Pinned
(Any one of these deaths could be his last.)
September 16, 2026 at 8:53 PM
(Any one of these deaths could be his last.)
(He decides to head to Rankova Zorya to pick up some borscht from his friends' restaurant.
He gets to eat hot, delicious food while supporting a good cause. There's nothing more in the world he could ask for.
The snow continues to fall, a thick blanket of white covering the land.
+
He gets to eat hot, delicious food while supporting a good cause. There's nothing more in the world he could ask for.
The snow continues to fall, a thick blanket of white covering the land.
+
Since Mr. Valeriy is nowhere to be seen today, shall I head to the theater? Or... hmm. No, that's too obvious of a trap, isn't it?
September 16, 2026 at 6:55 PM
(He decides to head to Rankova Zorya to pick up some borscht from his friends' restaurant.
He gets to eat hot, delicious food while supporting a good cause. There's nothing more in the world he could ask for.
The snow continues to fall, a thick blanket of white covering the land.
+
He gets to eat hot, delicious food while supporting a good cause. There's nothing more in the world he could ask for.
The snow continues to fall, a thick blanket of white covering the land.
+
Since Mr. Valeriy is nowhere to be seen today, shall I head to the theater? Or... hmm. No, that's too obvious of a trap, isn't it?
September 16, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Since Mr. Valeriy is nowhere to be seen today, shall I head to the theater? Or... hmm. No, that's too obvious of a trap, isn't it?
(He can't believe his ears. Valeriy, bound to the rules Valeriy, stuck in his ways Valeriy, the same Valeriy who always opposes his ideas...
Mitya is overjoyed.)
Make it a habit? Haha, me? I could 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.
(A bold-faced lie, but he doesn't think he's fooling Valeriy either way.
+
Mitya is overjoyed.)
Make it a habit? Haha, me? I could 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.
(A bold-faced lie, but he doesn't think he's fooling Valeriy either way.
+
Valery stands, both hands behind his back. He's facing away from Mitya, so he can't see his smile.
"A sound reason, indeed." He knew he'd find a way to justify this. Even if it's a half-truth. "The higher ups know about the threat of the Ruler of Death, and knowing she can strike at any »
"A sound reason, indeed." He knew he'd find a way to justify this. Even if it's a half-truth. "The higher ups know about the threat of the Ruler of Death, and knowing she can strike at any »
(Mitya has only been evading boring things like 'rules' and 'the law' for the entirety of his professional life. He was born ready for this moment.)
Tell them your charge is incapacitated.
(Valeriy, cut and dry as he is, about to lie to his colleagues to run away with him for the night?
+
Tell them your charge is incapacitated.
(Valeriy, cut and dry as he is, about to lie to his colleagues to run away with him for the night?
+
September 15, 2026 at 11:41 AM
(He can't believe his ears. Valeriy, bound to the rules Valeriy, stuck in his ways Valeriy, the same Valeriy who always opposes his ideas...
Mitya is overjoyed.)
Make it a habit? Haha, me? I could 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.
(A bold-faced lie, but he doesn't think he's fooling Valeriy either way.
+
Mitya is overjoyed.)
Make it a habit? Haha, me? I could 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.
(A bold-faced lie, but he doesn't think he's fooling Valeriy either way.
+
(Mitya has only been evading boring things like 'rules' and 'the law' for the entirety of his professional life. He was born ready for this moment.)
Tell them your charge is incapacitated.
(Valeriy, cut and dry as he is, about to lie to his colleagues to run away with him for the night?
+
Tell them your charge is incapacitated.
(Valeriy, cut and dry as he is, about to lie to his colleagues to run away with him for the night?
+
Valeriy looks up at the ceiling, trying to rephrase what he's meant to say.
"I'll... have to fill in a report for overnight duty. So." Clears his throat. "Report requires a justification for my presence... any kind of threat could serve..."
Ughh. He can't just write 'companionship' on his »
"I'll... have to fill in a report for overnight duty. So." Clears his throat. "Report requires a justification for my presence... any kind of threat could serve..."
Ughh. He can't just write 'companionship' on his »
...
(Warm and heavy. Valeriy's coat carries the scent of his musk. Mitya is ashamed to admit to himself that it makes for a comforting blanket.
