#Keir route

[fuzzyclink]

Angsty Keir x Vesper fic, hot off the presses. Heavily inspired by chapter 2, so don’t read if you haven’t played the second chapter of his route yet. Spoilers abound!

Ao3 link

(also I wrote a Keir/vesper spicier, spoiler-free fic here!, and a Halloween comedy/horror fic)

New Bones

He ran into the fire. Broke through the flames, heard voices scream beneath the thunder of ignition. He hadn’t been there to prevent it. Hadn’t protected them. Hadn’t kept everyone safe. Stepped away once and everything went to shit. The fire singed the hair on his arms. The smoke was so thick he could cut it. He staggered, trying to remember the buildings, streets he'd been down so many times, now shrouded in dark and light. He coughed, bending. Smoke acrid and tangible on his tongue. Tried to get his bearings. Listened.

“Eve? EVE! Where are you? Eve, honey, say something to me!”

“Kix? Kix? Please, is there anyone in this building? Fuck!” Vesper, shriller than he’s heard them before.

Griff’s voice, choked with smoke. “Don’t fucking do this to me, please! Delight? I know you’re there, I know it - Delight?”

A scream, piercing and broken. Caught in the careening smash of collapsing buildings and shearing metal.

The deep thrum of bellowing heat.

He pulled people out. Stepped forward blindly. Looked for gaps where the flames parted and faces, sometimes mirage and sometimes reality, twisted in anguish through the fire. Saw the community he worked so hard to build, twist and melt and deform. It was only so long that he could look. It wasn’t long enough. He stopped, off to the side. His eyes wept in the smoke, skin raw and damaged where he disregarded the heat, breath painful in his damaged throat. The fire was blinding to witness. It licked the top of the cavern, burning, burning. Survivors cried, huddled on the outskirts. Small groups of shaking people - old and young holding each other. He saw Lave and Halo working as a team, dragging one unconscious individual from the inferno. Vesper held a toddler in their arms, fed them water from a flask. Shale pulled burning cloth from a waving limb. Griff stumbled half delirious around the peripheral, yelling Delight’s name in a desperate shout over and over. He should have been here. How did it happen? How could everything be gone, ruined, just like that?

******

They came back after the fire had burned itself lower. Returned when the ground was molten embers and the crushed dark husks of buildings. The search took hours of labour. Survivors salvaged what they could from beneath the ashes. Keir went everywhere, tended to wounds, lifted beams to look for anything unmarred by the fire. Held people's hands as they trembled. Brought food, water, remaining possessions. He caught glimpses of Vesper as he worked, tirelessly carting items to the new location, stumbling with arms full through the narrow passages. Staggered, eventually, due to their exhaustion as well as the weight. Did it without complaint, accepted the additional items that Griff piled onto them without a word.

Not so distantly he can remember when they first arrived at Mouse Hole. He’d been pleased to see how they sought to help from the beginning. Stood aimlessly next to distrusting people and asked again and again for things they could do. Endured the tasks and lent a hand wherever they could. From the beginning, Keir had wanted to defend them. Rejected Griff’s suggestion to kill them for blithely discovering the community he worked hard to protect. His early affection for them surprised him. So he distanced himself - watched them mend clothes, carry firewood, fetch water - all from a safe distance, trying to keep his emotions in check. In a city like this one, it was best not to get too attached. He was never especially good at that.

******

How can you hold a funeral for so many at once? The survivors had found some bodies, places where crumbling bones and burnt flesh were identifiable amongst wood and stone. They’d set them aside carefully. Hope falling when looking under each broken wall revealed nothing but ash. Shale worked to count the remains, expression grim as those searching found fewer and fewer alive. Gathered the bones in cloaks and table cloths, fabric acting as impromptu burial shrouds. A few words were whispered over them. The list of those who were lost gradually grew as the search finished. So many were missing. Kix, Eve, Delight, Dee - all gone. Few had hope that those missing would turn up. Everyone was aware of the fact that the fire had alerted all of the market to their presence. The time they had to search was a few paltry hours, not days. Vesper was at Keir’s side like a shadow, helping wherever they could.

“Maybe some of them escaped, Keir,” they said to him, face frozen and stiff. “There’s so many ways out of Mouse Hole, right? They just haven’t been able to come back yet.”

He brushed a dark smear of soot away from the edge of their mask. “Yeah. Could be.”

He didn't tell them that in the chaos of that first night, while Griff and Halo tended to the wounded, he ran through those passageways himself. Desperation had hurried his feet. It hadn’t mattered that his eyes were blurry from tears and smoke. These paths were known to him. Teetered down them as a toddler, scampered with the slightness of adolescence, stepped through them with surety in adulthood. He’d found a few alive in those passageways that night. Half conscious from smoke inhalation, or weakened from their injuries. But no more than a few.

“This isn’t your fault. Don’t shoulder that.”

“If I hadn’t left, this… this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Think of how many good people were here. Shale, Griff, Halo - none of them could prevent it. You saved so many. There’s at least fifteen people that owe their lives to you, you did what you could, we all did -”

“But what about all the people I couldn’t get to? All the people who fucking burned?”

They flinched back, expression shaken. Looked at him with wide eyes.

“I don’t know.” Keir looks at the mess of everything. The dark soot that had spread up the stone walls. The crumpled outlines of homes. Black and tangled and broken.

“If I tell myself I could have stopped it, it means I could prevent it from happening again. That if I’m careful enough, proactive enough, this could never happen. Should never have happened. I don’t want to lose that. If it’s out of my control, if -”

“It won’t happen again. We’ll make sure of it. Eat cold food, start a fire squad, however we can, we’ll stop it. This can’t happen again.” They squeeze his hand. He squeezes back.

******

He’s always been rebuilding. This time was the hardest yet. There’s so little that they’ve been able to bring to the new cave over the past few days. Piles of cookware, a few scattered personal items. Each one a reminder of what and who they’ve lost. But the marketplace helped them here and there. Baskets and food and drink from those they’ve been able to assist. A sizable donation from Oleander allowed them to purchase wood to begin the scaffolding of houses. Keir slept where he could, the ground padded by his weariness. For days he focused on getting the rough shape of a structure, children and elderly separated from the cave with walls of hanging sheets. When it had begun to take shape, Halo made him and Vesper take a portion of the space, a tent-sized section on the edge of the camp with a lumpy pile of sacks as a mattress.

“Your connection with Oleander gave us a leg up. Take the bed. I won’t hear no for an answer, Keir.”

He didn’t bother arguing with Halo. If she pushed this hard for it, he’s sure she had Lave and Griff backing her too. He placed his stuff down by the flap in the fabric. Not much- a few ceramic items, a shard of Vesper’s glass decoration, soap that somehow didn’t melt. He’d come back later to sleep, probably. Maybe.

