Summer Sun, Something's Begun | July Catch-All | Open

[forgeabettertomorrow]

🧙 WHO: Darin Altway and YOU
⚔️️ WHAT: July Catch-All with Open and Closed prompts
🕒 WHEN: Throughout July
🗺️ WHERE: All around Camelot! Quests and shenanigans ahoy!
⚠️ WARNINGS: Some ridiculousness? Some fluff? Will update as necessary!

🛡️ SHIELD SUMMER FEVER! 🛡️ - OPEN

[Darin always felt bad for the people who could get sick. Back home, his powers prevented him from falling ill, even to such banal things as a summer cold. But he did have experience as a gofer for his town's doctor, as well as doing errands and chores for the people who fell ill. So, this job was right up his alley.]

[One thing he knew for sure, when you're under the weather, nothing beats a good laugh.]

[With the trusty use of the new EmphaSize spell he nabbed from the traders, you'll find him waddling around with huge, oversized feet as he goes from room to room delivering flowers, teddy bears, medicine, fruit baskets, you name it. If he happens to be entering a kid's room, he'll make a big show of his giant, floppy feet. If its an elderly person's room, he'll sit with them for awhile and ask them about their day or let them ramble on.]

[But it's likely leaving one of the rooms is when you'll bump into Darin. Or trip over his enormous, floppy feet.]

Oh, hey! Easy there! You okay? Sorry, I should get a signal or something for these things...

🗡️ LAVAFT BEHIND 🗡️ - OPEN

[This seemed like a pretty easy task, all things considered. Everyone knew slimes were low-level monsters, even if they had the same temperature as magma. And Darin worked professionally around molten metal all day. If there was anyone who could handle this task, it was him.]

[Though, having someone along in case things went awry was a good idea too. Especially since his blood magic wouldn't really do him much good here.]

[So back to the Diamond Falls Darin goes. He's got a pickax and some mining tools in a pack slung over his shoulder examining the hardened rock for any sign of the slime.]

So, since I know how my luck goes, what's the plan for when we free this thing and it immediately attacks us with the fury of a particularly cranky volcano?

AT THE FORGE - OPEN

[With the reconstruction from his rampage doing well, Darin's back at the forge doing what he loves. He might be down an apprentice, but that hasn't stopped him from taking orders and commissions from those who seek him out! Got something you want Darin to make? His consultations are always free so come on in! Got some gear that needs mending or ideas you want to pitch? Maybe you just need some work? Darin's door is always open! When you step in, you'll likely see him working on something or tidying the place up. If there's one thing Darin can't stand, it's a messy forge! So come on in and let's get to work!]

BAR CRAWL - CLOSED TO KATE

[It's been about a month since he tore through Camelot as a terrifying, familiar-fused monster. Barring his (and everyone else's jaunt) to Celliwig, Darin had largely avoided going into town. And when he did, he wore a cloak with a hood that concealed his hair.]

[Now, a month later and the reconstruction mostly complete, Darin is feeling a little more hopeful that maybe he won't be kicked out of town if he decides to hit a bar for a drink or two. He's still wearing his cloak, but when he settles in at the 'In For a Pound' pub, he slowly pulls his hood back to reveal his very obvious blue mane of hair. He gets a few looks, some of which he's not too thrilled with, but orders a drink and sits at the bar.]

[Unfortunately, the patrons on either side of him scoot away. Fortunately, that leaves space should anyone decide they want to pull up a stool and join him.]

MY DINNER WITH DARIN - CLOSED TO ALLURA

[So, it really only dawned on Darin about a day or so before the date that he and Allura had chosen for dinner that this might actually be a...you know. A date. In a panic, he considered calling her to clarify that this wasn't a date...but what if she wanted it to be a date? What if he tried to clarify and they called the whole thing off? That would be awful! And he'd feel terrible too! She was really looking forward to it! But did that mean she was looking forward to a date with him?]

[No, that couldn't be it.]

[Could it?]

