The Nutrients the Ground Provides

by Yoshiarta213

Summary:

After being gifted a feather, the ground wishes to reciprocate. Give something back to the daffodil. But what?

Notes:

What's this? More food for you all? (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ Sorry it's been a bit!

Taph. His spark. The light in his life. The golden feathered demolitionist that has saved him many, many times in this realm.

The same masked man that he was struggling to repay.

Dusekkar would never admit he’s below average with gift ideas. More often than not giving a personnelle a gift card or one of their more knowledgeable interests. It’s what he had done during the HQ’s Secret Santa’s back in the day.

Far too focused on enhancing his spellcasting or maintaining order in the world. He never had the need to understand what constitutes a good gift and what is a bare minimum gift. If it works, it works.

It was what he did for the year before he had been forsaken. He’d gotten Doombringer as his Secret Santa. Sure, the two admins had talked. Interacted more often than most. But the mage was still clueless on what to get the defender of the Banlands. So he resulted in getting the bucket headed admin another hammer. One smaller than his banhammer. Looking back, it was a bad gift. But it fits the price range.

Now he is faced with a dilemma. He wants to repay his boyfriend for the thoughtful and personal gift he had shared. It may be a simple feather. One of his feathers. But it clearly means something to Taph.

With how much work the demolitionist takes to make sure his feathers are preened and orderly. It holds some importance that he was willing to give one of his own to the mage. Dusekkar would have to mark the present as the best gift he had ever received. It may or not be because he is biased towards his boyfriend. But it was also personal.

Now he must do the same. The innate urge to give back and reciprocate. He can’t just leave Taph hanging without anything in return.

But how is he supposed to do that?

What could he give…? Something magical? All his stuff that was brought with him doesn’t hold any properties relating to the arcane arts. Sweets? Taph loves brownies, everyone knows that. But he’s not the best cook, nor baker. Not to mention how defensive Elliot is of the kitchen and the materials within.

He is left without a clue. How he wishes to make something new with what is provided to them in this location. He can’t do what he usually does, not that he wants to anyways.

Dusekkar floats in circles around his cabin’s living room. Running one hand over the feather he stitched onto his cloak.

The morning after getting that feather, he asked for Noob’s help in stitching it onto his robe. Call him sentimental, but he can’t help but want to show it off. He also knows that Robloxians like Taph and Shedletsky that house wings on their body tend to give feathers as gifts to those that are close compatriots to them. The mage has noticed a certain sword master’s feather located on the builder’s person. Same goes for his wife before being kidnapped.

It seemed to become a new habit, the mage noticed. Whenever he thought about Taph, he would instinctively bring a hand up and feel the feather’s texture. It was soft. Smooth and well cared for. Just as he would expect from the demolitionist.

His other hand was feeling the grooves of his staff. The same one he carved himself.

He’s always been into woodcarving. Even before becoming a wizard. The smoothness one can create from something so rough, coarse, and natural is inspirational. The intricacies someone can craft from something larger. It’s continuously been relaxing for him.

So when he was becoming an official mage, he needed a staff. Not just one from his training, nor a bought one. He needed something special. So he carved one himself.

The same one that’s held up this long. The same one in his hands. Helping him through thick and thin.

The smooth varnish finish on the silver painted staff holds a soothing feeling for the mage. Calming. Inspirational.

That’s it! He could carve something for Taph! That would be personal! One of a kind. An object that no one could get anywhere else, if when they get out.

The only question left is: what? What does he carve?

 

---

 

 “Hey floating Jack-o-Lantern! Mind givin’ me a shield? Just in case my flintlock explodes on me.”

Dusekkar turns to look at the interruption. His brainstorming session has been left at a halt. Progressively getting harder to narrow down and even come up with something the person in his mind would enjoy. So much so that he’s been distracted within rounds.

Chance flips his coin. Dusekkar notices that it lands on heads. The slightly strained smirk grows more confident. “So… What’s got your vine in a twist?” He inquires as he fixes his fedora’s grip on his head.

