was naturally lost as well. All he had was your voice yelling out the occasional time-eclipsed but not the progress. You knew your friend preferred to glimpse that for himself. 

“A hundred minutes!”

He was almost there. The sliver of the sky’s shape told him so, creeping up in his vision whenever he looked up.

“Congrats! A hundred and ten minutes!”

A seven-minute improvement from last year. “Nice! I’ll go set up the bungee then! Meet you at the other side!”

Had Kinich’s hearing been any less sharp, he doubted he would’ve been able to hear the echo of your affirmation from this height. But he did and knew that he could count on your face to greet him when he jumped off the cliff tied to the usual cords. Ones that he left up here the day before and ready to be used with the rest of the equipments required. Setting them up together, your friend remembered fondly the first he showed you his newfound hobby. Being so shocking an activity, he had opted to keep the details from you when he led you to the location, not answering a single question as he grappled onto a cliff lower than this one. Disappearing from sight only to reappear by plummeting down at a life-damning speed. 

Kinich heard you scream loud and clear at the sight, which he expected, what he did not expect was the elemental barrier that enveloped him swiftly afterward; glowing green with life in case his body was destined for the opposite otherwise. It was the first time he knew that your vision could do that, and also the first time he made you cry. Sobs wracking your little body and hiccups obstructing your words as you told him how scared you were for his life, clinging onto the boy like your own depended on it. Oh how bad he felt for his miscalculation, but somewhere deeper was a side that glowed with something warm and fuzzy. Disproportionately flattered by the proof of you being distraught over the prospect of his painful death. 

Perhaps it should have been clear already back then that he was not normal with you.

“Ready!”

But he will think about that much later on, for now, he’s got a cliff to jump off of.

“‘Kay! Go ahead!” Below, you were resting on yet another giant bloom, this time elevated up to the height of where he would jump down to with a winding stem. Fully anticipating his plummet this time. 

Heartbeat thundering once more, Kincih’s swift legs carried him forward further and further until they could no longer. The wind rushed up at him as his entire body had absolutely none of the usual stability it enjoyed. Down, down, and down—he saw your figure grow bigger with the closing distance, positioned ever so slightly to the side of where he would pause before going up. “Hey!” 

Finally seeing your friend’s face up close again, you giggled at his greeting after all the fussing from down below. An all too anticipating arm shot forward to quickly ruffle his raven locks before being forced to part ways with it; repeating until he ran out of momentum and could do little more than hang there without using his trusty grappling hook. “Had fun?” 

Kinich grinned, a rarity to the rest of the world. Canines shown and face crinkled up in the childish joy that should have belonged to him at all times. “Yeah, a lot!”

“Good, 'cause it’s rest time now. Come on.” Arms opened up, you looked at him expectantly as a dagger was dug out from the pockets of his baggy pants. Sharpened to a frightening degree to cut the rope at the exact right moment. In truth, this team effort shortcut was another sport within a sport. Requiring him to hook onto your contraption and pull back to build up enough momentum to swing forward.

“One…Two…”

Where then he has cut the rope just in time to land on the platform. 

“Three!”

With a pause of breath and an expected crash, Kinich tumbled onto you successfully on top of your dendro contraption, looking quite pleased with his work as you sighed your nth sigh of relief for the day. “Okay, good, all good…”

“Yep.”

“And down we go.”

“Mhm.”

Slowly and steadily, the stem below began to shrink down, bringing the two of you closer to earth until a little hop was all it took to reach the ground. Though despite your efforts, Kinich still decided to take an earlier jump than you did, being there to help you down when you were low enough for comfort.

“Is it the grappling hook next?” You had handed him a bottle of water from your bag of refreshments when walking to the next destination, trying to get him to rest up. “If so, we should rest near where you want to do it.”

Yet it somehow ended up in him carrying the whole thing after an insistent tug at the straps. “That’s the plan, yeah.”

Division of baggage used to be fairer between the two of you, but at some point, Kinich became insistent on carrying more and more. Maybe when you lost the height advantage over him? 

“Lead the way then, I can continue keeping an eye on the time too. How long do you want to rest?”

Either way, it seemed pointless to fight over. In truth, neither of you fought against the other much. There simply was nothing worth doing so, that much was obvious to the two of you from the start. A rather abnormal conclusion to be reached by such young children but one reached in tandem nonetheless. After all, the world is filled with people who misunderstand you, who go against you and mistreat you, so why then would one waste away the rare solace provided by someone who would not? 

“Hmm…Like twenty minutes?”

“Too short, I suggest at least thirty. Forty if you want me to hand over the food.”

How utterly irrational would that be?

“Sounds good. Thirty minutes plus ten more so I get to eat.”

Efficiency was the word of the day, you knew Kinich would rather not dwell on rest and replenishment, but that was why you were here. To make sure he does not go overboard just because this was his treat to himself and you were here for support. “This spot looks good, let’s sit here.”

Granted, Kinich knew to take care of himself physically—of course he did, there was no one else who would have kept him alive otherwise. He had a great grasp of his body's limit and knew well what would not be in its best interest long term; something he learned both through and error and the medical text Patli supplied him with. He would weigh this knowledge against any considerations that challenge it and come away with the optimal decision. You never doubted his ability with that.

But what was optimal did not equal to what put your concerns at ease.

“Done with the food, what’s next?” Across from you on the blanket sat Kinich, this time with some lunch in him; cross-legged and wiping his lips with the back of his arm as he looked to you for instructions. Too exerted now from his activities that he would rather rely on you to do the thinking for him.

“You rest.” 

And he did a lot of thinking. 

“How? In what position?”

You patted the spot by your side. “Lay down for a bit, there isn’t a part of your body that doesn’t need some rest at this point.” None of these details changed much from year to year, but the assurance replicated his usual pattern of thinking, where even small obvious decisions are given a green light before being put into action. He liked it that way.

“Make sure I don’t fall asleep…”

“I will, I will.”  

But if the reason behind his compliance was because he was too tired to think for himself, what would happen then if that variable was eliminated? 

“Hey…I have an idea.”

You peered down at Kinich’s resting form, splayed out on the ground and with one arm across your lap like it was enjoying an armrest. You traced over their markings as he rested, you still were as he talked. “What sort of idea?”

“I want to take you swinging on my grappling hook this time.”

“...That sounds like a desire.”

“Can I take you swinging on my grappling hook this time?”

He looked so convincing then—he always did when asking for something from you, voice clear with not a hint of mischief to be found on that precious face. In a way, it was a reflection of the boy’s straightforward nature, he had nothing to hide. On the other hand, it made him look so earnest; and under the lens of fondness, that earnesty became a heart-swaying purity. 

“What brought this on?” Indeed, you once promised to let him do so when you were older. 

“I’m strong enough and I want to, it’s also my birthday.”

You did not feel older yet. “Strong enough to support my weight on top of yours in one arm?”

“I can use both of them, one arm is for when I don’t have anyone else. You just need to be on my back and I’ll land with my legs. Feel free to turn the shielding up to the max too.”

Scenes played out in your head of the most likely outcomes should you grant this request, none of which were awful given the supply of impact-immunity potions you still have left. More than enough to keep both of you safe should everything come crashing down, the shield can be also extended for two. Perhaps Kinich has been more suspicious of you than you thought, or maybe this was just the natural consequence of your over-compensation for his safety. In the face of an otherwise risky request, you knew in your heart that you had little grounds to refuse him should you stay truthful to the situation.

“First I want to do a strength test run, if you pass then I agree to join you for one swing, maybe two.”

More than likely, this had something to do with the other week when you tripped in front of him. After agreeing to be carried back, it cemented the idea of supporting your weight in his head—or something. 

“Okay, let’s do that right now.” The problem was that he had his own on top of that this time, and you needed him to understand that before taking you on one of his grappling hook sessions. 

“Hook onto that tree over there, I’ll get on your back with my own apparatus from behind. If you can hold onto it for a minute straight, I’ll allow it.”

“Yeah that’s fine,” Kinich nodded along. “Wait, what about the strength potion? The one you said is reserved for the last sport?” 

You raised your eyebrows. “No fourth sport?”

“I’ll do without it. Just let me drink it for this one, max out the shields, and we’re all good, right?”

“I…” You started preparing your heart for the upcoming thrill it would have to endure, a hand now reaching back to your basket of potion bottles in agreement. “...Sure, but I still want to see if you can manage without it. It’s more reassuring that way.” 

“I understand.” Kinich reached over to pull you up with him. With your wrist in one grip and the grappling hook in the other, he wasted no time in setting up the conditions of your request. Climbing onto a sturdy tree to secure the hook, he waited for your cue as you secured your elemental platform’s position. “All good?”

You nodded. “Yeah! Drop down whenever you’re ready.” And he sure didn’t waste time in doing just that, leaping off from his vantage point to hang in mid-air with his handy contraption. Once his swaying stopped, you detached your flower from its stem to carry you over to the boy. Letting it vanish from beneath your feet once you secured yourself on his back. Your limbs now locked in with one another, a familiar green glow surrounded both of you. “I’ll keep count, you just focus on holding us up.”

“‘Kay, got it.”

When a girl says that a boy makes her heart beat out of her chest, it isn’t usually because she was hanging onto him for dear life; nor because he was swinging through the mountain woods on a grappling hook while carrying her on his back—but exceptions always exist and here you are, beating heart and all. The analytical side of you saw the appeal of this, it really did, the rush of flying through the air at a propelled speed was freeing and exhilarating.

“Another one!”

“Huh?!”

What it did not do was stop you from screaming every time your good friend took off from a vantage point. 

“S-sure I guess b—AHHH!!”

You were well aware that you had given up any semblance of restraint when it came to your elemental skill, the once subtle green hue that enveloped the two of you became a pulsing light that seemed to do nothing but drive Kinich further with energy. There were suspicions about the secondary effect of your skill but this seemed to all but confirm it to you both. It was no illusion or fluke, it was part of your arsenal of elemental powers apparently. 

“Hah, ah, ha…”

Both of you were panting, and for the same reasons technically—out of exertion. The only difference was the source, one from sheer physical strain and the other from mental on top of vocal.  “This will be the last,” gasped Kinich, giving each of his arms another stretch before the leap.

“Oh blessed.”

“Hold on tight.” As if you needed to be told. “One…two…three!”

When a boy lifts a girl he likes very much off her feet, is it still romantic if he then proceeds to hurl them both off to the ground? Purposefully? A precious grin on his face as he plummets downward with her attached to him? It was one of the many philosophical questions worthy of consideration on this day.

“WHAT THE ACTUAL F—!”

Because that’s what this boy did to you.

“KINICH!!”

You knew from the way he had detached one of his hands from the rope prematurely, from the whisper of ‘Let go’ beneath his breath, from the sixth sense you’ve developed by now about his intentions at every turn—you knew the little thrill seeker did this on purpose.

“What were you thinking?!” 

Contact to the ground was made, all shock and no pain. Unless you were Kinich’s right ear, since that was the one without a healing helix and thus free to yank at. But he just laughed like he could not feel it, most likely because he really couldn’t. The adrenaline rush he sought after made sure of it.

“Hahah—but it was so fun!”

“For you!”

Kinich grinned, no—smirked. “And whose birthday was it again?” It seemed like that was all it took for him to act out. “I mean, look, we’re both completely unscathed.”

Your face was red, fuming, not only at him but also yourself. The one who made sure that your friend wouldn’t learn a single lesson from such misbehavior. “I calculated it as usual,” he defended. “Our physical well-being versus the resulting fun.”

It was only fair. The boy had a read on your intentions the same way you had one on his. Neither were proven incorrect, he only departed from your prediction when you agreed on the narrative that would support it. He had his desired outcomes and relied on your diligence to bring them into fruition. There was no way you would ever let him do this unless the worst-case scenario was still safe and sound. So when you agreed, it could only mean one thing.

You huffed, collapsing on the ground beside Kinich. “You’re lucky it’s your birthday…”

That he was free to screw up and not suffer for it.

“Yes, I’m very lucky. I know, I know.”

By sundown, Kinich sent you back to your place as usual. Where then you went in to grab a box of potions for him to bring back. It was what you always did, send him off with gifts to be used at work, something that makes it easier or safer. It was the usuals: strength, stamina, immunity, and healing. A lot of healing ones this time. So much that they kept the box from being closed.

“Get back safe, and happy birthday Kinich!”

Ah, perhaps there were some consequences after all.

◇──◆──◇──◆

To be continued…

◇──◆──◇──◆ 

Chapter Text

◇──◆──◇──◆

Part 1: Class Extension

◇──◆──◇──◆

Kinich could have stopped attending the workshop ages ago, he could have stopped learning how to make poisons and just bought them all instead, he could have stopped visiting you. The way he does not visit anyone else unless it is on the job.

“Kinich! Get in here quick!”

“I’m not late, am I?”

But why in the world would he want to do that?

“Oh child, I figured you wouldn’t come today—you probably shouldn’t have, really…”

There were strong winds today. Howling outside and banging at doors, windows, and anything else to scare children off from going out. There was even a small drizzle, but more than that, the clouds foretold a much larger amount of rain to join in shortly. But Kinich clearly was not deterred, despite it having been in his body’s best interests to. This was an evening workshop too, the sun had already disappeared beneath the horizon. By the end of the lesson, there would be a full-on rainstorm in the night. 

And yet here your friend was, drying his hair and face with the towel you handed him. There weren’t even goosebumps on his skin. “I wanted to,” he said plainly. “I also knew very well what the weather was going to develop into before I set out, it’s fine.” 

He weighed his options, he considered the situation, just like he always does. “Why? Does the rain make it too difficult to teach another student?”

“Of course not,” you replied, Patli’s face communicating the same as well through expression alone. “It’s not us who will be impaired, it’s your health. You cannot possibly plan to go home in the dark, right? In a rainstorm…?”

“I have journeyed through similar weather for greater distances as part of work, it is well within my abilities.” Though granted, he was well paid under those circumstances. “So please do not worry.”

Your friend genuinely meant for that to be reassuring, seeing how it was a perfectly rational justification. But the look of concern remained on Patli’s face and the one of hurt on yours. “Come in first,” said the witch doctor. “I’ll get you something warm to drink before we start the session.”

“Thank you.”

The woman didn’t reply, only gave a look that conveyed to him that she was not mad as she retreated to the kitchen. Leaving the kids to sort themselves out without further instruction, no additional pleasantries. In truth, Patli’s social graces towards Kinich had greatly diminished over the years, her professional persona dissolving as it became clear that the teen was no longer a mere loyal customer or a commission from a friend. Overall, he found her to be a distant individual who was rather straightforward, though not the most forthcoming at times.

“Don’t you, y’know, get sick?”

“Not very often, no.”

“So yes. Maybe you should try harder at avoiding it.”

Your mother made for a good instructor and business partner. Very no-nonsense, but also no sense depending on her mood, thankfully, it was usually the former.

Though he definitely preferred her daughter’s personality more. 

“I know what your job entails, still, you should avoid straining your body when not being fairly compensated.”

Kinich took a seat next to you in the living room, feeling his mood improve already in the comforts of proper lodging. “And I do avoid it, just not all the time. I wouldn’t be doing this for other occasions.”

‘Then why this time?’ would be the typical question that follows such statements, but the two of you were past that stage. You knew why, it was quite obvious. He made exceptions for you just like you did for him. He gave you his time and attention when people would usually have to pay generously for it; in turn, you gave him your care and dedication when others suffered from utter indifference, no matter how they may try to appeal to you otherwise. At least Kinich’s can be bought.

You smiled at him, soft and sweet. Faintly melancholic for whatever reason. “Let’s try to make the most out of tonight’s lesson then.”

“Sounds good.” 

You wanted to blame it on the bad weather.

Patli brought out tea for the three of them, a bit hot but something perfect for a chilly night. It was also the only beverage she would allow on her work tables besides water. “Are we ready now?”

“Yes ma’am.”

The two of you scurried to the workshop space, standing besides one another as Patli explained the agenda. Mostly for your friend, since you had been made well aware of it having helped behind the scenes. The substance today was a non-fatal poison, something that would weaken a saurian enough for it to become easy prey but not enough to kill by itself. Unlike other weakening poisons, the effects of this one are almost immediate.

“But the trick to having a quick-acting weakener is to make it take an offensive approach once consumed. This is because safely manipulating existing internal systems like sleep or sensory takes too long. Weakeners are also meant to differ from killing poisons because you do not have to stress the dosage of it to keep the target alive, but offensive substances often suffer from the problem of fatal overdosing. Hence why they are not traditional for weakeners.”

“So how come this works?” Asked Kinich, looking up from the notebook he brought, always open to learning the mechanics of the tools at his disposal. Consideration is the most important aspect to any task and one needs ample information to be able to plan accordingly. 

“To put it simply, the substance we are making today acts more like an irritator to the saurian’s system than an attacking force. As it does not target fatal functions.” The witch explained, cyan eyes trailing down to look down at the ingredients list to achieve exactly that. “As an inflammatory poison, it does not shut down the body’s important functions. Once the saurian consumes the poison, it starts feeling a burning sensation in its chest. This burning will spread to the rest of its system, if there is a body of water nearby, they will try to jump in, likely drowning themselves in the process. Other than that, they will be driven into a short frenzy until the effects render it writhing on the floor in discomfort.”

His hands swiftly noted the side effects, the details marked clearly for future reference. “And that’s my opening?” It sounded perfect for when short on time or energy.

“Exactly, and you could thank your cute little classmate here for coming up with it.” Patli nodded proudly in your direction, waving the ingredient list in her hands as she broke the news to your friend. The latter now staring at you wide-eyed and surprised, notebook left open but now neglected, looking very impressed, certainly, but also—

“And you would have let me miss this?” But also offended.

All this time, you were an apprentice next to Kinich. Someone more skilled and learned on the craft, but a mere student nonetheless. Your mother was always unmistakably the instructor of the lesson, the writer of the recipes. All the concoctions that helped him on missions past, maybe you had a hand in preparing them but not like this. 

Your first poison for him, the hunter wouldn’t have missed for a million mora. But then again, that was based on his set of priorities. 

“In favor of your health? Yeah, honestly.” It’s not as if you have been working on it for months beforehand or anything—what’s another week or two? “We could just make it together next time. I figured there was no rush.”

The hunter knew you were right in your assessment, but the look he gave conveyed the disagreement he knew logic could not justify. Not hard logic anyway.

“Can’t you see this is something way more meaningful?”

“But does ‘meaningful’ equal to priority? Your health may lack sentimental value but it has high priority in my books.”

Patli chuckled and shook her head, dark gray hair swaying with the motion as she observed the two children in the middle of their unique rendition of bickering. Like an old couple some might say, but she always thought it looked more like a debate, or a verbal game of sorts. Where the rules are the rationals the two of you subscribe to so wholly. “Now, now little ones, I have an idea.”

The two of you paused in your exchange, at least willing to hear out the woman first before going right back at it.

Recipe still in hand, Patli extended it to your direction. “Since your friend came all this way for the lesson in this weather, how about you personally instruct him on how to make it? As the creator, you are more than qualified.”

You narrowed your eyes at your mother, arms crossed in annoyance seeing her try to ditch her responsibility on you once again. “Yes he came all this way, but why should the responsibility of compensating that extra effort fall onto me?” 

“Because you are the only one who can compensate him.” She gave Kinich a knowing look, almost accusatory. “You can’t possibly think that he went through the extra effort just to hear me lecture, did you?”

And just like that the two of you were silenced, now completely red in the face—in unison, as usual. There was no more bickering, just shy glances at each other to check on for any expressions that could substitute for admission, maybe wait for the face-saving refute that never came. At this, the witch was satisfied with her work. “Well then, I'll be right outside in case things start going wrong. Don’t burn down the place, okay?”

It was just you and Kinich now, again. Here to sort yourselves out after a certain witch scurried off to do her own thing in favor of her daughter taking the reins. Her daughter who now stands motionlessly as her heart thumped too loudly for her liking next to those useless lungs that came in pairs. “This is a bit more embarrassing than I thought it would be…” Whilst you always meant to tell him that it was you who formulated this, knowing the nature of his work and all. But once it came to confrontation suddenly things felt different.

“What? No, don’t be. I’m grateful that you did this for me. Of course I am, so thank you,” said Kinich, that same subtle smile on his face as always whenever he found himself in your presence. 

“O-oh, well, you’re always welcome…” You liked that little smile, that small upward curve and those gorgeous eyes softened with joy; you liked it more than your own even. But now? You could’ve sworn there was no worse thing for your health—for your heart, than that smile. “But think about it, if I was going to try my hands at formulating a poison, I would naturally want it to be something you can use. And I remember you saying that you wanted a weakener that kept the target conscious, so…”

The raven-haired boy felt his own heart melting at your words, but his health never the better. “You’re too kind to me.”

“Why would I be anything less?” 

There was a laugh from you both, but mostly you, and then the work on the concoction got started, placing a small cauldron placed on the table that waited for its ingredients. Though for now, the latter remained in their separate bottles and bowls on a separate table. A lot of pyro-infused plants and organisms, which was unsurprising. Then there was the condessence crystal dust, a staple of higher level creations, and…some sorts of hydro ingredients hailing from Fontaine no doubt. He noted down everything he recognized. 

“Will it be…a potion?” Kinich eyed the bottle of strangely blue-tinted liquid, somehow luminescent and swirling within its own stationary container. There was an awful lot of it. 

“Well, need I remind you who formulated this poison?” 

A knowing smirk appeared on his lips briefly, fondly, a usually sardonic gesture rendered almost sweet coming from him. “Right, of course it’s a potion.”

“Mhm.”

You walked over to the ingredients station, picking from behind it an azure bloom, clearly a flower yet plump like a fruit. Kinich wanted to bite into it, even if just a bit. “Romaritime flower,” said his little instructor, her fingers squeezing at the blue plant as she waited for her student to write down the name. “They’re very water absorbent, submerge it with the finished product and it will retain it. Spray some mixture of fruit juice if you want them to mistake it for food, or ground it up for a paste version of the poison.”

Your friend nodded along, hand busy jotting down the new information on his well-worn notebook. “Will the effectiveness be diminished?” It was the same one he brought to every lesson, though also clearly used for other information holding too.

You set aside the bloom in its bowl, pushing it to the side for now. “Technically, it will be diluted, but that’s just what happens since potions are the most pure form of poison. Romaritime is actually widely used as the raw material for a lot of things so it won’t counteract the effects.” Picking up the large bottle of luminescent liquid, you gestured to the cauldron and for the hunter to follow. “Let’s get started on the base then. I have the primordial dewdrops here, you grab the embercore flowers and flaming stamen. We need to brew them in it.”

At least the last two he was familiar with and could pick out easily from the pile, putting them into the same bowl for easier carrying. “Also, what’s this primordial…water?”

“Water of a purer form of elemental energy, a specialty of Fontaine,” you explained, pouring said-primordial liquid into your little cauldron and igniting a flame beneath it to boil. “I found that normal water evaporates too easily by the process given the ingredients we are using. This is the only type of water that can withhold being made into a nonlethal inflammatory potion.”

You emptied the bottle half away before beckoning Kinich to toss in the plants. “Don’t worry about the portions, I premeasured for those.”

A quick nod and he emptied them into the boiling water as instructed. “Should I stir it?”

“Just enough to make sure the contents are being released equally.”

It felt a bit weird to be so hands-off, if anything, you’re the one usually doing most of the technical stuff in these workshops. As it was quite obvious Kinich did not exactly need to learn the higher difficulty concoctions, being unable to recreate them and all. He had a small set up at home for the most basic types, a lethal killer and a tranquilizing weakener, both made from ingredients native to Natlan. “...Fontaine, huh? You went far with the formula for this one.” He said, one hand stirring and the other writing down the instruction from earlier. 

You shrugged, a bit sheepish at the mention of the foreign ingredients involved, your pockets still sore from the trial-and-error purchases made while in the experimental phases. “You could say so, but mum’s got a good supply chain relationship going on. It’s not as hard for us as the average citizen around here.” 

Because it wasn’t for production, you only bought them in small quantities and got quite a bad deal on a variety of local specialties. “But if you find yourself really liking this formula just tell me and I’ll order it in bulk so we can make it cheaper.”

The boy hummed. “Well, it was me who told you about the specifications I was looking for, so I don’t see why not. I practically commissioned it…albeit at no cost on my side.”

Usually, a specialized formula for someone’s business costs a pretty penny—hell, Patli doesn’t even do those anymore. But then again, so were errands done by the saurian hunter. So it evened out somewhat. 

“Oh don’t worry, I’ll charge you for future batches. This is just a trial to ensure customer satisfaction.”

Kinich rolled his eyes, green hues and orange swirling so prettily. 

“You discount them heavily, don’t pretend I don’t know.” He once took the time to manually calculate the production cost of the new poisons he would buy from the shop—the ones Patli left to your own business discretion. Suspiciously low priced without compensating on quality, you never gave him a straight answer on the margins, and predictably, his estimates came away with it being close to zero. ‘What’s so worth hiding about this?’ he had asked, his tone almost admonishing. Not that it could have come across as anything more than pouty in your eyes having known him for so long; known him since it really was just a cute kid pout that could accompany any admonishments. In fact, the response you gave back then…

A smirk and a shrug, your expression remaining unbothered by the assertion. “If you want it, you pay the price I set. No more and no less.”

Yes, exactly that.

But if it wasn’t worth hiding, it was also not worth being mad about it having been hidden. So in that situation, you just did the thing that kept the situation as simple as possible. You did not want to earn money from him, the same way he wanted to earn none from you. It would complicate one of the few things that could be kept simple in your life and his. 

“Alright, now just remove the petals and stem with the strainer. Don’t worry if you missed the small chunks.”

“Got it.”

You push over the glass bowl meant for discarded ingredients, careful to retract your hand before the steaming petals draw too close. 

“Want me to take over the notes or are you good?”

“No need.” Kinich denied the offer, gesturing to his head with a newly freed hand. “It’s all in here, I’ll just write it from memory.”

“If you say so…” You nodded along, taking the strainer from his hand and setting it down with the rest of the tools. 

“Okay, I’m going to turn up the heat now, by a lot. So stand back a bit.”

Stern, one would suppose that’s the word for when you’re on the job. Kinich has learned to listen to you when it comes to these things. Not just because he trusted you, but also because you yield the same way as he does when on the job. Not easily, that is—if at all. 

“This is where you see the primordial dew drop at work, once it begins to harshly broil we can add the other ingredients. Actually, can you go grab them real quick?”

Though the truth of the matter was that he was the only one you can count on to make you yield, and vice versa. 

“Leave the crystal dust for now, but keep the scorched heart and hellfire butterfly separate.” He came back with one in each hand. 

“Good—thank you.”

You grabbed from the cupboard below a thin pair of tongs, a new set of cutting board and knife all out on the table and ready for use. “Set those down and use this on the butterfly when I tell you to, be gentle. I’ll go cut up the heart.”

The scorched heart…Kinich had no idea what that was, maybe he did not want to. An organ that looked more like ember sealed in a jar than a piece of flesh. It had heat radiating from it and portions already missing, the distribution of the cuts clearly meant to target specific anatomies instead of merely a specific fraction. Evidently, when you said cut, it had meant with a knife so fine it could only be comparable to a surgical scalpel. Digging through its strange yet familiar composition to come out with slivers and slices of the bloodless organ. 

Once done, your focus drifted back to him instead. “Oh don’t mind me, this was just expensive is all. Didn’t want to waste it.”

He must have looked more disturbed than he thought. 

“Though I’m surprised…” You put away the scalpel and board beneath the table. “I thought you’d be more used to gore than to be disturbed by this.”

Kinich agreed. “I am, but it’s not the nature of this material that bothered me.” You quirked up a brow in interest. “It was precisely because I’m so familiar with various anatomies that I was disturbed.”

You thought back to the scorched heart, to the origin of such a…exotic material that you had managed to procure after considerable effort.

“It…it doesn’t look like any animal I recognize. The size and shape…” A partial lie for the sake of simplicity. In truth, the heart looked plenty similar to the ones he would remove from boars. Similar, but not identical, and he remembered from somewhere that a boar’s heart most famously resemble that of—

“Well, rest assured that it will enhance the potion’s effects and is plenty safe to work with.” 

Mammalian hearts all looked similar, he shouldn’t waste more energy thinking about this. More than likely it was from a rare elemental entity. “Very well, instructor. How exactly should we add it into the concoction?”

You pushed a small bowl towards Kinich, the one with the butterfly. It was larger than the average one in the wild, the structure of it less biological in appearance and more elemental. He’ll need to ask you what exactly it was later. “Hold this with the tong and put it in the cauldron.” Either way, it wasn’t hard to grasp why exactly he was asked to be cautious with it. “The butterfly will erupt into flames shortly before touching the liquid but don’t worry. Just submerge it quick enough and we’ll be right on track.”

“Got it.” Times like these make the boy wonder if you really had much ground to admonish him for his hobbies. Broken ribs or a burnt-off face, frankly, both of you were rather guilty. “Are you going to add in the heart pieces?”

“Yep, you just focus on the butterfly.”

Carefully picking up the dead organism with the tool, Kinich took a pause to remind himself of the proper motions before committing to the task. Eighty-percent thinking and twenty for execution, as per usual.

“There.” He did as you instructed. The flame burst forth just like he was warned and extinguished once submerged in the boiling liquid like he was assured. It was translucent orange beforehand but now had lighter swirls of gold mixed in as well. Separated from the rest of the concoction despite the boiling motion mixing at the two. “Looks like oil and water,” observed Kinich, watching intently the development of the potion as you added in slivers of the heart into it. 

“It’ll come together more or less by the end,” you explained, steadily stirring the caldron now with a glass ladle. “It’s not like they’ll separate if you don’t shake it, but it won't be a solid single color. You’ll see some bits and swirls in it.”

“Bits? We’re keeping the heart in?”

“Yes, yes we are. We are going to boil until it breaks down, but we are indeed keeping it in.” You hummed, turning down the heat to let the product boil, ladle now removed and set aside on a metal tray. “I thought you liked hearts? Nutritious value and all that.”