[So, after spending a day laying on the floor and staring at the ceiling weighing his options, he decided that, you know what? He could do this! Even if it was a date! Hell, it was only a date! He could handle that! Even though he'd never been on a date before, much less with someone who was so strikingly beautiful and had spent the last six months worming her way into his every though— NOT IMPORTANT!]

[And so, it was the evening of the big-but-maybe-not date. He'd agonized over whether or not he should dress up and finally he decided on an off-white polo shirt with pink piping around the collar and sleeves (hey, pink goes good with blue, alright?), and some tan slacks. With a menu all set (he did promise it would be an amazing meal) he sets out to begin cooking, listening intently for the door to the forge to open so he could go up and greet her.]

[Everything was set for the evening. Nothing could possibly go wrong, right?]

[...Right?]

WILDCARD

[Not seeing anything that catches your fancy or want to do something else? Go ahead and top-level! And if you're not sure and want to hash it out, hit me up on Discord @ Ant#0062 or on plurk @ bitterbearface!]

Comments

[forgeabettertomorrow]

No! I do! I want to see how strong you were!

[He...He likes strong women, don't kink shame.]

[patchricide]

[She looks thoughtful for a moment.]

I'll need something to siphon, first. I didn't exactly come here preparing for combat.

And I'm not sure if I should take some of yours... [She doesn't elaborate. Surely he recalls how that ended last time, right?]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Why don't I buff my strength with my magic and you can siphon that? I've got stamina for days so even if you siphon my power, I can boost myself again, if need be.

[I guess this answers her unasked question about how much stamina he has.]

[patchricide]

I could do that...

Though, now that you mention it, couldn't you just enhance my strength? It doesn't seem like it should have the same sort of limitations as siphoning...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

....Huh. You're right. I can do that.

Alright...here we go. Try not to hulk out of your dress now~

[Or do...he won't complain. Regardless, while he massages her back, she'll feel an incredible surge of magic course through her body.]

[patchricide]

[She looks surprised, and looks down at her own hands in amazement.]

This is your magic? It feels so different from siphoned power. That magic always feels as if it wants to fight against me, as if I have to use my own strength to contain it...

But this feels wonderful. I don't just feel stronger, I feel... energized.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Oh?

I guess I'm just sorta used to it. It was kinda always like this for me back home.

[patchricide]

I thought you didn't have magic back where you came from. Or are you referring to...

[She reaches behind her, grabbing him by the shoulders — and seems to have no trouble flipping him over her head and onto the other side of the couch. He wanted a demonstration, didn't he?]

... your strength?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

W-Whoa!!

[He's just going to stare and then nod dumbly.]

Y...Y-Yeah...

[patchricide]

[So, let's get on with that demonstration, shall we? With the change in position, she grabs one of his arms in a lock, and holds the other down at the elbow — all the while looking down at him with an amused smile on her face.]

You know, it feels like a long time since I've actually needed to pin someone like this...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Hrngh! You really...do have some good hand-to-hand experience...

[He smirks though as he channels another burst of magic. Not into his arms or his legs as one might think to try first. No, he buffs his core and his chest.]

[It's an unorthodox use of the spell and she can see his muscles practically become like steel through his polo shirt. And with that same smirk, he starts pushing himself up slowly, like he's doing the world's most powerful sit-up.]

[patchricide]

And you're planning on breaking it through sheer brute strength?

[She wraps her legs around his waist, and in something resembling a wrestling move, uses the strength of her body to fight back against him and pull him back down against the couch.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He looks down at the legs clamped around his abdomen and considers the lock she has on his arm wrenched behind his back.]

[She's definitely got him pinned...and she's expecting him to use brute strength to just force his way out.]

[Well...she might not be too far off the mark. He has an idea...it's not one he's ever tried before but now's as good a time as any, right?]

Not brute strength. Strength of will.

[Ever since his transformation, he'd gotten incredibly good at casting his healing magic. So much so that he could cast it quickly, in localized areas. And in order for this little escape trick to work, he'd have to chain strength buffs and healing into specific areas.]