The pillow moves, shifting until his mouth is free. Mitya is no longer muffled by it, but he hasn't come out of hiding just yet.)
+
(Warm and heavy. Valeriy's coat carries the scent of his musk. Mitya is ashamed to admit to himself that it makes for a comforting blanket.
The pillow moves, shifting until his mouth is free. Mitya is no longer muffled by it, but he hasn't come out of hiding just yet.)
+
September 15, 2026 at 10:41 AM
(Mitya has only been evading boring things like 'rules' and 'the law' for the entirety of his professional life. He was born ready for this moment.)
Tell them your charge is incapacitated.
(Valeriy, cut and dry as he is, about to lie to his colleagues to run away with him for the night?
+
Tell them your charge is incapacitated.
(Valeriy, cut and dry as he is, about to lie to his colleagues to run away with him for the night?
+
(Mitya blinks up at him, a tiny smile forming on his lips - then, like the scientist he is, he tilts his head to the side and presses his ear into Valeriy's chest.
To listen. To observe.
With some focusing, he 𝘤𝘢𝘯 make his heartbeat out. It's fast... and Mitya knows fully well that his own
+
To listen. To observe.
With some focusing, he 𝘤𝘢𝘯 make his heartbeat out. It's fast... and Mitya knows fully well that his own
+
[ 𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺𝘢 , 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘺 , valeriy muses in his mind , somewhat agitated at drawing another reciprocation ... not because he doesn't feel the 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 , 𝒏𝒐 , the armory officer is having difficulties of offering soothing words ,
What are you talking about, Sarge?
(As he suspected - something was 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 him. Mitya was observant, surely, but not always the most confident in his deductions.
He'll have to use his words, convey exactly what Valeriy needs to understand the most.)
I'm right here, aren't I?
+
(As he suspected - something was 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 him. Mitya was observant, surely, but not always the most confident in his deductions.
He'll have to use his words, convey exactly what Valeriy needs to understand the most.)
I'm right here, aren't I?
+
September 14, 2026 at 11:24 AM
(Mitya blinks up at him, a tiny smile forming on his lips - then, like the scientist he is, he tilts his head to the side and presses his ear into Valeriy's chest.
To listen. To observe.
With some focusing, he 𝘤𝘢𝘯 make his heartbeat out. It's fast... and Mitya knows fully well that his own
+
To listen. To observe.
With some focusing, he 𝘤𝘢𝘯 make his heartbeat out. It's fast... and Mitya knows fully well that his own
+
...
(Warm and heavy. Valeriy's coat carries the scent of his musk. Mitya is ashamed to admit to himself that it makes for a comforting blanket.
The pillow moves, shifting until his mouth is free. Mitya is no longer muffled by it, but he hasn't come out of hiding just yet.)
+
(Warm and heavy. Valeriy's coat carries the scent of his musk. Mitya is ashamed to admit to himself that it makes for a comforting blanket.
The pillow moves, shifting until his mouth is free. Mitya is no longer muffled by it, but he hasn't come out of hiding just yet.)
+
Valeriy gets closer, unclasping the cloak from his shoulders.
"...You do, actually." He huffs, covering Mitya's smaller body with his furry cloak. It covers him completely, almost making him invisible to external eyes. On one quick glance, one shall believe Valeriy simply was careless. »
"...You do, actually." He huffs, covering Mitya's smaller body with his furry cloak. It covers him completely, almost making him invisible to external eyes. On one quick glance, one shall believe Valeriy simply was careless. »
(Where is his scarf when he needs it?! It should be blocking his eyes right now, hiding him from view. Mitya rolls over onto his side, back facing Valeriy, and grabs a nearby unused pillow to cover his head.)
I don't have the authority to demand you to do anything.
(He mumbles.
+
I don't have the authority to demand you to do anything.
(He mumbles.
+
September 14, 2026 at 11:11 AM
...
(Warm and heavy. Valeriy's coat carries the scent of his musk. Mitya is ashamed to admit to himself that it makes for a comforting blanket.
The pillow moves, shifting until his mouth is free. Mitya is no longer muffled by it, but he hasn't come out of hiding just yet.)
+
(Warm and heavy. Valeriy's coat carries the scent of his musk. Mitya is ashamed to admit to himself that it makes for a comforting blanket.