The boy huffed behind you, barely a bark and certainly no bite. “Just a question. Don’t worry, I trust your knowledge.”

“Just a tease on my part then. Not like you'll be doing a taste test of my poison.”

“Ha, wouldn’t that be something?”

With the condessence crystal dust properly scattered, some more tweaks from your own power, all that was left for the process was some waiting. You kept an eye on the potion and Kinich went back to add to his notes, chatting all the while. Catching up about the latest developments: how you were becoming in charge of more and more of the shop, how he was traveling further and further out at times for the commissions. Responsibilities, difficulties—it was all a part of growing up and some kids just do so at a faster rate than others. Though as mid-teens, it almost felt as though the two of you were no longer children. Never acted much like the part and now not looking like it either. 

“You got taller, again…”

“But you remained exactly the same height as last year.” And then Kinich always had a tendency to be smug about these things on top of that. You swore it’s been getting worse by the year. “What was the rush? Wanted to start building up the permanent closet collection sooner than later?”

“Oh shut up, don't act like you haven’t been sketching up designs for the day you stop growing.” The hunter spun his notebook at the mention of the drawings, balancing it by its edge on the table—well, your table, his chair. The drawings were somewhere in there, either that or he ripped it out already. 

“Wasn’t there a jumpsuit? It had a bizarre back to it or something…”

Kinich was not as organized as people would think, always doing just enough to be efficient and then proceed to allocate his energy elsewhere. Sometimes that meant a color-coded closet, other times, a singular notebook with a confusingly wide variety of information all recorded in there. Granted, most things get ripped out eventually once he deems their importance to be expired, where then he either throws it away or stores it in a separate pile. The latter being the fate of most workshop notes he compiled after being taught the simple ones.

“Low priority, I’ll hand it over to Paharn if I remember the next time I’m in town.” 

Well, at least one thing is for certain—he was not tearing out the ones from today. No matter how little use the information will be of to him on the go.

“How’s the poison doing?” He asked. You peered over in response, checking on the progress. It was good enough. “Give it like ten more minutes or so.” Reaching over to the controls of the flame, you started to gradually decrease the intensity to finish up. 

“Actually, how about you go tell mum to get a start on dinner?” She’ll likely get the hint to put more effort into it this way. 

“Sure thing.”

Kinich was here after all, for a meal and maybe for the night too. For you could hear the weather outside and your heart won’t be letting you send him out there. Not just because you don’t want him out there, but also because you want him to stay here, with you. It was strange, really. Your friend hadn’t been gone for that long, not at all, but time seems to pass differently now. Each hour not with him used to be nothing, invisibly passing by without resistance—well not anymore. Now they are tangible, heavy and weighing upon your heart, an obstacle to your mind when you try to get anything done. Consuming you like a flickering candle flame, melting away at the stability that held your friendship together; burning out the core understanding of who he was in your life.

You breathed a sigh, looking at the cooling potion; the poison you formulated for the saurian hunter. An inflammatory one that starts from the chest and then spreads to the whole system. Not ending the target but instead driving it into a frenzy, more alive than it ever was as it searches for a way to subdue this sensation. A lake to drown in perhaps, maybe a flower bed to collapse into while waiting for the killing blow. Writing, panting, whimpering as the thing broils it from within. 

You laughed beneath your breath, a bottle in hand for the concoction to go into. A rather thoughtful gift for Kinich and a borderline joke to you.

“Dinner’s ready!” Your shoulders jumped in fright. Ah, he must have been helping her out in the kitchen.

“Be right there!” 

◇──◆──◇

It was a whole process but the final step was completed in record speed. Ever so carefully, you poured the potion into the prepared glass bottle through a funnel, your hands protected by gloves and the container similarly wrapped in cloth. Once that was all done, you corked the bottle tight, tied a tag to it, and made your way out. Greeting the two of them at the table with a smile and setting your potion onto its surface. 

“Hey!”

“All finished?” Kinich leaned over, examining the product with interest.

“Yep, it’s not much but it should last since the dosage needed is so small.” He nodded along, looking all thoughtful. 

“Thank you.” 

“Anytime.” You took a seat next to him. “It’s for you, after all.”

Your friend took a deep breath, the kind to help with composure. “That’s comforting to know.” It barely did a thing. 

“Well I am so happy to see you taking up these kinds of tasks,” Patli grinned as she set down the last dish, her voice positively giddy. “You’ve been progressing in your studies so much as an apprentice, I can leave the shop to you in no time at this point!”

A laugh escaped from your throat, sounding absolutely humorless. “Yeah mum, you’ll be retired in no time. I’m sure you are just counting down the days until then...”

“Oh definitely! Why wouldn’t I?” 

You could think of many reasons, though clearly none were jumping out to her. Whatever. “Let’s just eat.” 

But at least Kinich was here to put your mind off things, his presence always the best excuse you could ask for when wanting to ignore others. For anyone who knew the two of you knew that all others took second priorities in terms of attention. It was just one of those simple facts of life. 

“Any new additions to the notebook? It looks much more filled out than last time.”

“Yeah actually, I was visiting Elder Leik’s place and transcribed one of the manuscripts he owned into it.”

“Really now? The entire thing…? That's a lot.”

“Mhm, but it was unfinished since my mother wrote it and she left and all. I can show you it later actually.” 

Something in you froze briefly at the mention of Kinich’s mother. The woman you knew he still loved with all his heart yet left him with a monster all those years ago. You remember it well, for few pieces of knowledge have ever enraged you as much as that.

“Yeah, I’d love to read it with you.”

The two of you had opened up gradually and nonchalantly, the details of each’s miserable past slipped into conversation like any other topic worthy of limited attention. But the truth was that both kept diligent track of the other’s shared details. You knew the habits and sins of his father, the virtues and love of his mother, the fate of both of them by the time your dear friend turned seven; a mere two years before you met him. 

“Should we do it after dinner?” asked Kinich. “It’s dark either way, won’t make much of a difference if I leave earlier or later.”

You sighed. “Yes but let’s make one thing clear, we are not letting you go back in this weather—right mum?”

Patli’s shoulder jumped up in alarm, clearly too invested in her book to have fully heard what you said. “Sorry—what was that?”

You felt yourself grimace. “We are letting Kinich stay here for the night, are we not? Just look at the storm outside! You can’t send him out there.”

The woman scratched her head in thought, keeping an ear out for the condition outside which indeed, had not lightened up. It should be pretty clear here what she should insist as the adult here despite her faith in the teen’s physicality. “Uh, right—we aren’t. You should really stay here for the night, dear.”

Having assessed the situation by now, Kinich indeed felt inclined to agree. He truly meant it when he said that he would not mind journeying through the current conditions, it would make for half-decent endurance training even. Can’t let a good hunter get too comfortable with his environment after all, he still planned on taking hard jobs in the future. But it seems like Patli would not mind and, arguably more importantly, that it would please you.

“Alright then,” said the boy, much to your relief. “Thank you for accommodating me.”

Patli waved off his courtesy. “Oh god think nothing of it, not like I would have heard the end of it from the little missy here if I denied you…”

“Damn right you wouldn’t!”

Your mother only shrugged, half amused at your spirit. “Well then it’s settled, the spare bedding is in the same storage closet as last time. Go set it out in the living room when it’s bedtime.”

Kincih nodded along, you sat still and silent.

“Remember to rinse and put the plates in the sink, I’ll be in my office in th—”

But at some point, you couldn’t keep your mouth shut. 

“Why not my room?”

“Huh?” And for once, it was someone else syncing up with Kinich. For both of them were bewildered by your ‘question.’

“Why not my room?” you pressed on, as if the witch was acting out of line instead in her proposition. “Kinich was there last time he stayed over, and I want him to be in a bedroom this time as well.”

“I don’t mind—” you gave him a look, one asking for cooperation and silence. The teen may not understand what you are getting at, but all you could ask for is some faith in your actions.

Good thing he had a habit of listening to you.

“We’ve always been well-behaved, so why not?”

‘Because it’s inappropriate at your age now you silly girl,’ but you knew exactly why and Patli was aware of that. She never raised such a clueless child. “Kinich dear, can you step aside for a bit—?”

“Don’t.” 

No, she raised a stubborn one. Smart, arguably, but stubborn. “Why should you? Let’s just go to that office of yours, it shouldn’t take long.” 

Maybe she brought it on herself, always teaching her daughter to not back down to an unruly customer. To stand her ground, to always act in her interest…

“Alright then, come along.”

…and at that age it starts extending upwards as well.

“We’ll be right back.”

You wanted to look reassuring to Kinich as you left, to appear kind and sensible as you led away your mother by the hand to another room, shutting the door firmly as you detached yourself from his side so urgently. Where then you looked sternly at the witch before you, your arms crossed impatiently; an assortment of arguments and other expressions practically dancing on the tongue despite the short statement that you settled on. “Well? Why not?”

Patli never quite liked such social confrontations, but she knew to expect this when taking you up. A child will never be obedient at all times, no matter how well-behaved they are, and that disobedience only becomes harder to address by the year.

The witch sighed. “That was years ago the last time he stayed over, you’re both fifteen now, it’s different. I can’t in good conscience as a parent—”

“In good conscience as a parent…? And since when did you play by the parental handbook like that? Both of us know you aren’t exactly a normal mother to me.”

Apprentice, that was what you would introduce yourself as to people who did not need to know your familial ties. And it was true, these people could easily see you as that to her and nothing else. So often, you were as professional with your mother as she was to you. Business hangs around the corner of every interaction you have with her, whether actually on the job or at home, which was to be expected. It was not normal, not standard—but expected.

“You keep putting me in charge of so many things. All these things that, let’s face it, you could have continued taking care of until I am older but throw to me because I’m so bloody competent.”

Patli had no qualms about your assessment of the situation. Yes she has been putting more responsibilities on your shoulders, yes it was because you have proven yourself to be competent enough to let her do so, it was all true and she was proud to see you coming into your own role. “But it’s for your future…You will have to take it on eventually, it’s good to be accustomed to it.”

Your future, but you only had one future. It was the condition you agreed upon the day you begged Patli to take you in; it was something you understood and something you accepted. There was certainly no regret to you having given it up for the life you now get to have, and yet…

“Exactly! You always tell me to take care of things myself and I do just that!” Yet the dissatisfaction remained, feeding a grudge against the circumstance you are subjected to, all whilst knowing that you would have done nothing different. 

“So if I’m going to be burdened with responsibilities I should have the autonomy as well.” 

The witch stood silent and in thought, scrambled though they were. Her brain wracking itself for all the potential consequences of her response here. Considering her duties as a mother; standing as an adult; the practical results of it all. The headache inducers, basically.

“Does he even want to stay in your room…? I don’t recall you asking.”

Probably? Kinich had a habit of not letting norms dictate his actions should there be no practical repercussions. “Okay, then I’ll ask him after this. But I need you to agree for that to at least be an option if we both want to.”

Patli couldn’t make sense of most of these, parental expectations and whatnot. She didn’t go on a search for a child to be a parent all those years ago. No, she wanted a successor to the business, an apprentice she trained herself and one dedicated to the role. The woman was at a loss, and when at a loss she would always rely on one measure to guide her…

“Oh alright then, just behave yourself.” That is, whether her decisions will have horrible repercussions. “Prove to me that you could be trusted with this ‘autonomy.’”

There it was. You won, you got what you wanted. “That’s more like it.” 

Did you sound pleased? Not really. Maybe a little miserable if anything, the spirit of a sob lingering somewhere barely noticeable. You didn’t feel your best today in the first place, Kinich’s company had soothed it briefly but only he could do so much. The ordeal had all but negated the good work he’s done.

“We’re back.”

Then again, out of anyone in the world, he at least was capable of making a difference at all. “How was it? I couldn’t make out much from here.”

You put on a smile for your friend, trying to look victorious. “We’re all good! Let’s go.”

Held by the hand, Kinich followed you to your bedroom with an unsteady heart and all the bedding needed to make the floor comfortable for the night. It was still a bit shocking. Whilst he would never act out of line with you nor did he believe you would with him, still, the last time the boy stayed a night here the two of you weren’t even teens yet. And with age inevitably came some sense knocked into him by the Elder on how to behave with the opposite sex. A lot of boundaries, a lot of don’ts, it all seemed to him a game of drawing lines; lines that, if crossed, sends a sensitive message. 

“There’s a lot more stuff here now.”

“Aw, well that’s a nice way of saying messier.”

He didn’t want to draw lines with you, it was what he already did with everyone else, but just like everyone else, the teen was also beholden to propriety. He knew that you have always been aware of the little cues and rules that make up the social world. It was what made everyone else like you so much. That you always considered the consequences of going against the grain as much as you did the benefits of appealing to it. 

“Did Patli really agree to let me sleep here?”

You always consider the consequences, and you always outweigh him in favor of them. “She did, yes, as long as you want to. And obviously no funny business.”

“Never.” It made him…happy. Perhaps it wasn’t the best word for it, but something along those lines. More disruptive, more emotionally impactful, but definitely happy. 

“Want to show me the manuscript now?”

“Yeah!”

He was happy as he sat on the cushioned floor of your childhood bedroom, flipping through the pages of his notebook to show you his favorite piece of writing; the one by his mother and carefully transcribed onto something he carried with him at all times.

“Here it is, I can read it out aloud for you…”

It was unfinished, a story of a cricket who dug its way from the ground to reach the desolate world, dying after laying a single egg. Your friend was so excited as he read it out loud, telling you of how he hopes to return it to her one day so she can finish it. It was so clear then, that the boy loved her more than anything in this world. 

“Elder Leik didn’t like it, which is kind of funny—said that it was plain and unfinished. But that’s exactly what I like about it, because it means I have something to give her.”

To you, it sounded like that woman must have been the last good thing in his life. 

“If I meet her again, this is going to be the first thing I ask about. More than anything, I want to see how she will end it.” 

Though yes, it was hard for you not to harbor ill will against her at first, a mother who left her son with the husband she had, but then you see the light in the boy’s eyes when he shares her story—when anything about her is brought up—and you knew better than to despise the person he loves most. “It’s good to have something specific to look forward to. Maybe you can even work on it with her if she doesn’t have an ending in mind yet.”

“Yes, I would trade anything for that.”

By now, you can recount in good detail the history Kinich’s parents. How his father was awful but also half his son’s world back then; how the man was now dead somewhere beneath the ground, never able to hurt another again. Your friend does not think of him often, for he did not deserve to occupy his son’s mind, but there were still nights when it could not be helped. When dreams would contort to reminders of the gruesome scene all those years ago, the blood and dirt on his little hands, the weight of the body he had to drag back home. And you knew even more of Kinich’s mother, strong and diligent until the day she could take no more; knew that despite this, he did not blame her for leaving him, how could he when she was the only light in his life? Even if snuffed out in the end.

“She knows where to find me, I’m sure she does. So until the day she comes searching for me, I will wait and keep this for her.” 

There came a point where you couldn’t help but cry in the face of his devotion, feeling it so deeply within yourself that there emerged a sense of pain instead. The melancholy that now all but strangled at your heart alongside a sense of loss seeing what was before you. The utterly uncomplicated, unconditional familial love and devotion you never got to witness for nor have for yourself for so long. 

Because at the end of the day, no matter how caring a mother Patli acted, you were taken in based on mutual conditions. Those conditions never changed, she always made sure to remind you of your reason for being here. You had one future and it was not even one your conscience would let you reject after all that your mother has done for you. It was nothing as pure as what Kinich had, where no matter what she does or does not do, he will love her all the same. 

And right by your side that same devoted boy was worried sick—utterly confused about your distress when he was sharing something so exciting. But there was no time to ponder as he quickly drew you into his arm, holding you close as you wept. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, his hand rubbing the same circles you would do on his back when he needed it. “What’s wrong…?”

You hiccupped, shaking your head on his shoulders. The misery had been building up but you never wanted to let him see it burst. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be,” your friend corrected swiftly, remaining gentle despite the sternness of his words. “It‘s okay, I promise. Did something happen?” 

He felt your shaking head again on his left shoulder, watering eyes now pressed into the fabric of his black shirt. “No,” you whimpered. “Nothing happened, everything’s alright…”

“It can't be alright if you’re crying.” Kinich didn’t understand. Granted, he didn’t understand a lot of things, but your heart wasn’t meant to be one of them. “That’s not how this works…”

He could tell that things were tense between you and your mother, but it never occurred to him to have been this severe. The scuffle earlier sounded like next to nothing, literally. So whilst couldn’t say for certain, he hoped with all his heart that it wasn’t him. 

“You love your mother very much, Kinich. I see that very clearly and I’m happy you do...” 

So why did he feel so much sorrow in his arms?

Kinich mulled over your chosen words carefully, looking for any points of connection to tell him exactly what made you cry. 

As far as your own family history, he knew that you were already adopted once before Patli came along. It was by a woman who wanted a daughter but hated her husband too much to conceive one. The father was a disinterested man and always away from home, you didn’t know where exactly and his wife didn’t care. But he knew you stayed with them until seven, where then the witch doctor came along and took you back with her to the shop as her daughter. It wasn’t something you spoke often of, having been even more avoidant than he was about his past. But judging from your tone on the rare occasions that you did—you hated both of your previous guardians. 

“No, really, I’m happy that you had someone to love you back then…” He knew all this but couldn’t quite piece it together. Only sit there as warm tears wet your face.

You were more sensitive than Kinich, much to your great embarrassment, but he never minded. It kept him grounded in the perspectives of those around him. Whenever you find a source of joy he could feel himself sharing in your enthusiasm, and if distraught, he can learn from it the workings of your heart. But to learn one first needs to comprehend, and here the nature of your sorrow eluded the young boy. “Did you have someone like that? Someone to love you before you came here?”

You leaned into Kinich, curling into him as if his heart would take you in if you did so with enough intent. Held in his arms, your breath quivered uncontrollably, but at least your heart was soothed by his warmth. His existence. 

“She hated me, my first mother,” you mumbled out the ugly words. “She wanted a child, but she hated me.”

The boy didn’t understand how.

“She hated her husband too, but still stayed around for the money. He didn’t like her much either, too hysterical.”

He looked down at your visage, your every feature; from eyes to lips, the shape of your face, the structure of your bones. Together, they were beautiful to Kinich, but the thought that you may not know those who gave you those traits saddened him. “So he got me from an orphanage. I was just a baby then, that way the woman could play with me, show me to all her friends. But then I was the only one to endure her outbursts when they left.”

And the thought of you living somewhere unloved tore at him. 

“And what did she do?” Asked your friend, in a voice so calm that you knew it must have hidden something that was the opposite. ‘What did that woman do to you?’

“She would hit me,” you admitted quietly. “But only sometimes. It was scary but I didn’t worry about it too much. She didn’t want to see bruises so the beating was light.” Around his waist, Kinich felt your hands clenching down at his flesh. His teeth imitated them. “Her husband wasn’t wrong, she was hysterical. When she wasn’t playing with me, she screamed and yelled, telling me all the ways I acted wrong or said something embarrassing for her, how I was pissing her off—over and over again, repeating herself when she would run out of things to complain about.” You even heard it echo inside your head while drifting off to sleep. It was years ago, but there were scenes carved into the canvas of your mind that you knew will never leave no matter how much you searched for a cure.

The boy swept your hair from your face, lifting the locks from the tear-drenched surface so they could dry. “It’s good that Patli managed to convince them to let you go.”

You chuckled, it sounded miserable. “Oh but she didn’t. They refused to hand me over and she gave up pretty easily too because my vision was unawakened at the time. Just a little heirloom that clearly didn’t connect with anyone else in the family. Really, she was just passing by.” There were older children with functioning visions she had visited. Your place was just a detour after hearing word of a girl who might one day awaken her family’s vision. How all people have had heard from her parents were complaints of her presence.

“You…” Kinich looked down at your wrist, at the bracelet with your dendro vision, pulsing with energy, with life.

“I ran away to find her,” you sighed, beginning to calm down from the onslaught of emotions. “I made her tell me where she would be staying and promised I would go see her without my parents knowing. My room had a window I could use to bypass everyone in the house, but it was high up, three floors I think.”

A flash of something horrible entered his brain.

“Funny what desperation could do to one’s rationality, but I could have sworn I had a clear head back then. That it was obvious, because I would rather die splattered on the floor than live knowing that I gave up on my one chance of escape, so jumping was my only choice.” The wind rushing through your hair, the blood pulsing in your veins one second and splattered across the grass in the next. It was disorientating, you had never felt anything like it back then, being in midair and your bones cracked open, limbs all twisted. You brought two things with you that night, a piece of cloth to gag your screaming mouth and the vision you knew determined your eligibility for another fate. Both of those proved useful on your escape.

“It hurted a lot, but I can barely remember it now. It feels so distant, maybe because I’ve never felt anything like it ever since…”

It was Kinich who tightened his arms around you now, unable to stop himself from imagining the awful scene; his lips bitten down as his mind subjected him to each cursed detail. Each crack of bone, each gurgle of blood—your eyes dimming into death, even if temporarily. He couldn’t stand the thought. “And the rest was history I guess,” you hummed, regaining the sense of wit you always had on. “I’m alive with a vision and living with a witch doctor now, learning how to make poisons for skilled saurian hunters.”

In the blink of an eye, Kinich pulled back from you, his hands gripping your shoulder with a strength only distraught and care can bring forth. He looked at you as if you had been taken away until now, to somewhere dangerous, somewhere he cannot reach. A past he cannot change.

“But I’m here now,” you assured your dear friend, hand reaching up to cup at his, palm soothing over white knuckles. “Quite protected too, I might add.”

He nodded, taking in a deep breath to calm himself; it was what he always did to regain composure, and also why clarity shone brightly on his face when he would look at you again. 

“I hope you know that I would never ask for anything in exchange for ensuring your safety,” said the boy, the contents of his freshly organized thoughts now making themselves clear. “It is unconditional. It will always be unconditional.”

To others, it was a mundane assertion between friends. To you, it was almost everything. Because unlike others, Kinich actually holds himself to such strictly worded proclamations. It was why there were few things in this world he would agree on unconditionally. You knew this well, and knowing yourself to be an exception lit a fire within the hearth of your soul, one that will burn bright for years to come. “And I hope you know I feel the same about yours. I could never ask for anything in exchange.”

If only you looked more closely then, you could have seen a new seed of devotion sewn within his heart, devotion to none other than yourself. But for now, you could only bathe in the comfort of Kinich’s promise, returning to the manuscript, analyzing its details, and giving your best wishes for its completion someday; your wishes that he can reunite with the one he cherished most. But it’s been a long day, especially for your heart, and you fell asleep on your friend’s shoulder before he retired to bed himself. Where then he laid you down next to him as he drifted off to sleep, his body encompassing your now smaller frame as all the while. According to what Elder Leik had taught, what he did may have been out of line, but the teen couldn’t care less. He just wanted to hold onto you for the night.

Yet what Patli saw the next morning was exactly what you promised her. Her daughter on the bed and Kinich resting on the cushioned floor next to it. She felt better about her decisions seeing that. All seemed normal. 

What she didn’t know was that you were only placed there earlier at the break of dawn. Your good friend now merely resting his eyes as he waited for you to wake up for the day, having stayed still for he saw no need to start it here without you.

Oh, and for propriety's sake. 

Chapter Text

◇──◆──◇──◆

Part 2: Bottle of Confession

◇──◆──◇──◆

You had the day off and decided to do some clean up on your potion station, mixing up the last batch of failed experiments together in a cauldron to be disposed of properly. 

“Oh good, you’re out of bed. Feeling better today?”

“I think so, yeah.” 

It was a chore you have done countless times before. 

“How were the effects this time?” Patli pried further. Despite knowing they were physically safe, the mother can't help but worry after these periods of self experimentation. 

But you only shrugged in response, half heartedly rinsing the empty glassware. Not perfectly, but the contents weren’t toxic whatsoever so it hardly mattered. “The positives basically died off by the second week and the negatives persisted, albeit at a lesser degree. But I didn’t like the irregular heartbeats, fatigue was much more preferable.”

“That’s a shame then,” your mother sighed, sympathetic but not surprised. “I hope you are taking a break before testing the next prototype antidote. It’s necessary to give your mind a rest.” After all, a person’s body is not the only thing that can be risked.

“I will, I will.” After drying your hands with a towel, you took the small cauldron of the failed batch in your arms. “Be right back, I’m going to take care of these.”

“Go ahead.”

Languidly, you made your way out of the house and into the backyard of herbs. It was one of your favorite places. Somewhere you get to see progress being made at a noticeable pace. There were garden beds scattered around and raised plots of soil with uniformly grown plants. Almost everything felt deliberate with the exception of one small corner. A patch of upturned soil—not tilled, upturned. As in messed up and disturbed, with bits of decomposed plants still scattered about. 

It was also where you always disposed of your failed batches of potions.

Hands occupied, you stomped at the floor to release the necessary dendro energy for the process. Letting it flow into that patch of soil until plants sprout forth, roots and leaves and petal galore, none of which resembled any real species found in the wild; the ones with some sense in their biological structure to allow for continuous survival? None of that.

“Talk about a waste of sanity.”

The reasoning was simple, they weren’t meant to survive like the real ones. Only bear the fruits of your failure as you scatter the liquid onto the patch of plants. Letting its peculiar contents be soaked thoroughly and neutralized before cutting off the supply of life to let them decay safely.

There came the usual sigh from you at this stage. Defeated and despairing. 

“Chronic melancholy—goddamnit…”

You had felt so much more optimism as a child about this ‘project.’ It was why you took up potion-brewing so seriously. And yet so far it was nothing but a waste of effort.

“What even made me think that I was going to be the one to cure it?”

Mental invalids. That’s the term for people like you apparently, it was also what Patli explained when you were only nine or so. The sick hearted was the more sympathetic title, just more of a mouthful. Not that most thought about such a group to even know that for sure. Usually, it’s just a familiar sounding phrase to them, maybe they’ll even guess a more or less correct definition. A sick person, the permanently injured, or just someone struck with a sort of debilitating weakness. Something along those lines. 

But just as physical illness came in a miserably colorful assortment, so too did the mental variety. Unfortunate as it was that you had any at all, Patli had told you to take comfort in the fact that it was at least one that kept you sane. It was ‘just melancholy’ was the reasoning given to you; reality remained the same, you could think just fine, and had no inclinations to violence. It was the sickness of poets, the artists who create works that tugged at the heartstrings of many. Just melancholy, just misery. A debilitating amount of it.  

But if it could kill you all the same, you didn’t care if there is one voice or three in your head. Not really. The real silver lining was that it at least was a sickness with an established countermeasure. A potion of sorts to consume that can soothe the symptoms. It was what your mother fed you since first suspecting that you had the ailment, and indeed it made a difference. 

That all consuming emptiness you endured was weakened; and on some days, some weeks, it was not even there at all. To you, it felt like breathing freely after living with a noose fastened around your neck. An invisible one that you had no idea others did not live with. 

‘And here I figured I was just unexpressive…’

Life came with a daily dose of acute misery, that was what you understood living to be; and it was shocking to have woken up one day without being subjected to that. It had been so magical, that initial spike in improvement—but then novelty wore off. A countermeasure was just that, a countermeasure; not a permanent cure. There are still days, sometimes weeks, where you slip back into that familiar state of debilitating melancholy. It wasn’t as bad as before, certainly not as persistent, but it was a nuisance and you wanted to be free of it. 

Thus came the potion brewing for the years to come. It was how the best thing you have against your condition was made; not to mention something you have the resources to hone your skill in, so what was there to stop you? The impossibility of the goal? Oh please, you were miserable but still a child. At that age anything seemed possible if done by your adult self with enough practice. The second Patli admitted that a permanent cure was technically within the realm of possibility, you had a real commitment on your little hands. It may not have been your first one, but it was one you made entirely out of your own interests. Time, resources, energy—things will be sacrificed but it will be to no one but yourself, for no one but yourself. 

Well then, sacrifice them you did. But there was nothing to show for it.

“I thought you were taking a break.” 

Failures aside though, this talent was at least worth a damn outside of the family business.

“Oh I am.”

You were setting up your potion station again, scavenging the assortment of ingredients in the house for a new concoction; pen and notebook out to record the process from beginning to end. This time though, not for a medicinal cure. Not even for financial gain. No, this time it was just personal. Emotional without practical utility. 

“I’m going to make something to vent.” 

The witch furrowed her brows in confusion. “Vent? Did something happen?”

Well, an earthquake had occurred a few months back. You did not think much of it initially. Not until Kinich got called to a mission to the ancient ruin that was uncovered by the disaster. So there was that.

It’s been over two months and starting nearly three weeks ago, he’s stopped sending letters. You knew to expect this the second the team were beyond civilization, but this knowledge made no improvements on your mood. Still awfully distraught upon the absence of contact. 

“What happened is that I realized there is something I want for myself.” Your heart hasn’t been easy on you amidst this situation. Which was only fair given how unkind you were to it.

“And that is to make something abundantly clear even more so.” 

It’s likely that you still had plenty of time before the hunter returned from his mission. Until then, you will occupy yourself with a new project. 

“Make something clear by brewing a potion?”

“And giving it to someone, that’s the other half of it.”

Your mother gasped. “Oh god, don’t go poisoning the boy just because he puts his employment over you. And only occasionally at that…”

“That is NOT what I am doing!”  At least, not literally.

Either way, Kinich will find himself a personalized gift upon return.

────◆────

Inside an Ancient Ruin

────◆────

For Kinich, it’s been days of non-stop testing and negotiations with the egotistical creature dubbing itself as ‘K’uhul Ajaw,’ a peculiar but certainly evil draconic entity sealed in a wristband. It was exhaustive work but at least finalization of the process was in sight now, somewhat. The contract itself still needed to be drafted up. So far it has just been expressed ideas mixed in with combative experiments. A lot of it at that. 

But at least the two just finished up another one of these experiments, leaving them to take a break before moving forward to the next steps. Finally allowing time for some of the necessary brain work that goes into a contractual partnership. 

“Well you know my situation already, so spit it out boy! What stuff do you have going on in yours? 

The pixelated saurian never seemed to shut up, which was quite annoying. Whilst arguably called for given the current circumstance, Kinich made a mental note of the toll that it will have on him over time. 