Building gave him something to do. Day in and day out for as long as he could stand. A purpose when the hopelessness and grief were overwhelming. Penance for his sin of leaving, his failure to prevent this. He’d always been one to focus on action. It was simpler to nail boards together until his hands buzzed with the force, dig into the soil and hammer in posts.

“You’re going to put a nail through your thumb if you don’t sleep for a little while.” Vesper’s voice, cautious, over his shoulder. “Griff has been standing around over there, I can get him to do it.”

“I’d like to see you try to get Griff to do anything.”

But he sat down. They were right. His eyes were blurry and he’d been swaying on his feet. It’s just that once he sits it all comes rushing back. It was easier to keep moving. He walked a few paces away and sank to the floor, leaning back against a box on the ground. Through closed eyes, he heard Vesper yell from the other side of one of the temporary structures.

“Griff, Keir doesn’t think you know how to use a hammer!”

Well, that’d get him going.

******

“Only one bed?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, looked into the tent, the narrow width of it, smaller than his outstretched arms. The floor was covered with burlap that might have held vegetables less than a week ago. Halo had been generous enough to stuff them with something - grass, maybe, or rags. A tattered quilt covered it. It’s better than he felt he deserves, with all of those outside who don’t have anything comfier than their packs or the soot-stained clothes they have on.

“Yeah, looks like it. I’d say that I could sleep on the floor but… the mattress is the floor.”

Vesper looked at it, looked up at him. They placed their hand on their hip. “Well? Do you toss or turn? Steal all the covers? Moan in your sleep or anything weird?”

“Nobody’s ever said I have.” He looked at them, smirked beneath his mask.“If you want to hear me moan, you’ll have to figure out a different way than watching me sleep.”

“Got it. I'll place some heavy objects in front of the tent when you’re not looking, get you to stub your toe in the morning.”

“Oh, you want to find a way to hear it, do you?” He’s caught them. Satisfaction prickled in his gut.

“Just want to see you do something as undignified as yelp, that’s all.”

He wondered if they moan. What they'd sound like if he went further than kissing them. Whether they’d get breathy and air would hiss through clenched teeth. Or maybe their voice would deepen, groaning when he touches them. He sat down on the kind-of-mattress with a long-suffering sigh. He's weary to the bone. He patted the bed next to him. “Get in. I gotta keep my eye on you so you don’t boobytrap the door.”

“Wow, I’m still a captive, even now. How much longer until I deserve freedom?!”

But they got in beside him, shed their cloak. Removed their gloves and placed them by their side. They lay under the same blanket with him. He could feel the warmth radiating from them. Warmth that reminded him of when he brought them to this same cave, seemingly a century ago. It was quiet. Awkwardly quiet. Their breath was steady and even. He stretched a little, put his hands behind his head. Spoke to break the silence.

“So… do you usually sleep with your mask on?”

“Normally I wear three or four to bed. Keeps my skin looking tight and youthful, you know. Resists gravity better that way.”

Quiet again. If he waits in the quiet, he usually gets a real answer from them.

“...it feels like a lot. Maybe it’s silly, with everything that’s going on. I shouldn’t worry about your reaction. But yeah, I’d like to keep it on for a little while longer.”

He nodded, though he’s certain in the dim lighting they don’t see it. “Sure. There’s no rush.”

They wiggled a little, trying to get comfortable. “It’s pretty chilly in here, don’t you think?”

It was hard to keep the smile out of his voice. “I’m freezing, myself.”

They inched closer, their hair tickling Keir’s ear. “I think we might have to huddle together. Make sure we conserve all of our energy.”

“Very practical.” But he opened his arms, pulled them closer. He could feel the heat of their shoulders beneath their clothes. They snuggled closer, resting their cheek where his shoulder meets his chest. Cradled in his arms. He held them like he’s wanted to do for a while. They made everything feel easier. Eased the guilt which lays crushing across his shoulders. He was glad that they’ve both decided to keep their masks on for now. It conceals the smile that cracks across his face like dawn breaking. As well as the kiss he presses to the top of their head, unnoticeable through the fabric.

*****

Everyone was exhausted. Worn thin from grief and the number of tasks. But Vesper seemed to be worse off than the others. Keir tried to find something nearby to work on, when he’s not needed elsewhere. More and more often he saw them start to pull apart. The way their motions stilled, the way they sat down too suddenly or found an excuse to step away. The subtle motion of their hands balling into fists as they tried to keep it together. He found them during one of these times, seated at the base of the cave wall. Trembling a little beneath their cloak.

“Peeling potatoes too much for you?”

They’re quick to brush aside his sympathy. They’d have to make do with teasing.

“Don’t look at me like that, Keir.”

He put his hands in his pockets, leaned against the wall next to them. Rolled out his shoulders, raised his hand to brush across the surface of his mask theatrically.

“Why do you think I was looking at you? Seems like there’s fascinating soup-making-action right over there.”

“Takes a little more than soup to impress you. Need at least a pot roast to capture your interest.” They were quiet for a moment, still recovering. “Because you’re always watching me. I can tell.”

They were right. He’s always aware of where they are lately. Felt their presence on the periphery of his vision. He couldn't baby them, there wasn't time for that. Couldn't hold their trembling hands in his, breathe with them. Put the pieces of them back together himself, like he wanted to.

He’d always said he couldn’t sacrifice a life for his own happiness. When it came down to it, he couldn’t bear to let Vesper do it either. There had to be a different way to save them. Something other than hurting innocents like Thorn.That doesn’t mean it didn’t feel fucking miserable. He and Vesper still hadn't really talked since the first time he showed them this cavern. When they laid the responsibility of their survival squarely on his shoulders. You’re too noble to sacrifice their life, but you’re pretty fucking cavalier with mine, huh? I guess I’m just not worth saving. He had to believe there’s a better way. Damning himself for pursuing his own moral code no matter the cost. There was time left. There had to be.

******

He had started to get used to it again, sleeping with someone. He could tell that Vesper is too. They’re less shy about it now. They’d move his arm off of them if it’s squishing them, throw their limbs across his waist or the spread of his thighs, complain if he’s laying on their hair. Both of them had grown a little bolder in other ways, as well. More cavalier about sliding their mask aside when they ate breakfast together in the tent or a late night snack of nuts or figs. At night, their sleepy arms rested, ever so casually, across his waist near the button of his pants. It was agonising. He was careful with them. Kept his fantasies as just that. Didn’t push for more, no matter how exciting it was to have them so close. It was one of those nights - Vesper’s head pillowed on his shoulder, his hand resting on the side of their head. They squirmed, shifting around.

“Does anyone in the camp know what you really look like?”

“Yeah. Halo does, she stitched up my eyebrow when I cracked it on a hanging pipe in the market. When I was younger and not quite as used to being tall.”

“Oh. So I could ask her what you look like? Get an unbiased perspective.”

“You didn’t believe me when I said I was devastatingly handsome? Anyways, asking Halo wouldn’t be fair, would it? There isn’t anyone that I can ask to find out more about your appearance.” He holds his breath. Hand flopped away from them, landed on the rough burlap. He flexed his fingers. “If you really want to know, I could just show you.”