The pillow moves, shifting until his mouth is free. Mitya is no longer muffled by it, but he hasn't come out of hiding just yet.)
+
(Where is his scarf when he needs it?! It should be blocking his eyes right now, hiding him from view. Mitya rolls over onto his side, back facing Valeriy, and grabs a nearby unused pillow to cover his head.)
I don't have the authority to demand you to do anything.
(He mumbles.
+
I don't have the authority to demand you to do anything.
(He mumbles.
+
Tch... Valeriy will have to stay put. He glances at Mitya's hands grabbing at the fabric of his cloak and can't help getting a sense of endearment from the sight.
"Mitya..." He softly lifts a hand, reaching for his arm. "I would absolutely stay if that's your demand. No need to look for excuses."
"Mitya..." He softly lifts a hand, reaching for his arm. "I would absolutely stay if that's your demand. No need to look for excuses."
(... Unfortunately for him, his scarf isn't there to muffle his big mouth. It opens and closes like a fish out of water, dangerously toeing the precipice - before veering wayward and out of his own control.)
I'm your charge. What if... what if someone threatens me in my sleep?
(Tugs harder.)
I'm your charge. What if... what if someone threatens me in my sleep?
(Tugs harder.)
September 14, 2026 at 10:46 AM
(Where is his scarf when he needs it?! It should be blocking his eyes right now, hiding him from view. Mitya rolls over onto his side, back facing Valeriy, and grabs a nearby unused pillow to cover his head.)
I don't have the authority to demand you to do anything.
(He mumbles.
+
I don't have the authority to demand you to do anything.
(He mumbles.
+
// @valeriysbigchest.bsky.social i will never get over your username
September 14, 2026 at 10:28 AM
// @valeriysbigchest.bsky.social i will never get over your username
(... Unfortunately for him, his scarf isn't there to muffle his big mouth. It opens and closes like a fish out of water, dangerously toeing the precipice - before veering wayward and out of his own control.)
I'm your charge. What if... what if someone threatens me in my sleep?
(Tugs harder.)
I'm your charge. What if... what if someone threatens me in my sleep?
(Tugs harder.)
"...would you like me to, Mr. Mitya?"
Are you leaving?
September 14, 2026 at 10:27 AM
(... Unfortunately for him, his scarf isn't there to muffle his big mouth. It opens and closes like a fish out of water, dangerously toeing the precipice - before veering wayward and out of his own control.)
I'm your charge. What if... what if someone threatens me in my sleep?
(Tugs harder.)
I'm your charge. What if... what if someone threatens me in my sleep?
(Tugs harder.)
// oops i spy a typo hold on
September 14, 2026 at 10:27 AM
// oops i spy a typo hold on
Are you leaving?
So adorable...
(Tugs on his coat to stay.)
September 13, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Are you leaving?
(Tugs on his coat to stay.)
Tucks him...
// sleep...
September 13, 2026 at 12:51 PM
(Tugs on his coat to stay.)
What are you talking about, Sarge?
(As he suspected - something was 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 him. Mitya was observant, surely, but not always the most confident in his deductions.
He'll have to use his words, convey exactly what Valeriy needs to understand the most.)
I'm right here, aren't I?
+
(As he suspected - something was 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 him. Mitya was observant, surely, but not always the most confident in his deductions.
He'll have to use his words, convey exactly what Valeriy needs to understand the most.)
I'm right here, aren't I?
+
...
[ once again , valeriy's 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 by the suddenness of that statement , trying to process thoughts for reciprocating something back , albeit a bit focused with attempting to halt the rush around his face .
there's no 𝘶𝘴𝘦 , the major's already 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥
[ once again , valeriy's 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 by the suddenness of that statement , trying to process thoughts for reciprocating something back , albeit a bit focused with attempting to halt the rush around his face .
there's no 𝘶𝘴𝘦 , the major's already 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥
This is a method of protecting me too, you know.
(It's not a lie, because he believes it to be the truth. Mitya refuses to let go.)
You're guarding my heart from harm.
(It's not a lie, because he believes it to be the truth. Mitya refuses to let go.)
You're guarding my heart from harm.