“Can’t you see?? It is all but crucial for the great dragon lord to know the life we are signing up for by contracting with a puny human such as yourself!”

Something told him this pattern of behavior will persist no matter the context. 

Kinich shrugged. “I don’t know what to tell you, it’s all standard to me.” 

There was truly not a single instinct within the young man to share details of his past to others. It was a truth in his younger days and one that stubbornly held on even as he was on the cusp of adulthood. “A lot of missions, quests, traveling, combat…What else is there to say?”

“What else? Don’t you have—oh I don’t know—PEOPLE in your life? I need to know how utterly annoying they will be if I’m going to be stuck by your side!”

Though there are those who aren’t subjected to his usual silence on the subject, the saurian before him is not yet one of those. 

“It’s a gamble on what kind of individuals hire me, but most of them don’t cause any headaches. The people you will meet will vary.”

Ajaw began flying up and down in frustration. His little yellow body now a more orange hue than before. “DO YOU SERIOUSLY NOT EXIST OUTSIDE OF YOUR WORK?! Aren’t humans supposed to have a personal life? A circle of friends? Family?!”

Kinich supposed that it was at least convenient to have an read on the creature so easily. “I have no family left, my life is more isolated than most humans.”

The orange hue disappeared, the dragon stopped moving. Now merely flowing steadily in mid air with a deadpan expression. “Oh god you are utterly miserable and alone aren’t you? That’s kinda pathetic.” Though certainly not sympathetic at the information judging by his tone.

“Why can’t you be like a rabbit and just die from that instead of physical injury? Save us some time.”

Swift shifts in mood, the hunter made another note.

“That’s not true, I have great company by my side.”

“Oh yeah? Well do enlighten us then,” said Ajaw with sarcasm. Unconvinced at this point that the boy in front of him was capable of forming normal social connections not unless with—

“Well, there’s this girl back home with me.“

—someone just as weird as he is.

“HUH? There are girls who would seek your sorry excuse for company?!”

Kinich brushed off the insulting remark, having gotten used to them at this point. “She's been my best friend since childhood.”

“The plot twists continue!” Exclaimed the pixelated dragon. “Then again, maybe you were half way normal as a child and she is merely a relic of that age.”

“Oh no, that’s not the reason.” 

Kinich knew that all too well. “I met her only after I started doing jobs and living on my own.” 

Though even if he met you before that, he was willing to bet on the two of you getting along all the same.

“Nevermind then…the mystery remains.”

“You’ll meet her when I get home, likely before that actually.” He would be a mess to look at, but the boy still wanted to drop by as soon as possible. 

“I think you will find her pleasant, most people do. But you’ll also be seeing her a lot from now on so it’s best that you do.”

That, and he had a feeling that you would not mind his disheveled state all that much.

“Ha, I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you! A mere couple of years is nothing to a mighty dragon lord. The more likely outcome is that you die off soon enough, I take over your body, and she disappears from my sight.”

The prospect…saddened Kinich, though he tried to not dwell on it. Not when he already promised himself to do everything in his power to prevent it from coming into fruition. 

“I would like to propose a new condition in our contract.” 

“Say what now?”

Still. Though he will try his damndest to stay alive, the young man also knew that he was only mortal. The life he lead is one that required precautions. Really, he should have thought of this proposition earlier.

“In the event of my death and you take over my body, I have one condition you must abide by after doing so.”

“WHAT?! HELL NO!! WHAT ELSE WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF ALL THIS THEN?!” Angry he might be, Ajaw was not wrong. Getting to do whatever he wants with Kinich’s mortal form was practically the foundation of this arrangement. How could this boy just throw that out the window this late in the process?

“Hear me out.” 

But Kinich persisted. 

“It will be a small condition, miniscule really. More than likely you will not even notice it since the effort it requires is so minimal.”

“Ugh…” The ancient saurian looked plenty displeased at the suggestion. “Fine! The great K’uhul Ajaw shall hear you out, but remember that this is a mere proposition and we are under no obligation to accept this change.” 

“Very well.” He’ll take that. “All I ask is that you do not kill this friend once in control of my body. Wreak havoc on the nation all you want, all of Teyvat even, but do not harm her. Anyone but her.”

The expression on Ajaw looked almost pensive in nature had he been capable of seriousness. “Well damn, so everyone else can just go to hell then?”

Kinich shrugged. “They already indirectly benefit from me keeping you under control, I owe nothing else to the rest of the world.”

“But you owe her something…?”

Kinich shook his head. “No, that’s not it. I could never ask for something in exchange for her safety, nor do I need to be indebted to prioritize it above all else.”

No real information had been revealed, but Ajaw was certainly intrigued by now. “Well, what is it then?”

“Who knows.”

“GRRR!”

And intrigue leads to discontent if not resolved with an explanation. “Well I’m not accepting this condition unless you tell me why!”

Now that sounded like a good deal to him. “For real?” 

But alas, Ajaw took a second to reconsider. “Uh—no, you have to throw in another condition there too. I want both.” 

“I’ll take care of your meals if you are unable to scavenge our surroundings.”

“Deal!”

Huh. So much for a couple of years being nothing if quality of life was worth a damn in the dragon’s books.

“Now tell me why.”

Yet despite the deal just struck, Kinich still needed to take a second to consider the answer to the question. It was a simple one, yes, but it was partially because of that it was so difficult to answer on the spot. What it did was question a simple truth he has lived with for years upon years, a truth he did not consciously commit to. “Hm…”

“Don’t think I’m not willing to retract my agreement if you can’t even uphold half of it.”

Anomalies get scrutinized, not inclinations. Not second natures nor instincts. 

“Probably because I love her.”

It was a simple answer for a simple question. Not one concluded but one found already intact within his heart; the fine details a little muddled but ringing true nonetheless. He loved you, yes, that’s it. And this request was made out of love, the thing that motivates humans to do oh so many things big and small. It was the basis of romance.

Ajaw, however, was far from a romantic. “...What in the world did I just hear?”

“My answer to your question. Why? Does it not properly explain my motivation?”

It did. Ajaw could not deny that, but it also raised even more to be asked. “More like I just didn’t expect you to be capable of…that.”

“Of love? Of course I am.”

The creature hummed, trying to internalize the statement and apply it to the human sitting before him. “Well then, lover boy. Does she know that you ‘love her’ oh so much?”

Truthfully, he had never asked nor had you said anything about it but… 

“I believe so, I should think the past few years have made it evident.” He was sure you were smart enough for that much. Most would have to be blind to not see it, and even then, just give them some time to listen in.

“Wait, it sounds like you haven’t told her?”

“I haven’t.” Not as if there was any rush to either. As far as he could tell, there was no other potential contender for affection in either of your minimal social lives.

Ajaw squinted, baffled at what he was uncovering. At first, the dragon had been concerned about being subjected to front-row seats of two bumbling idiots realizing their feelings…

“So you agree to my condition then?”

…But, somehow, it almost seemed like something more headache-inducing awaited him.

“Ugh—yeah, yeah I agree. I won’t commit bloody murder on her with your own two hands in the event of your death and my possession of your remains—happy?”

“Very.”

◇──◆──◇

Back Home

◇──◆──◇

Daughters of mercenaries, fatui agents, and members of the adventurous guild—these were the friends and acquaintances by your side given the family business. Not the most usual sort, but parental ties easily led to platonic ones amongst the children. The best thing about the arrangement was you did not even have to try to maintain contact with them, Patli did the heavy lifting in that regard. For the past few months these people kindly checked on you through letters, and eventually in person as well once you stopped responding to those. Efforts that were met with a halfhearted apology and a promise to get better soon. Adding on that they will be contacted once again when you are in a better state if you liked them enough. After that, you practically begged to be left alone. It was nothing these friends weren’t used to; by this time, the ones that stayed did not mind experiencing your company as a novelty. (The gifts you would give were a nice sentiment as well.)

Well, you got better now. There was a light in your eyes, some soul in your voice, and definitely energy in your body. Energy that, unfortunately for them, was dedicated elsewhere after that promised update on your condition. You were better, but very occupied. The friends may visit at the risk of their own free time; all but subjected to complying if you do not want to go out in favor of your work and solitude. 

“What is it that you are working so hard on?” They couldn’t help but inquire. 

“Something personal, don’t worry about it.” Was all you would say. 

There was only one person you confided in about this project and that was your mother. Very, very few were permitted to have a glimpse into your heart, that was how it had always been. And so to the same inquiry from Patli, you answered with more divulging detail. 

“It’ll be a potion that simulates love—not a love potion. God no. No one is going to fall in love from drinking this. I just want something that replicates the physical effects of a lovesick heart. Something that gives an interpretive taste, just a simulacra. Nothing mental is being messed with.”

The older witch offered to help you with the formulation after hearing your explanation. You promptly turned her down.

“It’s from me, by me, and representative of me. No one else gets to have a hand in this.” 

With that, she gave you her blessings and left you be. Although not without reminding you of the shifts and projects you’re still committed to for the shop. It was what you expected from her, but you also had no problems with it, not anymore. You would get off ‘real’ work only to start work of the same variety in your free time. Which may sound grueling but the reasoning between the two made all the difference that mattered. You had an energy committed to this, a motivation, arguably an obsession. And all of these you plan on being reflected in the potion’s side effects.

For poisons, what you would usually do to test them is use your vision to create some experimental organisms from plants. With color codes for different effects paired with careful observation of reactions on a small scale environment. Well, not with this one. Patli may have wanted you to take a break from self experimentation but there were simply no other options. You needed to feel for yourself how accurately you captured the other ailment you suffer from: romantic love. 

You had a list of symptoms. Body temperature will be raised slightly, same goes for heartbeat. There will be a burst of energy but also fluctuation of the senses; pain sensors will be numbed, light will be perceived by the eyes in a more flattering manner, hearing will be diminished. There will also be a craving, an urge of the tongue to have more of what was just consumed. Taking one drink meant having a craving for a second, for a third and for a fourth. It would be a strong urge, but nothing that can’t be resisted with enough willpower. As for the taste…Well, you copied a classic for that one. So maybe it wasn’t as original as you wanted to be. 

It’ll be the flavor the target favors most in the world. Whatever that may be.

Perfectionism took center stage during the time between the start of this project and Kinich’s return. Each day meant more brewing, more testing, and most of all—more helpless emotionally-driven contemplation between any actual work done. You weren’t lying when you said it was personal, this whole thing was just a productive therapy session for you. A way to channel that overwhelming emotion into something expressive and physically there. 

And then, one day, a letter came from him. A simply worded one, as was usual for the saurian hunter.

‘Sorry it took so long, I’ll be back as soon as possible, 10-14 days is my estimate. There’s a lot to explain but just wait a little longer. I’ve missed you too.’ Funnily enough, you don’t actually remember saying that you missed him in your last letter. As true as that statement would have been.

Either way, you pulled an all-nighter after reading the news. Not entirely out of your own will, but still. 

“I’m sick…”

This sucks, you felt like you were going mad. Meaning now you don’t even have sanity going for you. Great. 

The days passed in a blur of emotions. The work on the potion never stopped until the letter announcing his arrival for the next day arrived. After that, it was just staying in bed to wait it out, bizarrely acting as if you had caught a physical sickness as well. An act that lasted all of one day before you were standing by the door to look out for your friend’s arrival. Your mother said she was going out for tea and would catch up with the two of you later. You had no qualms with that. 

‘Is that…?’

The moment you saw Kinich, you bursted into a sprint into his direction, and he did the same the second he saw you doing so. The yell of names in absolute joy rang in the air as the two of you collided; no shock nor pain to be felt, for the second you crashed into the young man he had already lifted you up in the air out of adoration.

“You’re back! Oh god, finally!”

There was a big grin on your face, which also meant that Kinich sported one on his own as well. Every bit the happy fool as you were upon the reunion. “Yes, sorry it took so long. Something came up you see…”

Drowning in your utter excitement, you had somehow failed to notice the floating creature next to him. A saurian it seemed, but very small and…strangely rendered in squares. It stared at the two of you with a difficult expression. 

“You done yet or what?”

Difficult as in hard to look at the two of you, being in each other’s arms and all.

“Um, Kinich, what’s this thing?”

The ‘thing’ started fuming at being addressed as such. “HOW DARE YOU LOWLY HUMAN?! THE ALMIGHTY DRAGON LORD K’UHUL AJAW SHALL NOT BE SPOKEN TO SO RUDELY!”

You grimaced at the screeching tone assaulting your ears. That was a lot of volume packed into a small body. “Oh gosh, I’m sorry…?” You looked to your friend for answers.

Kinich gestured to the creature with his free hand, the other one still wrapped around your frame. “This is Ajaw, I found him in the ruins and signed a pact with him. He will grant me a fraction of his power to use and stay by my side until I die.”

“Where then his body is mine to possess and use to take over this land!”

That sounded concerning…

The hunter sighed, letting go of you before attaching his hand to your wrist, gripping lowly so that his palm met yours. “I’ll catch you up on the way back,” he assured.

“Sounds like a plan.”

And what could you do besides trust his judgments? In the same way you always have.

◆──◇──◆

As promised, Kinich caught you up on the weird details of the arrangement he has now found himself in for the safety of the land. And as always, you understood his reasoning and predicament, there was nothing to scold him for. The boy made a good enough case for why he needs to keep the ancient saurian under lock and contract, what you didn’t quite grasp was…the other indications.

“Wait, so we can’t have alone time now…?” 

Kinich responded with a delaying cough and Ajaw facepalmed so hard he knocked himself off the table. Now moping around somewhere out of sight as your friend tries to articulate the situation with rosy cheeks. “Well…it will not be as readily available but we definitely will be able to still have privacy. I can lock away Ajaw for a given period of time and whenever he’s banished it’ll just be me like before. It has its limits though, so I will need to use it sparingly.”

“What he said! But don’t go thinking that K’uhul Ajaw would ever want to third wheel the two of you in the first place! The second we see things getting too mushy you will no longer extend our magnificent presence.”

“In that case…”

It would take some time to get used to but you wanted to take their word for it. “Do allow me to get a little ‘mushy’ then, and then you can judge if it’s too much. See, there’s a gift I wanted to hand over.” 

Your friend’s ears perked at the familiar statement. “Oh? What do you have for me?”

Standing up, you went and retrieved a bottle from one of the many cupboards in the room. You set it on the table upon return. Something colorful was in it. Very colorful. 

“I didn’t exactly plan to have an audience with me, but oh well. 

“Is it a new poison?” Behind him, Ajaw seemed to brighten at the prospect of his contractor already coming into contact with danger. 

All you could do was chuckle at the question asked. “In a way, yes.”

“Oooo, you should drink it,” grinned the saurian. Funnily enough, Kinich did not respond. Instead waiting for your words on the matter. 

“I mean…think about it. Love is a heart’s poison to us rational animals, it makes us unreasonable, frantic, and unable to control our thoughts nor reactions. Truly awful things for you and me, yes?”

“Yes.” Kinich was quick to affirm. “It’s not an easy thing to live with while clinging to reason.” 

After all, he understood.

“It poisons the mind, practically debilitates it, really.” Reaching a hand to your skirt pocket, you pulled from it a tag. The same one you use to label all your creations.

“Which is also why I would only feel safe indulging in it with someone like you—should you decide on the same, that is.”

You secured it on the bottle, tying a little bow with it before sliding it over to the intended receiver of the potion. ‘For Kinich’ it read. ‘Whenever you are ready.’

He received it with wide eyes and a pair of steady hands. Knowing that it was precious in some ways yet also not knowing how. “So what does that make this?”

You grinned, feeling a bit sheepish, but certainly calmer than the things the boy across from you was suffering through. Having at least the advantage of countless mental rehearsals on your side if nothing else.

“This is my formal confession to you, everything you’ve done to my heart is formulated here.”

Maybe it was silly, brewing this instead of writing a love letter. Maybe this wasn’t even the right time. You didn’t care. 

“No words can communicate it, not directly, but I believe this little poison can. So if you want to take on the knowledge...” 

Take a sip, and he will understand all you had to sit through for the past few years. From the beginning warmth to the maddening heat. All of it.

“You…are confessing to me…?” The poor thing looked so lost. His mind simply incapable of solving the riddle you left with him. Not right that second.

“In a way, yes.” You hummed, relieved to finally be rid of the weight in his hands. “Though I’m not asking for one from you in return. I mean, I think it’s pretty clear how you feel. So I don’t need confirmation, not when I know that neither of us are ready to commit to romance. You have your job and I have me to deal with.”

Hell, you felt a mess inside, like a room barricaded from the eyes of guests. Even this was partially to clean up that mess.

“The potion is just to express that I have reserved my heart for you, Kinich. Like your proof of stake to it if you decide on romance for the two of us; a reminder that I would be more than happy to reciprocate if you do.”

But you made your choice.

“The rest is up to you.” You had gestured to the bottle while speaking. It was a weakener custom made for him. Nothing lethal and quick to act. You even made sure the dosage was of no concern if he downed it in one go someday.

In turn, Kinich was stunned, his gloved hands turning clammy for the first time in god knows how long. He gulped but there was nothing in his throat, just a persistent thundering in his chest. How was one meant to get rid of that?

The boy tried to recall all he knew, the facts of it all. That he loved you, that you loved him too. That the two of you would not commit to romance unless confident in its success, and now, it was up to him to decide when exactly that time might be—somehow. “I…”

Conditions, yes! He needs to set conditions to determine when he would allow himself to reciprocate. 

“I’m happy…”

But what conditions? Strength, certainly, in all capacity no less, but also worth. So not until he was someone worthy—no, scratch that—there was no way Kinich could surmise such a thing. Not until he was someone capable of treating you the way you ought to be treated. Because that was all that mattered, and so long as he is able to do so, no one else gets to do it. 

“Thank you for trusting me with this. You’re too kind to me.”

Not just because he was selfish, but because the way you deserved to be treated by a lover was…

You blessed his eyes with a smile. “Why would I be anything less?”

Was better than anyone else could ever hope to. There would simply be no other rational choice. And until Kinich was certain he could be that person, this gift shall remain sealed and away from his curious lips. 

Yes, that was his verdict on the matter.

“I…!” And then Ajaw opened his mouth again after so long, apparently having been able to sit through what had just transpired before his shaded lenses. A real trooper.

“I KNEW IT!! There was no way this guy’s would-be girlfriend would be normal either!! You’re BOTH weirdos!!!”

You looked to Kinich for answers. 

“Literally what even was that?? Huh???” 

His gaze told you that the tantrums were indeed standard. 

“Poison? Proof of stake?? Was that a confession or did I just witness him make another pact with someone?!”

The hunter sighed at the fuming dragon. Clearly feeling as little pressure as you felt to explain the situation to the glorified lizard. “Should I banish him?”

“HEY!”

You were amused at least, so that was worth something. “No need, no need. I ought to get used to the new competition over your attention.”

“HUURRG—!” Ajaw barfed up something unidentifiable. Kinich looked on disapprovingly, but listened nonetheless. “If you say so…”

It seems like there will be a litmus test of normality for the two of you from now on at least. 

“Well jokes on you two! I’m LEAVING!”

Just an over dramatic one is all.

“What a funny lizard you have there.”

”Yes. He’s going to be insufferable.”

◇──◆──◇──◆

To be continued…

◇──◆──◇──◆ 

Chapter Text

◇──◆──◇──◆

Beating Hearts

◇──◆──◇──◆

It was supposed to be any other day, waking up to a clear sky and bird call; you got dressed, you went downstairs, and for some inexplicable reason, found Kinich in your family kitchen. 

He sat in silence and alone, a cup of tea held in his gloved hands, using the mug he always used when over at your house. No steam rose from it. “Morning,” he greeted you, and immediately you began to worry.

“Kinich? What are you doing here?”

His expression was gentle, that was fine. His demeanor was low energy, nothing unusual after a job; but somewhere deep and hidden behind years of familiarity, you felt it—a sense of wistfulness from him. Something or other went awry. 

“You’re free today right?”

You nodded, but he knew your schedule. 

“Great, ‘cause I wanted to take you out to town.”

“Sure…” That sounded wonderful. “For what occasion though?” 

“Thought it’s been a while since we hung out.” It hasn’t been a week yet. “And it was payday yesterday, so I felt like treating us to something.” 

He stood up from his seat and made his way over to you, a gentle hand laying on the small of your back as he led you out towards the door. “I know what you are thinking,” said the young man in a low voice. “And don’t worry, nothing bad happened. But I do want to spend the day with you, get some food and walk around town.” 

He let go of that feathered touch to open the door, stretching another hand back out to you. “So won’t you indulge me a bit?”

Without another question, you put your wrist in his palm, letting it be engulfed by the fabric of his gloves. “Okay.” 

He always wore them now, you yourself encouraged it many years ago for protection. But times like these made you miss back when you were kids and skin met skin, when you could tell that his was always colder than yours and what new little cuts he had to bandage up lately. Now all you can feel is a firm grip and the occasional squeeze of attention or assurance. 

He never let go of it on the whole way to town, not even for that silly compromise position the two of you came up with. Where he held it as a ‘normal’ with the exception of his thumb and pointer encased over the circumference of your wrist. A weird hybrid of both of your preferences.

“Wanna grab breakfast here?”

It was only at your first destination did he let go.

“Looks good to me.” And even then it was only after being seated. 

The table was a four-person one and the two of you sat on the same side as usual, leaving the other vacant.

“Should we order something for Ajaw?” you wondered. 

“Probably, yeah. Should I let him out?”

“...I didn’t realize you’ve been locking him up.”

At least the chatty saurian took up the space perfectly.

“Tch! For a moment I thought your puny brain had forgotten your place as a provider of food! Though still utterly embarrassing for you to have needed a reminder from your little girlfriend.”

“Oh yes, how utterly embarrassing.” Kinich kept reading the menu as he spoke. Successfully avoiding eye contact with his displeased companion, though likely not out of embarrassment despite his previous statement. “What about a stew?” He asked, and you knew who it was for based on tone alone. 

“Why not, any protein you are craving?”

“Maybe the shrimp beanballs.”

In the end, Kinich ordered some grainfruit wraps for Ajaw despite knowing their shared preference for meat. When asked to justify himself, he replied that it was simply “the most economical option.” Not to mention time-saving since the saurian likes to take naps after being stuffed. Which sounded a bit mean, but judging by the way he ignored the instances of Ajaw snatching food from his plate, it was nothing out of the ordinary. 

Well, at least that was one theory off the plate

“I see that Ajaw’s appetite is larger than his body.”

“Tell me about it.”

The food was served. There was fried shrimp and vegetable stew, grainfruit wraps for the disgruntled dragon, and a volcano cake will be brought out later as well. With any luck, it’ll only be eaten by two mouths instead of three.

As Kinich talked, you leaned down to take a sip of the soup. The shorter strands of hair next to your lips were untucked. 

“Wait—”

He reached for your face, fingertips grazing at the corner of your lips ever so gently to remove the strands caught between them. It’s funny, you barely see him being this neat about his own food when eating.

“It was stuck.”

“Hah, I know.” You had stayed dead still as he removed it. “Thanks!”

The boy was always like this, wrought with thoughts yet never absent-minded. Not with you at least, seeing as you could hardly speak on behalf of others when it came to him. 

Throughout the day, Kinich never let slip any clue as to what brought on the urgent invitation, his attention unwavering as he strolled through town by your side after breakfast. Observing and engaging with all you did with him, the chatting, the shopping—everything. 

“Didn’t you say that you’re considering getting a new purse?” He had asked while you window-shopped. 

“Yeah actually. Got any suggestions?” 

“Follow me.”

You didn’t want new stuff, not really, not at that moment. All you wanted was for him to tell you what was on his mind. It felt so strange to not be transparent with one another. Almost as if he were anyone else in your life.

“Aw, okay yeah. That one’s cute.”

“Hence why I thought it’d match you.”

But you agreed to indulge him, not just with your time—Kinich hardly had to ask for confirmation with that—no, what he really asked for was your selective silence. For you to not press him for answers and simply go along with his plans for the day the same way you’ve done countless times before; letting him enjoy the familiar joy that was your company.

And like the good friend you wanted to be, you did just that. Standing still as he put the purse onto you, following him in front of the mirror to see how it looked. It was your favorite color and had a flower on it, light pink with an intricate arrangement of petals. 

“It’s so pretty, is it a type of rose?” You liked floral patterns, they were pretty and had a great deal of versatility. But you doubted that you liked them that much more than the average young woman.

“I can ask for us.” 

And yet Kinich always seems to gift you with them. You never told him it was your favorite, he must have made an educated gust as a child. Likely because Patli only picked out floral accessories for you in those early days. It was what you had so you wore them regularly, and before you knew it—you had a whole collection from him. 

“Yes, that rose is a special breed known as the Great Maiden’s Blush.”

Then again, there was a contradiction right there. “Cute name, makes sense given the color.”

You say that you don’t favor it, yet it’s the pattern your best friend always gift you; the one found on some of your favorite items, and the one you know reminds him of you when he sees it in town. It was a pattern that was pretty, widely liked, and to him, it was yours. 

“Do you want to get it?”

At that point, it was hard to say that you were neutral to it, even if for mostly contextual reasons instead of inherent. 

“Yeah, yeah I think I will.”

This one you insisted on paying for yourself, leaving Kinich to look around the shop as you brought it to the shopkeeper to ring up. A pouch of savings taken out for the exchange. “Can I get a bag for it?”

“Of course,” said the lady behind the counter. “Would you like anything embroidered on it?”

You raised your brows at the suggestions, considering it depending on the price. “That sounds nice, I didn’t realize you did them.”

The shopkeeper chuckled sheepishly. “Well, I’m still new to it so I can’t do anything intricate yet, so it’ll be cheap at least.”

You considered the different patterns to choose from, trying to see which one brought the most joy upon sight. “I see, how long will it take?”

“You can probably pick it up in an hour or two before you go back if it’s small.”

You pulled out the extra mora to cover it, letting her take away whatever needed for the extra work. “Sounds good. I’ll be back later then.”

“I’ll be sure to finish it by then! What’s the design you want?”

From the corner of your eyes you saw Kinich looking over, nothing scrutinizing, likely just waiting for you to finish up. 

“Just put a K on it, nothing fancy, on the right side and the front. Use any shade of blue or green that you think would look good.”

The woman nodded in response. “Only a K?” She asked for clarification. “I can do full initials or another letter by the time you return as well.”

You shook your head. “Just a K for now.”

“Got it! It’ll be ready in an hour, miss.” With that confirmation, you made your way back to Kinich’s side. 

“Where’s the purse…?” he asked. 

You answered. “We’ll pick it up later, she’ll put a little embroidery on it for me.” 

“I see, what did you ask for?”

You giggled in response, pinching the boy’s nose before taking his hand in yours. No real answer given out.

“You’ll see!”

◇──◆──◇

The rest of the trip was pleasantly uneventful. A few odd appearances from Ajaw once he woke from his nap, but by all means enjoyable. Good chats and food, a lot of window shopping; kind greetings from townsfolk familiar with you and bewildered ones from those who knew Kinich. 

It was not horribly often that the two of you went out shopping; usually just having lunch when in town together, sometimes a dinner. Nothing too long, as your friend knew you were a homebody and was always more than happy to spend time with you without the noise of others. The trip today, however, stretched from morning to evening; all the way until the sky dimmed, where then you followed Kinich home for an early dinner. It’s been a while since he last cooked for you. 

“Craving anything?” he had asked you so sweetly.

“Anything will do,” you replied. “Don’t think too hard about it.” 

You weren’t in the mood for a feast. 

“I’m sure I’ll enjoy it either way.”

You waited at the table as he cooked, arms folded on the surface and your head resting in those arms. Mulling over the events of today, the time spent so far.

In the not far distance, you heard Kinich humming a melody as he cooked. It was sweet and such an old one to your ear, to the point you didn’t remember whether you had once heard it from him or him from you. It was the same one you hummed when braiding the boy’s hair and the one he did when braiding yours. Though you two had met at a good age, early childhood had always been such a blur. Really, it was only around the time Kinich came into your life did things begin to chronicle more clearly. 

You hummed along. 

“Tired?”

He sat next to you for dinner, the food placed on the table as he ran his finger through your hair in comfort. You had closed your eyes while waiting for him, laying on the table. “It’s been a long day.” You mumbled.

“I know,” said the boy, his hand now cupping your cheek in affection, turning it up to face him. That way he saw it clearly. “And thanks for putting up with me. It’ll be over soon.”

Well, that sounded almost ominous. “What do you mean?” 

He looked apologetic, regretful. “After dinner, I’ll catch you up on the developments.”

It shouldn't be surprising that he knew what you were thinking. Or rather, what he has been putting you through today with his avoidance. It made you worried, Kinich was not one to hide bad news, not when they are going to be exposed anyway. It was pointless in his eyes to spend energy avoiding the inevitable and you felt the same way, hence the distress at his change of pace all of a sudden.

Truly, the dinner couldn’t have ended sooner for you.

──◆──

Behind Kinich’s every action has always been self-interest.

It was the same for everyone else from what he surmised, the hunter was just more upfront about it. So even when extending kindness, it was still all a matter of if the interest of someone else aligned with his own. Which it often enough did, seeing as he wasn’t a heartless being who cared not for the wellbeing of others. 

This was also what he always applied to you, to make you happy was to make him happy. That's just how it was and the young man doubted that he would like it any other way. 

But today was different. 

Bad news was unavoidable, a long mission, a serious injury, a bout of melancholy. Things like that. Sad, but usually something that can be made manageable by sharing with the other, trivial. Yet therein lies the problem, the bestowment of an ancient name wasn’t exactly trivial. 

“I see…”

With it, Kinich’s life has been irrevocably changed, and in a way that deeply, deeply harmed your interest as his dearest friend no less.

“The people of Natlan are lucky…” You had smiled despairingly upon the news, your body wracked with a laugh so devoid of life that it mimicked a sob instead. You sat next to your friend on the couch, body leaning against his as your will drained from within. 

“I always thought they could use more of a hint on how great you are…Well, now they do. You’re named a hero now, ‘Malipo’ Kinich.”