“Fine. This lighting is flattering enough.”

His heart nearly stopped in his chest. He leaned away from them, craning his neck. He thought he’d grown out of sweaty palms and butterflies by now but Vesper always found ways to surprise him. “Alright then, if we’re really doing this. You want me to go first?”

“Let’s just get it over with. We can go at the same time.” They studied him, thinking for a moment. “We’ll take them off with our eyes closed and then open them on the count of three.” Their fingers hover at the bottom of their face. “But you can’t laugh, ok? Or kick me out. I’ve gotten used to sleeping here. I heard that Griff only has sand to sleep on in his tent. Who knows if the other sleeping arrangements even have that?”

“I’m pretty sure Griff just wanted you to feel bad for him. But I promise.”

They pulled apart from each other, sitting upright cross legged on the floor. Keir’s hands trembled a little as he gripped the edge of the material. Vesper heaves a heavy breath and says “Ok then. Close your eyes. I’m taking it off.”

He did so dutifully, eyes pressed shut. Cycled through, for a moment, all the different appearances he’d imagined them to have. Threw in a few unlikely ones quickly just to try and prevent any surprise that might show on his face. He pulled off his mask. He knew that his ears were redder than his hair. At least they’ve already seen that.

“Ready? One, two, three.”

His eyes blinked open and he stared at them. Their expression, nervous and eager. The shape of their brow and how it smoothes into the curve of their nose. Their eyes, bright even in the dim lighting, that fixed him with their complete attention. The same lips that he’s kissed but never seen. The soft give of their cheek.

“Holy shit.” He breathed out, gazing at them. “Why do you look like that?”

They frowned at him, aghast. That same expression that he’d been able to discern through their body language now has more potency. “Like what?”

“How are you so hot? You’re telling me there wasn’t any rich suitor who wanted to snap you up topside? You’ve just been looking like that this whole time? This whole time we’ve been together, ever since we met, you’ve been walking around with that face under there?” He slid his hand over his eyes. It didn’t feel as satisfying to do without his mask on.

“Keir!” For once, they’re at a loss for words.

He grinned at them. Damn. This was way more embarrassing when they could see him completely. “Do I meet your expectations?”

Vesper rolled their eyes at him. Their face was delightfully expressive. He’d know what to picture now when he sees those same mannerisms beneath their mask. “Yeah. You do. More than, even.”

“Told you I was handsome.”

They raised their hand to his face. Their fingers were gentle. Thumb made a small circle on the jaunt of his cheekbone. “I’m glad I didn’t punch you before. You’re too pretty to bruise.”

“Hasn’t stopped people before.”

“Is this where Halo stitched you up?” Their hand traced the line of his eyebrow.

“Yeah. She did a good job.”

Their other palm came up to cup the side of his jaw. Held him with a delicateness he hadn’t felt before. The same way he held them. His hands raised to circle their waist as they hovered in front of him. Their lips dropped, feather-light, to brush against the scar. Paused there, pressed against him. With a groan, he pulled them down, pressing his lips against theirs. Kissed them like he wanted to before, without the burden of hiding their face from him. Held their head in his hands, fingers tangling in the fine hairs at the back of their neck. Enjoyed the wet slide of their mouth against his. Let out the soft sounds that he normally tries to hold back.

“So that’s what you sound like.” Their voice was incredibly smug. And, after he cracked his eyes open, he learned their expression matched it.

“Hey, you’re a good kisser. Don’t deny me one of the simple pleasures in this life.”

“Makes me want to hear more.” Fuck. They’d be the end of him yet.

They slunk down, settled by his knees. Fingers hovered at the button of his pants, a question on their face. What a crime it was, that their face has to be hidden all the time. What a gift it was, that they’d share it with him. He nodded at them, heart hammering. He was throbbing already, achingly hard. He wasn’t sure how far this would go, tonight or ever, but he’d gladly accept whatever they’d give him. They eased off his pants, sliding them down along with his underwear. Sat back for a second and took him all in. He burned under their eyes, flushing everywhere.

“Huh. Guess the freckles really do stop somewhere.”

He spluttered, caught off guard. “What, you think I’d lie about that?”

“You never know. I had to check for myself.” They leaned forwards, wrapped their fingers around his length. Rolled him in their palm. Pressed one thumb over his beading tip. He stifled a choked gasp, hips stuttering up towards them. They leaned forwards, taking the end of him in their mouth. Lowered him into that burning heat. He could feel the flutter of their tongue beneath him. His hand fell to the top of their head. They slid him deeper, working him with their throat. Fell into a steady rhythm, waves of pleasure that built higher. Their hand found his where it fisted on the blankets. Held it as they bobbed their head. His hips strained, lifting towards them. Towards that aching, twisting friction. They brought him over the top. Swallowed him down as he came. When he reaches for their clothes, they stop his searching hands. Satisfaction was clear in their scratchy voice.

“You’ll have to wait to find out what I sound like.”

******

He brought them things to work on when they’re recovering from their bouts of illness. Socks to mend and wood to carve accompany soup and crusty bread. Their energy had flagged. Some days were better than others. But some days were just like this one. Stuck in bed for most of the day. He knew that having something to focus on helps them. Helped them keep their pride, helped distract them from it. But even outside of that, Vesper had become the best at darning out of the group. So it wasn’t paternalism that motivated him to bring them things to do. There was an ever growing pile of socks, ripped knees, and busted seams for them to weave back together. They’d lost so many tradespeople in the fire. All everyone could do was try their best to fill in the gaps.

They were sitting up in bed, leaning against a bag. “Been a minute since I’ve checked in with everyone. Any news on the ichor?”

He stopped in the doorway, soup steaming in his hand. “No, not that I’ve been able to find. Those who can still run missions check every stall they pass by. Our informants know, too. They’d tell us if there was anything that they’ve heard of. I’ve been reaching out to contacts of contacts just to make sure there isn’t anyone I've missed. As soon as any ichor enters the marketplace, we’d know.”

“I’m just waiting, then? Hoping that chance will deign to keep me alive?”

He sighed, leans over and sets the soup next to them. “I’m not going to create it. Or find someone who would. All we can do is wait until some that already exists makes it down here.”

They stared, gaze fixed at the door of the tent. Frozen still. Spoke so quietly he almost didn’t hear them. “Where’s Thorn?”

Keir looked at them incredulously. “He’s healed, Vesper. Healed and safe. Not turning into ichor anymore, if that’s what you’re asking. In fact, all of it’s disappeared. Absorbed back into his system or wherever the hell it goes.”

They were icy. Avoided his eyes. “I was only asking.”

He scoffed, shocked. “I’m sure you were. But I’ll be careful not to mention him again, just in case you get it in your head to try something.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll just sit here, keep waiting. Being patient until I die of it.”