September 13, 2026 at 11:45 AM
What are you talking about, Sarge?
(As he suspected - something was 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 him. Mitya was observant, surely, but not always the most confident in his deductions.
He'll have to use his words, convey exactly what Valeriy needs to understand the most.)
I'm right here, aren't I?
+
(As he suspected - something was 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 him. Mitya was observant, surely, but not always the most confident in his deductions.
He'll have to use his words, convey exactly what Valeriy needs to understand the most.)
I'm right here, aren't I?
+
This is a method of protecting me too, you know.
(It's not a lie, because he believes it to be the truth. Mitya refuses to let go.)
You're guarding my heart from harm.
(It's not a lie, because he believes it to be the truth. Mitya refuses to let go.)
You're guarding my heart from harm.
are you saying that I need to 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 ?
[ for this so—called 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 claimed by mitya himself ... maybe , just this 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 , valeriy shall oblige , knowing that he can't really take a gist with sciences other than weaponry and military obligations . ]
[ for this so—called 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 claimed by mitya himself ... maybe , just this 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 , valeriy shall oblige , knowing that he can't really take a gist with sciences other than weaponry and military obligations . ]
It's cold.
(He says simply, knowing they're safely inside somewhere warm. The words come out muffled by Valeriy's thick coat, as Mitya refuses to lift his face from it no matter what, and his scarf holds Valeriy steady.)
If you're melting, it's because I'm transferring my heat to you.
+
(He says simply, knowing they're safely inside somewhere warm. The words come out muffled by Valeriy's thick coat, as Mitya refuses to lift his face from it no matter what, and his scarf holds Valeriy steady.)
If you're melting, it's because I'm transferring my heat to you.
+
September 12, 2026 at 7:03 PM
This is a method of protecting me too, you know.
(It's not a lie, because he believes it to be the truth. Mitya refuses to let go.)
You're guarding my heart from harm.
(It's not a lie, because he believes it to be the truth. Mitya refuses to let go.)
You're guarding my heart from harm.
Ah. Um, me! It was my birthday recently. I'm getting pretty up there in age, huh? Hahaha...
(Rubs at the back of his neck.)
(Rubs at the back of his neck.)
Who are you calling old man.
pspspsps old man
September 12, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Ah. Um, me! It was my birthday recently. I'm getting pretty up there in age, huh? Hahaha...
(Rubs at the back of his neck.)
(Rubs at the back of his neck.)
pspspsps old man
September 12, 2026 at 6:17 PM
pspspsps old man
It's cold.
(He says simply, knowing they're safely inside somewhere warm. The words come out muffled by Valeriy's thick coat, as Mitya refuses to lift his face from it no matter what, and his scarf holds Valeriy steady.)
If you're melting, it's because I'm transferring my heat to you.
+
(He says simply, knowing they're safely inside somewhere warm. The words come out muffled by Valeriy's thick coat, as Mitya refuses to lift his face from it no matter what, and his scarf holds Valeriy steady.)
If you're melting, it's because I'm transferring my heat to you.
+
[ ... what the—!?
valeriy almost forgot that mitya's scarf is 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴; he wonders if both him and this object shares that same feeling , he can't really tell .
seems that the armory officer can't refuse , offering another embrace with those big arms
valeriy almost forgot that mitya's scarf is 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴; he wonders if both him and this object shares that same feeling , he can't really tell .
seems that the armory officer can't refuse , offering another embrace with those big arms
(And although they were wrapped up in each other's arms for several minutes, the time to part came far too soon for the energy scientist.
His scarf did the honors of reaching out and winding around Valeriy's shoulders, yanking him back down. Mitya reaches his arms out for another hug, lavender
+
His scarf did the honors of reaching out and winding around Valeriy's shoulders, yanking him back down. Mitya reaches his arms out for another hug, lavender
+
September 12, 2026 at 6:14 PM
It's cold.
(He says simply, knowing they're safely inside somewhere warm. The words come out muffled by Valeriy's thick coat, as Mitya refuses to lift his face from it no matter what, and his scarf holds Valeriy steady.)
If you're melting, it's because I'm transferring my heat to you.
+
(He says simply, knowing they're safely inside somewhere warm. The words come out muffled by Valeriy's thick coat, as Mitya refuses to lift his face from it no matter what, and his scarf holds Valeriy steady.)