Malipo meant turnfire, but it also meant to Kinich a horrible burden on the woman he loved most. It meant that, by the decree of the land, he was to fight in the Night Warden Wars against the Abyss, continously risking his life. And unlike his missions, he cannot decide for himself if the task is too dangerous to commit to, the now warrior had no choice in the matter. 

He sighed. “It can’t be helped, Celestia knows why they chose me to be a hero. Maybe only combative abilities were considered.”

Kinich knew well that the moment he told you would be the moment things changed for the worse. No longer would he be your friend with a dangerous profession, but a friend who is repeatedly thrown into the jaws of death on top of that. Someone who tinged every ounce of happiness shared with the acute sorrow of knowing it is likely to be abruptly lost. 

He wasn’t going to delay the news, not by much, it would still be a cruel waste of time. But for just one more day, Kinich wanted to enjoy what you had prior to the ancient name. It would be a rare instance of his interest clashing with yours. Where he would savor the sweetness of a present that was already history whilst you lay in wait and worried. It was out of his self-interest, to indulge in a you not yet burdened by his fate, still blissfully ignorant. 

“It’s hard news to digest, I know…” Not just that, but there was not much to be said. Any reassurances would be one promising his safety, and the two of you knew that was no guarantee. Even his best efforts at survival was always a presumption that needed no establishment. 

“When will you join the war?” you asked, staring off into the distance, your head on your friend’s shoulder. His arms around your frame. 

“As soon as possible is the rule,” he replied, squeezing your shoulders gently in comfort. “So it’ll have to be next month.”

‘That’s too soon’ you thought. ‘That’s too soon’ screamed your head over and over again.

You grabbed onto Kinich, hands on his shoulders as you faced him head on as if it were a confrontation. As if he had done anything wrong in all of this. 

“No…” you whispered, looking at your friend, the way he breathed and lived in front of you. Unlike most, you never took such a thing for granted. 

But that just makes it hurt all the more, doesn’t it? 

“No…no they can’t take you! You—you…!” 

With all your force, you brought him into you, or maybe it was you into him. It didn’t matter, as long as you held him in your arms as if—

“You’re mine…”

It was strange, the young man couldn’t tell if his heart was broken or invigorated by the prospect.

“Kinich…!” 

Please. 

“Tell me you’re mine,” you pleaded to him, and from the sound of your voice, crying too. Where once again, it was your friend who caused it. The same way he always has throughout your life. Unintentionally and indirectly. 

“You don’t always have to be—hell, you don’t even have to mean it, but for now, tell me that you are mine…”

Sometimes, Kinich wished it was you who made him cry instead. He hated the feeling of doing it to you. The guilt, the hurt, the self-disappointment. “I am, of course I am.” 

He wished for it on occasions, but he also knew it made little difference who it was shedding the tears. Because it would hurt the both of you all the same, no value would be gained, only some sick novelty. 

“But sometimes we lose what is ours, get them taken away by force…Such is life.”

So instead, all he can do is hold onto you. To be there while he can and make it count for something. 

“—But what is life with half my world gone?!”

Kinich doubted that he was meant to have someone who cared so much about his life, it felt wrong. In the sense that it was simply unfair, the life he led, the way he is—it all perfectly suited solitude and loose social ties; but instead he had you, another half of himself in this little world. Someone who cannot bear to lose him nor could he to you. So here he was, with you in his useless arms sobbing into his breaking heart—to your breaking heart.

“I don’t know…” 

Still, he wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“But I hope neither of us find out.”

◇──◆──◇──◆

For the next few weeks, Kinich tried his best to stay by your side. As for you, any hour that can be spent with him was also allocated accordingly. You were taking the news better than you’d thought, having no bouts of depression from the situation yet. The melancholy proved itself faithful to the recent pattern of subsidence, now a mere boxed monster you’ve secured underground. And this allowed you to endure it with the sadness of the average girl, which was more than enough.

When you were clocked in as the local witch-doctor, he would sit cross legged on the floor behind the counter, speaking up only when there were no customers. Even when they got rowdy he stayed silent, having gotten a scolding last time by threatening to take someone outside for giving you a hard time—apparently it was bad for business; and you knew the procedures should things get out of hand, so most of the time the unpleasantness was just meant to be endured. The young man understood the logic of it, but his heart could never accept you being threatened by anyone who got to continue to breathe painlessly afterwards.

“Just part of the job,” you had shrugged upon seeing Kinich’s displeased expression, squeezing his hand in reassurance beneath the counter. The bounty hunter tried to recount all the times he’s said the very same words to you. 

He failed. “Doesn’t mean I like it.”

You often said the same about his own occupation. “Touché, my dear.” 

The boy liked that the shop didn’t get busy, given the nature of the occupation and all. It meant he got to chat with you, got to enjoy your company in general where words didn’t need to be exchanged; not when the two of you already thought too much to need speech to occupy the mind’s attention. Though Ajaw certainly made his appearance from time to time before getting bored and promptly disappearing. 

“He’s usually more active than this,” noted Kinich, still sitting on the floor behind the counter; his head leaned against your leg as you combed your fingers through his raven locks affectionately. “Won’t even disappear after combat when I’m out on a job.”

You hummed. “Perhaps he’s got an ounce or two of social awareness after all.”

“Imagine.”

Despite having just tidied it up, you gave his hair a good ruffling.

As for you, the work-day was almost over, an all too anticipated development given the plans you had coming up. Per usual, there was a project waiting for your attention the second you were off the clock; and as it so often was, it was something related to a certain saurian hunter. Which was only natural given what loomed beyond the horizon. An awful predicament with no way of acceptance from you, so all you could think of was how to endure it best from a practical standpoint. 

Kinich was going off to war. He might die there, but even should he live, he will be thrown back in again and again. Truly, if fate had a throat, you would have ripped it to shreds by now, crushed its fingers if that’s what it had used to weave this course for him. To give this boy to the world—to you—only to take him away like this; you would dig it a grave just to spit on it, yet still will your tears soak the dirt more as you cry in grief. Because grief would be all there is to feel if he…if he…

You sighed. “I can’t believe it’s tomorrow.”

Where did all the time go? 

“Yeah, I’ll have to leave early in the morning.” He squeezed your hand in comfort, the same way he always did when you were feeling down. You could only continue clinging onto his. 

“Do you want to accompany me there?” He asked.

“Of course,” you replied, your voice low and heart unsteady. “I’ll stay with you until the last second, whenever someone has to bar me from going further.”

Admittedly, the only remedy you thought up was a selfish one, just something to put your mind at ease through this ordeal. All Kinich needed to focus on was staying alive and the potions you packed for him will aid in exactly that. In comparison, your mind had been much more finicky to address in comparison. You played through the scenario countless times, imagining the near future where you wait in grief for your friend’s return. He’s never been an optimist and that meant neither were you, it would be hard for you to truly convince yourself to believe in the best-case scenario when you knew it went against conventions. Making it so that the only thing you could do was try to remedy that god-awful period of wait. 

“Alright, that’s my time,” you had been checking the clock enthusiastically. “Come up to my room, there’s something I need to give you for the battle.”

“Even more stuff?” asked the boy incredulously. “I don’t think I can carry that much.”

You knew. “Which is why I made sure it’s not something you would need to carry. Now come on”

Even when afforded the time, you weren't able to sleep. Not with the rampant thoughts in your head, so you made progress elsewhere instead. Just some spellcrafting, something any good witch should be adept at doing. “No supportive spells will take effect in the Night Kingdom, so instead I ask that you bear with me a curse instead.”

Kinich chuckled. “First you give me a poison and now a curse, you must be a woman after Ajaw’s own heart.”

You rolled your eyes, leading him to your bedroom and lightly shutting the door. “Oh hush, it’s a curse on me more so than you. I made sure it won’t get in the way of combat.”

“So what is it then?” he asked, already taking the usual seat by your bed whenever invited over.

You grabbed from your desk a glass bottle, not so different from the countless other ones you’ve filled with god knows what. “A spell that ties me to your pulse,” was what you told him. “It’ll let me know if you are alive and hurt me the second you die.”

It’s not a perfect solution when death lacks permanence in Natlan, where the dead can be revived, but only if they were victorious. A cruel system, yet it was the one set in place. At least this will let you live the wait in peace so long as Kinich stays alive, where you get to know all you need to about his condition. Where so long as that pang of pain does not hit, you know he can return to you. And the second it does, well…at least you can prepare yourself for the bad news. Not having it be so much of a shock would still help, devastating as the news still would be.

He looks at you, he looks at the bottle in your hands, at the way your hands shook ever so slightly as you gripped onto it. “So you don’t want to live in the suspense?” he asked.

God, what a way to word it.

You shook your head, “Can’t say I do.” You always hated uncertainty. “Is that really so shocking? You’re the same.”

He nods, a subtle smile on his lips. “I am.”

“So will you do it?” you all but pleaded with the question. “Help me have a better grasp of your state while you’re away?”

It’ll help you, and that was all he needed to know. “Of course, just tell me what to do.”

Now this was the part you had to close the door for. 

“Right, um…” you gulped, regretting that you never practiced your spells enough to not need this extra step. 

“I need access to your heart—the skin that rests above it, I mean. It can be in the front or back.”

Why did he always have to wear those damn turtlenecks?

“Sure thing,” said Kinich, sounding as nonchalant as he stripped himself of his shirt, turning his back to you so could access what you needed. His ears were hot red. It reminded you of when he first pierced them. 

You matched them with your own pair. “Sorry, I swear this isn’t on purpose. I’ll figure out distance casting one day.”

“I know and don’t be,” he said, holding still as you drew on the side of his heart whatever sigil was needed for the spell, your finger cold from the contents of the bottle you dipped into for the casting. The young man tried not to shiver, though your room had been plenty warm. 

“I don’t mind,” he hummed, trying to distract himself from thinking. “I just can wear a button-up next time.”

You sighed behind his back, the sound short and obvious. “I don’t think that would make much of an improvement.” He hummed. “Won’t hurt to try.” 

The pulse beneath your palm was a strong one, thumping loudly and speedily as if desperate to keep its precious host alive and well, which is all that you ask for really. 

Badum, badum, badum. 

And once you drink the potion, you’ll be feeling that same beat alongside your own. That quick staccato rhythm, you would rather have it race in your poor chest for days than hear it slow and silenced. Because as long as it still beats, you do not care for what nor whom. As long as he is alive, that’s all you could ever asked for. 

“It’s done.”

You cleaned up your hands of what you used for the spell, looking away as your friend puts back on his shirt. Ajaw was up for debate, but there was an ounce or two of social awareness in you that’s for sure. 

“I can ask them to give the live leaderboard for you,” Kinich offered, now standing in front of you and properly dressed too. “Would that help?”

It didn’t ring a bell, which was strange given the marathon of research you had done following the news. “The…what?”

“Some sort of enchanted item that lets you see the mortality rate for each team, whether or not we’re out of the fight yet. Though it won’t say who exactly has died.” He remembered hearing about it from other warriors who had joined the fight. Not everyone takes up the offer but it’s there mostly for those who can’t be there for the return of the fighters.

“It’s supposed to be reserved for family members, but I’m sure they can make an exception for people like me. I can ask them to hand you one tomorrow.” 

He cared so much, it hurts you. 

“Oh Kinich…” You reach for his hand, wanting to hold onto him. The boy gave it to you readily, letting you rest your head against his chest.

“Yes, that would be perfect. Thank you.” Your voice started to leave you, weakening into nothingness as the prospect of what was to come continued to dawn. Even with all the precautions, your heart could not accept this. Not yet. 

“So what now?” asked Kinich. You felt a hand on your back, his hand, though you weren’t sure when it got there. “Besides the obvious I mean, staying alive and all.”

Ironically, you never asked that of him; to win, to stay alive. Because you knew you didn’t need to. The hunter acted in his best interest, and that included not dying to the hands of the abyss. But more than that, you didn’t want to make a liar out of him if fate had other plans. 

As for anything else for him to do…

“Keep me in your heart.”

It was another selfish request. One that you doubted would help him with anything, but one that would let you sleep easier at night. Knowing that you were in his heart.

Against his chest, you felt the rumble of a laugh, small and barely noticeable. Only audible if one listened closely to his words for hints of mirth. “One step ahead of you there,” he quipped. “Anything else?”

There was so much you wanted to do. Hell, if circumstances didn’t exist, you would ask Kincih to run away with you right now. To hell with the abyss, the night warden wars—the citizens of Natlan can fend for themselves for the next however long they can, you just wanted to spend the rest of your days with him by your side. But things didn’t play out that way, not in this life. In this one, he was chosen as their hero. 

“Kiss me.” You settled instead, pulling your head away from his chest. Looking up at the boy you’ve loved all these years. “Please…”

In return, Kinich gazed at you with all his heart, staying and waiting for it to have its fill, that way he could drag himself off to war already. But he had to realize that it was fruitless at some point; that it was impossible for him to get enough of you in his life, and no amount of gazing would change that.

“Are you sure?” he wondered. After all, as far as you knew, he may be a dead man walking. 

“I don’t want to risk never getting to.” 

Those longing eyes of his—both vibrant seas of colors—it must be art you thought, this beauty, and those dark lashes the perfect frame for it. What you did to have such art want to behold you so lovingly was a mystery that only Kinich would know. 

Maybe he can put it into words for you when he comes back. 

“I see.”

But for now, all he could do was kiss you. To place his lips on yours and grant you this one request, if not other more important ones. Holding still as you have your fill because there was little else he could do. The boy couldn’t promise anything to you, not a single worthwhile thing, only stand by as you suffered the grief of his own fate. Of course he didn’t  want to die, but somewhere along the line, the reasoning for that became less that he wanted to avoid death and more…

More so that you don’t have to suffer once he does. 

“Kinich?”

You pulled away from his lips, your cheeks wet.

“Are you okay?”

It wasn’t with your tears. 

“Oh…”

He touched his own face, confirming that it was indeed him who has been crying this time. It was strange, he didn’t realize his emotions had gotten to that point. Everything had felt the same as it did for the past few days, all bittersweet and uncertain. 

“I…I’m okay.”

You sighed, reaching to wipe away those fresh tears. “But that’s not how this works, is it?”

Kinich put his hands over yours, holding it against him, feeling it while he still can. “No, I suppose not. But it is how things are.” 

He cares for you so much, it hurts. 

◇──◆──◇──◆

The Next Day

◇──◆──◇──◆

The dreaded day came and away he went. So down the throat did the potion go, and now a second heartbeat pulsed besides your own, your monitor on the situation once Kinich was taken away. 

He had given you a hug, combed his finger through your hair and told you to take care whilst he’s gone; to try not to worry too much since it won’t do you much good. You told him you would try your damnedest but no promises. He understood.

In a different life, it was very possible that the hunter could have thrown himself into this battle with ease. Confronting the prospect of his glorious death without concern nor apprehension; but that was not the life he lived, in this life, he just couldn’t. Not when you counted on him to return, not when Kinich wanted to return to you—because of course he did. The prospect of his death without revival was a real one, to not acknowledge that would be foolish and that hangs heavy over you two. 

So what now? 

He fight. No matter what form the opponent takes, he must cut them down and preserve himself.

First had been his mother, just as he remembered her in childhood with her arms spread to embrace him. Cut down swiftly and without mercy, disintegrating from sight as he readied himself for another, her face melting into the vast nothingness of night. 

Second had been you, looking the same way from barely a day ago, waving at him wearing a big grin on its face, your grin. From the way your eyes crinkled to the way your lips pulled apart as if already welcoming him back home. “Kinich!” your voice called out, and that had been the last straw. The hunter picked up his pace and sliced it all apart, an anger burning in his veins. How dare they. 

The familiar faces kept coming, repeating even. Which made sense, Kinich supposed there were few people who could be used against him. His mother and you appeared the most frequently, and he made sure to cut each imitation down as swiftly as he can, but damn did it not hurt. The young man eventually learned to look away as he killed, hitting that exact second to avoid seeing the expression these monsters would make with their stolen face.

With time his comrades fell one by one, each death another ton of pressure for him to bring victory. Kinich tried to not think about you back home, watching in fear as the mortality rate rose until there was only one person left. One last chance for the team to go back home alive, and it had been him. Most might think that to be the last one standing was preferable to any other order of death, but it made no difference to him. Be he the first to die or last, all that mattered was if he could go back to you alive.

It was then—bruised, battered, and with Ajaw’s vow of avenging his death, Kincih felt it. Where your palm rested on a mere night before, a claw tore through his chest from behind. He was a dead man now.

There was adrenaline, there was pain, and when even those faded, came what would be his final thoughts. 

Kinich slumped to the ground, unable to open his eyes, not anymore, and in that darkness, his thoughts cleared themselves.

‘I’m sorry…’

He thought of you as he died; your smile, your warmth, your life that could’ve been spent by his side. Right then and there, bleeding out in the kingdom of night, he realized he wanted nothing else in the world. 

Anything. 

He would have traded anything to be able to go back to you—to love you. Yet there was another truth he knew, that he was dying, and that meant it would be impossible.

What was life with half your world gone? 

‘God…’

Regrettably, he would leave that for you to discover.

‘I’m going to make her cry again…’

And with that, his heart gave out.

◇──◆──◇──◆

◇──◆──◇──◆

Back at home, you were crying.

You were crying because you felt his heartbeat slow and weaken in your chest, you were crying because that meant Kinich has been mortally wounded, you were crying because you saw that he was the only one left on his team—

You were crying because the love of your life is dying.

A hand clutched over your chest, you felt your own heart beating along his, so frantic in contrast. Pounding loudly with all the life you wished you could extend to him instead. The fabric of your shirt has all been crumbled, the sheet of paper reporting their mortality has been left on the desk the second you accepted that what it conveyed was true. There was no use looking at it, not anymore, you knew who it was left on there. So instead you laid on your bed, heaving with fear for Kinich’s life. 

If he dies, this is it. There would be no hope of revival when everyone else failed to survive. If he dies, you mourn him today and forevermore.

The tears continue to roll down the side of your face, the eyes they come from wide open in fear. To be truthful? You knew in your heart before the final pain struck, the curse to let you know for sure the second he was beyond life. You knew Kinich was going to die, but at least it will feel like you are with him this way.

The heartbeat slowed to nothing. 

“No…”

Then came the pain. 

Then your scream.

“NO!!!”

He died. He died. He died. He died. The world was cruel and he died—it was incomprehensible now. You understood nothing of how you were supposed to carry on without your dear friend, to inhabit this world without him when it felt like he always was with you, even from a distance. All because you knew he kept you in his heart, but now? 

Now he has no heart to keep you in.

None of this made sense, your ever thinking brain could not comprehend this, only burn in agony. It did not make sense to you when the pain struck, nor did it when…

“What…?”

When you felt a second heartbeat once again. Slowly at first, so faint you were sure your mind was playing tricks on you to comfort itself, but then it rose and rose. Thundering so loudly that you knew it was something more. It pulsed with so much life, so much vigour that it convinced you of its existence.

You leaped out of bed, almost tripping yourself in the process, rushing to the table where the paper was. The report that showed earlier only one life remaining when you still felt Kinich’s heartbeat, confirming to you that he was the last one standing—

It showed that he was still alive.

Maybe something went wrong with the spell, or you are going mad with worry, or divine intervention had happened—you did not care. Not one bit when the result was the same.

He was still alive, there was still a chance for him to return, and, for some reason…

You had a good feeling about this.

◇──◆──◇──◆

Kinich got his consciousness back. And after some confusion, harshly spluttered words from Ajaw, and subsequent critical thinking—successfully surmised what had transpired upon his death. The boy had a vision now, and that vision brought him back to life. He knew because a certain someone gained hers in quite the same way. 

He couldn’t wait to see that someone again. 

It had been chaos, letting the warriors rush back into the arms of their loved ones once the applause and brief ceremony ended. A flurry of people was running across the field to go back home. The boy knew that the Scions of the Canopy waited for him, and more importantly, so did you. 

“Kinich!” 

In the distance, he saw you waving at him, the most joyous grin on your face as you ran toward his direction. And this time, it was all real. 

You weren’t the fastest, but his eyes picked you out from the crowd with ease; all dressed up your witch hat and favorite colors, and once it did, Kinich picked up his sprint. There were a few people in front of you, approaching the returning warrior swiftly and ready to give their congratulations. Dexterously, he dodged past them. 

He went straight to you instead, just because he wanted to, just because he can. And those he maneuvered past could only gaze on in bewilderment seeing the boy pick you up, sweeping you off your feet with his embrace. He had yelled out your name and he was smiling, all youthful joy and pure adoration, almost not looking like himself, but to you, this was him. This was your Kinich.

And how did you know for sure? Because he had his lips on yours as if that was all there is to this world. It was the first thing he did after embracing you; in front of all these familiar people no less. It left you shocked, red-faced, but most of all, happy. So, so happy.

“You’re back…!” you exclaimed the moment he had let you speak. “You’re a hero, Kinich! You survived!”

His arms still around you, the boy only pulled you closer, his lips by your ears to speak quietly. “Maybe…” He said. 

“But most importantly, I’m yours.”

You buried your face in his chest, and he never let go of your waist as the others gave their congratulations as well. There was a vision there, and it told you all you needed to know. He’s back. 

From the dead and back to you.

◇──◆──◇──◆

Finale: A Celebratory Drink

◇──◆──◇──◆

It took some effort for people to separate you from Kinich upon his return from the battle, but with time and effort, it was achieved. The two of you went back to your normal lives more or less; spending time with each other when there was any freed and being in a good mood about recent developments. Kinich had a vision now, a dendro one, and while Ajaw could not be more displeased, you were quite the opposite. The survival rates of vision holders in the Night Warden Wars were nothing to sneeze at. So going forward, you had so much more confidence in his return than the first time sending him off to battle. 

Quite a few had posed questions about the status of your relationship with Kinich after the display he gave upon return. Unfortunately for them, you hardly wanted to divulge, or even know for sure yourself. The response you settled on being an acceptably sly: “He’s the one who did it, ask him.” 

To which obviously the young man gave no helpful response to. It was him we were talking about after all. 

A fervent kiss on the lips, what else could it mean? The answer was obvious, it was what he was to do with that answer that was more important. It was best not to ponder it, you knew this. It was why you gave him that bottle of confession; so that all you had to do was wait and see. But the mind is not so easily controlled and your thoughts drift back to those moments countless times in the coming days.

And on one of these sessions of pondering came a knocking at the door. 

“Kinich?” 

There he was, with his vivid eyes and subtle smile. “Pinic’s ready, what about you?”

It was something he discussed with you the other day, to meet up for one of those again. No real occasion, there didn’t always have to be. Just some quality time together. You agreed, having been in the mood for it anyway. In truth, if he didn’t invite you then it was only a matter of weeks before you did the same to him. 

“Yeah, let’s go!”

And down the familiar road you went, to that same little field of soft grass and pretty blooms you always did with him growing up. Where birthdays were spent and flowers were picked for crowns you’ve learned how to make from him. Though it took quite a while before you could say it looked just as good as his, the boy practiced behind your back it seemed. Like a little one-up competition, where whatever each made went on the head of the other; either that or just wanting to give the best version of whatever they can, or even both. The good news was that the flower population persisted through it all, every bit as beautiful as you remembered it being when you arrived.

You settled on the blanket, opening your brought basket of food to set out. “So, what’d you bring?” you asked. 

Kinich sat down in front of you, reaching out to retrieve what he had left here earlier in preparation. “Just some food and a drink,” he said, catching your attention with the reply.

“A…drink?” You looked over, trying to confirm the thought that barely had the time to form in your head.

“Thought it’d be nice if we were to share it instead.”

In his hands was the same bottle you had given him forever ago. The potion within still swirling in the green and orange hues you once painstakingly picked out. It was weird seeing it again, partially because you never expected to. 

“You…want me to drink this with you?”

Such a silly question, asked as if he hadn’t already brought out the pair of cups to pour them in. “Exactly, it felt special, and that means I should try sharing it with you, no?”

Finally, your heartbeat caught up with the situation, now pounding in your ear as you waited with bated breath. The wait was over.

“Plus, wasn’t that what you said back then? Indulge in it with me and all.” 

He sounded so nonchalant, but then you see the blush dusting his own cheeks as he offers you a filled cup, the faint jitteriness to his limbs. His heartbeat may not be in your chest anymore, but you never needed it to know its state when by your side. So with a smile, you took it from his hands, holding now in yours the very thing that was meant to express everything you already felt. A bit redundant perhaps, but Kinich was right. This was special. 

“Cheers?” He asked you, holding out his cup. Cute.

“Cheers.” You replied, clinking your glass to his. 

The two of you shared a laugh at it all, shared the drink in its entirety, and finally, shared with each other the promise to be true. Really, it didn’t sound too different from the things already said between you two. The distinction instead from the new commitment to each other. It was so sweet, the moments shared, the words spoken, the potion on your lips. 

“I love you.” Kinich had said. “And I mean it, I swear on my name that I do.”

You chuckled. “I know.” So did many others, he made sure of that. “And I do too, talk about a coincidence!”

The boy rolled his eyes and kissed you on the forehead, the taste of love on his tongue and your warm body in his arms. Yes, it was all perfect, the world was whole. 

“I love you too, Kinich…I love you so much.”

He came back to love you, and that was all either of you ever wanted. 

Chapter Text

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Voice Line Pack

(Kinich) About You: People often wonder why I give her freebies since I don’t ask for compensation when granting her requests, I would even do things without being asked if it’s for her. They see this and think she is immune to my usual rules of conduct. 

This assumption is simply not true, she is not exempt. The reason I do not ask for anything is because it’s her, and she is an extension of me. To help her to help myself, there is no transaction that can occur between us and thus none do—her interest is mine and vice versa. So those who help her help me, and those who hurt her will pay a price they cannot afford. 

(You) About Kinich: I always say to people that if you like me, you’ll like Kinich as well, even if it might take a moment. He doesn’t care to polish his words for others but that’s also what I like about him. Actually, I wish I could be more like him in that regard. It's amazing to witness him always succeeding no matter what others' opinions of him are. And if you are one of the few he chooses to get close to, you’ll see that he’s a total sweetheart. You just have to learn how to. 
He’s also my boyfriend! 

(Ajaw) About You: Kinich’s little girlfriend? The ultimate harbinger of my total and temporary banishment into that damn artifact? Yeah, what about her? 

I swear she’s just a genderbent version of that boy, how very uncreative. Just as weird and in all the same ways too, it’s borderline insufferable ‘cause it’s always two against one when you’re with them. Like a singular, unholy pragmatic entity masquerading as a young couple. 

But that boy really cares about her, it’s actually insane. When he first died, the last word from his lips was her name. And for the record, that bastard should have stayed dead then and there—she can find another damn boyfriend if she really wanted to!

⋘ 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎... ⋙

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Descriptions Pack

(Y/N) Character Description:

To the upstanding citizens of Natlan, she is the pretty little witch from the woods. The one who brews fun potions to be sold at fairs, likely having a contract with the adventurers guild or other merchant industries. A charming personality, but also one that few were able to get close to. One who kept a smile on her face and a distinct distance from everyone else, doing nothing to offend nor anything to curry their approval. If performing a rare favor, she always spells out cheerfully her expectations for something of equal value in return. It would be behind a giggle and a laugh, but still clearly stated nonetheless, for she will not be in debt to others nor does she want them to be in debt to her. After all, who’s to say they will get around to repaying that debt? 

And to the less upstanding citizens—the mercenaries, the assassins, fatui agents, and yes, saurian hunters, she was the best witch-doctor to supply them with deadly poisons of all kinds. Always protective over her personal interests yet perfectly uninterested in the business of her customers, she had a good reputation in more ways than one. The young lady never cared what was done with her creations so long as she was fairly compensated for providing them, it was as simple as that. Though beyond the aforementioned groups, anyone with sufficiently good intel and particular intentions would also find themselves patronizing her shop. This is because the witch specialized in potions beyond the toxic variety. Some called it an unhealthy obsession, one perpetuated by her ability to create experimental organisms, which wasn’t technically inaccurate. So for the right price, it is said she could make concoctions of any sort to the customer’s specifications, no matter how dangerous they may be.  

Finally, to Kinich, she was simply priceless. His twin flame, his irreplaceable, his heart and his love incarnated into the most beautiful woman in all of Teyvat. When not on the job, it seemed that he was at her beck and call for no price whatsoever. Which was strange since the young hunter always requested compensation from anyone and anything he could; but that’s exactly it, she wasn’t just anyone and he simply could not subject her to his usual rules of exchange. There are no tabs to keep track of between them, not even attempts at reciprocation. Instead, it’s an ever-ongoing cycle of mutual indulgences, simple unconditional care and adoration. In other words, the two of them were as smitten with each other as hardcore pragmatists can be. There’s even a joke amongst the ignorant that she must have fed him a love potion for the cold-blooded hunter to be so sweet on her. But those more familiar with them knew that it couldn’t be possible, not when such a concoction would have no effect on the young man. For it was impossible for Kinich—for anyone, to love her more than he did for years and years before their little confessions. Since the early days of his childhood, he already loved her, maybe not romantically at first, but it ran deep enough for that to be inconsequential. Since the day they met, they were irreplaceable to one another. It was that simple.

(Behavioral) Physical Affection: 

You always make sure to make it abundantly obvious what your current relationship with Kinich is. Same banter, same attitude, but with no restraints and a lot of kisses. Partially because you enjoy it, but also because of the reaction you would get. The sheer shock on people’s faces seeing the cold and stoic Kinich doted on by his girlfriend, suddenly compliant and even generous when it came to her. He may not initiate displays of affection to your degree, but he makes sure to never ignore them, letting everyone know who you were to him. It was the other reason why you like doing this, because for all his composure you knew he had his limits too before becoming a victim of flustering. The rush of excitement for you to break through that calm head never gets old.

(Behavioral) Deviation: 

Money talks, and Kinich’s got a good ear for it. Rule was that as long as he deemed a task within his services, then it was all about pricing. Even the guilt and distress he would sustain on the job would be calculated into the price. But all commissioners ought to know that there is one time of year that the bounty hunter will be deaf to cash: your birthday. The day before, the day of, and the day after. Three whole days completely off limits to anyone else. His regulars knew of this restriction, but then there are those who don't and find themselves in a heated argument against the young man. 