He kneeled down before them. Tried to intersect the static line of their eyes with his. “I’m doing everything I can. You know that. Everyone else is too. All the people here care for you. But even cases like Thorn’s are rare. Ichor doesn’t come through the market often, regardless of if it’s in a vial or a person.”

Finally, they met his eyes. There were tears there, watering, at the edge of their lash line. “I’m sorry,” they say brokenly. “I’m so sorry.”

“Shh, it’s ok. It’ll be ok.”

******

Keir pressed his face into their skin, the scent of pine made more resinous and heady from their warmth. Held himself over the fragileness of their spine, the broadness of his back shielding them. Slipped kisses into the curve where their neck meets their shoulder. Pressed into the hot tension within them, sank deeper. Gripped their thrumming skin and used the sturdiness of them as leverage. Set a slow tempo, listened to the choked gasps they made when he hit his mark. Tenderness, always, in the way that he pulled pleasure from them, spinning upwards. Their breath was humid and gasping in his ear. His hand beneath their hips, rubbed insistent circles against them until the malleable give of them stretched taut as a wire. Chased his own release after, friction spooling desire white-hot in his groin, cascaded over in a clenching moan. Freed them from the sweaty enclosure of his arms.

“I needed that.” They rolled over and curled into the covers. “Makes me forget everything.”

Keir scoffs, fake outrage colouring his tone. Disguising the crack in his voice as offence. “Oh?I'm not a memorable lay?”

They hummed, too fucked-out to really argue. “Guess you’ll just have to work harder next time.”

He tried, shoved those thoughts that cloud them away with the warmth of his mouth, heavy hands that grounded them and centred, tongue that pulled pretty sounds from them until their thoughts were too scattered to worry. Helped them to ignore their slow and relentless shattering. Held them until they forgot while he focused on remembering. Kept each new experience in his mind the best he could until time muddled them into memories, blurry and fragmented.

******

They’ve been so tired lately. Every day they tumbled out of bed and did chores with wooden limbs. Everyone had to do their share. Vesper couldn't anymore but even Griff didn’t push it. It’s clear how much they cared about contributing when they could. And it was clear how much it cost them. Their steps were sloppy with exhaustion after only a few hours. People brought them tasks they could do sitting down as much as possible. But still, they pushed themselves, helped to dig new passageways, shovelled the moist soil away.

The only missions outside lately were those that depend on speed - stealing supplies like cloth and bedding and sprinting away with them. Keir went out a lot, though he loathed leaving Vesper behind. Even those uninjured by the accident had lungs damaged by smoke and heat. He was fast, and more importantly - reliable. So he made countless trips in and out, until his legs ached and sweat lay stiff and dry on his skin. There was an added benefit, too. Sneaking around the marketplace allowed him to access the ever-changing web of gossip throughout the city. When he’s home with Vesper, their deterioration was clear, right before him. It motivated him to spend more time away searching for a cure.

If there’s lunar ichor down here, Keir’s almost certain it’d go through the auction. With as rare and valuable it is, trades are either done for a tremendous amount of money or in backroom deals that he doubts even Oleander had access to. He spent a lot of time around the auction house. Well, as close as he could go. He picked up a new mask on one of his trips for good measure. Too many people around here knew what he looked like. Hey, his height and flowing red locks were only a benefit most of the time. He tried to go at different times of day, wearing new outfits. Or at least with the clothes layered differently. Made it a little less obvious that he’s casing the joint. He’d always thought about how to get in. Seemed like the final feather in his cap. He and Griff used to spend hours debating different possible strategies. Hiding in through some expensive chest, pickpocketing the goods right under the nose of the guards; or maybe lighting the building on fire and taking things during the chaos. That one in particular didn’t seem like an option anymore. But he wasn’t only daydreaming about it as the scene of a heist. Now he had a goal. Didn't make it any easier to figure out a solution. He’s studied the deep, crimson walls more times than he could count. The guards are catching on. One called out to him where he stood, pretending to browse the necklaces.

“You there. I’ve seen you around here before. Just a few mornings ago, and again the night before that. Haven’t seen you buy anything.”

Keir gave the guard a cocky bow. “Oh, you’ve found me particularly memorable, then? Something particular about my appearance that caught your fancy?”

“Don’t try that with me. This isn’t the place for browsing. Either you have the money to buy, or you shouldn’t be here.”

“Judging me by my looks, eh? True wealth comes less from fine clothes and more from knowing how to live richly.” He’s stalling - and by the looks of it, not well. “I’ve purchased plenty of fine items from within these ruby walls. Guess your attention isn’t as sharp as you believe it to be.”

“My attention’s plenty sharp.” The guard started for him, stride purposeful.

Keir made a break for it. It wasn't his finest escape by any means. There’s a brief scuffle where his arm gets snagged by one grasping fist and he had to wrench free, tearing the muscles of his shoulder in the process. Once he escaped the chase through a few narrow passages he took stock of the situation. His shoulder is definitely worse for wear. It ached, tight and burning, as he swung it around a little. There’s something wet on his shirt, too. Maybe he was a little more beat up than he first thought. A narrow gash had torn through his shirt at the rib, the blade leaving a thin cut. He took a roundabout route home. He guessed he could call it that. Home. It felt more like home now that buildings are starting to take shape. Especially since Vesper was waiting for him in one of them.

******

Lave caught him as he tried to sneak back into camp quietly. He’s brought a few sacks of flour for good measure. The reason he was coming back so late, of course. He’d almost gotten back to his tent when she stopped him.

“What took you so long?” Her voice was quiet but sharp. People were sleeping.

“Just made an extra stop. One of our connections had a small donation for me.”

“Yeah, and they tried to stab you?” Lave took a step back, really looked at him. Examined him. Her voice raised. “It’s the fucking auction, isn’t it? What the hell, Keir. We need you here. What good is it going to do? You and I both know there’s no ichor at the auction house. Everyone’s looking for it already. I thought you were smarter than this. And lying to me?”

“Lave - they’re getting worse by the day. You and I can both see it. How am I going to steal the ichor if I’m not prepared? Every second counts. If I wait to form a plan once it shows up, it’ll be gone before I can get to it!” His voice quieted to a hushed murmur. There’s rustling coming from inside his tent. “What would you have me do, huh? Sit back and wait until they’re dead and gone?”

She softened a little. “There are other people here who are sick, with cures that are far more easily found. There are children that are hungry. Few of us are well enough to take care of those who need it. You need to shift your priorities. Even though that sucks.”

“I thought we were on the same page. You said you’d help me, that you’d look too.”

“Things are different now. I’m helping where I can but my focus is here. With the community we’ve built.”

He straightened his shoulders. Turned away from her. Let the hurt he felt show like frost on the ground. “I apologise for not doing my share. I’ll work harder so that my side project doesn’t impact the group.”