“Thy has been struggling with brainstorming. Something meaningful to craft for gifting.” Dusekkar admits. Perhaps help would be helpful with ideas. Narrowing the near infinite options down would be quite helpful. 

“You makin’ something? Didn’t take you for the type.” Chance laughs. The mage flinches slightly, taking a moment to take in their surroundings. The gambler can be loud without realizing it. Thankfully, the killer either didn’t hear, wasn’t around, or is ignoring them. Dusekkar is fine with any of those options.

“Woodcarving is a hobby thy indulges in often. It is thee’s horizon that needs to broaden.” The admin comments, making sure to keep his voice low. He does not need to be targeted by the killer right now. It’s almost like the moment he comes into their view, bloodlust is infused into their beings for the smashed innards of his pumpkin.

Chance nods, looking around as he brings a hand up to his chin. They pucker their lips in concentration. “Ever thought about dice?” Their signature grin plastered on their face. Turning back to look at the pumpkin. “I’m sure a pair of dice would be a great gift. Maybe even weighted ones.”

Dusekkar can’t help but glare at the gambler. Of course they would suggest something close to their own occupation. Their interests outweigh the thoughtful gift that he wishes to provide someone not in front of him. “Selfishness, is that all thee cares for? Objects that one would like more?”

“Woah woah woah! That’s not what I meant!” They attempt to backtrack. Hands in the air in a surrendering motion. Though, their grin had yet to change. “Dice can be used for many things! Like rolling, decorative pieces, and play pieces. Could decorate a car with them. Like those fuzzy dice hangers.”

“Thanks for the opinion… Thy will keep it in mind alongside the other million.” Dusekkar replies in a blank tone.

Yeah… he’s not going to carve dice to give to Taph. It doesn’t seem like something that appeals to him. Plus he has better uses he can make with wood than a cube with semi-circles carved in.

“You could always make them for me! Just don’t tell anyone you weighed them- Ow!” Dusekkar uses his staff to hit Chance on the top of the head. “Alright alright! I get it.” The gambler rubs the marked spot. A grimace appeared shortly before becoming his regular smirk. “About that shield though…”

“Very well. It would be a shame if you fell.” Dusekkar relents. Making sure to bring the magical forces within him closer to his hands. Filtering them into his staff, much like one does with any of his limbs. At this point, his staff is basically an extension of his body.

Chance spins his flintlock around his finger. Dusekkar can’t tell, but hopes that the safety is on. The gambler walks off, whistling an unfamiliar tune as the mage follows from a distance.

 

---

 

Dusekkar groans as he unceremoniously falls into one of the booth chairs in the main cabin’s back room. The last match was a rough one.

The killer was Jason. But it wasn't normal. There was a suffocating aura in the round. One that everyone felt. It didn’t take long until they learned why.

Jason had appeared behind Noob fixing a generator, hitting him with a Gashing Wound. Normally they would be fine. Just a normal hit of a chainsaw lodged into the chest. Not that normal, but it’s become their normal. Except, Noob didn’t get up after.

The masked killer switched targets. Charging after Taph, who was nearby placing a tripwire. If Dusekkar was counting correctly, it only took 3 hits for Jason to kill the trapper. And 2 with Builderman, who fell after.

The round continued like that. Jason killing the other survivors in a faster manner than normal. All that was left was Dusekkar and 007n7. Both on opposite sides of the map.

Jason was chasing after the mage. But he noticed something abnormal about the hunt. Jason would run out of stamina faster than usual.

It didn’t help much. As the clock had 5 minutes remaining. If they would have any chance of winning, it would be during Last Man Standing. And he couldn’t survive LMS against this.

The masked killer chopped him down. The machete seemed to cut deeper than usual. Blood flowing at a quicker rate. The second hit came a bit later. It seemed like there was some restriction against Jason’s attacks. He could see how the mute murderer’s hands would shake but not actually swing.

When returning to the cabin, it didn’t take long before 007n7 came back. Jason was unstoppable that round. If it’s like this the whole day, it just meant they need to be more careful against the killer.

“Knock knock, you there Matt?”