There was your nineteenth birthday, where he was asked to go to an art exhibit and burn it down on the first day before it could open. It was hosted by someone the patron had bad blood with, or something. Kinich stopped paying attention the second he saw when exactly he was supposed to go. Even if he was being offered 45 million mora for it.

“Can’t do it,” he said to the patron. “Not on that day, I’ll be preoccupied with a prior arrangement.” 

“I’ll pay better than them!” 

“Goodbye, find someone else.”

“I can double it! How does 80 million sound?”

“I told you, I’ll be busy.”

“100 million then! You can’t possibly want more than that!”

He had slammed his hands on the table as he got up, yanking the pen right out of the patron's hand to circle exactly three overlapping days of the mission. The day of your birthday, the day before, and the day after. He circled it so harshly that the paper had ripped and the pen got damaged.

“Three days,” Kinich had hissed out. “There are exactly three days out of the year where I’m considered a deadman to any would-be employer— no exceptions under any condition. Try your luck with someone else.”

He started walking out of the room, and it was then that Ajaw made his appearance. 

“ARE YOU INSANE KINICH?! A HUNDRED MILLION MORA, TEN TIMES TEN!!”

“I’m very much sane, thank you for your concern.”

“AS IF!!! That was just stupid of you to pass up! Like, why even??? I know your little girlfriend lets you pushed back your birthday a week or two before, why can’t you for her? For a hundred million mora, Kinich! HUNDRED MILLION.” 

“Because I asked.” He said, and not only once. He asked again and again to check if you were really, truly, fine with it. “And she doesn’t mind it, and that’s all that matters.”

“But she isn’t fine with you missing her birthday?” Ajaw rolled his eyes. “Tch, self-centered little witch.”

Kinich’s eye twitched. “No, I’m not okay with missing her birthday. Me. Don’t get it twisted. Even if she doesn’t mind pushing it back, I do.” It would be your day, which meant it was more important to him than his own, and would hurt him more to brush it aside than his own.  

“Stupid dumb lover boy.”

“Thank you for your diagnosis.”

“Hmph!”

(Item #1) Witch Hat: The hat of a certain young witch-doctor. Well-loved and worn by its owner, it has many fashionable accessories added onto it. Braided ribbons, colorful feathers, jewels, and most uniquely, rare saurian bones. Some of them have hearts carved onto its surface in one of two styles depending on the bone.

(Item #2) Purse: A fabric purse with an embroidery of the flower known as Great Maiden’s Blush. The clusters of petals fade from white to a soft pink, its symbolism is commonly believed to be “perfect happiness” and if given to another, “if you love me, you will find out.” A pair of initials is also stitched onto there.

(Item #3) Spiked Earrings: Handmade earrings of a large spike with an “x” on top. Constantly worn by Kinich on all occasions and appear to be custom made in order to match the shades of green worn by him. The craftsmanship is of amateur quality but perfectly usable. The material used is hollowed out Saurian bones finely sanded to the desired shape, making them light on the lobe. This design was a combined effort between him and his girlfriend. 

(Item #4) Pile of Old Notes: Notes taken by Kinich during the poison workshops he has attended throughout the years hosted by Madam Patli and her daughter. The handwriting of the writer progressively improved up until the age of twelve. The formation is meticulously organized in a grid system, one grid is even reserved for his partner. How it contributed to his studies is unknown.

Excerpts

(Page 3)

• She’s quiet but helpful
• Can’t tell if I’m doing something right or wrong when she looks over 
• I think it’s making me nervous

(Page 6)

• Has a sweet tooth
• Can’t cook (Patli does)

(Page 10)

• Can’t remember where she puts things 
• Helped her

(Page 19)

• Her apron has flowers embroidered on it.
• Her kerchief is floral.
• The bracelet on her non-dominant hand has flower charms.
• Conclusion: she likes flowers and floral pattern 
• Hypothesis: she thinks it’s pretty and suits her
• Reasoning: I think so

(Page 31)

• She got a witch hat 
• Too big on her 
• She really likes it
• Cute

(Page 55)

• She looks different today 
• Very pretty—but why?
• Patli let her play with the makeup
• Note: is pretty by default 

(Page 78)

• She got her ears pierced
• Is really excited about it
• Cute 
• Gift idea: earrings (flower ones?)

(Page 102)

• Is under the weather today
• She had a fight with a friend
• Stopped talking to her once dating someone 
• I feel violent

(Page 123)

• Is very sleepy
• All nighter for personal project 
• Slept on the dining table during lunch
• Cute
• Want to poke on cheek (but she might wake up)
• Resisted 

(Page 177)

• Leaned forward/against me from behind to check progress (tip-toed)
• Made me nervous for some reason
• I felt ###########

(Page 200)

• What am I going to do with myself?

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POV Pack

Mulani? She ships it so hard you have no idea.

• She doesn’t pry into Kinich’s personal life, always just a friendly and loyal occasional customer of his services. They chat whenever they bump into one another but she, like most, can’t ever find an opening in his time to just “hang out.”
• So she figured he was single if she had to give a guess. He just doesn’t seem like the type to give romance the time of day.
• Imagine her shock then seeing a pretty lady hanging off of his arm at the hot springs. He had asked her for recommendations on how to spend a good spa day at her homeland, but she didn’t realize it was both for him and someone else. 
• “Welcome to Toyac Springs! I’m Mulani, is this you two’s first time here?” 
• You greeted her and gave her your name. “Not really, but it’s our first time here together now that I’ve finally convinced him to take me out here.”
• “Oh, did you two strike a deal then?” Mulani has heard rumors about how people would get paid to be someone’s date in Inazuma, and Kinich certainly isn’t picky about his commissions, so maybe this was that.
• “That’s not it.” Kinich had cleared up. “She’s my girlfriend, you see.”
• “WHAT?” She went wide-eyed and you grinned smugly at the explanation and subsequent reaction. 
• Her curiosity was fully peaked now, as much as she was a respectful commissioner, Mulani was also a curious young lady who was now fully invested in how this came about. One thing led to another and somehow she managed to steal you away from Kinich for a few (a tall feat) to buy a “cuter swimsuit that’s going to wreck that cool-act of his.”
• You said that you could be wearing a potato sack and he’d still be weak on his knees. Mulani laughed, figuring you were just confident, but it was no real exaggeration. 
• She switched the one piece you brought for a two piece with a removable skirt and presented her work to Kinich with a proud smile on her face. 
• He looked at you in complete silence for 3 seconds (where his face gradually got redder), closed his eyes and lifted his head up to the sky for another 3 seconds (rebooting?), before moving on, pretending nothing happened and giving you all the compliments a girl could ask for. 
• Mulani looked at you in confusion during that six seconds, you winked at her. “Don’t worry, we broke him alright. It’s just that he won’t collapse out in public.” She thinks she got the gist of it. 
• Ajaw proceeded to give his critiques on the swimsuit, how the design wasn’t all that and the colors could be different. Kinich rolled his eyes. “He’s saying that you deserve to be wearing something better.” “NO I’M NOT! THAT’S YOU, LOVER BOY!” “Not quite, but good guess.”
• Overall, you and Mulani got along great. She likes to get a glimpse of romantic developments and you like her bubbly self, it was a nice treat when you have the social energy. You even started to make more frequent trips to the hot springs on your own when free. 

Kachina? She’s just kind of in awe at the two of you, she’s seen couples before but not like this. There was such a warm familiarity to it and it started making her look forward to finding her own loving partner one day.

• “And I hope we will be like you and Kinich!” she had said, where then your heart melted and proceeded to pick her right up from Mulani’s side (the one who introduced you to her). 
• Sometimes, she and Mulani would see him coming back to you from battle. Always running to sweep you off your feet and into an embrace, sometimes giving a kiss. 
• Mulani tried covering her eyes the first time but Kachina complained so loud and jumped so high that the former had to give up. 
• “It’s like a fairy tale…” she gasped, looking at them. “Like a prince and princess…Or should they be a witch and huntsman?”
• You often bring little gifts and snacks for the kid, small things but they always make her so happy. “She’s the definition of minimal input and maximum output,” you had explained to Kinich. “Small efforts always translate into such huge joys for her, so it was a very efficient allocation of goods on my part.” 
• He nodded along, Ajaw deadpanned, “So you do it because it makes her happy, was that really so hard to express like a normal human being?”

Ajaw? He endures. Self proclaimed “third-wheel extraordinaire, but not by choice!”

• Hangs around when Kinich visits you or vice versa.
• Often disappears or wander off when the conversation gets very two-person centric. Maybe even dozing off on the spot.
• Naps on dates but comes out for food
• Does intend to keep his promise to Kinich to not kill you (directly). But if you starve because you can’t cook, or trip and smash your head against the debris from a building he shattered—that’s on you. 
• Get pats on the head from you. He doesn’t fight it, only looks at Kinich smugly when he does.
• Also sits on your lap sometimes, totally not because he enjoys it, just to irk Kinich. 
• The results of his effort are mixed.
• Would bring berries he picked as your birthday present.
• “Rejoice, woman! The great lord K’uhul Ajaw has decided to share with you his stash of precious food.”
• “I had to climb up for him to pick these.”
• “Shut up! You think I want to be incapable of flying far away from you?! OF COURSE I DON’T YOU IDIOT!”

Patli? She’s just happy for you two.

• She didn’t think much about accepting Elder Leik’s request all those years ago, he was a good acquaintance and she owed him one for something or other long ago. Though admittedly, the prospect of two kids under her supervision seemed a bit daunting. 
• She could immediately tell that the boy was abnormal, calm and collected in a way few kids are. It reminded her of you after getting adopted and adjusting to a better environment. Things just have a hard time shaking these kids.
• Also, this way she didn’t have to stress about providing you the social interactions needed for development.
• But something she noticed was that you two get along really, really well. You were never like this with anyone else, not even close. The sheer happiness and energy that would radiate when you were with Kinich was unique. With the other kids, it just seemed like a relief from loneliness and boredom. With him, it was something more.
• She didn’t see what he was like with other kids, but the witch guessed that it was similar to what her daughter displays. They shared so much in common after all.
• It was pretty clear that there was a 95% chance of the two of you getting together once older, and she was fine with that. Kinich seemed like a trustworthy kid, better than most anyone else that would walk into the doors of a poison apothecary. Judging by the way he treated you, the world would sooner burn down than he ever try to cause you harm.
• Once the two of you started dating, she tried stepping in and telling the young man everything a boyfriend would need to know to make you happy. Unexpectedly, he already knew all of it so she wasn’t of much help.
• Oh well, it’s the thought that counts.

⋘ 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎... ⋙

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Steamy Pack

Kinich was sick with a fever, and you with worry. 

The young man didn’t fall ill all too much, his body was certainly good at keeping him alive and healthy despite the disgruntlement of a certain dragon. You were thankful for that, but somehow, that also translated to when he does get sick, he gets very sick. Always bedridden and looking like he was on death’s door. He certainly slept like it for half the day, and then getting taken care of by you for the other half. In fact,  you were on your way to do exactly that. 

He gave you the spare keys to his house once upon a time, making this a simpler process than most would expect. You slotted it into the lock, opened the door, and called out to announce your arrival. Not quite expecting a response knowing his condition, but just as a proper heads up of your arrival. 

Which was also why you were so shocked to see Kinich walking out of his bedroom to greet you. He leaned back on the wall, arms crossed; his face still burning red with a fever yet wearing a rare and easy grin on his face. “Kinich?” You gasped. “What are you doing out of bed?” He was still in his pajamas too, those patternless dark sleepwear he so preferred. 

The young man rolled his eyes, his grin only widening, “Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

Maybe easy wasn’t the right word for its appearance. Sleazy? Mischievous? It felt so foreign on him. 

“Well don’t just stand there! Aren’t you here to spoil me or something?”

That was certainly one word for it you supposed. 

“O-oh, um, yes.” You walked over to him, your steps hesitant and cautious. It was all too strange. There was a schedule to Kinich’s sickness, it always lasted exactly four days and this was only day two. Something was highly unusual.  

“I’m guessing you are out of bed because you’re feeling better?” You asked, reaching out a hand to his forehead to check. 

A hand he promptly caught before it could make contact. “Maaaybe.” From behind, you felt Kinich’s other hand on your lower back, and with a forceful shove, he pushed you against him. “Ah!”

After that, your hand was freed, but now your face was in his grip. Jaw against his palm and cheeks between fingers, your entire head tilted upwards to see his flushed face. He looked smug and intrigued, but most of all, still sick.

“Kinich?”

He smirked at your confusion, and, as if playing with a doll, proceeded to turn your face side to side. After that, he pinched your nose. 

“Mm?!”

After that, he flicked your forehead. 

“Ouch! What are you doing, Kinich!?” It wasn’t matching up. He didn’t tease you, not like this at least. 

The boy cackled, now leaning his head against yours. His forehead was scorching hot and his nose was touching yours. “Wow, you’d just let me do anything to you, wouldn't you?”

“What?!”

Kinich was acting differently. Completely different. From mannerism to speech, to the way he moved his facial muscles, none of what you’re seeing matched up with what you know about him. As if he was a completely per—

“Ajaw?”

The Saurian was nowhere to be seen. 

“Ajaw, are you possessing him while he’s asleep?”

No way Kinich is dead. It doesn’t make logical sense. There is no explanation for that development. More likely, his consciousness is turned off from sleep and the dragon took the chance to possess his body. So maybe all you need to do is—

“AHH!” 

He picked you up, hand beneath your arms like one would with their ragdoll. Walking to wherever he was going with you desperate yelling out your boyfriend’s name. Laughing maniacally in a manner distinct to the pixelated saurian.

“Kinich!”

“Fuck—wake up already!”

“KINICH!”

You felt a hand shaking at you, a hand that felt differently than the one you’re struggling against. This one seemed to pull you out of…

“Kinich…?”

Out of your apparent dream. 

“Yes, I’m here.”

You tried sitting up from your bed, feeling his gentle hands supporting your back as you did so. Right, it was you who got sick with a fever. Kinich must have come to take care of you. After all, he had a spare key to your house.

“Thanks for coming…” you mumbled, drinking the water he poured out for you, your voice still heavy with sleep. He smiled. 

“Of course I did.”

On your forehead, you felt Kinich’s cool lips, in your hair, his soothing hand. “Still warm…” he hummed. 

“Yeah…” you winced, setting down the now empty cup. “Had a fever dream and everything, it was so vivid…”

He pulled away his lips. “A fever dream you say…”

A cursed one as far as you were concerned. 

“Was that really what it was?”

You blinked in surprise at his question. “What…what do you mean?”

Kinich looked away briefly, but only briefly before he got onto your bed from his seat beside it. Not just that, but he fully climbed on. Shoes kicked off as he settled comfortably on top of your blankets, one of his knees slotted between your legs. 

“Well, it’s just…”

He was leaning over, his body propped up by his arms, both of which were also by your side. Kinich was…caging you? 

“I heard my name,” he explained. “Heard it over and over again…”

You must have been talking in your sleep. “Yeah, um, I had a dream and you were in it, so…” 

Kinich took one of your wrists, bringing your hand to his lips, palms up and kissing into it. “I heard other things as well,” he mumbled, his breath hot. “N-noises…”

Oh . It must have been from all the yelps from being toyed with by ‘him.’

…

Oh!

“Wait, I can explain—!”

“But what if I don’t want you to?” 

Kinich threads his fingers into yours, gently pinning the hand he held securely to the wall as he comes closer. His face was red and so, so close to your own. As if not kissing you only to let him speak. 

“What if I want you to show me instead?”

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Chapter Text

◇──◆──◇──◆

Scenario 1: In Disguise 

Alternatively: Rescued from a Harasser 

◇──◆──◇──◆

Kinich kept a variety of your creations in stock, they were often useful for missions. There were the obvious things, the strength and speed boosters, but then there were the stranger concoctions. The latter being what he’s found himself using for today’s job, the man needed a total disguise. 

A voice and appearance changer for starters, those the potions took care of. Then came changing the eyes and clothing, which called for more mundane methods. Sometimes it’s a burden to be blessed with such unique (beautiful) eyes. It was why you once gave him blue contact lenses—for this exact situation after pointing out how indiscreet they were. A thoughtful gift for his profession that also prompted a verbal dissertation on how you actually loved them very much but was worried about his practical safety. Kinich blushed his way throughout it. Ajaw complained that it lasted 7 minutes and 55 seconds.

“Ugh, finally.” 

Which was about the same amount of time that it took him to put them in properly. 

Ajaw cackled at his companion's distress. “Ha! You look like you’re from Mondstadt.” 

It’s because the potion had turned his hair blonde. Apparently the color was randomized. “Yeah whatever, better than failing the mission. Let’s go.”

◇──◆──◇──◆

Kinich was busy with a mission and you took the time to go out shopping for supplies, a fair came into town today and will be staying for three days. So whilst you’re on your own today, you were sure to drag your boyfriend with you here at the first opportunity. The estimate for his return has been tonight so there should be no problem there. 

Where a problem emerged was not thinking of bringing anyone else with you on this trip. 

“Come on, I’ll show you around! It’s lunch time so we can grab some food as well.”

“No thank you.”

You don’t go out much, but when you do you are occasionally reminded of your apparent attractiveness to people, both good and bad. The good stayed away and admired, not bothering you. The bad…

“Then we can just shop around, I know a vendor here and can get you a nice discount~” …acted like this. A total disgrace to—everything, really. Making you regret your commitment against inflicting direct violence. 

Seeing that he was unconvinced, you started slowly inching away from the man. Physical removal would surely be the most effective method. “I’d rather shop around by myself. It’s what I came here to do.”

The stranger grabbed your shoulders in protest , and you swore you’ve never flinched so violently in protest to someone's touch. “Oh but that’s no fun! Some company would do you—”

“Are you deaf?”

A deep voice cuts in, announcing the good news that someone has come to your rescue.

“She said no, now screw off.”

It was another man. Someone with apparently more integrity than the one that’s been talking to you judging by the way he all but tore off the hand on your shoulder. With his blond hair half tied back and what must’ve been blue-green eyes hidden beneath light brown shades, he dressed in a simple white button-up. Not a local, you noted. Probably. 

“What, you her boyfriend or some shit?” scowled the rude stranger. “‘Cause if not then mind your business.”

The blondie paused, his grip on the other man’s arm still firm. “…No, and I don’t need to be to get involved.”

Before you could even wonder if that would make for too weak an argument, he started to twist the arm in his hold with a practiced strength. Inflicting what must have been a negligible amount of pain on your assailant. “OW—OW! SHEESH I’LL GO!”

He ran away, and you sighed in relief. Taking a small moment to collect your thoughts before addressing your reliever. 

‘I knew I should have taken up on that voodoo lesson offer…’

The man in white spoke up. “Are you—um, are you alright?”

He sounded more awkward with you than before, though his voice still just as notably deeper; you even noticed the rasp to it. Nothing like that dangerous dark-and-handsome persona from before, though yes it would have been a color swapped version of said archetype. 

You grinned. “Yeah! Thank you so much for getting rid of that guy, I appreciate it.”

The young man nodded, arms crossed and looking stoic. It reminded you of someone, though not to you. “You’re welcome, but do please consider taking someone along with you next time you’re out.” You nodded along, agreeing with his statement after that whole ordeal.

“A pretty girl like you—” he cuts himself off at that. “Uh, sorry. That was out of line of me—I wasn’t trying to…”

Again with the unexpected bashfulness. It made you laugh. Hopefully that didn’t come off mean spirited.

“It’s okay, and yeah! I’ll be sure to bring my actual boyfriend next time with me, it’s just that he’s out of town right now.”

He looked even more panicked now. “Um, I wasn’t preten—”

“My boyfriend’s the best, y’know! I love him a lot, he’s amazing…”

It just came out naturally, being reminded of Kinich. But it may have been true that there were ulterior motives as well.

The blond man stuttered in his response. “Yeah? Th-that’s nice, I’m sure he’d be happy to hear that.”

And maybe you shouldn’t have, but you started gushing about Kinich to this stranger. Even when he was starting to look flustered you continued. Blabbering on about everything you love about your boyfriend—how beautiful you think he is, how strong and reliable he’s always been. Really here proving the proverb of ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ to this poor guy.

“That’s enough out of me, what about you? Do you have a partner?”

The young man flinched, hard. Cheeks pink and eyes darting around in panic. You noticed that he had amazing lashes, black ones. 

“I—I have to go now. It was nice meeting you, stay safe!” He dashed away so fast you didn’t even have the time to ask his name, or give yours for that matter. 

“Ah, well there he goes…”

◇──◆──◇──◆

It was only when he arrived that Kinich realized the place he was told to go was the same one you said you were planning to check out. The mission was to buy up a few select artifacts, but fool the sellers into thinking it was handed off to different individuals. No outside help, obviously. Hence the whole disguise ordeal.

As usual, everything was going smoothly. And it would have stayed that way had he not seen you in the crowd, being pestered by another man no less. It was someone you don’t know, that much he can tell. And whatever he’s saying made you look absolutely miserable. 

Kinich wasn’t meant to interact extensively with anyone, especially not as a fake person, but he couldn’t just stand by. An assertion proven correct as he closed in more and more, hearing in detail the way you were being harassed. “Oh but that’s no fun! Some company would do you—” 

The man touched you and that had been the last straw.

Kinich pulled back the wandering hand by the wrist, his grip so tight it was cutting off circulation. “Are you deaf?” He practically hissed, a bit taken aback by the unfamiliar voice that came out. “She said no, now screw off.”

The bothersome thing tugged at his wrist, a useless effort that didn’t even budge a millimeter. “What, you her boyfriend or some shit? ‘Cause if not then mind your business.”

The irony of the statement wasn’t lost on him. “…No, and I don’t need to be to get involved.”

Good thing that the hunter was able to think of another method of persuasion. 

“OW—OW! SHEESH I’LL GO!”

It was something any man of above average strength could pull off, probably. A little painful twist of the arm and wrist to ward off any walking talking annoyances. And it should have been the end of his disguise’s detour, Kinich could have left wordlessly as you caught your breath but…

“Are you—um, are you alright?” But the fussing boyfriend in him insisted otherwise.

You assured him that you were, not even looking shaken up. Acting just as peppy as ever when interacting with someone else, all cute smiles and little spikes of energy that he knew came from a petite supply. And as one last fuss, the disguised man suggested that you go out with friends from now on—though not without embarrassing himself first by complimenting you in character. 

He heard your giggle in response, it wasn’t soothing to his nerves per se but he found himself liking it nonetheless. Of course he did. “It’s okay, and yeah! I’ll be sure to bring my actual boyfriend next time with me, it’s just that he’s out of town right now.”

Kinich wanted to tell you who he was. Very badly, but he also felt the ears and eyes of some passers by. Logically speaking, it wouldn’t hurt to leave it for later. “Uh, I wasn’t preten—”

“My boyfriend’s the best, y’know! I love him a lot, he’s amazing…”

Logically speaking, you were his heart’s greatest weakness no matter what persona the hunter puts up. “Yeah? Th-that’s nice, I’m sure he’d be happy to hear that.”

Why wouldn’t it be? To make his life easier? Never.

“Probably, yeah. I bet you’d remember him if you ever saw him, he’s just gorgeous like that.” It took Kinich a second to realize, but only a second to catch onto what you were doing. Not just to his heart, but in a more objective sense. 

You were raving about him, practically gushing really. Throwing out compliments in the cutest enthusiastic manner to what should have been a total stranger. 

“His black hair has these green and orange highlights, it’s the same colors of his eyes! And he’s got the prettiest eyes in the whole wide world, none of us can compare—no offense.”

He always thought yours were the best, the ones to look at him with so much love and devotion. The same ones that shined with them even when he wasn’t there.

“Very strong too! I guess he’s like an adventurer, kinda? Always doing these physical activities to keep in shape, he can carry me in his arms and walk for hours without getting tired.” Said boyfriend would do it in a heart beat too if you asked. “Not that I would make such an unreasonable request…” 

Seriously, since when did you develop this habit? And did this mean that he should do it as well on his side?

“Maybe…it wouldn’t hurt to ask?”

“Hey, y’know what? I think you’re right! I really can’t wait for him to come back.” Niether could he, even though he had no idea what to do with himself when he did, Kinich couldn’t wait to go back to you after all this busywork.

You continued, gesturing to the shopping basket you brought with you. “I’ll be cooking for us tonight, it’s partially why I’m out here. I figured he’d be too tired to do so when back, though he’s definitely better at it than me.” And yet he’d rather eat what you made for the rest of his life than his own, funny how that turns out. The man didn’t even know you planned on making dinner, he made a note to at least buy back some desserts.

“It’ll be nice to catch up with him tonight, he’s always got the wit to make me smile too,” an affectionate look shone on your face, as if reminiscing on something. It’s embarrassing, but Kinich knew it must have been him. 

“Though my favorite’s obviously when he’s the one smiling. It’s usually small but it completely lights up my world whenever I see it. And the times that he does a big ol’ grin or laugh for me—I’d swear I’m the luckiest girl alive to see it happen.”

He’s also pretty sure that you’ve just proven that he is, objectively, the luckiest man alive. 

“My boyfriend’s got the cutest blush too! It’s rare but when it does happen it always starts from the ear, he can get surprisingly red for such a stoic person. Kinda like you right now actually!”

He’s the luckiest man alive, but his heartbeat is going to kil him at this rate. And if he dies from you, his only regret would be not being able to stay by your side. All Kinich could hope is that this ingrained weakness for you gets passed onto Ajaw if he takes over, ensuring that you stay safe from the latter’s terror. 

Is that how posession even works? Who knows.

Your blushy boyfriend composed himself, either that or made an effort to pretend doing so. “H-huh? Oh, sorry. It’s just been…flustering to hear you talk about…”

About him.

“Oh gosh you’re right!” Your eyes went wide, hand brought up to your chest as if it’s been the one suffering throughout this whole exchange. “That’s enough out of me, what about you? Do you have a partner?”

There is literally no correct answer to that.

“I—I have to go now. It was nice meeting you,” the disguised man stuttered, turning on his heel and practically booking it. There was still a quest to finish and he’s ‘wasted’ (no time with you is a waste)enough time already.

“Stay safe!”

So that’s what a voice crack from the potion sounds like, interesting.

◇──◆──◇──◆

It was a bit of a weird thought that someone you met on the street was your boyfriend in disguise, which is why you went along the interaction not fully believing it yourself either. It was just a feeling, a hazard guess, but one that led you to some embarrassing actions nonetheless. The thought process was that by spewing off compliments about Kinich, you are either one) brilliantly teasing him to hell and back; or two) letting a stranger know just how much you loved him, which isn’t the most inappropriate thing in the world. Not when you could swallow the embarrassment that came from doing so. 

If the blond man turned out to not have been him, then admittedly you may have just made his day a bit more insufferable. Hopefully he doesn’t stop stepping in for other women being pestered by unwanted flirts in the future. 

Now the hard question was how you were going to go about the situation when Kinich returns. Do you prompt him to admit that it had been him you trapped with your babblings? Tell him about what happened as if you have no suspicions? Maybe ask directly?

You heard the key being slotted into the front door and perked up. “Kinich!”

With a familiar smile on his face, small and precious, the young man greeted you warmly. “I’m back, how was your day?”

“A bit more troublesome than I would have expected, but someone came to my rescue.” A flash of recognition flashed in his pretty eyes told you what you had to do. 

“Say…you wouldn’t happen to have come across any ‘pretty girls’ in distress today, have you? Ones much like myself some might even say?”

That adorable blush began dusting Kinich’s ears, a bashfulness now taking over your usually stoic boyfriend. “U-um, well…”

You giggled mischievously as you ushered him further inside.

“Well, if there were—I’m sure you would have stepped in for her!”

◇──◆──◇──◆

Fun Fact: you’ve bought Kinich foundation because of the tan line around his forehead from the bandana. He also used that for his disguise.

Lowkey why did I just come up with the headcanon that if Ajaw were to take over Kinich’s body he would physically be weak to the reader and that’s the other reason he cannot harm her…I’m adding it to the Ajaw section in the DLC chapter now. 

◇──◆──◇──◆

Scenario 2: Kidnapped

◇──◆──◇──◆

Vendetta is not a word one would think to associate with Kinich, the bounty hunter was too detached for something so...personally violent. He wasn’t even known to hold grudges, resolving things in terms of debt instead. If someone did him wrong, he would be sure to make them pay it back on principle. It wasn’t personal.

With that said, anyone who harmed you would get a taste of exactly what vendetta meant to one Malipo Kinich. 

“Whaaaaaat?”

Ajaw all but gasped at the news, having accompanied Kinich to your residence the same way he’s done countless times. There, the two of them found not your cheerful self, but a ransom note declaring your capture. Demanding cold hard cash for your safe return.

“The cheek, the nerve, the gall, the audacity, and the gumption…” The dragon shook his head, not in distress of your abduction, but at the sheer amount of idiocy exhibited by this group of bandits.

“Truly, they are all idiots.”

Kinich grimaced. “They’re dead is what they are.” Under the force of his strong hold, the ransom note crumpled. It would have been ashes too had the young man’s element been more destructive in nature. Not that it would have been strategically advantageous if it did.

“They just don't know it yet”

Kinich’s pockets ran deep, he did not flaunt it but anyone familiar with his prices knew this for a fact. He also had a sweetheart that he cares for more than anything in the world. This he tried to keep on the down-low, but was proven unsuccessful after seeing your precious face when announcing to everyone your relationship. He couldn’t take that away from you, plus he’s been particularly awful at hiding your general importance to him over the last decade by now. Put two and two together then an obvious plan of extortion is formed. But any of those who think themself clever enough to entertain the notion ought to know a third thing about the famed bounty hunter.

That no one gets to harm his lover and stay intact afterwards. 

“Ajaw.”

“Yeah, yeah we’ve got work to do. Time to teach a lesson.”

They gave him seven days to show up with the money, but the hunter will be damned if he doesn’t desecrate their camp well before that. 