“You know I didn’t mean that, Keir. I’ll talk to some of my contacts again, see if they know anything else about the auction that we overlooked…”

He shrugged. Headed into the tent. If it had to be only his responsibility, he’d bear it. Truthfully, though he’s thankful for any help, it wouldn’t feel right if he wasn’t doing the most out of anyone. How could he be sure that nothing is overlooked, that there isn’t some detail that could help them? He wondered then, if the ichor would heal them back to true health. Fill in the cracks of their soul like molten gold. Or whether they'd be stuck like this, a third of the way from death, and the ichor would only stop it from progressing. Vesper was where he had left them in bed. He slid in under the covers behind them. Their skin was warm and silk-like from sleep. He rests his hand on their waist, their shirt riding up slightly. Holds them. He’s all they have. First their death sentence and hopefully their cure.

*****

Lately, they only come out of the tent for a few hours. Help babysit one of the children for an hour, use the latrine. He goes straight to the tent whenever he returns. Knew the odds are good that he’d find them there. They were sitting up but their shoulders were hunched forwards. Deep bags lay under their eyes. Chapped lips twisted to the side as he appeared.

“Is there anything I can do to help? I could be the look-out again, or a distraction.”

“And get yourself killed even earlier? I'm trying to save your life, not end it tomorrow.”

“At least it would be on my terms, then. Here I'm like a prisoner waiting for the gallows.” Wearily, they flopped back into bed. Set down the socks they were mending. “I hesitated too much, didn't I? Took too long to come down here, didn't search hard enough for the ichor while I still had my strength.”

“Even if you came down earlier, it would have been tough to find any. But I’ve been looking around the auction. I think I’ve found a weak point in the roof. I’ve been memorising the schedule of the guards too. Learning what they like, which ones of them leave to piss all the time, which ones of them show up wasted. I think there will be a chance -”

“There’s no ichor there though, right? Nothing actually being sold?”

“...No. I’m working on it, planning, making sure I’m ready when it arrives -”

“The roof, though? You expect that to work? Once was already lucky, the guards have caught on to that. I don’t know. I don’t want my situation to result in both of our deaths. Can’t you try something else? Talk to Oleander. Get information from Thorn. Who knows.” Their voice, once sure, wavered. It seemed like they never have quite enough air in them these days. Like a sentence was a marathon they had to push through to finish.

“I’ll visit Oleander again. Remind him of how important this is. Make sure he’s taking it seriously.”

*****

Keir hasn’t made a habit of visiting Oleander, but it was easy enough to find his way to his apartment. He can smell it before he arrives - thick perfume wafting under the door and beneath his mask. He raised his fist to the ornate door and banged loudly. Oleander pulled it open halfway, clearly taken by surprise. He stands in the doorway, shirt unbuttoned to his waist and holding a damp cloth in his hand, mask slightly askew.

“Keir. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Keir shouldered his way into the room, impatient. Paced in the light of glittering lamps from the walls of the room, steps muffled on the plush carpet. “There’s no news about the ichor? You haven’t heard anything?”

“You know that I’d inform you as soon as I knew. What’s influencing you? You’ve been so desperate to talk to me lately, it’s almost like you miss me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself. It’s them - Vesper. They’re sick. Getting sicker by the day. Fractum Amina. I don’t think they have much time. I’m looking everywhere for ichor, I’m not sure it’s out there, if they’ll survive it until I find it -”

“The last time I saw any was half a year ago. It’s exceptionally rare, even here.”

“I know that, but there has to be something more I can do, somewhere I can look, someone who knows something, I’m losing them, they’re dying -”

“Don’t lay roses on a grave that doesn’t exist. They have a spark, a fight to them. They’ll keep holding on, especially with your encouragement.”

Keir’s voice rushed out of him. Shot words like darts at Oleander. “I can’t help it. I look at them and it's like I've already lost them. When I hear their voice I try to remember it as best I can. I archive bits and pieces of them; their laugh, the way they like their porridge, the songs their mother sang to them growing up. I feed them my favourite dishes for the first time, try to not think about how it might be the only time. What if I forget? What if I don't get the chance to learn everything they are? I'll be grieving them longer than I've known them. Grieving them now, before they're even gone. They're a ghost that I'm trying to hold fast to. And maybe if they hadn't met me, they’d already be healed. I stopped them, Oleander. We saved someone halfway to ichor and I couldn't fucking do it. Couldn’t let them do it. Had to tell them the truth about what ichor was. I love them. It’s not enough - it won't save them. It doesn't matter that I love them. Maybe I should have let them choose. Maybe I should look the other way!”

By the end of it he's shouting, eyes brimming with tears. Words an accusation towards himself, towards the harshness of the world that would take Vesper from him. “I’m begging, Oleander. You've never taken me seriously, please, for once in your life -”

He holds his arms open and Keir falls into them. Holds him and cries. Buries his face into his shoulder.

Oleander’s voice steadied him. “I will do everything in my power to find the ichor, you have my word. I can’t bear to see you like this. It’s heartbreaking.”

*****

News didn’t come. A whole network of people searching for something that doesn’t exist. An impressive spiderweb that stretched hungry, broader, broader in a sealed room. Keir prepared himself as best he could. Found a few fifteen minute intervals where the auction guard occasionally ran late. Identified how goods came into the guarded buildings in case he could steal them before they even entered those ruby walls. Prepared other plans, too. He hated to admit it, but he kept his ears open for other prisoners being turned to ichor. Spoke with Thorn about how it had happened. He said there hadn’t been any other prisoners like him. Keir wasn’t certain at this point what he’d do if he found one. Wasn’t sure there was any other way than finding someone as they transformed. It’s different when it’s someone who has no choice. He figured that one out on his own. Well, it was starting to look like creating ichor might be the only way Vesper could live. They had no choice. Let the celestial gods help him if it ever came to that.

*****

Vesper laid next to him, laced their fingers loosely though his. Both on their backs, looking up at the distant roof of the cave. The soft light of glow worms made it so he could just make out their profile against the cloth wall. There wasn't much sound except the distant murmur of conversation from across the cavern, and air sighing softly where it blew over stone openings. Their hands were cold. They shivered more often than not. When they finally spoke, it was in a near whisper.

“I've decided I'm not going to write a will. Not much to leave behind, really.”

“No secret diamonds and rubies that you have to give away? Maybe a castle you forgot to mention?”

“I've already given my castle and unicorns to charities above the surface. What do you take me for, a misanthrope?”

His voice was gentle. “That's unfortunate. This whole time I figured you'd been holding out on me. I was keeping you around because I thought I could get my hands on some treasure.”

That earned him a laugh. He’d never get tired of hearing it. Held each one close to his chest. “That's what I'm talking about! Classic thief mentality.” They rolled, cold hand still in his, to face him. “I’m the treasure. That's why you stole me away”.

“In my line of work you get pretty good at recognizing something valuable as soon as you see it.” He paused, serious for a moment. There’s no use in telling them he’s trying to save them. They both knew it. Knew that there’s been no progress. “But no last rites? A ceremony or anything that would be important to you?”