Dusekkar comes back to awareness after reminiscing. A jolt reminds him that he’s now in the present, faced with Shedletsky, who is now sitting in front of him. When had his fellow admin joined him at the table? And where did he get an entire bucket of chicken legs?

“Thy must apologize for the inconvenience. The match prior, thy couldn’t help with reminiscence.” Dusekkar adjusts the glasses floating in front of his eyes. They are attached to his antlers, but are held up by his magic, much like himself.

“That was a rough one.” Shedletsky releases a strained laugh. “Didn’t expect Jason to two shot Elliot like that.” The admin takes a bite out of one of the multitude of chicken legs in his possession.

“It would be wise to keep an eye out for thee’s strength. Would it permit into the next match or a one time thing, the real question is of time’s length.” Dusekkar can’t help but wonder.

“Eh. We can handle it.” Shedletsky shrugs. Indulging in his gluttony as they converse. “There’s something else bothering you though, Matt. Don’t be shy, I won’t tell.” He gives a smug grin. Taking yet another bite of a chicken leg.

Dusekkar can’t help but mentally groan. Shedletsky’s always been like this. Putting pressing issues off for later. They should be planning against this new, stronger version of Jason. Not having idle gossip like high school girls in the cafeteria.

He’s not going to get the sword master to get back to the more pressing issues, now is he? Dusekksr sighs. He’s not. That smug grin the other has, just like he knows he won.

“The gift of giving is one thy is struggling with. Something the recipient may enjoy is like a myth.” The mage admits with a sigh.

“Wait. The worst gift giver, Matt Dusek, is actually trying?” Shedletsky exclaims, followed by loud laughter. Dusekkar can’t help but groan, bringing a hand up to cover his face. Which is growing red at the title bestowed upon him.

It takes some time before Shedletsky calms down enough to speak. Taking extra time to breathe after running out of air from laughing. “It’s for Taph, isn’t it?” That knowing smile still lingering in his face.

“The recipient of thy’s present holds no importance. It is something that thy will not be in accordance.” He turns away from Shedletsky, facing the wall. A blush present on his face.

“Of course… Sure…” The admin smugly draws out. “Listen Matt. You’ve never tried with any gift before. Gave me chicken legs for SFOTH’s sake. The only reason you would be now is because of Taph.” He waves his hand towards Dusekkar’s chest. Aimed directly towards the feather embroidered onto the fabric of the robe he wears.

“If you want to give him something…” The sword master starts to hum. Bringing a hand under his chin, resting his head onto this arm as his elbow presses onto the table. “How about a sword? It’s practical. Something to help survive too.”

A sword? Coming from the sword master… not that surprising actually. He’s carved plenty of swords before. They don’t hold up that well, being wood and all. But is it something that Taph would like?

His boyfriend doesn’t seem like the type to have hand-to-hand combat knowledge. Much less partake in that practice. He seems more of a ranged person. With how often he throws his Subspace Tripmines instead of planting them on the ground.

As much as the suggestion is a good one for the one providing the option, it’s just not what his phoenix would seem to enjoy.

However, before he could speak up, a new voice joined in. Originating from the booth behind Dusekkar. “How about a dagger?”

The mage wouldn’t like to admit that he jumped at the sudden interruption, but there were two witnesses. So he couldn’t get out of that lie.

“Two Time! SFOTH! Don’t do that!” Shedletsky exclaims, hand over his chest. Breathing heavier than normal. Likely regulating his own heart rate, alongside Dusekkar. 

Two Time crosses his arms on the top of the dividing seat’s back. Resting their head atop their limbs. “The Spawn values light footsteps. Besides, we aren’t here for I. This is about Magic Pumpkin.”

“Where does thee even originate from? There was not even a hum.” Dusekkar squints at the cultist behind him.

Two Time ignores the mage’s inquiry. “Magic Pumpkin. The demolitionist would love to house a dagger within his person. I’ve seen the way he’s eyed my collection.” Their smile never once faltering. Nor have they blinked.