◇──◆──◇──◆

You always knew it was possible that one day you would be held for ransom. Kinich’s job made him mora in abundance, but also enemies out of the most dangerous sort. Still, you were stunned when it actually happened. Of course you were. One moment you were in the comfort of your own home and the next you’re restrained in a cell. Real scary stuff. 

“I can’t believe you bunch thought this was a good idea…”

For them, that is.

The bandits were taking it easy, lounging around at their base waiting for their big payday. The one that was never going to come. They laughed at your minor exasperation, no doubt finding your apparent calmness amusing. 

“Haha! What? Scared of him being stingy?”

You had half a heart to explain to them why, but held back knowing it wouldn’t help Kinich. Element of surprise and whatnot.

“Not at all. He’d trade the world for my safety.”

They snickered to themselves beyond the bars, clearly interpreting the words in the most favorable manner. That it meant he would pay up without a second thought, and not that they would suffer for hurting someone that meant more than the world itself. It didn’t matter either way, they can think whatever they like as long as they do you no further harm. 

Instead, the most important thing was just waiting out your rescue in the most comfortable way possible. “Hey, can I get a pillow here—please?”

Maybe you were asking to get decked before Kinich arrives at this rate, but your tailbone was telling you to make the gamble. “I don’t know about you, but if I had something worth a hundred million I’d at least put it in a nice box.”

The bandits acknowledged the existence of your strange request, but only one was willing to entertain it. For better or for worse, it was the youngest one amongst them. “You’re lucky you’re pretty one,” he had chimed, getting up from his seat at the cards table to fetch what you requested. 

“Here ya go love.”

You took the item, but had a bad feeling about this one.

◇──◆──◇

It’s been hard getting a hold of a certain bounty hunter lately, be they an unfamiliar citizen or close acquaintance—or hell, even a friend of Kinich—it’s all been impossible to reach him. For the more adventurous types, however, they at least know what he’s been getting up to in favor of keeping touch.

“Where are they? Or do you feel like having an opened-up neck today?”

Absolutely terrorizing the local criminal gangs, that is. His gathered intel wasn’t of much help, but it did narrow down the list enough to convince the young man to sweep through them one by one. A truly unfortunate turn of events for the wrong doers under suspicion. 

“T-they relocated their base recently! It’s at—”

Ajaw’s contractually borrowed power has certainly been made to good use, arguably too much so given the non-stop violence he was commanded to act out. This must be the overtime he’s heard the pesky humans often complain about, still, the saurian knew better than to be stingy given the circumstance. Kinich wouldn’t take kindly to that. Not when it was your safety he was fighting for.

“So we finally got it?”

“Yeah, this should be our last battle.” Predictably, the hunter wasted no time before taking off in the direction of the base camp. 

“They’ll pay for this.”

Payday came early, and the kidnappers couldn’t afford to do so

──◆──

Meanwhile, you were trying not to pass out in your cell. 

It’s been three days since your abduction and evening came slowly as usual. Most unfortunately for you, the lowlifes decided to get drunk. If only your skills were more combative, this would have been a decent chance of escape, but alas, you are suffering the attention of a drunkard instead. 

Your previous bad feeling about the youngest one was proven correct; his reservations disappeared in face of intoxication, now unabashedly displaying his disgusting interest in your feminine self. Thankfully, unnecessarily opening the doors of their captive’s cell was deemed too dumb to indulge by his colleagues. However, the man proved himself nothing but persistent, settling on yanking the chains of your handcuffs as hard as he can in an attempt to pull you closer. It resulted in some ugly bruising at first, but with time and effort, you managed a familiar protective barrier around your wrist. Leaving strength the only thing you are fighting against. 

Some smart coiling took care of that. 

“Oh come ON, no need to play hard to get!” 

You stayed dead silent in response, not even looking at the creature as you waited out either your rescue or his energy depletion, whichever came first. 

God you missed Kinich. 

It felt like forever that you were stuck in that precarious position, whether you actually were was up for debate. But what marked the change, marked your freedom, had been the commotion outside. At first you tried to reserve any excitement, figuring that it was likely a drunken brawl given the circumstances. 

“AHAHA! Cower before me, mortals!”

And of all things, what had confirmed to you the good news had been the howling brags of Ajaw. 

The tugging on your cuffs faltered a bit as the drunk man finally caught onto the situation. “Huh? The hell’s going on out there?” 

You tried not to smile too widely. 

It didn’t take long before the door to the cellroom was slammed open, revealing a familiar face. One as pretty as it was furious.

You broke out in a grin. “Kinich! Oh thank god—please get me away from this pervert!” 

It was meant half in jest, the tone you used was certainly light and cheery; but one look in his eyes and you knew that you’ve just doomed the annoyance in front of you. Kinich didn’t miss a beat as he made his way directly to the other man in the room, so wrought with uncontained anger that he didn’t even have the time to dwell on your proven safety. 

The bandit had no chance of escape, not when the hunter was blocking the exit—only struggle pathetically as he was brutally kicked down and dragged by the collar. 

And it was then, for the first time in days, that you heard Kinich’s voice again. 

“Don’t look.” He said, voice low and monotone. No doubt a betrayal of the emotional state he was in, but it was impossible for him to speak to you in a way that didn’t. The statement was one out of your best interest. 

You did not heed it. 

No, you were mesmerized instead. In a cruel and deranged way, your heart skipped a beat as you watched your boyfriend pummel the bandit into the ground. Every act of violence enacted on your behalf created a storm of butterflies in your stomach, warming your heart. He was furious in a way you have never seen; violent to another person in such a way too—and it was all on your behalf. In the background, you heard the sound of Ajaw’s assault, and couldn’t help but just smile.

It was only the shout of your name that snapped you out of that trance. 

“Kinich!” The young man broke open the bars of your cell, rushing to your side and taking you into his arms. If not for the cuffs, you would have hugged him back. Still, you leaned in as much as you can, making sure to catch any words he let escape. 

Kinich pulled back, looking at your face as he gasped. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m so sorry…”

You shook your head resolutely. “No, don’t be. It’s not your fault and you know that.”

There were dark circles beneath his watering eyes and blood splattered on his cheek; dark red and smeared, you knew they were from those who harmed you. What he’s struggled against in your absence was all internal you could tell, none of those criminals stood a chance against your lover. 

“Yes, you’re right…” Kinich was tired, blood splattered, and distressed—yet you have never seen anyone look as beautiful. With the battle marks on his body glowing so vibrating in the dark before it came to a dim.

“But I’m happy you’re safe…

God, you’ve missed him. 

“Come here.”

And so you kissed him. With your hands cuffed and his lips over-bitten from anxiety, you kissed him with all your heart to make up for lost times. Your lips were chapped, but so were his and they returned with just as much adoration. Deep and sweet, relieved and loved. 

“Oi Kinich! I found the keys to the—EW!” 

With the entrance of a certain saurian, you had to part from Kinich. Though maybe it was for the better to treat priorities as priorities and get your hands freed from the cuffs. Peeking past the distracted boy’s shoulders, you saw the brutalized mess he left behind in all its glory, hearing the familiar banter on top of that made you giggle like a giddy child.  

“Hey Ajaw! Happy to see me?”

The dragon huffed. “AS IF! If only you weren’t pathetic enough to be kidnapped then this boy wouldn’t have worked me like a dog!”  

Butterflies fluttering once more at the reminder, you leaned into Kinich. “Well, I’m happy to see you both.” 

He smiled, pulling you in for one last kiss on the forehead. 

“Now let’s get you out of those cuffs.” 

It’s time to go home. 

◇──◆──◇──◆

Afterwards 

• Once out, Kinich tried to cover your eyes to the mess created by him and Ajaw
• He failed to not indulge in your demands
• Yeah, it was a lot. Some of them could probably run off to call for aid after waking up, but he definitely sent them to death’s door for messing with you
• Kinich didn’t let you go the whole night
• The two of you moved in with each other after this incident 

Chapter Text

People paid good money for man-killing poison, especially ones made by a witch like yourself. Incurable by mundane means and able to be formulated to the patron’s exact desires. Whatever kind of death they want, so long as not caused by physical trauma, you were able to deliver through your work. The timing, the suffering, the illusions of recovery—everything. Whatever they wanted for the right price. It was your business. 

Most would likely find the cash distasteful having come out of such a bloody paycheck, but money was money and you stashed it away for spending. You were under no delusion about the uses of your creation, and you were certainly not interested in finding new employment elsewhere, so the life of a witch it was. Easy schedule and blessed solitude, the only thing to complain about is the constant moving around like an outlaw. Which…well, you can’t say that changing locations hurt your profession. But you had a suitcase as spacious as a barn so it was at least an easy affair. You also had a legitimate reason to do so beyond escaping the law which helped matters further. A little thing called research. 

To develop better formulations you needed to broaden your scope of ingredients used, and a good way to do so has been moving far away from wherever you were to better study the local flora there. It was what you are doing once again right now, this time to a kingdom called Natlan. Having bought a cabin in one of their lush forests, isolated but close enough to town to keep necessities readily purchasable. You’ve registered with their local alchemists guild and got in contact with apothecaries; ready to act the role of an upstanding citizen of the town, albeit an isolated one. Though any further introductions to the locals would have to wait. 

Thing is, you’ve got a bad deadline coming up.

It had been a bit more last minute than you prefer but the pay was good, really good. Based on your research, the region of Natlan was the most likely to have just the right assortment of ingredients to help you concoct it to perfection. And you were due for another move anyway so that saved some thinking on your part.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck—I’m too tired, noooo…”

The move was more hectic than you predicted, a rainstorm delayed your ship and a carriage accident had really put you behind schedule. A tragic turn of events given how tired you were upon arrival. Just setting up the necessities in the house took every ounce of energy you had. Leaving none for the surveying you hoped to do that same day. 

“Quick nap, yeah, I’ll just do a short one. An hour at most, yeah…”

It’d been five in the afternoon when you told that to yourself, the sun already approaching below the horizon. It couldn’t be helped, you were just too exhausted. A little rest will go a long way and you’ll finish a survey of the area before your late dinner. It was a good plan. 

You slept for five hours. 

“What the actual…”

It was dark, not just dark, but late. Late-late. No reasonable lady should be out wandering the woods at this hour and you knew it. You hated it; you even stayed in bed for the next half an hour feeling sorry about it before scrambling out to dress for the outside. It wasn’t debatable, you needed to get started on the project as soon as possible. And if that means in the dead of night then so be it. 

You put on your thicker clothes, grabbed a cloak and lantern, and left the cabin with your trusty basket. No dinner, you weren’t in the mood for it after ruining your schedule. 

Out in the woods, you picked every noticeable herb you came across, tossing them in your basket as you made mental notes of their location. It was only when you thought to transcribe them that you realized you had forgotten your notebook and pen. 

‘This is bad…’ you thought. There was no way you could manually memorize the location of everything you planned to pick out here. You would need to head back to retrieve the notebook, wasting more time and energy despite still clinging onto the hope of preserving a sleep schedule. 

Then there came a sound in the night. Small but audible in the silence you created in your pondering. Not just any sound though.

‘Footsteps!’

By principle, no young lady should be running to any strangers in the middle of the night. But desperate times call for desperate measures and you did just that. It didn’t sound too far away, plus, your defensive abilities were nothing to sneeze at. Witchcraft and whatnot. If it was someone dangerous you’ll knock them out and erase any memory of what happened. 

“Excuse me!”

The person snapped to your direction, alert and threatening with a bow drawn out. It was a man you realized. Raven haired and light-eyed, his hues a mix from green to orange, he dressed like an adventurer—perfect! 

“Hey now, I mean no harm,” you chuckled nervously at the arrow still pointed at your chest. There was still a notable distance between you and the man and he intended to keep it that way. “I just wanted to ask for help. So please put down your bow, sir.”

Wordlessly, he did just that, now steadily approaching you, his visage stoic. “You lost?” He asked. “It’s too late for a lady to be out, you ought to go home.”

Quite. 

“I live nearby actually. But I do need your help. You’re an adventurer, right?” You asked, eyes drifting down to the bow still in his hands, though they were lowered. “Or a hunter…?”

He hummed, finally putting away the darn weapon. “Sure, a hunter. But I take various job like an adventurer, why?”

Your ears perked up. “I would like to hire you then!”  The hunter’s expression remained neutral, not intrigued by your offer. 

“For what?”

On the bright side, he hasn’t dismissed you just yet. 

“I need help familiarizing myself with the local flora and fauna here to finish a formulation.” You readily explained. “I’m a healer you see, these would be my ingredients. As a hunter around these parts, I trust you are well versed?”

The raven haired man nodded in affirmation, accepting your false explanation. “I doubt you will find someone more familiar with these things, I grew up in the mountains not far from here.”

“Perfect! I’m so happy to hear that—“

“What’s your price?” He cut you off, almost impatiently.

“Name it and I’ll pay.” You replied. 

Better to have a smaller chunk of the pay than no pay at all. Right? As long as he doesn’t rival the check itself you’re good.

“Thirty grand.” 

Pricey!

…But it’s substantially less than what the client promised if you delivered perfect results.

“I’ll do it, can you start right now?”

The hunter looked caught off guard at the suggestion, mouth agape and pretty eyes widened. 

“I mean, that’s partially why the price is so high, right? I can get your help immediately…?”

Judging by his expression, it was rather clear that this man thought significantly more than he spoke. Unfortunately, you can’t make sense of half of it. Only that you had to stand in silence as he deliberated on his next move. 

“I suppose I can, what do you need me to do?”

You gestured to the direction of your cabin. “Please come back to my place.”

He continued to look bewildered.

“I’ll need to write down all the information you tell me. There are also sketches and descriptions from past adventurers to make sense of.”

Regardless, you still counted yourself lucky to have come across this huntsman for hire in your hour of need. Keeping the nature of your work a secret to an innocent citizen may prove itself a daunting task, but you needed his help.

“Lead the way then.” He seemed pretty reliable too.

“In that case, it’s a pleasure doing business with you!”

◇──◆──◇──◆

Kinich was good at his job; hence why he charged his clients so much for his services. He was precise, punctual, and effective, delivering perfect results every time once given the gold. Recently, he took on a new request that would have him scouting the woodlands, one that merged into the luxurious estate of a local merchant. A rich man who was starting to look a little too much like a lord for some blue-blooded folk’s liking. 

…His job was killing.  

It was why he’s been scouting this forest, when the time comes, it’ll be both his way in and out of his target’s estate. Brainstorm some escape routes, familiarize himself with the layout, observe the schedule of the guards, so on and so forth. Reports stated that no one was living there so it was meant to be done in solitude. 

“Excuse me!”

Evidently, he needed to upgrade his sources for intel. 

‘Damnit—knew I should have taken the time to go to Chasca’s…’

It had given him quite a fright, hearing a woman’s voice calling out in the night, and Kinich was quick to draw his bow out of instinct. An act proven to be disproportionate to the situation, you were harmless from what he could see. A mere unarmed woman rather scared of the weapon drawn at her. Seeing this, he was quick to lower his bow and ready himself to urge you to turn back. A whole semi-social interaction.

Unfortunately for the young man, this might as well have been your home. “I live nearby actually, so no. But I do need your help. You’re an adventurer, right? Or a hunter…?”

“Sure.” He never did specify the prey. 

You said you wanted to hire him, but he didn’t have the time for that; it would be best to focus on the current mission. Good thing Kinich had a whole protocol for these situations. Just scare them off with an exuberant price tag.

“Name it and I’ll pay.”

“Thirty grand.” 

He was clearly over charging, you weren’t meant to accept it. Just scurry off and leave him alone like so many would-be wanters of his service. But you didn’t. 

“I’ll do it, can you start right now?”

On the bright side, it meant that Kinich just scored himself a well-paying side gig. Thirty thousand for sitting down somewhere and talking about things he already knew. He might even finish it this very night depending on how much his employer could stay up. Plus, you seemed pleasant enough.

“Lead the way then.” He said, and you did. Taking the hunter to a newly renovated cabin. There were luggages scattered around, all yet to be unpacked. 

Perhaps he shouldn’t be too harsh on his intel gatherers, the young healer’s presence seemed like a recent development. “My office is unpacked though,” you reassured Kinich, having seen his wandering gaze. “We’ll be working there.”

Herbs in boxes and fluids in bottles, very few of which Kinich recognized on sight. A true guest from afar it would seem, no wonder you asked for his help. The place you came from seemed to have little resemblance to the wilds of Natlan, what few things that looked familiar were staple ingredients easily available on market.

“You said you were a healer?” The question came out on its own, not that the young man doubted your words. It was just in his nature to confirm all relevant information to any job he takes on.

“Oh, yes, I specialize in making medicinal formulations.” You answered calmly. “So I won’t be able to do much with open wounds, but the apothecaries still appreciate my work.” 

He nodded. “Duly noted.”

“Now I say let’s get to helping me to do some more of that.” 

Kinich walked over to the office table you were waving from. There was only one seat placed in front and his host was quick to address that. “I’ll go get us another chair.” 

“No need.” He said, having considered his options. 

Your eyes went wide, mouth agape, and head tilted to the side. A cute reaction some might even say. “Huh?”

“I’ll sit on the floor beside the table, it won’t get in the way of talking.”

The lady remained unconvinced. “Won’t you be uncomfortable?”

“Not at all, you have a very leanable desk here.” 

It didn’t have ‘legs’ but instead is propped up by two boards on each side to allow for cabinet space. The assassin knew those were good for hiding under. 

“Oh, um. Well if you’re sure then…”

“I am.” He wouldn’t mind leaning on that while sitting on the floor. Facing you on a chair would be too…formal? Hard to say, but facing someone like that for an extended period of time didn’t sound appealing to the young man. 

“Very well, but please know that the couch is yours to sleep on for the night. It’s getting late so I think it’s best if you stay.”

“You’d allow a man you barely know to stay over?” 

Kinich thought you were naive, not that you could hex him into oblivion if he tried anything. Nor that there were incantations that would wake you up the second anyone enters without permission. All he could think about was how earnestly you looked at him then, how trusting and kind.

And how he wasn’t quite used to that.

“I…yes? I think you have proven yourself to be trustworthy thus far…”

It struck Kinich then how different you were from his other clients; a true law abiding citizen who had no business with an assassin like himself.  Someone who was simply good, pure even if he were to get all pious about it. Whose eyes didn’t paint the world in colors of threat and instead could believe in something other than the worst of someone. Even a total stranger from the dark woods. In a way, it was nostalgic. The man only recalled having worked with such people back in childhood.

“Please, it wouldn’t be a bother at all. Think of it as accommodations for the late hours, maybe we can even pick up where we left off next morning.”

He hadn’t brought up his true profession out of convenience, but now he was grateful for it. “If you say so, then sure.”

A little novelty wouldn’t hurt. 

You nodded, though looking just as rushed before despite the spoken considerations. “I’ll be sure to bring out the comforters later then. Hang in there for now.”

“So what’s first?”

“We’ll start with the flowers.” 

In front of you, he’ll play the part of a good man. Someone who has killed simple game and nothing else in his life, here for a late night hunt. And even that you seemed content on not questioning; much too eager to drag him in to identify plants and animals instead. At least it was an easy task, you having already collected what little writing there was to be found on the local fauna and flora. The remaining ones Kinich tried to recall by memory, giving descriptions for you to memorize whenever scavenging once more. 

“Anything else?” you asked him hours into the arrangement, sleep having seeped deep into your voice. The young man was starting to feel some of that himself. 

“Not that I can recall right now, though you can show me the unmentioned ones next time you survey the area.”

“I think I’ll do that then, let me just organize what we have thus far…” he heard the papers being shuffled, a delicate yawn joining the quiet sound from above.

“Oh, how about I tell you where to find the comforters while I do that? Sorry, I know I said I would bring it out…”

“I don’t mind walking around a bit.” Kinich dismissed your apology, it didn’t sound like he would be of much help staying anyways. “Where is it?”

“There’s only one bedroom, inside is an opened chest with those kinds of things. Grab whatever you need.”

The young man got up and went as you directed, finding what undoubtedly was your bedroom down the hall. It was messy, but in newly-moved-in manner, with chests scattered about and things in various states of packed and unpacked. Though strangely enough, it also did look lived in. Just a bit. On the mattress was a pillow and comforter that looked like it’s seen a night of sleep already. 

‘Her hair did look a bit tousled…’

As promised, a large chest was left open carrying what he needed for a comfortable night of sleep. Kinich wouldn’t have minded just taking the couch without them. Really, he hadn’t planned on staying at all until you suggested it, but he also saw no reason to refuse. Him staying over came with benefits for you. So the hunter grabbed what he needed, tossed it onto the couch and went back to your office. Stifling a yawn as he did so. 

Kinich wondered if he should tell you to call it quits for tonight, it was clear now that it’ll take more than a night, and maybe he should have specified the price on a per day basis. Would you still be open to negotiations at this stage?

Evidently, he’ll have to wait to find out.

“Hello…?” 

You were asleep; arms rested on the table and your head nestled in between them. 

A peaceful expression adorned your visage, making the young hunter realize that it was the first time he’s seen you so at ease. Despite all your friendly disposition, there really hadn’t been a moment that you let yourself look relaxed. A detail Kinich didn’t bother to take note of, but feels glaringly obvious now.

Maybe you were taking a gamble then, letting him stay. It was a risky move and instead of being oblivious to that fact, you knew this. You knew this and you gambled on him. It may have also been the late night fatigue lowering your guard, but still. Kinich couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve been had someone more dangerous lurked in the night. An ironic statement, considering that he objectively was said-person.

‘Just not to you.’

The hunter blinks as if being shaken back to reality. He’s been staring, he realized—at your sleeping face lit by candlelight like a dumbstruck boy. How unprofessional. 

…Would it be professional to leave you here as is? Slumped over a table like that. 

Again in a boyish daze Kinich debated on that. He wasn’t the most caught up on social boundaries, not like this at least. This weird hybrid of his life as a killer for hire and some regular guy. Paid to stay in the same house as his female patron who had zero idea of his usual routine of violence. 

Objectively speaking, the safest option is to leave her there and fetch a blanket—the man would actually dwell on this later as he tried to sleep. But unfortunately for Kinich, it seems that he’s got a soft spot for kind and sleeping ladies who put their trust in him. 

He settled on carrying you to bed.

Surely it was okay. After all, you had told him to go in there a moment earlier for something. This was fine. He’s not being weird whatsoever given the circumstances. He shouldn’t be second-guessing this.

Not when he’s already there with your unconscious self in his arms. 

Kinich sighed. It’s late and he’s getting tired, the couch offer sounded more enticing than ever. So he sets you down on your bed, tucked you under your blanket, and took his leave with one last look thrown over the shoulders. 

‘Pretty…’

Blushing at the thought that just invaded his mind, the assassin’s footsteps turned awfully skittish as he walked away from your room; as if almost caught for having a flattering thought about you. 

Ah, but it was true though. Kinich really did think you were pretty, when he allowed himself to do so. The moments when he lets his guard down.

◇──◆──◇──◆

The next day, you woke up in your soft bed; your outside clothes still on but with a blanket laid over you. Which was strange because you definitely did not do that last night. The last thing you remembered was indulging in some desk leaning and eye closing, not returning to your bedroom. 

Still groggy, you turned off your brain for the next few minutes and it was only after those that you came to the obvious realization. 

‘It was him! The hunter from last night—’

You also took this moment to realize that you completely forgot to ask for his name. 

“Ugh, how unprofessional of me. Going ‘hey you’ to him the whole time…”

It was a bit embarrassing, you doing that and having needed him to tuck you into bed. The agreed upon thirty grand was a lot, but you still felt a bit bad about how none of the things above were specified as his job. 

‘I ought to treat him to breakfast here or something…’

Checking the clock in your room, you were shocked at the time displayed. 

“It’s eleven?!”

It was practically lunch time. No doubt about it, the hunter must have left already. No way anyone would be willing to wait around hungry as their employer slept like the dead. You could only hope that he thought to leave a note for you as well specifying when he’s gonna come back; maybe even tell you his name. 

But after scouring around for such a thing, you came to the conclusion that he must have thought it unnecessary. No traces of any of his belongings either.

“Sheesh, was the place too much of a mess for you to have found some pen and paper…” 

…And you were even pouting about it now. Partially at the young man for leaving abruptly after (kinda) putting you into his debt, but also at yourself for oversleeping. An expression that was interrupted with the opening of your front door. 

“EEP!?” 

It was the hunter from last night, now in glorious daylight and looking at you as if you just screeched at him. Because you did. 

“...Hey.” He said, his low voice montoned. You could only gape foolishly in return, your voice airy as you stuttered out your response. “Y-you came back!”

He tilted his head in slight confusion, you couldn’t blame him. “Yeah? I haven’t been paid yet for my first day,” he said, now leaning against the door frame, arms crossed. In return you couldn’t help but laugh. Of course that was the reason, no one who demanded thirty grand for his services would walk away without pay.

“Ah yes, that makes sense. It’s just that I could find anything of yours left behind,” you mumbled, glancing to the side as you delivered your side of the story. A small attempt at explaining yourself. “So I just thought you went back home.”

The young man gestured to his bow, speaking concisely. “Had to hunt.”

Another internal sigh escaped from your soul. “Yes, that makes total sense…” 

Part of you wanted to apologize; the other part knew that it was unneeded and might make things even more awkward. And that was the one to keep your mouth shut. Making you wait for your guest to speak up instead. 

“Also, here.” 

He tossed you a satchel and you barely caught it in time, sighing in relief when you did.

You heard him clear his throat of something. “Thought to pick them up on my way back, should be useful I imagine.”

Opening it up, you were greeted with a new assortment of local fruits, herbs, and flowers. Many of them you had listed to search for just the night before. “Wow, thank you!”

He hummed. “As for payment, I’ll take ten percent of it for now.”

“Sounds good.” You chirped out, still very pleased with what you were given just now. He definitely knew his timing, asking for payment after doing something like this.

The hunter continued. “Also, I won't be able to return over this weekend, but you’ll hear from me either in the morning or afternoons when I do.” As in a much more reasonable time frame to meet him, yes. 

“Very well.”

You went to gather what you needed to pay up, but he never came back in despite you leaving the door open. But it made sense, your house was a place of work for him now. Him coming in likely would have read as clocking in. You figured that must be it.

You figured but still felt a bit disappointed for some reason as you handed off the promised gold. It was in the same satchel he had tossed you after you emptied it of its herbs, that way nothing was owed and left behind. As it should be.

“Thank you again for your work,” you said as the hunter counted his payment. “Uh—sorry, may I know your name?”

“Mm, I was compensated,” he shrugged and for a brief moment you panicked over whether the lack of introduction had been intentional on his part. 

“…And it’s Kinich. What about you?”

A relieved grin slipped out as you finally got to know his name and you told yours in return. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance then, Kinich.”

Everything was taking a turn for the better you thought, and it could have still been the truth; if only you knew what that silent stare he gave you meant after the introductions. You swore you’ve never met such an unreadable man. 

“Oh, and one last thing.” He came back to earth eventually though.

“Don’t venture out so late again, the beasts here can kill men.”

It was out of desperation last time, but you think you’ve learned your lesson of not further testing the sanity of your sleep schedule. So heed this advice you shall. “I won’t, I won’t. Nighttime really is better for paperworks I’ve found.”

The huntsman turned around, heaving what sounded like a light sigh. “Good. See you next time.”

And though you will never be told, that had been no exasperated sigh—but instead a deep breath from a flustered man as he bid his first warm goodbye to another in years. Still recovering from the potential blunder of having given out his real birth name to someone.

“Take care of yourself.” He had said.

◇──◆──◇

Your presence complicated things for Kinich, which is annoying given the difficulty of the mission without it. The advice for you to not venture out at night was given to his benefit just as much as it was to yours. This way he can focus on familiarizing himself with the area and do any other peculiar things in the dark. The assassin knew to expect you wandering the woods during the day, doing what you were when he first encountered you but in broad daylight, picking plants and making notes—and he did. Multiple times, in fact. 

He discovered that you had a habit of humming when walking by yourself, which he liked. It was the perfect early signal of your presence. Prompting him to either slip away in the opposite direction or find a place to hide until your departure. More often than not, Kinich found himself doing the latter of the two. Scaling up trees or finding a discreet spot to stay motionlessly in as he observed you until your departure. 

It eventually occurred to Kinich that he was one measly step away from being your stalker by doing this; all he was missing was the trailing after you part. And whilst not amongst the most immoral things done by a killing man, you weren’t meant to be part of that life. You and your basket of herbs, your floppy sun hat and foreign melodies. Weirdly enough, he’s found this novel pastime to be somewhat relaxing, treating it as an opportunity to take a breather and look into a life so different from his own. Frankly, it brightened up his day. 

Your antics can be surprisingly entertaining too. Biting at wild herbs only to spit them back out and wipe your tongue of all its contents afterwards. Often followed by a mumbled conjecture on its properties, whether it be ‘gross’ or ‘awful’ or ‘yeah this is it.’ Other times, you swallowed as if it were a snack before putting some samples in your basket and moving on; Kinich was fairly sure that was the case whenever it was berries that you pop into your mouth. Always no more than one and usually brightly colored ones that grew in small quantities, it was partially why the hunter never tried any of them for himself. You always picked every last one. The other being that it’s just not the brightest idea to eat something one cannot identify.

He’s debated coming out of hiding at times, it wouldn’t hurt for you to catch a glimpse of him every once in a while. But then he’d consider what he would say to you, draw a blank, and feel the notion wither away into nothingness. Kinich had no interest in embarrassing himself in front of you, not when he’s been barely avoiding it so far. And that’s with your commission serving as a guideline for interaction. 

The man knew it wouldn’t really matter if he did, but he still didn’t want to. The practical justification—and there always needs to be one—is the mental toll it’ll have on him if he does. Can't be having that with an important mission at hand.

But as silent as he’d been, no man could outsmart magic. You knew he was there—you always knew. The spells on your body told you of the eyes that did the same, be up top or hidden behind foliage. What it could not tell you of was why. Why did this hunter prowl here so often? Why did he hide instead of retreat? Why did he (attempt to) refuse your attention? 