They’re contemplative. “I’ve been thinking about what you told me earlier, around when we rescued Thorn. Bones in your house. I like the idea. Turn me into glue or whatever. Keep me here with you.”

He allowed himself to imagine it. How he’d rest his head next to a door they'd never walk through, a home they were part of despite it, blended with wood and blue paint, whisper words into the wall like he’d been doing for years but this time so different - I'm home, sweetheart. I'm home.

“Yeah. I can do that.”

[wrathomantic]

I love this man so much. Keir my beloved, the things I would do for you.

Rotten Raccoons thank you for making him exist. You guys are doing a great job, keep up the phenomenal work.

[daydreamnoise-draws]

Making some quick notes on my Vespersona; Silence after finishing the new update.

[aieevee16]

Vesper in Keir's route be like.

[frango-maconheiro]

is it too late noow to be sorryyy

keir after fucking up purposefully so that vesper would be the little sacrifice of the mission.

[ghostlyeris]

he's such a fucking brat, i can't believe i'm hopelessly in love with him

[brightburner]

You'd think after naming my vespersona "Sitara" and giving her grey "starlight" esque eyes and black hair that is also going grey as a result of her curse, id pair her with the man who LITERALLY calls us "my Star".

But no.

I see big beefcake. I climb. Gimme a Keir Royale.

[setevulpo]

interrupted my game time for this (walking in the rain and college)

[ivovynckier]

Sir Keir Starmer: "My tailor is rich."

[thethief1996]

Israel has cut water, electricity and food to Palestinians in Gaza. They are buying 10.000 M16 rifles and plan to distribute to civilian settlers in the West Bank to hunt down Palestinians. They're bombing the only way out of Gaza through Egypt, after telling refugees to flee through it, and have threatened the Egyptian government in case they let aid trucks pass through. Entire families, generations, are being wiped out and left to wander the streets hoping they don't get bombed.

Palestinians are using their last minutes of battery to let the world know about their genocide and are being met with a wall of "What about Hamas? What about the beheaded babies? Killing children on either side is bad!" even though the propaganda claims have been debunked over and over again. How cruel is it to ask somebody to condemn themselves before their last words? Or before grieving the loss of their entire families? When there's no such disclaimer to Israelis even though their government has shown over and over genocidal intent? Like who are you even trying to appease? What will your wishy washy statement do against decades of zionist thought infiltrating evangelical and Jewish stablishmemts?

Take action. Israel will fall back if public opinion turns its tide. The UK fell back on its bloody decision to cut aid to Palestine under public scrutiny. The USAmerican empire spends $3.8 billion dollars annually solely on this proxy war while its people suffer under a progressively military regime as well. News outlets are canceling last minute on Palestinian speakers while letting Israelis tell lies unchecked. Palestinian refugees are being targeted in ICE establishments and mosques are already being hounded by the FBI. France and Germany have banned pro-Palestine protests, while Netherlands and the UK have placed restrictions . You have the chance to stop this from turning into repeat of the Iraq war.

I want to do something but there's hardly anything for me to do from Brasil besides spreading the word and not letting these testimonies fall on deaf ears. I'm asking you to do this same ant work from wherever you are.

Follow:

Eye On Palestine (instagram / twitter)

Mohammed El-Kurd (instagram / twitter)

Decolonize Palestine (website with a chronological explanation of the occupation and debunking myths)

Muhammad Shehada (twitter)

Plestia Alaqad (directly from Gaza. Many of her videos are interrupted by bombs)

If there's a protest in your city, please attend. Here's an international calendar of events:

Friday, October 13

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (US) – Fri Oct. 13, 3 pm, UNM Bookstore, University of New Mexico. Organized by Southwest Coalition for Palestine.

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA (US) – Fri Oct 13, 6 pm, Sproul Hall (Vigil), University of California Berkeley. Organized by Bears for Palestine.

DOUAIS, FRANCE – Fri Oct 13, 6:30 pm, Place de’Armes.

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – Fri Oct 13, 5:30 pm, Brunnsparken. Organized by Palestinska samordningsgruppen Gothenburg.

GREENSBORO, NC (US) – Fri Oct. 13, 4 pm, Wendover Village, 4203 W Wendover Ave, Greensboro, NC. Organized by Muslims for a Better NC.

LONDON, ENGLAND – Fri Oct 13, 5 pm, Keir Starmer’s Office, Crowndale Center, 218 Eversholt St, London. Organized by IJAN UK.

MEANJIN/BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – Fri Oct 13, 6 pm, King George Square.

MIAMI, FL (US) – Fri Oct 13, 4:30 pm, Bayfront Park. Organized by Troika Kollectiv.

NAPOLI, ITALY – Fri Oct 13, 4:30 pm, Piazza Garibaldi, Napoli. Organized by GPI and Centro Culturale Handala Ali.

NGUNNAWAL/CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – Fri Oct 13, 5:30 pm, Carema Place.

PERTH/BOORLOO, AUSTRALIA – Fri Oct. 13, 5:30 pm, Murray Street Hall, Boorloo/Perth. Organized by Friends of Palestine WA.

PORTLAND, OREGON (US) – Fri Oct 13, 3 pm, 1200-1220 SW 5th Ave, Portland.

PORT RICHEY, FL (US) – Fri Oct 13, 7:30 am, Route 19 and Ridge Road, Port Richey. Sponsored by: Florida Peace Action Network; Partners for Palestine; CADSI

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – Friday, Oct. 13, 7 pm, UP Main Campus, DSA Building opposite Thuto. Organized by PSC UP.

WITSWATERSRAND UNIVERSITY (SOUTH AFRICA) – Fri Oct 13, 1 pm, Great Hall Piazza, Flag demonstration. Organized by Wits PSC.

Saturday, October 14

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND – Sat, Oct. 14, 2 pm, St. Nichlas Square. Organized by Scottish PSC.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Sat Oct 14, 2 pm, Aotea Square, Queens St, 291-2997 Queen St. Organized by PSN Aotearoa.

DETROIT/DEARBORN, MICHIGAN (US) – Sat Oct 14, 2 pm, Ford Woods Park, 5700 Greenfield Road. Organized by SAFE, PYM, SJP, Handala Coalition, more.

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – Sat, Oct. 14, 2 pm, Place TBA. Organized by Scottish PSC.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – Sat, Oct 14, 2 pm, Princes Street at Foot of the Mound. Organized by Scottish PSC.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Sat Oct 14, 3 pm Hauptwache, Frankfurt am Main. Sponsored by Palestina eV, Migrantifa Rhein-Main and more.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – Sat. Oct 14, 2 pm, Buchanan Steps. Organized by Scottish PSC.

HOUSTON, TEXAS (US) – Sat Oct 14, 2 pm, City Hall, 901 Bagby St. Organizd by PYM, PAC, USPCN, SJP and more.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sat Oc 14, 12 pm, Church St. Organized by FRFI.