If you're melting, it's because I'm transferring my heat to you.
+
(And although they were wrapped up in each other's arms for several minutes, the time to part came far too soon for the energy scientist.
His scarf did the honors of reaching out and winding around Valeriy's shoulders, yanking him back down. Mitya reaches his arms out for another hug, lavender
+
His scarf did the honors of reaching out and winding around Valeriy's shoulders, yanking him back down. Mitya reaches his arms out for another hug, lavender
+
...
[ something about valeriy embracing mitya like this ... doesn't entirely 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 , yet it's exactly what he needs : to ground his thoughts completely and going with the flow .
he wondered why such urges were surfacing at this moment .
and ...
[ something about valeriy embracing mitya like this ... doesn't entirely 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 , yet it's exactly what he needs : to ground his thoughts completely and going with the flow .
he wondered why such urges were surfacing at this moment .
and ...
!!!
(Mitya blinks rapidly, caught off guard, for once. After taking a breath to ground himself, he melts into the embrace, nuzzling his forehead back and forth against Valeriy's chest.)
... The honor's all mine.
(Mitya blinks rapidly, caught off guard, for once. After taking a breath to ground himself, he melts into the embrace, nuzzling his forehead back and forth against Valeriy's chest.)
... The honor's all mine.
September 12, 2026 at 6:02 PM
(And although they were wrapped up in each other's arms for several minutes, the time to part came far too soon for the energy scientist.
His scarf did the honors of reaching out and winding around Valeriy's shoulders, yanking him back down. Mitya reaches his arms out for another hug, lavender
+
His scarf did the honors of reaching out and winding around Valeriy's shoulders, yanking him back down. Mitya reaches his arms out for another hug, lavender
+
// the urge to make mitya clingy
September 12, 2026 at 5:50 PM
// the urge to make mitya clingy
!!!
(Mitya blinks rapidly, caught off guard, for once. After taking a breath to ground himself, he melts into the embrace, nuzzling his forehead back and forth against Valeriy's chest.)
... The honor's all mine.
(Mitya blinks rapidly, caught off guard, for once. After taking a breath to ground himself, he melts into the embrace, nuzzling his forehead back and forth against Valeriy's chest.)
... The honor's all mine.
[ valeriy didn't hesitate to embrace mitya on impulse——ascertaining his 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 , whether it was to emphasize or giving weight with his duty . ]
it's ... always a 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳 , mr. mitya . if it meant safeguarding you from harm .
it's ... always a 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳 , mr. mitya . if it meant safeguarding you from harm .
(The wide closed-eye grin he reacts with soon softens.)
With you by my side, I know I'll always be safe. Thank you, Valeriy.
With you by my side, I know I'll always be safe. Thank you, Valeriy.
September 12, 2026 at 5:02 PM
!!!
(Mitya blinks rapidly, caught off guard, for once. After taking a breath to ground himself, he melts into the embrace, nuzzling his forehead back and forth against Valeriy's chest.)
... The honor's all mine.
(Mitya blinks rapidly, caught off guard, for once. After taking a breath to ground himself, he melts into the embrace, nuzzling his forehead back and forth against Valeriy's chest.)
... The honor's all mine.
(The wide closed-eye grin he reacts with soon softens.)
With you by my side, I know I'll always be safe. Thank you, Valeriy.
With you by my side, I know I'll always be safe. Thank you, Valeriy.
...
[ valeriy didn't want their conversation to be getting 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘳 each second passes ... but sometimes , 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒆 can be cruel to their endeavors . ]
fair point . I suppose that is necessarily an intended clause : that I am 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘥 , your
[ valeriy didn't want their conversation to be getting 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘳 each second passes ... but sometimes , 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒆 can be cruel to their endeavors . ]
fair point . I suppose that is necessarily an intended clause : that I am 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘥 , your
Then it's a good thing you're my protector and not a door. Any world where I walk through and leave you behind isn't one I want to be part of.
September 12, 2026 at 4:40 PM
(The wide closed-eye grin he reacts with soon softens.)
With you by my side, I know I'll always be safe. Thank you, Valeriy.
With you by my side, I know I'll always be safe. Thank you, Valeriy.