There wasn’t much able to be stated with confidence. All you can conclude was that he did not want to talk outside of collaborations. Your theory being that the huntsman was just antisocial. As for why he stayed to observe instead of fleeing your presence, that you had no answer for; and neither did Kinich, actually. He simply did. 

You knew it didn’t matter so long as he didn't catch a glimpse of magic, so you took precautions to be discreet whenever he was around. But the question of why kept nagging at you whenever you felt him in the shadows. Call it boredom or what else, but you took it upon yourself to conduct a test to see what would draw out the hunter from his hiding.

“Come…on!”

First time around, you tried reaching for something too high up. Hand flailing upwards and legs leaping. You gave it five minutes of switching between jumping and staring longing at the fruit above before calling it quits. 

“Hmmm…”

No luck there. The raven haired hunter remained hidden.

Second time, you pretended to trip over a rock. Clutching your knees and whimpering in pain to see if that would do the trick. 

“Ouch…”

But the wound must have been too shallow to call for assistance. You can’t be pretending to have a sprained ankle the next time he drops by, but a scraped knee also shouldn’t really take more than a few minutes to get over. So you had to give up on that attempt. 

By the third you were wondering why you even bothered. It was silly, useless even. Why did you care if he cared? What does it matter that he was a diet stalker of yours whenever you crossed paths? Did you just want attention?

‘Ah, yeah. Maybe that’s it…’

In your defense, he was the one already giving it to you. Just in a less than satisfying manner. Still, you felt incentivized to make the third and final attempt something more productive; as enough time’s been wasted with the last two. 

*thump*

As it turns out, you were feeling fatigued this time you came across him—so you pretended to faint. A sway of the body and collapse into the earth, surely it was the optimal choice. You get some rest out of this and might even see him come out from hiding with no one to witness his presence, best case scenario you get carried back home for free. But surely that won’t happen. 

Surely, you thought.

“Sigh…”

After several minutes, Kinich came out of hiding having seen your unconscious state; though instead of resuming what he was there previously to do, he approached you. Which still wasn’t too strange, he checked your pulse and for any injuries; as most would do to make sure that it wasn’t a state of emergency. And once proven that it wasn’t, he was free to move on. A soft repeat of attempt number two. 

He was free to move on but he didn’t, you knew because you felt a pair of arms lifting you off the ground. The lean muscles of a huntsman now pressed up against your back and leg, he carried you like a princess. And with the warmth of another person pressed against you, you realized how much you’ve lacked such a thing. It was nice. More than nice even—you liked it. There was a comfort to being held and before you knew it, you were snuggling into the young man. It was done discreetly enough, especially with the cooling weather, still, you felt him tense up beneath you. The already noticeable heartbeat slowly spinning out of control even as you put a stop to your physical affection.

Hopefully you didn’t scare him too much in your indulgence.

“You shouldn’t be overworking yourself…”

Judging by the mumbling tone, it was unlikely that Kinich was reprimanding your waking self. Despite that, the sound advice made you feel warm inside. It’s been so long since anyone’s fussed over you. 

For the rest of the trip, you did not push your luck any further. Letting the hunter prove his character by bringing you back home in his arms. The doors had been locked out of common sense when you left, but as he approached you willed your magic to undo it. Hoping that he would bother to check instead of leaving you here at your doorstep. 

And just planned, another sigh sounded from him as he found the door unlocked. It took strength for you to not act pleased. “...How careless of her…”

With the doors wide open, Kinich scooped you up in his arms once again and brought you inside. Silently setting you on your messy bed before taking his leave. You even heard the muted thud of your basket being placed somewhere on the floor. Good, that meant you wouldn’t need to summon it back. 

With all that done, the hunter left with one last comment. 

“Don’t make this a habit.”

For the sake of dignity, you hoped that wasn’t directed at you, though it would make sense if it were. This was undoubtedly the second time he’s carried you back to bed. Thinking back, you hadn’t even thanked him the first time around. Too frazzled with thoughts and duty to have remembered doing so. 

‘Don’t make this a habit, huh?’

Feeling more rested now, you picked up your basket of herbs and got back to work. 

‘No promises.’

◇──◆──◇──◆

Kinich always calculated the cost of each action, he made sure to be precise about it too. The deal he made with you was no exception. He weighed the reward gained against the effort required, against the inconvenience cost, and concluded that it was minimal effort for a good reward. It was why he agreed to it.

But he might have just miscalculated this time around.

“Booo, why’d they have to look so similar…”

You were bad for his health, really you were. And the young man didn’t expect that.

“Hey can you help me reach that over there? Thanks—you’re the best!”

The cute pout you wore when sorting through the herbs, the gleam in your eyes whenever you looked at him, it was all too much. And before he knew it, Kinich found himself staring at that bright smile, cheering up when he’d hear your little giggle, and the way you would so casually touch him—it was making a mess out of the man. Especially that last one. He assumed that it must have been a habit from whatever region you resided in prior to coming to Natlan. A place where the people are all a bit more physically affectionate—perhaps Fontaine? It’s hard to say.

It made his heartbeat spike; you made his spike. The reaction you’d elicit, it was much akin to the life and death situations encountered by an assassin. Like hiding mere feets away from a guard ready to spear him to death. Not exactly romantic, but Kinich didn’t dislike that feeling, not at all. It was a bit of a guilty pleasure even, the threat of it, the uncertainty. It’s a fun sensation to some and he was part of those few. He’d be half convinced he was a deadman walking in those moments, and that was how he felt whenever you leaned in too close. Hard to breath and senses focused.

“Would you stay for the night?”

“…There’s no need.”

And along with the myriad of other offenses to the mind, the worst had to be when you would try to prevent him from leaving. Leading Kinich to conclude that you were just too naive for your own good. A woman so removed from common civilization that she’s lost the survival instincts taught by it. Like a sheltered rabbit that would make for the easiest prey if released. Making unreasonable demands yet still rendering the man feeling guilty when he’d decline. That same guilt almost became his excuse for accepting such an invite once; but that would be exactly it, an excuse. He had no grounds to stay and all that was convincing him to do so otherwise had been himself; or at least something inside him. Whatever unreasonable creature that was. 

The guilt was still real though. And whilst it did not justify staying over at a fair lady’s house, it did push Kinich to be generous when answering your demands. 

“Is there anything you’d like for me to bring back next time?” He’s found himself asking more often now.

“Hmm, let me think…”

After his surface knowledge was all recorded, the hunter’s job became handing you whatever ingredients of note he came across on his journey; that way you can focus on paperworks indoors. You told him very typical items, fragrant leaves and flowers and little berries of the forest. With a few strange creatures tagged on as well, though it was with very low expectations of him actually encountering them. A white frog, a three-eyed rat, and a grey snake with a light blue underside. None of these wishlisted items were named, but Kinich presumed it was because formal identification wouldn’t do him much good. He only needed to retrieve them should he spot it, nothing less, nothing more.

That was what the original terms he agreed upon anyway, but the previously mentioned guilt pushed the hunter to actively seek them out. Making journeys to where they would most likely appear even when it did not align with his planned routes of escape. It hadn’t been easy, working only with descriptions of what his patron desired, but Kinich made it work. Having gotten a good amount of what you asked for by his next visit. Dare he say it, he was even proud of having accomplished so. It was hard not to be when you would gawk so excitedly; always shocked by what he was able to accomplish.

And with that image in mind, Kinich knocked on your door. 

You cheered upon opening the door. “Good day to you my dear hunter!” 

He’s always had to steady his pulse whenever you called him by that. It didn’t matter if you were doing it half in jest, the effects were just as devastating. Today more than usual for some reason, or maybe that was merely a sign of his mental decline.

He breathed out; despite having forgotten to breathe in earlier.  “...It’s good to see you unharmed.”

“Uh-huh…” 

Kind but bewildered. That would be an apt description of the look you gave him as you ushered the hunter into your abode. He’s got his own way of phrasing you’ve learned. The way it was always concerned with safety, even if the frequency of life and death or violence being brought up was disproportionately large.

You gestured to the satchel Kinich brought with him. “Is that for me?” 

“Of course,” he replied flatly. “Who else would it be?”

A giggle escaped you, having found the candid reply to be sweet in its own way. “Mayhaps another beautiful patron of yours?” you teased. 

“I have none other.” Now that made your heart stop, just the smallest bit, but it did. Which was still more than any other person can say about their effects on you. 

“Yeah? Well I’d love it if I could take a look at your bounty today.” Hand stretched out, you eagerly took the item placed there by the young man. Opening it, you were more than delighted to find a good assortment of inconspicuously poisonous material. Some of them hailing from locations that were quite a pain to get to.

“Oh goodness you’ve outdone yourself–again!” This was well beyond your expectations when you first made your request. Why, the price point almost seems like a bargain now. Almost. 

“You know, I’m starting to think that you went out of your way for me instead of just stumbling upon these.”

Replying to your assertion, Kinich’s gaze drifted to the sidelines in what must have been his version of bashfulness. “You can think whatever you want about me.”

Well then. That’s one way to word it. “You are too generous, but I wouldn’t want to take advantage of you.”

“I wouldn’t let you.” 

He was an amusing man to you, and because of that, you must have been a constantly smiling fool to him. Ever so amused by his existence in your vicinity. 

“Good.” 

◇──◆──◇

There’s now a designated chair for Kinich in your office, one placed across from you. That way you can easily hear what he recalls of the forest in his expeditions. The conditions of where he found your ingredients, the habits of the land; all whilst sipping away at whatever tea you brewed for him that day. A beverage you’ve discovered he’s partial to for its subtle inducement of insomnia. ‘Makes staying up easier,’ he once said, what he needed to stay up for you never pried into. 

“They were half wilted, though that’s only because of the season…It’d be harder in the dead of winter…but you should still be able to find them any time of year.”

You hummed at the explanation given by the hunter, noting it down as swiftly as what would be within normal range. “Resilient, aren’t they?”

“Yes, I suppose…”

But whilst you’ve been keeping up pace, the same cannot be said about your guest. He was never exactly energetic, but he was alert, quick to react to whatever input given to his senses. Today, however, you’ve found his speech to be slowed, his voice hushed, and breathes labored. It was a bit worrying. 

“Kinich? May I ask something off topic?”

“...That depends on the question.” At least the content of his response remained consistent with what you’ve come to expect. 

“Did you get enough rest last night? You seem unwell.”

He glanced at the tea you brewed him, it was the second cup and he felt no better energy wise. If anything, he might have felt worse. “I did, yeah.”

“Might you be ill?”

Briefly, he considered if you had spiked it for whatever reason. 

It did not make sense, it did not even feel correct, but he considered it out of caution. At least he’s still got his wits about him in that respect, no matter how pleasant he found his host. “I don’t believe so…”

“May I check?”

He was cautious, but to an extent, he also trusted you. “Sure.”

Or maybe he trusted the image of that rabbit who roamed indoors; maybe it was because he briefly recalls the symptoms first appearing before he came over. Either way, he allowed you to reach over your hand to his forehead. It was soft.

“Kinich…”

He sighed. “I’m fine, your hands feel warm.” Really warm even, so he had no fever. Must have just been fatigued.

“No, but you’re cold,” you gasped, hand yet to be removed from his skin in disbelief at what it was feeling. “You’re cold like a dead man…”

Huh.

“Kinich, did you eat any of them? The plants you picked for me.”

The assassin tried thinking back, he tried as hard as he could but it was getting difficult. Under any other circumstance, he knew it would be because of your proximity and touch, but if your grim tone was to be believed—something genuinely went awry with his health. 

“I…I…”

His head was clouded, he could faint at this rate. 

“…The berries today…it looked too similar to the common night-eyes. So I ate one to make sure it was what you wanted.”

He’s seen you eat the same once, at another location where you discreetly crossed paths. It was just one, and he made sure to only consume that same amount as well. You didn’t look to have minded the taste back then, proceeding to carefully pick them from their stem with another tune back in your throat. Had you not asked him to bring some back for work purposes, Kinich would’ve believed you merely paused for a snack.

“Oh gods—oh no…” You gaped at him like he was a madman, pretty eyes widened in fear as the usual cheer drained from your voice. “Why did you eat it…?”

Because he saw you do the same and come out just fine the next day, but he couldn’t tell you that. Not when he hid from your sight when you did so. He had no right to that knowledge.

“I was…careless.” 

Still a true statement. The assassin had never come across this variety before in the woods, it was too hidden; hence why you gave only two locations to check for them. One a dilapidated stone altar and the other an ancient burial ground. The first was where he saw you eat it and the second was where he found them again. He did it early in the morning, where the light of dawn painted the pitch black of its surface in a color too warm to intimidate. Made it look too much like a common variety for him to be certain of what he’s found. For him to not be too cautious of its properties.

“We need to stop this.”

“What? No, I'll be fine—”

Made him eat it and poison himself.

“No you won’t—you’ll die!”

Yeah, that’d be a problem.

──◆──

There was an unspoken motto between the two of you. A simple one: ‘Don’t ask questions.’ If it doesn't concern your interests, let it slide. Kinich liked it that way, and he liked you for being much the same. Relieved even, as it made any and all contact with you more viable to him. A pleasant departure from most extended interaction with normal citizens for an assassin. 

You never asked why he couldn’t join you for most days of the week, nor about his family, nor the strange markings on his body, always happy to merely have his company. Or at least his service. And in turn, Kinich didn’t pry into your work either. What it does, who it was for, why you do this, and here in Natlan of all places; though he did think you mentioned that it was a profession by way of legacy. It never got in the way of his time with you and that was what mattered most. Those novel pockets of time where he got to be not just a normal man, but a good one. All in all, he just didn’t deem it necessary. Whatever you were hiding, it couldn’t have been worse than him. 

Right? 

“I needed them for the seed but the flesh of the fruit itself is poisonous. It was my oversight not warning you….” 

He’s caught you in a lie, and not a mundane one either. Very few people have reason to lie about the lethality of poison, especially to the face of someone who is suffering the effects of it. For one reason or another, you were immune to them. Eating up lethal plants like they were a midday refresher, and now Kinich is suffering from the same thing you swallowed without trouble. 

Yet on the other hand, you were trying to treat him of its effects, and your efforts appeared genuine. Having pulled the young man over to your bed so that he could rest as you ran off to create a cure for his condition. Looking rather frantic throughout it as you offered him bits and pieces of explanation that he had no right to refute if he wanted to continue pretending to have not secretly observed your behavior. Which he hesitated to do, not when he hardly had an explanation for himself. 

Questions invite more questions and he didn’t have it in him to answer any, or think up explanations for them even. 

“I’m so sorry Kinich, for your condition.”

The hunter took a deep breath, the air still wasn’t going in right. “It’s fine.”

You blew gently at the cup in your hands, the rest of the medicine for him still cooling inside it. A somber look on your pretty face as you looked at him with regret. “No it is not. What if you died? How can I ever face your friends and family if you do?” Such a reasonable concern, and yet it was one unfounded.

“It’s okay, I don’t have a family,” sighed the raven haired hunter, fully intending for the grim words to have brought comfort. “There are few I can think of who would mourn my death.”

He saw you freeze up, shock now shining in your concerned gaze as you regarded him. It’s been a while since he’s told anyone of his situation, Kinich realized he didn’t miss the looks he would get from it. 

“I…So you too, huh?” 

‘What?’

You must have seen the question in his gaze, the way you glanced away to collect your thoughts and explain yourself. The cup in your hands now gently brought up to the young man’s lips as you spoke. He sipped.

“I travel across the continent, never staying in one place for too long, this means that I never got to make friends to keep. As for family, well, my mom’s off living her best life with her sweetheart. We keep in touch with letters, but it’s been a while since we met face to face.”

Cold bodied and poisoned on your couch, Kinich tried piecing together this new information with the individual he’s known all this time. The bubbly, sociable woman who now claims to have no one by her side. “I have no other relatives.” She’s now saying to him.

The world must have been joking. 

“That’s…unexpected.” 

You chuckled weakly at his assessment of your situation, now setting aside the empty cup to pour another batch. The antidote itself is harsh on the body, the drink was only to soothe that part. 

“Well, regardless, I would like for you to know that at least one will mourn for you should you pass.”

Still too strained from his symptoms, Kinich strained out a foolish “Whom?” to your obvious statement. 

“Why, me of course.”

His breath hitched, and it took a miracle for him to have not started coughing his lungs out then and there. 

“The guilt would be overwhelming if it were because of this, but any other cause would still have me distraught all the same. It’d hurt me greatly to see you go. You’ve been good to me, Kinich.”

The assassin looked at you as if you sprouted a second head. Eyes wide and mouth agape, in utter disbelief at what you had just asserted. “I…”

“Please believe me, I know we haven’t known each other for very long but…”

You never did finish that sentence, rendered to quietly looking down at your lap nervously under his gaze, cheeks dusted a rare shade of pink. Kinich should have been aching for an answer, should have try and get to know why exactly she claims to care so much despite being aware of their unfamiliarity, but his thoughts went elsewhere. To a place less important. 

Because, somehow, just knowing that you would be sad should he die made the man’s heart do a flip and half. It shouldn’t, yet it did. It made him feel warm inside, this simple statement of empathy. Not even an action, a mere statement, a couple of words. Perhaps it was something about the complete honesty in your tone. It seemed convinced him that you weren’t just saying it to please him, that you meant every word. You cared.

Still, it was a ridiculously disproportionate reaction from him. For god's sake all you said was that you’d be saddened by his literal death.

“I believe you.”

But then again, that’s the thing. He could hardly think of anyone else who would say the same thing.

“It’s a good thing that I have no intentions of doing so then.” Kinich meant it literally, but he was relieved to see that it came across light-hearted enough to have brought a relieved smile to your face. “Yeah? That’s great, funny how things line up like that.”

Turns out, the hunter was no better than his prey. 

“And thank you…for caring.”

For all his cold and detached exterior, he was rendered weak to the caring arms of a fair lady. To her kind words and gentle touch. No better than a man in the end.

“Please think nothing of it, just focus on recovering.”

He knew then that you were a new weakness of his. Someone he would have to closely monitor from here on out. Lest he let you be his downfall.

Oh, and maybe a friend. Same difference.

◇──◆──◇

After seeing his sickened state, you were wracked with guilt over what happened to Kinich. To your eyes, there were two reasons that led to his poisoning and both were your fault. It was so avoidable. 

The most obvious thing you should have done was warn him against consuming anything he brought back for you, a request that might raise questions but the hunter had already proved himself to not be prone to inquiry. But the small chance that he would was also the reason why you forwent it; the other being your trust in his caution. 

Anyone with a lick of common sense in survival would’ve avoided eating anything whose safety was yet to be proven. But that was also the thing, he did think that the berry’s safety had been proven. He saw you eat it from a distance and you knew that despite the hunter’s best efforts of stealth. It just escaped your mind until now; the way his observation would result in false reassurance towards the safety of the plants. Kinich may have been careless, but you were just as guilty of the same.

Many lives have been snuffed as a result of your work, this was a truth you were well aware of. But you never wanted it to be in such close proximity to it. Unlike the victims of your customers, you knew this young man, you saw him in your life and was treated kindly by him. Even if it was a relationship with roots in gold, you enjoyed his presence, both secret and not. The way his vibrant eyes always followed you with a diligent sense of protection and intrigue, admiration even at times. No doubt because you had told him it was medicine that you were making, such a noble cause and all. You liked it, you liked him. 

And you did not want those you liked to die. 

“How are you feeling?”

The hunter still heaved beneath your blankets, a sick boy on your bed; a beautiful one. Like a prince poisoned by a witch, with his dark lashes fluttering as he tried his best to stay awake. He didn’t look so stoic now in his weakened state, the fragility of life now reflecting clear on Kinich’s visage as you nursed him to health, one dose of antidote at a time. 

“It’s hard to breathe,” he mumbled and your heart clenched. That was one of the symptoms, yes.

“It will get better,” you sighed in your seat beside his resting form. “I promise it will, just bear with me.” 

He hummed, unexpressive in his fatigue. “Also, I feel a jitter in my limbs.” 

“Anything else?”

Kinich shuffled beneath the blanket, thinking and fidgeting. “My hands are cold,” he said and it was what you expected. His circulation was hindered and despite your best efforts, some parts of the body are just harder to keep warm.

An idea came into mind. “Give me your hands, Kinich.”

“What?”

You reached out both your own, expecting him to comply. Figuring that he had little reason not to if it really was bothering him. “Your body’s not going to produce enough heat for them, so take mine.” 

The man’s lips parted in shock. Your eyes wandered to them. “You can’t be serious.”

“But I am, why wouldn’t I be?” 

He had a cute cupid’s bow, you noticed. Ones that now covered his bottom lips as he bit them in thought. 

“I…” His eyes glanced away from yours as he replied and you reminded yourself to not force it if the hunter would rather not.

“I’d like that then…thank you.”

Though it was you who offered to help, you almost extended your own gratitude upon Kinich’s acceptance; but to spare the man the awkwardness, you only scooted your seat forward and took his hand in yours. He was still wearing gloves. “I’m going to take these off, okay?” Not like they were doing anything. 

“Go ahead.” It was too quiet for you to hear any subtleties in his voice. The shy eagerness, the precious nervousness—all lost on you despite being there. Hidden beneath the hunter's unreadable self. But it didn’t matter, because you held his hands anyway. Giving them the warmth you promised. It felt nice, you realized; the same way any other friendly touch with him did. For something that was supposed to have been done for his comfort, you enjoyed it in silence. 

Up until he spoke up.

“My heart.”

You blinked. “Sorry?”

Kinich looked at you, his eyes half lidded, those beautiful long lashes framing them. “You told me to report the symptoms right?”

Dumbly, you nodded. Lips slightly parted with not a word escaping them.

“...My heart’s racing.”

That’s not one of the symptoms, if anything it should be reversed. His body should be struggling to keep him alive, slipping into a sleep that would never end. 

“I…” You looked down at the hand in yours, ungloved and lightly calloused. You tried paying attention to your own heart. 

“I think that means you’re getting better.” 

It’s funny how he genuinely did not seem to know the implication. But you do, and maybe that’s enough for now.

“Let’s hope it keeps doing that. You need it.” 

The huntsman nodded, taking a deep breath as he squeezed at your hand. Maybe the hearthfire was playing tricks on your eyes, but it almost looked like there was pink dusting his cheeks.

You squeezed back and brought it up to your lips. A swift gesture that ended with a chaste kiss. An act rather outside the realm of social propriety, but you doubted that Kinich of all people would be calling you out on it. In this state no less. “Did that help?”

He grunted, eyes closed as if he’d been lightly hit. “Yes, but my chest feels awful.”

A giggle slipped from you as you rubbed circles into his skin, a curious finger now kept on his pulse. “Haha, I know. But you’ll survive this, I promise.”

Kinich didn’t dispute that. 

◇──◆──◇──◆

The commission for poison was finished in time, and in no small part thanks to the huntsman you hired. His insight and footwork allowed you to focus on formulation and figure out exactly which local ingredient it was that you needed for the death requested. Arguably, even his company kept you sane throughout the stressful process. It ended up being hard to let go once the deal came to a close. 

“Well, that’s it for me. Thank you so much for your hard work.”

If only you could tell if Kinich felt the same, which would have been nice. Providing some closure and all. “I was compensated fairly for it.” He said familiarly, it was the kind of response you knew to expect from the hunter. A rather unconventional form of reassurance, but still one nonetheless. He didn’t want you to feel in debt to him.

Fidgeting in place in front of Kinich, your eyes drifting to the door frame just behind him, wondering exactly when he’ll disappear beyond it. If you’ll see him again once he does. “Will you consider visiting?” you asked. “I know the town sells herbs and simple medicine but…”

But you would like to see him again. If just only just a bit, that would be enough to brighten up some of your days here in Natlan. This stoic man with candor for days that you can’t help but feel at ease in the presence of. Someone who watched you from the shadows and definitely had something to hide.

Someone you liked anyway, despite all that. 

“If the price is right,” he said.

“I think you will find it to be.” You omitted the plan of giving a discount, knowing he would want to do something in return if you did. Or worse, not come here at all if you were insistent on complicating the transaction that way.  

“Sure then,” he said, and you were elated to hear so. “It’d be nice to catch up too.”

Such a normal statement, yet it caused you to blurt out in shock. “You think?” He looked almost hurt at the inquiry, but you took a second look and realized it was just confusion and maybe some disappointment. 

“You don’t?”

“I do! I do! You are welcome at any time, Kinich.” The good news was that you were evidently getting better at reading the handsome huntsman. Piecing together his inner workings with what little you are given compared to other people.

“Please do visit…”

He was a constant thinker. It seems to be all he does every second of the day and in quantities overwhelming to the average man. Usually a trait found in overzealous scholars in your experience. What makes it interesting are the things he would settle on after all that deliberation.

“Will it…make you happy if I do?” Always so straight forward.

“Of course,” you affirmed. “I would be delighted to see you again in the future.” 

Naturally, you wanted to ask if he’d be happy to visit too, but the pensive look on his face told you that he may not be able to actually answer that. So you stayed silent and let the young man process your words at his own pace. 

He concluded. “I’ll be back then, see you.”

“See you, Kinich.” With that, you saw him out the door, waving goodbye with a gentle smile on your face. You really did hope he would visit; he said he would and you believed him. The question was when.

“Stay safe.”

◇──◆──◇

Kinich came back only three days later, the same schedule he had kept up since you first hired him. As if nothing had changed. He would buy some ingredients for common medicine off your hands and stay because he was already there, enjoying your presence in much the same way you did with him. Sitting aside as you worked, making chats but asking no questions about what exactly it was that you were occupying yourself with.

“You’re starting a garden?” he mused, having seen out one of your windows into the yard. The soil had been dug up and wooden boards were set aside for a future garden bed. You were sorting the herbs to be put away in their respective cabinets, mundane looking tasks. And the young man’s eyes would follow you whenever you’d walk to a new corner to stash away something.

“Yeah,” you replied to him. “I’ve been putting it off because the last project kept me so busy, but it’s about time that I get started on that now…”

The plants have yet to be purchased, but you considered the implications of growing poisonous vegetation in broad daylight with a visitor in eyesight of it. Kinich didn’t ask many questions but you also didn’t want to push how far his leniency extended, especially since he had almost become a victim of it himself. So an illusion would likely need to be casted once the time comes. 

“Do you need help with it?”

“Pardon?”

Kinich nodded towards the window, helping to reel in your escaped attention. “The garden, I can help you set it up. I’ve got experience in it.”

You hummed in slight nervousness, “Yeah? Well that’s good.” It was a nice suggestion, but also one that might go against your newly-devised plan. “I’m rather surprised though, my impression was that most hunters don’t have a green thumb.”

The young man cleared his throat, eyes still staring out that window from his seat at your dinner table. Maybe you should try inviting him to join sometimes. “My family had one,” he explained. “And I learned from my mother, she really liked gardening.” 

You ignored the past tense, just happy at all to have heard anything remotely personal. “Yeah? Same with me actually, though I’m not sure if my mom liked it so much as it was just part of the job.” The plants came back to mind, poisonous; some of them recognizable. You didn’t want him to have a habit of getting close to the garden. 

“Haha, not sure if my wallet will be too happy to pay up for your services again. It’ll need some time to recover I’m afraid.”

Kinich stammered. “Oh um, I wasn’t going to…”

“You weren’t going to charge me? Seriously?”

He looked at you, trying to show that he was genuine about his words. “Well, that or very little. You see…” The huntsman looked embarrassed, his head tilted downward and dark lashes casting over his pupil. “I had set the price so high to make you stop talking to me. Your agreement to it was unexpected.”

“Ahhh, that makes sense. And here I thought you were just an expensive man.”

You weren’t exactly wrong about that.

“I didn’t think to pass up such a good financial opportunity.”

“But why are you now backpedaling by doing free work?” You couldn’t help but inquire.

“Because I realized that you’re not the kind of person that should be scammed like that…” He said. “You’re…sweet, and nice, so you deserve better for having given up your hard earned money. I practically scammed you.” 

Oh if only he knew how you got those gold. How tainted with death they were. 

You stood up from where you were crouching on the ground, having finished setting away the herbs into the bottom most drawer. “Aw, and you think I don’t deserve to be scammed?”

“Exactly.”

“You’re such a sweetheart,” you cooed, voice light and sweet. Flirty too, but he’d need to catch on for that to register. “Being so considerate of me.” 

He brushed you off professionally. “Not really? Like I said, you’re a nice upstanding citizen, of course I wouldn’t think so.” 

“Well, if you really want to make up for the several grand of gold you overcharged me for, I have a better idea.” You cheerfully made your way over to him and pulled out a seat right next to him. The distance between you two, now negligible. “Tell me Kinich, have you ever kissed anyone?” Shock flooded his senses at the absurd question. 

“I…no? Why?” The response was truthful, but also made you look so disappointed for some reason. It was also utterly shocking to hear, but you didn’t want to show that. “Hm, well that might be a problem…” you pouted cutely, an elbow now on the table as you leaned against your hand. “Still, how much would you say your first kiss is worth?”

The realization dawned on him then. “Wait, are you suggesting that I give you my first kiss? As payback?”

You grinned sheepishly. “I was thinking of you giving me a kiss as payback, not really your first one. I figured the latter would be priced too high, if at all. People like to save those.”

‘Like asking for a man’s first-born’ you mused to yourself. ‘Maybe I’m finally living up to that stereotype.’

Kinich’s ears started to redden. You gave him the time to articulate whatever it was he’s grappling with. “Um…Well, I don’t think…” He didn’t think he would mind too much having you be his first. Like he admitted to previously, you’ve been nothing but sweet and nice. Beautiful too, and charming, and your lips looked soft—but saying that felt too flustering. “...I don’t think the first one in my life matters more than the rest.” He settled. “A kiss is a kiss, no?”

You hummed approvingly. “I think most might disagree, but go on.”

The raven haired young man said. “The first in my life wouldn’t be too special. Being ‘first’ is just a matter of chronology, I think context matters more.” You listened intently, intrigued by the way that he would devalue such a thing people hold near sacred. A first kiss. 