LONDON, ENGLAND – Sat Oct 14, 12 pm, BBC Portland Place, London. Organized by a broad coalition.

MILANO, ITALY – Sat. Oct 14, 3:30 pm, Piazza San Babila. Organized by Young Palestinians of Italy, UDAP, Palestinian Community, Association of Palestinians.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Sat Oct 14, 3 pm, Lake Eola at Robinson and Eola, Orland. Organized by Florida Palestine Network.

TORINO, ITALY – Sat. Oct. 14, 3 pm, Piazza Crispi. Organized by Progetto Palestina.

VALPARAISO, CHILE – Sat Oct 14, 6 pm, Plaza Victoria, Valparaiso. Organized by Comite Chileno de Solidaridad con Palestina.

WASHINGTON, DC (US) – Sat Oct 14, 1 pm, Lafayette Square. Organized by AMP.

Sunday, October 15

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Sun Oct 15, 2 pm, March from Dam Square to Jonas Daniel Meijer plein.

NAARM/MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Sun Oct 15, State Library Victoria.

TARDANYA/ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – Sun Oct 15, 2 pm, Parliament House.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (US) – Sun Oct 15, 3 pm, Texas Capitol. Organized by PSC ATX.

GADIGAL/SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Sun Oct 15, 1 pm, Sydney Town Hall.

SANTIAGO, CHILE -Sun Oct 15, 11 am, Plaza Dignidad, Santiago. Organized by Comite Chileno de Solidaridad con Palestina.

[thelov3lybookworm]

Am I Forgiven?

Summary: one chance is all he gets

•○●⛦●○•

Word Count: 2650

Warnings: tinyy bit of angst, keir, rhysie poo being nosy. language ig? let me know if theres more i need to add here hehe 🫶🏻

A/n: based on this request by @nightless <3333 hope you like this pookie and please forgive me for taking over a year almost to post this 😭😭😭

(i feel like i kinda went off track but i tried to stick to the plot and my mind took the steering and was like. 'hmm this new route looks cool' im sorry lmaoo)

anyways, ENJOY🥹

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

Y/n felt her eyebrows rise, glancing at the back of Keir’s head. She had thought the high lord would try to sweeten his offer, maybe start slow. But he apparently was in a no bullshit mood, and Y/n was not complaining. The quicker the ordeal was over, the quicker she could go back to her back and forth with the General.

Y/n was only here to help protect Keir, maybe even intimidate the high lord, though she knew that would only really happen in Keir’s dreams. That meant Y/n didn’t need to pay attention to whatever big words the two males threw at each other, and so she let her eyes wander.

Morrigan, Keir’s daughter, definitely got her looks from her father, but no one would point that out loud, not wanting to get into anyone's bad graces.

The shadowsinger was one of the most beautiful people Y/n had seen. Pity that he was so cold and closed off from everyone.

If he had been even a little less cold, Y/n would have had him in her bed long ago.

It was a good thing she didn’t really like pretty males.

She liked her males built, rough, and roguish.

Which, fortunately for her, her mate was exactly that.

Unfortunately for her, he was the Lord of Bloodshed, the General of the night court’s armies.

Cassian.

The thought brought a sly smirk on her face as she met the hazel eyes of the illyrian, who already looked ready to pounce over the table to get to her.

Y/n turned her attention back to the high lord before he could see the same urges in her eyes. She had mostly tuned everyone out, so when she heard the words muttered by Rhysand, shock jolted her entire body.

"So your darkbringers will fight when need be, and in exchange, you get to visit velaris. We’re settled then."

Y/n glanced at Keir, wide eyed, who simply offered a nod to the high lord before stalking out. Y/n had no choice but to follow, but she did shoot a last look at Cassian, who looked like he’d seen a ghost.

She knew how hard it must’ve been to receive such news, considering he called the place home and considering how much the elite members of the high lords inner circle hated hewn city and its people, Y/n would not blame him if he lost his mind in the cavernous meeting chamber.

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

Keir had led Y/n and Bastian to a smaller room, ordering the two to get the darkbringer army ready and prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, to increase their training time and try and test every single one of the soldiers to make sure they were giving their best. And after half an hour of unceasing droning about the upcoming war, he told them to leave, mumbling something about freedom and velaris under his breath as the two generals escaped the empty yet full room, hurrying to get away before Keir decided he needed to ramble more.

The moment they were far enough away, Bastian let loose a breath, stepping off to the side and leaning against the wall. Y/n followed, standing toe to toe with him as she focused her eyes on the rock formations next to his head.

"How soon do you think the war will be upon us?"

Y/n took a deep breath, meeting the onyx eyes that always seemed to know her a little too well. "I don’t know. But it will be soon, I’m sure."

He was quiet for a moment. "When are you going to tell him, Y/n?"

Y/n turned away from him, letting her eyes survey the nearby brothels and shops, full of drinking and revelling patrons.

"Y/n?"

She sighed. "I don’t know, Bas. I feel like he knows already, but then he leaves every time. Every visit, I wonder if he will stop running in circles and finally talk to me about it, but then all he does is flirt all night and then vanish when I start to feel like we might be getting somewhere. I don’t know what to think anymore."

Bas hummed, rubbing his brow. "Maybe just talk to him? Tell him to get his shit together. After all, you do love ordering the soldiers around. Maybe he needs to get a taste of that to stop being a child."

Y/n rolled her eyes then, shaking her head. "Good night, Bas."

He laughed, then clasped her shoulder as she began walking away, halting her in her tracks. "Jokes aside, I mean it, Y/n. you should talk to him."

Y/n blinked at him, then nodded uncertainly. And with a last squeeze, Bas walked away, humming his favourite off key tune.

Maybe he was right. She needed to talk to Cassian.

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

Cassian’s pov.

Cassian was not someone who squirmed. Sure, when he liked someone and wanted to impress them, he’d be jumping off the walls. But he had never felt uncomfortable under his brother’s gazes, let alone Rhysand's gaze.

Azriel was supposed to be the intimidating one, the one who looked at people and saw right through them. But the way Rhysand stared at Cassian, his brows furrowed and lips pursed, Cassian wondered if he was trying to stare into Cassian’s soul.

Or maybe trying to get through his mental walls to find out the answer to the question he very clearly had.

When Cassian was tired of being stared at like a medicinal herb specimen while he scanned the crowd in Hewn City, he finally snapped. "What?"

"What’s the deal between you and the General of the Darkbringers?"

Instantly, Cassian felt his blood cooling.

"Is there supposed to be a deal?"

Rhysand scoffed. "Not really, but the way you two act around each other suggests otherwise."

Cassian narrowed his eyes, gaze fixed to a far corner in the throne room where a couple had started kissing. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

The high lord snorted. "Yeah sure, I believe you."

Cassian remained quiet, and before long, Rhysand was opening his mouth again. As expected.