Dusekkar can’t help but feel unnerved around the cultist. Especially when they don’t blink. Like now. “Thank you for the suggestions. Debate upon these will be thy’s intentions.” He stands up from the booth. Slowly backing off backwards. He will not be thinking about them. He will not be carving either of them. Especially not the dagger.

He turns tail and floats off. Faster than he would normally.

He makes it outside the cabin. He does not need to be around Two Time right now. The cultist is far too unnerving, even without all the talk about their supposed “god.”

He turns to head into his cabin. Perhaps a break should be in order. Especially after a round like that.

As he passes by the many cabins, he notices one’s light is on. Sure, there are many cabins with their lights on. Such as 007n7’s, Elliot’s, and Taph’s. But his attention is on Builderman’s.

He decides a quick detour could be in order. It’s been a while since the two of them have really relaxed with one another. The last time might have been within the first week of him arriving in this realm.

Builderman doesn’t take long to answer the door after the mage knocks upon the residence. “Hey Dusekkar! What can I do for yer’?” The CEO asks with his hand on the doorway.

“It has been some time since the last hangout. Thy ponders if thee is free to go about?” He suggests.

“Oh course! There’s no need for an excuse to hang out, Dusekkar. Yer’ free to come by anytime.” Builderman moves out of the way, essentially inviting the mage inside. He follows through with it and enters.

The cabin follows the same principles as all the others. Just with some more scraps of metal and left over projects scattered about.

Builderman leads the two of them to the couch. Brushing any left over bits of metal from the cushions before plopping down onto them. Dusekkar lowers himself. 

“So, what’s caused the great Dusekkar to grace his presence for littl’ ol’ me?” Builderman snickers.

“Thee is only little in height, not status. Thy is ranked under thee, so deeming thy as ‘great’ is not gratis.” Dusekkar playfully glares at Builderman, a smirk littering his face.

The engineer provides a mock gasp. “I’m not that short!” He exclaims.

“Coming from the gnome. It’s hard to see thee from home.” Dusekkar points to his head. The same level as his eyes.

“I should have never invited yer’ inside.” Builderman playfully grumbles, shaking his head side to side.

The mage laughs along with the CEO. Builderman patted Dusekkar on the back. “Yer’ never one to disappoint Dusekkar.”

“Thy aims to do so. Thy never wish to fall below.” Dusekkar responds with a soft, yet confident smile.

“Do tell, what caused yer’ presence at my cabin?” Builderman questions after calming down.

The engineer might be his best option in finding out what to get Taph. After all, the demolitionist has worked closely with Builderman before all this. “Thy needed a moment away from the cultist. Thy also wanted to get some help with gift ideas from a consultant.”

“Ah. Same happened with yer’ boyfriend. He needed help with gift ideas.” Builderman smiles. His gaze lingering on the feather. The same one Dusekkar is currently messing with. “I may not be of much help, but I could always make somethin’ for yer’ gift.”

The mage can see the knowing look on the engineer’s face. Like he already knows the answer before he could speak it into existence. “Thy would prefer to make something from thy’s hands. At that point it would be a present from thee and it's not in thy’s plans.”

Builderman gives a small laugh. “Exactly what Taph said too. You two were made for each other.” He snickers behind his hand. “If it’s somethin’ yer’ gonna wanna make,” he motions to the staff in Dusekkar’s hands, “then perhaps a Timebomb. It was always Taph’s favorite bomb before bein’ stuck here with only the Subspace.”

A sculpture of his favorite bomb? It would be a nice gift. Something to remind his flare of the past. But… it doesn’t seem to hold the same weight that the feather in his hand carries. Perhaps a future gift he could recycle the idea. But not this one. He’ll make sure to log it in his memory.

“The idea provided is one of immense thought. But it doesn’t hold the same weight as the one gifted previously brought.” Dusekkar admits aloud.

“That’s fair. Just throwing out ideas.” Builderman shrugs with a smile.

The two go about brainstorming for the rest of the time between the rounds. It was nice. It’s been far too long since it was the two of them. Dusekkar vows to spend more time with Builderman in the future. Preferably without something weighing on his mind.