[She'll feel his muscles flex again, specifically his arms. Rapidly, he buffs the muscles in his arms. She might feel a sudden alarming pop in the shoulder she's got locked behind him as he dislocates his shoulder, immediately casting a healing spell on the area to deaden the pain. With the arm suddenly shifting and going weak, Darin can pivot in her arms and break the hold somewhat. He twists sharply and pop his shoulder back in as he turns around to face her with a wild grin. Sweating from the exertion and the adrenaline, he decided to play by her rules.]

[He leans in and kisses her right on the lips. But it's not nearly as gentle as she did with him. No, this little contest has him a little riled up and he's kissing her with a sudden rush of passion.]

[patchricide]

[She can feel herself start to swoon as he kisses her, the warmth and taste of his lips, that bit of suction—]

[Okay, wait. Wait. Before she gets too swept up in this kiss (because it is a very good kiss), she pushes him back a little. Just so she can talk. Just so she can ask a question, even though his lips are still so nearly locked with hers—]

Did you just dislocate your own shoulder just to show off to me?!

[Because okay, yes, she's impressed. But also, that's a far more extreme move than she expected from the two of them fooling around!]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I did.

[He says this with no shame at all, and with an unabashed smirk on his face.]

[And while she's got both hands on his chest pushing him away just enough for her to have this brief conversation, his hands have moved to her thighs still wrapped around his waist.]

When I put my mind to something, there's no challenge I'll lose to.

So...you having any second thoughts about me...? Any of this...?

[His adrenaline is still raging and his muscles are still tense with the strength buff. It's like clinging to a mountain.]

[patchricide]

[She looks at him questioningly, taking some real time to consider what he's asking. After all, he probably doesn't want a quick, knee-jerk answer — or he might doubt the sincerity behind her words.]

No... no, I'm not. It's a little shocking, but...

There's something refreshing about it. The idea of dating someone who can keep up with me. [In recklessness as much as strength, really.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[And yet, he can sense the concern she has for him. It was a pretty drastic maneuver...]

[So, he reaches up with one hand and cups her cheek.]

Hey...I'm sorry if I startled or worried you. Sometimes...I get swept up in the moment. My fire gets to burning and suddenly all I see are ways to move forward with my goal.

...But that doesn't mean I'm ever gonna lose sight of you...

...Okay...?

[patchricide]

... all right. You really don't have to worry about it. It's something I can understand quite well, truth be told...

[But despite that, some relief does soften her expression.]

Just please, no more intentionally hurting yourself! Even if you're confident in your healing, it's something that you really shouldn't grow used to!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I didn't even feel it. I healed myself the second I dislocated the shoulder so I didn't feel any pain...

[Although now it's sore...]

I...guess I got caught up in wanting to impress you...

...So...are you impressed~?

[He might be flexing a bit for her sake.]

[patchricide]

Well... yes. [In fact, her cheeks are flushing, and she's having some trouble making eye contact.]

Strength aside, it takes some incredible self-discipline to even attempt a maneuver like that...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

When you spend your entire life carefully gauging and hiding your power, you learn a thing or two about self-discipline...

I'm confident I can control every part of my body with complete precision.

[Did that sound suggestive? It might have sounded a little suggestive...]

[patchricide]

[... oh. Well, she certainly takes it as suggestive. After all, why else would he be bringing every part of his body into it?]

I... I mean... I had meant steeling your nerve enough to go through with that sort of injury... though I suppose that takes control as well, doesn't it?

[Her cheeks are flushing, her voice is a little soft, her eyes aren't quite meeting his. Oh yeah, something else distracting is on her mind.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He chuckles softly.]

Is everything alright...?

[Did he do something wrong? It hasn't registered yet that he's pressed against her between her legs in a very compromising position.]

[patchricide]

Yes, everything is—

... ... ...

You're teasing me, aren't you?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Teasing you?

About what?