“Like if it was the first one with my future spouse for example, that would be special. Because then I get to share that memory with someone in its intended manner. It’d be worth reminiscing about.” 

Your head nodded along with his conjecture. “I like your reasoning,” you said. “Doesn’t matter ‘when’ so long as you get to share ones with the right person in the end.” It made sense, the first one wouldn’t make future ones any less special. The person makes it special. 

“Soooo,” you winked, reminding Kinich of the original topic. “Would you say that your first kiss could amount to the same price as you overcharged me for?”

He gulped under your attention, the red of his ears and neck having successfully crept onto his cheeks. “Only if you think it would cover it…”

“I do!” You could hardly believe this worked, half expecting it to fly by as a joke. But you weren’t complaining. 

“Then I agree. We can negotiate the length and manner too.”

A laugh escaped your stomach, full and hearty, leaning back straight now as you composed yourself. Kinich’s heart skipped a beat at that alone, seeing your face crinkled uncontrollably in joy, hearing the sound of your laughter. “Here I was thinking just a standard one, maybe one or two seconds on the lips. But now you’re telling me that I can negotiate for tongue?”

“I…hadn’t thought of that. Just wanted to make the terms clear…” 

You really ought to stop teasing the huntsman, no matter how cute he looked squirming under your bright grin. What if you scare him off?

“Very well, then I propose one second with my lips. How does that sound?”

“I…I wouldn’t mind—” he stopped himself, likely having realized how that must have started to sound. Your saucer wide eyes probably gave a hint to hearing those three words. He wouldn’t mind…what?

“…Would an extra second buy me the answer as to why?” Kinich asked in the end, voice low and composed now that he gave himself to think it over thrice. 

“Why I want to kiss you?” you clarified.

“Yeah.”

It’d be hard to think of a good way to word it. Emphasis on good. A way that wouldn’t escalate things and let you indulge in peace. “I’d tell you if you let me run my fingers through your hair while I do it.” 

“Deal,” said the raven haired man, his green eyes glued onto you as you stood up in front of him, looking up observingly. 

Granted, you could have just leaned in and gotten it over with, but then you remembered the several grand of gold and decided that you were going to get your money’s worth. Running your fingers through his silky black locks, you brushed over the small braid he had on top, a conspicuous little thing initially took you forever to notice. It looked good on him. 

“Are you just going to keep your eyes wide open like that?” you asked Kinich, voice airy but entertained. He nodded and you felt it beneath your fingertips. “Yes, is that a problem?” You shook your head, your insides shuttering at the way his vivid eyes regarded you with raptured attention. “Not at all.” 

So you made good on the agreement, leaning down and capturing Kinich’s lips with yours, his first kiss. With your hands running through his hair and eyes locked on each other as if observing a specimen. It was just a second, a solid full second on each other’s lips, almost chaste. Almost, but the hunger flashing through those hues was undeniable. Just a blip, but it had no skin to hide under. 

Once that was up, you pulled away from him, and the huntsman was swift to hold you to your word. “So tell me,” he demanded gently, head tilted up to yours. “Why did you want to kiss me?”

Indeed, why oh why? 

“Because I’ve wondered what it’d be like from you.” You replied, a non-answer really, but you continued to ramble in the hopes of distraction. “Which I don’t think is so strange, you're a handsome young man. Surely you won’t blame a girl’s mind for wandering like that , right? I heard you men do much worse than wonder about a kiss after all.”

Kinich stopped breathing and you almost felt bad for having to stoop so low to divert his attention. “No I—!”

“I’m teasing~”

He looked like he had years, or at least months taken off his life. “I know.” He sighed. “The problem is that it’s working…” 

The admission shocked you; the self-awareness he possessed. It would seem that you weren’t being so stealthy after all with your teasing. Maybe asking for a kiss on the lips tipped him off, who knows. 

The young man cleared his throat once more, pretty green eyes drifting away from your visage. “Well, I hope the answer to your question was a pleasant one.”

“It was, but rest assured either way your debt is paid off.” You replied. “I didn’t say you had to give me a good kiss.” Kinich blinked in shock, dark lashes fluttering as he asked. 

“It…wasn’t good?” He sounded nervous, and your visage immediately softened in response. 

“Pfft, no? You just sat there frozen in place.” The words were borderline harsh, but your tone had been nothing but comforting. Fond even, of him and very much so. “It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t much. And that’s okay, like you said, it’s your first.”

“Noted, thank you for your feedback.” Though you weren’t certain, it felt like a sense of discontent swam beneath the hunter’s nonchalant reply this time. Must be a man’s pride, you figured. Being told they didn’t excel at something like that, it was predictable that he would be disgruntled. It wasn’t anything personal. 

It wasn’t because of you, or of disappointing you. No not at all, you shouldn’t think that. That’s a set up for disappointment. 

“Well, congratulations on paying off your debt! Now you can ask for fair wages whenever we work together.”

Kinich huffed. “Heh, yeah amazing. Thanks for that. 

You didn’t tell him, but that had been your first too.

◇──◆──◇

Next week, you received no guests at your humble abode. Nor the one after that. You knew to expect this, but the loneliness still caught you off guard. Or rather, the yearning you felt. Because after so many years in isolation, one thing was for certain and that was you were not susceptible to loneliness, nor were you about to start. 

It’s not that you disliked being by yourself, but that you disliked not having him here with you. That’s all.

“Will you be back next week?” you had asked that day, the one where you kissed Kinich for fun. “Or maybe the one after?”

He shook his head almost immediately. “I can’t, sorry. I have something to do out of town.” With that response, you asked no further questions and let him go. The same way the two of you have always operated with each other. With well-wishes and sealed lips. It took trust in a way, despite it seeming to be the one thing that secrecy would fail to promote. Trust that whatever the other person is hiding, they are still worth liking. And that surely it couldn’t be worse than what they themselves are hiding.

‘I am the accomplice to over a hundred murders, what about you?’

Kinich. He didn’t seem to mind, but you wondered if the kiss ruined things between the two of you. Either that it made him uncomfortable around you or just made him feel like he owed you nothing more, so he had no real reason to come back. Would be a real shame if so, but the worst part is that you can’t even confirm. Having never asked him for an address to send letters to. Plus, if his words were to be believed, the hunter was out of town right now. 

But was that really so? You could only wait and see. Staying alert for any knocks on the door. And one did come eventually. 

“Hello?”

Alas, it wasn’t at all who you were expecting. 

“Hello miss, may we speak to you?”

The authorities of some kind. Stern men in uniforms standing imposingly at your door with a list of questions at the ready. Immediately your panic response kicked in given your station as a witch. Someone in opposition to the law. “Yes, how may I help?”

Good thing they were quick to state more clearly their intentions. “We are hunting down a dangerous man who we believe has frequented these woods in the past. Have you seen such an individual?”

“A dangerous man?” you gasped appropriately. “Please sirs, you must tell me what he has done. This forest is my home…” Though it was likely that they were given orders to not so easily disclose information, the damsel act you put on was effective.

“He has…killed a man, miss.” One of them replied and your eyes went wider. “But please do not fret too much, it was a hired kill. This man is an infamous assassin, someone has to pay for him to kill. So you should be safe.”

The other one chimed in as well. “Still, you should avoid being out in the dark, lest he catch you witnessing his return to the crime scene.” The rest didn’t need to be said. “So if you would, please try to recall if you have seen anyone frequenting these grounds the past few weeks.” 

Kinich. 

“I…” 

The answer was obvious, he was the first and only person to come to mind fitting such a description. Someone scouting the woods with no clear incentive than the obvious one he provided to you, of which the stalking didn’t exactly explain alongside the sheer frequency at which he was there. It would seem that the green eyed man wanted you to believe that he passed by less than he actually did.

“I am so sorry, but no one comes to mind. I’ve always been alone out here unless I make my way to town.” You lied softly through your teeth. “Perhaps this killer only comes out at night? That’s when I would lock myself in the house, you see.”

The men at your door nodded grimly. “Yes, that would make sense.” Then they sighed, looking just about ready to leave now that you’ve responded. “Thank you for your insight, miss. Be well now.”

“Yes, I will…” The men walked away peacefully, leaving you alone with your thoughts. 

‘It’s you, isn’t it?’ 

If you were the accomplice to over a hundred murders, he may very well have been the one to do the actual killing for half of that number. In a morbid way, things evened out. 

You sighed, wondering if Kinich ever had the intention to return the day he left. It would make sense if not, leave the scene of the crime and flee far away. Never associating himself with a place that is on the hunt for him was the logical choice. Why would he do anything else? 

‘Not like he’s got a sweetheart here or anything.’

◇──◆──◇──◆

After a kill, you flee. That was Kinich’s protocol as an assassin and he’s never broken it. His own life was on the line, of course he wouldn’t. The kill had been carried out successfully, escaping through the forest easily after familiarizing himself with it for weeks. The reaction from guards had been swift and dozens of men poured out into the woods that night on high alert, but non-could find him and by dawn the killer was gone. Taking a well anticipated trip to collect the reward he’s been promised upon completion of this request. Usually, Kinich’s mind is blissfully occupied with cashing out and planning his next few months of easy living during this period, and to an extent it still was.

But this time a thought kept coming back to him. 

‘I wonder if she tipped them off,’ he thought. ‘I wouldn't blame her if she did.’ 

He would too if he were an innocent citizen being asked to assist in catching a hired killer. Best case scenario, you reserved your judgement on the matter, suspecting but not fully believing that he was the man in question. If anything, the assassin just hoped it didn’t give you too much of a fright, that you are still sleeping soundly at night. The irony of his conscience worrying about that but not the man he put beneath the earth was not lost on Kinich.

“Tell you what, I’ll give you a discount since it’s for a special lady in your life.”

Not that it stopped him from wanting to check.

“No, I’m not going to owe you anything. Just charge me the usual.” 

For that, Kinich implored Chasca, the best intel gatherer in all of Natlan and a long-time business partner of his. From her he requested only two things, how the investigation of his last kill was going and your wellbeing, and he intended to pay accordingly. 

“Don’t worry about it, if you really want to make it up then you—”

“Not a chance.” He cut off the redhead curtly. “You take the agreed upon amount and I get my information without owing you a single explanation about anything. That’s the deal.” 

It was obvious what the woman’s scheme was, trying to give a discount and proceed to use the assassin’s code of conduct to weasel out some juicy gossip. Especially about who the lady she was asked to search for was to him. He knew to expect it and hated the idea of being indebted to the intel gatherer, not just because of the nature of her job, but because of the nature of debt in general. 

“Just take my gold, would you?”

Chasca huffed, “Fine, so be it.” 

Debt means reciprocating, it means coming back to someone. Connection. Maybe that was why Kinich fabricated one for himself back then, so he could come back and pay you off. 

“The authorities' got nothing on you, practically given up on the town now and are using their resources to search nearby cities instead. It should be safe for you to go back if you want to.”

The young man nodded, pleasantly surprised at the news. “Already? I thought it would take longer.” 

“Well, they’ve got zero clues on you from the locals so there was only so much they could do there.” The pale woman shrugged. “The little lady must have helped cover for you when she got questioned.”

Kinich’s breathing halted at the notion. You…covered for him? An assassin? “Unbelievable…” 

“She’s doing fine too by the way, still living there and in good health.” Chasca continued. “If anything people have been seeing her in town more, maybe she’s there to see if you came back, hm?”

“I asked for information, not conjectures.” 

The intelligence agent rolled her eyes and huffed lightheartedly. “Whatever, I’m just saying that you should check up on her, apparently she’s been looking all sad lately.”

The young considered the idea, finding himself not fond of it. The thought that he’s put you in a bad mood. “Are you making that part up?” he asked humorlessly.

“Not at all, the boy from the alchemy guild said so,” chimed the redhead. “And he’s got a crush on her so you know this intel’s accurate, those types always give the most detailed observations on a target.” Kinich shot her another glare, even if she were being truthful, the woman was clearly provoking him for having not fallen for her trick earlier. 

“Anything else to report?” 

“That’s it.”

He’ll pay you a visit, nobody needed to tell him that. 

“Then we’re done here. See ya.” 

◆──◇──◆

Kinich showed up with some gifts in hand. Rare herbs, fruits, and fresh game from the forest. It’s been well over three weeks since he disappeared, so it felt right to bring something to show his remorse. Not to mention gratitude for you not tipping off the authorities about him. Though whether you did that on a gamble on a belief of his innocence remains to be seen. Either way he was grateful. It didn’t matter what your thought process was, what mattered was that you helped him. Whether you knew it or not, the killer owed you and he wanted to pay it back.

“Hey there.”

Also, he just wanted to see you.

“Kinich?” He felt his heart melt hearing his name wrapped in your voice once again. It felt like an eternity somehow since the last time. “Sorry I was gone so long,” he said softly as you led him inside the cabin. “I should have told you that it was a lengthy trip.”

“It’s okay,” he heard you say, bathing in the familiar glow of your attention. Warm and comfortable; no fear, no judgement, none of the things he was afraid to find once he arrived. “I’m just happy that you’re back and thought to pay a visit.”

It must have been another gamble on him after all, like the first time you met him, you trusted in his innocence. Why else did you regard him so fondly still? 

“These are for you. Again, think of it as an apology for leaving so long without a word. Not like I didn’t know where you lived, I should have kept in touch more.” 

“Aw, you shouldn’t have.” You graciously accepted the gifts brought by Kinich, setting them on the counter with the exception of the dead animal. He’ll take care of that in a bit. “Really, I should be here welcoming you back from the job.” 

He froze. “Pardon?”

Your eyes fluttered innocently. “From the job,” you said again, as if he didn’t hear the words clear as day the first time around. “The noble’s killing, that was you right? Looks like a total success to me, the guards couldn’t track you at all.” Your words sank harshly in the man’s mind, or maybe it was more like a rock to a window pane at full speed. You knew his sins and you let him into your house, greeted him with your warm smile. Looked at him as if nothing was amiss. 

“Since when?” Gasped the assassin. Though he stood only across the room from you, the distance felt staggering. 

You hummed. “I knew you were hiding something the moment you started stalking me from the shadows.” Yet another shock to the system from that. “But it wasn’t until the authorities came knocking that I knew exactly what that secret was.”

Seeing his shock stricken self, you shrugged lightheartedly. “They asked if I’ve seen anyone dangerous lurking around. What can I say? No one came to mind.” 

Yet the gleam in your eyes told the man all he needed to know. Maybe the time away was more than enough for you to come to terms with such a thing, dreadful as it was. 

Breathlessly, Kinich laughed. It sounded like a sigh of relief. “Well, thank you so much for not tipping them off. It certainly made my life easier…”

You sensed the uncertainty lingering on him. “Buuuut…?”

“But why?” he inquired, genuine in his befuddlement. “Why would you cover for someone like me? And continue to treat me as your friend even after finding out?”

“Because you are my friend, Kinich.”

He sighed. “That’s not what I meant. People aren’t supposed to so readily accept a man capable of murder in their life, especially one who does it as a job. For a living. That's gruesome and we know that.” 

You were walking towards him now, all calm and collected as you spoke. “But I don’t, because you’ve been nothing but kind to me. You still are, and I believe you will continue that in the future as well. Or am I mistaken?”

The killer relented, unable to find falsehood in your statements. “You are not, the problem is that you are associating yourself with someone dangerous. An immoral man that no one should want to befriend.”

“And yet I do!” you exclaimed. “Because I like you, Kinich. The way you treat me, and so many other things besides what you do for a living. Is that so hard to understand?”

“Yes,” he countered confidently. “Because it’s not something that should be brushed off so easily, and you’re naive for doing so. That’s going to hurt you later down the line.”

Your eyes bore into him, unshaken and challenging. “Naive? Try me, I’m under no delusion about your capacity for violence.”

He’ll see about that, the assassin decided. 

“I don’t care about who it is that I kill, it’s no vigilante act. Be they a saint or criminal I do it all the same when offered enough money, and once I do I don’t think about them ever again. No remorse—like they are mere stepping stones and I’ve walked on countless ones throughout life. Those people had families, they loved and dreamed and hoped and I’d end it all for them just to feel gold in my pocket. Don’t you understand that?” 

“Oh no, I do.” You nodded your head along to his vicious words casually. “Because I help people like you for a living, killers of man. Or at least people who seek to do others harm. Why else would they buy what I make here?”

Kinich thought back to the poisonous plants and finally the pieces clicked together. That time he got sick, it all made sense now, the lie, everything. It’s just that his dumbstruck brain distracted him from the most important thing he should have taken away from falling ill in your presence.  “You make poisons.” He gasped, you grinned up at him. 

“That I do.”

And you looked cute while doing it. Something was wrong with both of you. 

“You really should consider incorporating them into your jobs,” you chirped joyfully. “I think you’d find their effects quite useful, you wouldn’t even need to wait for a courier like the others!”

He really couldn’t help but laugh, in disbelief and in defeat. “So you really don’t mind, huh?” 

But god did he feel elated at the news. 

“I don’t, and I never will. So long as you are a good man to me I will be more than happy to treasure you like I always have. You are innocent in my eyes, as innocent as me anyways.” 

Self oriented and consequential, it dawned on Kinich then that he’s found someone like himself. Someone who thought like him and for a while too. Right under his nose this entire time. “Rest assured then, I will be a good man to you.”

You are sweet and kind, none of that has changed for him, but you also confessed that you accept him for who he is. Someone bright yet doesn’t cower in the shadow casted by his character. 

“That sounds perfect to me.” 

He was barely a breath away from you now, the proximity having shrunk to almost nothing with your advances. You were so close he had to crane his head down to look at your pretty eyes.

“Is this a dream?” He mused.

You giggled girlishly at the romantic word choices. Though it was no doubt a coincidence on his part. “Is this what you dream about?”

The young man blushed. “Maybe so…” he said. Perhaps not in his sleep, but during the day, when he was away. Yes, he’d find himself daydreaming something similar. Having your proximity to him like this.

“Yeah? Well either way, I think I ought to be repaid for my silence. Just a bit. What do you say?” 

Kinich thought back to the last time he saw you. “How does a kiss sound?”

“Perfect.” And before he could take in another breath, you captured his lips in yours. Only, it felt different this time. The words exchanged were much the same, in terms of favors and repayments, but that’s not how it felt. Last time you seemed to have meant what you said about the detached nature, committed to it even, and Kinich followed suit. This time it was just a pretense. 

His brain melted under your touch. And once more, the man felt your hands in his raven hair. Just a pretense. That meant this kiss was something more than the last, placed somewhere higher on the hierarchy of importance than his first. All because of the context. 

‘Just a matter of chronology.’

Your lips parted from Kinich and he felt a wave of disappointment crashing over him. It was so strong that he was almost knocked off his feet because of it. 

“Hmm…”

The young man couldn’t think coherently at this rate. But what about you? Maybe you could do it for him. 

“I want another one,” you practically purred, tiptoeing up to speak against his awaiting lips. “What would that cost me?”

He heaved under your attention. “How about your heart?” He asked and you smirked in satisfaction.

“Deal!”

Kinich will have to ask what you want for his own heart later on, but that was for his future self to remember. For now, all that mattered was having you in arms. With his lips on yours and eyes shut close this time. It felt nicer this way.

“Heh, you’re getting better already.”

Chapter Text

|| Extra Scene:  First Real Interaction ||

Initially, you didn’t make that strong of an impression on Kinich. At best he took notice of the Dendro vision in your possession, but an otherwise mundane girl. It didn't even register to him that he thought you were pretty. All he wanted was someone adequate to work alongside him.

That lack of impression didn’t last long.

“Kinich, right? I have a question for you.” 

You had less of a filter back when you first met, a bit less patience as well.

“What is it?”

“Are you dumb or smart?”

And that was the first ever interaction you initiated with Kinich. Gazing onwards as your mom set up the workshop area to accommodate instructing two children, a pretty brutal question fell from your lips in the most nonchalant manner. As limited in social experience as he was, the boy could at least tell there was something off with what you said. A mismatch between so many factors. Not that he cared too much about such things himself. 

“I know a few things you don’t,” he replied calmly, looking at your own observing profile. “The same way you know a few things I don’t. Why?”

“Because dumb people think they’re smart, and smart people don’t like to say they are,” you explained. “And I want to know if mum and I will be teaching a dumb kid or not.” 

Kinich stayed silent, his expression stoic and not yet so readable in your eyes. But you guessed that it must’ve been confusion or concern. “We’ll teach you either way, so don’t worry,” you clarified. “But it’s good to be prepared.”

“Well what about you? Do you think you’re dumb?”

“Yes, of course.” You nodded determinedly. “I’m dumb, I’m an idiot. I barely know the first thing about anything. All I know I can do is teach you a few things my mum already knows better than me.”

The boy took in the honesty in your words, pleasantly finding there to be no true self deprecation. Only objectivity. “That’s not a bad thing, we have to start somewhere.”

He liked objectivity.

“Well, yeah. I know that.” 

And in that moment—if only to the subtlest extent—he liked you too.

|| Summaries ||

Early Childhood: 

He met her at nine years old, a little boy sent there to learn from her mother about poisoning for his own good. There was no love at first sight, he thought nothing of her when he first laid eyes on her. He examined her as a specimen for the type of work that he would be learning to do here and nothing more, always so practical. It was only when she started talking to him that Kinich felt a spark, a platonic one, but that was more than anyone else had elicited from him. 

She was calm and collected, straightforward without being unkind; she thought like he did, in terms of practicality and costs and little else, never romanticizing a single thing in life. The girl had this awareness of whatever situation she found herself in, as if she knew she cannot rely on the adults to be on her side, something that the boy understood all too well. She treated him like a peer, but unlike the other kids, he did not see her as beneath him in intelligence. And all those reasons are the exact same ones that made her like him so much as well. 

You didn’t realize it then, but the way you regarded one another was truly unique compared to everyone else in their life. It was so much more amiable, and with time, so warm. He never got along with the other children and you never felt an interest in them either, always feeling that their minds are functioning on a separate plane of existence. Plus, it was just so exhausting being with people. You liked your alone time, it was precious. 

Twin flames was the word in mind for these two. Soulmates one could say, but that word practically means lovers at this point. They liked each other for them, because no one else in the world can make them feel as at ease and understood. There were still differences, mostly ones caused by your individual upbringing. You were more outgoing than Kinich, who lived by himself for years and years while you worked in a shop with patrons. Compared to him, you were so much more sociable, likable even. More smiles and polite tones, careful words and a cuter face. The only strange thing was that you didn’t have many people you would call friends, but surely they must exist. How else can a child be so sociable unless they have friends? You were just a darling to the eyes of others, Kinich was strange in comparison, and yet you stood by him at every opportunity. Never tolerating a single word spoken against him by anyone, looking right in the eyes of whoever scrutinized him with a tight smile on your lips. Like his cover, but in reality, it was more about making you comfortable than protecting him. Kinich never minded the negative attention, but you did mind people being unfavorable to your bestest friend in the world. To him, the only person whose opinion of him mattered was you, and you had a very favorable one indeed.

You two became inseparable with time, as inseparable as friends with their own busy lives living apart could be. Every chance to spend time together became precious, with the two kids always tried to make the most of it. Be it Kinich dragging you off somewhere by the wrist or you to him by the hand, there would be a rare little smile on his face and a genuine one on yours. Something not put on for customers, or guests, or anyone else you are commanded to make a good impression of. But only out of joy, because you were with your favorite boy in the world. 

“I’m so happy I met you.”

Actually, he was your first friend since being adopted by Patli.

Adolescence: 

Despite looking to be the brooding one out of the two, it was you who became the more emotionally volatile one at this age. Not to Kinich, but to everyone else. 

Though you found the time to make more friends beyond the one you favored most, many of them got the chop during this period. You only kept the ones you truly liked, and even those you kept at a distance. Kinich being the sole exception as always. In contrast, the boy saw you just as much as before, and you were just as happy to see him. What had gotten much worse for you had been your mental health, the illness aspect to be exact. A rough early childhood prior to adoption, and an unconventional one post had its effect on you. Plus it was likely that you were naturally predisposed to depression as well.

It wasn’t that you were dissatisfied with your life circumstances, there was little you would change about it, plus, you were used to it at this point. But things just hit you much harder emotionally than ever before. You were more irritable now, even your customer service was slipping, and Patli couldn’t be having that. So she tried to guide you, but this only resulted in you yelling about how she only stepped in when it interfered with her business interests. Usual teenage to parent grievances, really. 

Kinich knew well of your sad state. Your episodes of blues that lightened with his presence, but were not so easily dispelled. You were always happy to see him, but he alone could not make you happy; it takes more than that for melancholy. Sometimes, all you can do is invite him to the living room, lay on the couch in your emptiness and look ever so fondly as he would recount his days and thoughts. It was something you found yourself liking in your depression, just knowing that he lived his life freely without it. That whilst you struggle, the other half of your soul thrives without this thorn in his side. 

Still, it was not as if Kinich got spared all the emotional turmoil that came with teenagehood. Whilst he did lack the depressive episodes, he became more fussy, his fuse and patience short with anyone not you. He’s always been straight to the point, but throwing around threats of varying emptiness when inconvenienced was a step above.

Your drop in mood also took its toll on him, who for the first time felt like he was not on the same page with you. Kinich didn’t understand at first why you can be so disparaged for no reason, it even felt like you were avoiding him. You didn’t visit him as much then, though it was only because you didn’t have the strength to initiate anything. But with time, Kinich came to realize that he still had a special place in your heart, and he always will, no matter how weakened it was with melancholy. So all he could do was show that you meant just as much to him. 

He also learned more about his mother, and started to heal from her leaving finally, to fully reminisce and love the memory of her without the hurt. The boy tried sharing this with you, with his affectionate recounts of how she raised him in those precious few years they had together. Your emotions did not take to this as smoothly as he would have hoped. Firstly, you could not forgive her for leaving him behind with his father, even if that abandonment was precisely the reason why you got to have him for so much of your life. The heart was used to nothing if not contradictions. The other reason was one that you never dared to share with anyone, not even to the boy you adore so much—was a sense of jealousy. One felt towards her for being the woman he clearly cared and loved and adored with all his heart most in this world. She was perfect in his eyes you could tell; but you weren’t, and you failed to consider how he loved every single flaw of yours regardless. It was not the grumpy playground jealousy experienced by other youngsters your age, if not for your quelling of it, it would have been nothing less than a seething envy. For a woman that left the boy you liked and still got to be the most perfect one on earth in his eyes. 

You never spoke a word of this jealousy, but at some point Kinich still understood. First it was an inkling, and then a gentle belief. One driven by the yearning look you would give him whenever he recounted her, by the way sadness still emanated from your expression be it a frown or smile you wore as he spoke. He didn’t bring it up, there was no way to laugh this off, instead, he did his best to show you how much he cared. Through words, actions, and whatever else he could muster. 

The other important development in this stage was attraction. In that regard, one could say Kinich was the first to feel the pain; because gods know the two of you have fallen ages ago. He was the first whose body turned to fire at your friendly yet teasing touch. The first who had to suffer through the blushes and speedy heartbeats; to one day look at you smile as you rambled on about something and realized it was not love for a friend he was feeling; though it would be years before he verbalized it. But Kinich, cool and collected Kinich had little trouble fighting through the symptoms of young love, reducing the flustering reaction to much subtler ones that didn’t get in the way of your friendship, of which he still had every intention of enjoying. Nothing was about to get in the way of that, not even his beating heart. Not now, not ever. 

‘I love her, she’s my best friend and I love her.’

Adulthood:

You had your battle with lovesickness, brewed a potion to tell him what was obvious to the rest of the world, and waited for the day he might return it. It would be inaccurate to say you were certain that he will, but until someone else starts competing for Kinich’s affections, you will not dwell on the chance of rejection. Other than that, the chronic melancholy subsided. It was still there, you had to take your medicine and dutifully upkeep your mood, but at some point, it stopped being such a nuisance. You accepted that it was something to live with, which was not so bad if one learn all the ways to make it not so much a nuisance. 

The boundary of platonic friendship was kept up by both parties for the sake of respecting their existing critical thinking skills, but you weren’t afraid to slip in a flirt here or there. And sometimes the things Kinich said made you fluster like hell, but it was a bit harder to tell if it was a flirt when coming from him. Some people became under the impression that the two of you started dating, only to realize their mistake when you actually did. Regularly proving to their face that the chosen hero and famed bounty hunter of Natlan was not above kissing his girlfriend in public. Not just once or twice nor thrice either, it was all the time and at anywhere.

Kinich won’t let you down you’ve realized, if he’s already came back to you from death itself, then there is little else you knew to worry about. Ajaw was beyond displeased but it was funny seeing the new development in their dynamic, the dragon was so much more irritable now that his master refused to stay dead. In a strange way, it actually elevated your place in Ajaw’s eyes, at least you had the decency to not crawl back from the dead to spite his interests. 

A consequence of Kinich joining the Night Warden Wars was your increased frequency to visit town, always taking the day off whenever it was time to send him off or welcome him back once more. It had been a bit awkward there, with how you were not formally part of the Scions of the Canopy, or any other tribe for that matter. Which was the reasoning behind every other eager waiter of a warrior’s return. But whilst you had been no family of his, it was always made clear to onlookers every time he came back exactly why you were there. Really, it was almost ridiculous. The way Kinich practically made a show out of reuniting with you. Literally leaping into the air with the ‘help’ of Ajaw to land right in front of your running form, letting you crash into him so affectionately. 

You also made friends with other crucial players of the war thanks to your ties to your boyfriend. It was refreshing to have new friends from such walks of life and you slowly came out of your forest cabin-shaped shell from then on. With your continuous appearance, the word eventually got around of Malipo Kinich having himself a sweetheart. A childhood sweetheart no less. A most beautiful young lady that hung off his arms just as much as he did to her, smitten with each other. It was cute.

“I’m back.”

“That you are, my love.”

All in all, it’s a tooth-rotting childhood friends-to-lovers story. I have to admit that I did very little interesting things with it (which is unusual since I’m all about an unusual dynamic), only trying to execute it to the best of my abilities. They just love each other very much, okay? Always have, always will.