 

---

 

Dusekkar can’t find peace in the density of these woods. It is at least quieter than the rest of the camp. The only reason he finds himself this far out is for the silence. It's… not that far. He can still see the cabins from here. But he’s at least far enough to not have anyone bother him. The surrounding woods are softly illuminated by the faint glow of his flame. 

He and Builderman had a helpful brainstorming session. It helped narrow down what the mage deemed a more acceptable gift. No definitive answer came about, but it was pleasant.

Everyone thinks too literally or practically. Sometimes both. While it is good in many aspects, providing help with his idea of a perfect gift is not one. They all answered something that they would like. Not something Taph would like. Except Builderman, of course.

Dusekkar runs his hands over the grooves of his own staff. The finish on the wood is as smooth as it was when he first carved it. The place it holds in his heart is just as special as Taph is. Something that can’t be replaced, nor replicated. Something personal…

That's it! He can carve his staff on a smaller scale! It won’t be the same, but it will be close. He could even turn it into a keychain. Yeah, that will work!

Now, what type of wood should he use to carve it with? Many woods hold different meanings. While all the trees around the camp seem the same, he can tell the properties of the trees are different. Their code differentiates from one another, it's just the outer visuals that are the same.

He could do a Wild Apple tree. Bringing about the belief that anything is possible. It is the tree of youth, joy, magic, and surprise. However, it doesn’t scream both his feelings and Taph. Magnolia? It is a symbol of something long-lasting and dearly held within the heart. But he can do better.

Maple? No… How about Walnut? Eh, could do better. Birch? Not quite the meaning he wants to convey. Juniper? Hmmm… No. Doesn’t seem-

Wait. No.

Juniper is perfect!

It’s a symbol of longevity and represents perfect loveliness. Dusekkar had also used the wood in many of his spells and potions as it holds powers of protection, strength, healing, health, peace, and love.

With a tree now in mind, he sets out into the woods. Inspecting each tree’s code and properties for the right wood type. Originally staying around the camp’s borders, but none of the trees here are listed as a Juniper tree. So he ventures further in. Thankfully he can see where he is going. Having an inner flame constantly burning does help.

It takes some time. He’s not sure how long, nor the distance he has traveled. But he finally found one. A Juniper tree. Sure, it looks the same as all the surrounding trees, but it is one. The broken branches around it hold that pinkish hue the wood has.

Dusekkar finds a thick branch and attempts to break it off. He’s not the strongest amongst the group, that would have to go to Guest 1337. So it takes some time to break the branch off. But he’s got it. A thick piece of Juniper he can carve into a smaller version of his staff. All for his boyfriend.

Now, all he needs to do is head back.

Which is… in what direction?

Dusekkar surveys his surroundings. None of it, yet at the same time all of it, is familiar to him. Just the same looking trees oppress him. He had not left a trail for him to return to. Nor did he walk in one direction. He’s all turned around in these woods. No obvious way back. No way to retrace his steps as there are no landmarks he can return to. Just the same trees all around.

A small white cloud starts to fade in around him. Fog. A round’s starting and he couldn’t prepare. The water density increases, causing the transparent white to become more opaque.

Now that he thinks about it. If he gets picked, he will be brought back to the cabins. Whether he lives or dies. Preferably alive, of course. So Dusekkar closes his eyes. The next he opens them, he finds himself surrounded by trees.

Trees and white walls. Planet Voss.

He breathes a sigh of relief. He wasn’t one of the few not chosen. If he wasn’t, he didn’t know how he would have gotten back.

Dusekkar hears footsteps rapidly approaching his spawn location. He swiftly turns to face the invading person. Preparing to make a break for it if it is the killer. Only to see the dark shade of fabric he associates with his boyfriend.

Taph tackles Dusekkar, causing them to float backwards in a spin. The mage reciprocates the hug, making sure to keep the demolitionist from falling to the ground. Dusekkar is glad that he at least put the branch inside his cloak, so as to not ruin the surprise.

Taph steddies his footing before letting go. Looking up at Dusekkar before starting to frantically sign. “Where were you? I was searching everywhere for you! No one had seen you since the last round.”

Dusekkar gives an apologetic smile to his explosion. “My apologies, my star. Thy was out for a walk within the woods that stretch far.” He was also not going to admit he got lost. He doesn’t need to worry the already anxiety ridden bird in front of him.

Taph nods. Some steps bring the two out of their reprieve. Both turn to look at a wall blocking them off from the figure that seems to be approaching. Dusekkar recognizes them as 1x1x1x1’s. He grabs hold of Taph’s hand before floating away from the manifestation of hatred. “Let us make haste. So that we can make it out chaste.” He quietly whispers to his light.

 

---

 

It’s late at night. Or what everyone assumes as night. The moon never sets and the sun, if there is one, never rises. Just an extended break in between rounds to give everyone some rest.

Dusekkar sits in front of the burning fireplace. Keeping the main cabin warm as he works. The piece of Juniper wood is carved and stripped. Chisels in hand as he whittles away at the larger block into the shape he desires.

The silence of the night is interrupted as the door opens. Dusekkar knows that there are a few people who can not sleep during these “nights.” So he decides to pay them no heed. He just knows it can’t be Taph. The demolitionist is insistent that he heads to bed earlier than the rest. 

The two sets of footsteps stop on either side of him, before they both sit down next to him. “Finally got a gift Matt?” One voice speaks up on the left of him. Only one person calls him by that name.

“Nice to see that yer’ inspiration has struck, Dusekkar. Mind tellin’ us what you’re makin’?” The other person to his right speaks up.

“Clearly it’s a sword!” Shedletsky proclaims. “My ideas are always the best!”

“If it was, then why is it on such a small scale?” Builderman deadpans, but he holds a small grin.

“B-Because it’s… It’s going to be a short sword!” The sword master proclaims.

“You mean a dagger?” The engineer snickers.

“That was Two Time’s idea! Matt wouldn’t use their idea over mine!” Shedletsky fights back.

“It is neither. Thy plans on sculpting a replica of thy’s staff for a breather.” Dusekkar speaks up, breaking the ongoing argument. However, he can’t help but grin. The face on Shedletsky is priceless as he stutters.

“That sounds like a mighty fine idea, Dusekkar! I’m sure Taph will love it.” Builderman complements. Placing a hand on the mage’s shoulder as he continues to carve.

Shedletsky left grumbling with his arms crossed. But the other admins know that it’s all for show. He’s not actually annoyed that his suggestion wasn’t used.

Dusekkar smiles. He hopes Taph likes it. If he was given one of Taph’s precious and well maintained feathers, then a smaller replica of the staff he holds dear should be of equal value. So he continues carving. The other admins continue talking. And he joins in. All throughout the night.

 

---

 

Dusekkar barely got any sleep that night. He had finished carving the smaller rendition of his wand and gave it a clear, protective coat of varnish. He used one of the spare chains and clasps that Shedletsky had due to the man having an abundance of keychains in his cabin for whatever reason. Probably brought with him, must hold some importance to the sword master. The mage thanked him relentlessly, even with the smaller wand jokes.

He may have also stayed up later chatting with the other admins. Far longer than he should. But when he did sleep, he woke up just as early. Far too excited and worried about giving his present to his firefly.

He spots Taph heading towards the main cabin. Fully dressed in his cloak and hood already. The demolitionist is typically one of the first to awaken, even earlier than him. And he would typically clock in as one of the first 5 admins back at HQ. So seeing Taph up this early is a rarity, for him to be up this early too.

He intercepts his boyfriend’s pathway. “Pardon thy’s intrusion. But thy requires your presence at the docks this early morning, preferably without elusion.” Dusekkar speaks, his free hand finding its place behind his head. Why is he scared of rejection? They’ve been to the docks plenty of times before. Taph wouldn’t just neglect his request out of the blue. Plus the matches aren’t set to start this early. Especially not without everyone awake.

Against all his worries, Taph nods. Accepting the invitation. Dusekkar clears his throat before leading the way. Once more running his hands along the grooves of his own staff. The other hand finding it’s way into his pocket to hold onto the newly carved staff. What is Taph hates it? Would he give it back? Or throw it away? Why is he this worried?

He’s far more nervous than he originally thought he would be. He could hear his heartbeat from within his head. The grip on his wand is tighter than necessary. He can’t seem to maintain eye contact with Taph as they arrive at the docks. He has to force himself to take a deep breath just to breathe unstrained air.

He slips the newly carved wand from his pocket. Holding it out for Taph. “Thy had crafted this with thee in mind. Thy hopes it may be of a positive kind.” Dusekkar slowly speaks. Taking longer to come up with words due to how much blood is flowing into his pumpkin head.

His worries only intensify as time goes on. Taph is silent. No outward movements to showcase his feelings from under all his layers. No expression given thanks to the shade that hides his features. Just pure silence as he, Dusekkar assumes, stares at the staff in his hands. Does he not like it?

That’s when Taph finally moves. He lifts his hands up to his mask, where his mouth would be located, and releases a quiet gasp. Dusekkar’s hand falters slightly. He doesn’t quite know what that means. “Thy apologizes for the inconvenience. Thy can always find something else to-”

Before he could finish, Taph gently took the keychain into his hands. Effectively shutting the mage up as the demolitionist brings it closer. Taph inspects the staff with immense care. One hand holding the clasp while the other props the hanging wood carving, twisting it around to view all sides.

Dusekkar still can’t gauge his boyfriend’s reaction. He awkwardly shifts his own staff in front of him. Innately looking towards Taph for anything. Anyway to show his discomfort with the gift. With him.

It’s not the best thing to be given, is it? It seems narcissistic. Is he narcissistic? He shouldn’t have made his own staff as a gift. He should have thought more. Find something different to make. Not-

Before he could dive further into his own worries, he feels hands wrap around him. A body pressing into him. Taph was hugging him. Taph was hugging him!

Dusekkar eagerly returns the motion. That must mean his craft is acceptable! That his boyfriend actually likes it! All his worries were for naught.

The hug doesn’t last that long. Taph breaks contact first, followed shortly by Dusekkar. The demolitionist takes a step back. Looking between the staff in his hands and Dusekkar. “I don’t have anything for you.” He signs disappointedly.

“Nonsense. Thee has already done far more than enough for thy concepts.” Dusekkar refutes. This is his repayment for the feather. The same one he’s now subconsciously feeling.

“Thank you.” Taph moves his hand from his chin outward. Before moving to mess with his belt. He snaps the gifted staff keychain onto the belt. On the opposite side of the little bag attached to it. Dusekkar can’t help but notice Taph’s wings are fluttering.

He can’t help but feel proud. He likes it. Taph likes his gift. He can feel as the both of them stare at each other with bright smiles. More literal in the mage’s case.

He likes it.

Notes:

Once more, I haven't beta'ed myself. I will do that another time. I've just been exhausted as of late. Sorry I haven't been able to write! I currently have family over and it's changed my sleep schedule. From surviving all throughout the night to now actually staying up during the day. I'm a vampire! Not a human! Hissss. They are off visiting some of my other family currently as I post this. So who knows when the next one will drop. But I do have plans! I'm in the middle of writing the next "Subspace Disaster" oneshot and plenty of ideas for this series. (ദ്ദി˙ᗜ˙)

Also, did write most of this on Friday the 13th, with all the Jason buffs. That's why he's so stronk lmao. But also, ELLIOT HAS BEEN GUTTED WITH THESE NERFS WTF?!?

God why is Dusekkar so hard to level up! I may have pushed some of my anger of playing him into the story... but hey, just got Milestone 3 on him! He will be my next MS 4/Level 100 after Taph.

Edit 6/22/25: Came back to beta it. Telamon there were quite a few mistakes with word choice, misspellings, and formatting. Another thing of note, Dusekkar is now level 100! SFOTH that was painful. Now it’s time for Builderman teehee. (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 6 of A Daffodil's Struggle with Survival