"You know, I was wondering if she has something going on with her right hand man. What was his name? Blaise? B-"

"Bastian." Cassian half snarled, his gaze swinging to the knowing eyes of his brother, and he realised that this was his plot all along. He’d been poking Cassian about mindless matters the whole evening, and to add to the annoyance of the general, Rhysand had hit where it hurt the most.

Cassian had seen the two, Y/n and Bastian, interact. And while they probably merely shared camaraderie, it irked Cassian to no end that another male got to talk to his mate so freely and get no repercussions for it, while Cassian had to skirt around everything he wanted to say to that magnificent female, having to settle to flirting when he wanted to tear open his chest and present her with the organ that kept him alive.

"So, I’ll ask again. What’s the deal between you two?"

Cassian released a frustrated sigh, then turned his gaze to the wide double doors, knowing his eyes showed his longing more than he wanted them to.

"She…"

But then she walked in, and his breath caught at the way her eyes instantly met his, as if she had come here solely for the purpose of finding him. And as he watched her stalk to him, her posture impeccable and confidence unwavering, not even sparing a glance to the people as they stepped out of her way the moment they spied her march up to the thrones the rulers occupied without care, he knew he was right.

She stopped only once her boots hit the first step leading up the dais where the high lord and lady sat, brows high. She bowed her head, eyes looking up at them.

"My lord, my lady. Would you mind if I steal away your general for a few moments?"

If possible, Rhysand’s brows rose even higher, glancing once at Cassian before shaking his head. "We wouldn’t mind at all."

Y/n shot Cassian a look, which promptly made him move to follow, but he also could not help but be worried.

She looks like she’s gonna cut off my balls.

The further away he moved from his brother and his high lady, the deeper in the crowd, it got harder to focus on worrying about his assets over the sound of the loud, seductive lilt of the orchestra that blared from the corner.

Once again, he felt Rhysand tap on his mental shields.

‘What?’

‘Is she your mate?’

Cassian stilled for a moment, then kept moving before he lost sight of Y/n’s back.

‘Yes.’

Rhys was silent for a moment, prompting Cassian to wonder whether he had left his mind when he spoke again.

‘Look, I will understand if you don’t want to accept the bond, but do not fuck this up. Reject her after the war is over. If she gets upset, everything will be ruined-’

‘Shut the fuck up. What makes you think I don’t want her?’

Another pause.

‘I thought if you hadn’t yet accepted the bond, you didn’t want to-’

Cassian shoved Rhysand out before he could rile him up even more, pulling his wings closer to himself as he finally escaped the throng of revellers and stepped out of the throne room.

He did not have it in himself to tell his brother that he was the reason Cassian had suppressed his urge to claim his mate right the moment the bond snapped.

He had been worried that Rhysand, despite how much he loved his family, was also the high lord, and he would do anything to keep the court safe, no matter how much he despised it. And if Y/n had accepted the bond already, there was a high chance Rhys would use her to win this war, as he already was planning to.

Cassian did not want to go against his brother, but neither did he want to let his mate be used.

Fingers snapped in Cassian’s face, making him jerk back, wide eyes scanning his surroundings, snagging on the jutting rock’s overhead, the cavernous ceiling, the scarce lighting, before finally focusing on the reason for his abrupt departure from the throne room.

She stared back at him, her arms folded across her chest.

"Are you so distracted because you don’t want to talk to me?"

He blinked, swallowing.

How would he ever tell her that she was as far from the truth as she could get.

Instead, he offered her a smirk. "No sweetheart, I was wondering which wall I would like to take you against first."

Y/n was no shadowsinger, but she was a darkbringer. That brought along night powers, faint wisps of dark sky swirling around her wings frantically that were generally utilised for hiding better as she raised an eyebrow at him, and despite her calm exterior, Cassian knew she was getting agitated by his continuous refusal to acknowledge the mating bond.

He suspected that would no longer be the case very soon if the anger also glimmering in her eyes was any indication.

Also the tiny, foreign emotions taking root in his chest that came from the other side of the bond, because no matter how hard the two tried to block the pathway connecting their souls, it was as if the mother refused to let it be shut completely.

"Cassian, I am tired."

He swallowed again. "Well, that’s nice. Maybe I can give you a massage afterwards, oils and all. Maybe a bath together-"

"Do you feel it too?"

His mouth snapped shut, and he wondered if not speaking would help him at all.

And then he caught a whiff of his scent from her skin, and that set somethin feral that had till now been bound in his chest loose.

"Why the fuck do you smell like Bastian?" He spat out the name, as if even having to move his facial muscles to speak the offending male’s name disgusted him to the core.

Which it did.

Y/n blinked, her brows raising. "Are you serious right now? I just asked you a question and you respond like a typical animalistic illyrian." She shook his head, and the smile that lifted the edges of her lips sent cold fingers skittering down Cassian’s spine, knowing he had messed up. "But you did answer me, didn’t you? Even if indirectly. Pathetic."

Y/n turned away from him, her wings splaying out in a furious stretch before wrapping back tightly against her back.

"Wait, Y/n."

She paused, glancing back at him, incredulous tilt to her lips as she surveyed him. "I have been waiting for quite a long time now, Cassian."

He sighed, raking a hand through his hair as he released a frustrated exhale. "I know that Y/n, but I was doing it to keep you safe."

She barked out a harsh laugh. "Keep me safe?"

He nodded. "I didn’t want you to get caught in between Keir and Rhysand. And you know you would have if they’d realised what we shared sooner."

She was no longer grinning at him, the mocking expression having long melted off of her beautiful features. "And you could not have handled it better?" She took a step towards him, and despite her menacing shadows swirling around her, Cassian relaxed, happy she would stay for a few precious moments longer, even if it was just to yell at him.

"Cassian, I know you can feel my emotions too. You know how badly I wanted to talk to you and figure this out. You really could not have come to me and told me that we’d have to keep the bond under wraps instead of flirting with me and then leaving me waiting for you?"

Cassian dipped his head, shame burning through him. He had nothing to say, knowing she was right and nothing he uttered could possibly justify his actions.

If he really wanted to keep her safe, he would have left her alone. But he didn’t. He couldn’t. This was his mate. And he would have damned himself and everyone around him if he had to ignore his mate.

"Y/n, I- I’m sorry. I know I have wronged you, making you feel like I do not care, but please, give me one chance?"

Cassian watched as her eyes softened the tiniest bit, her shoulders slumping.

"Just tell me why you kept me hanging."

He nodded, rubbing his eyes. "I was scared Rhys would try to use you, and I did not want you to think that I only… accepted the bond to get closer to you."

She stared at him, then dipped her head. "I guess that makes sense."

He watched her, uncertain. "I… does it?"

She shook her head, a smile slipping onto her lips. "I am still mad at you, so don’t go getting too happy. I am not letting you off easy, but…"

"But?" He pressed.

"I guess it’s for the best that we don't do anything now because I need to focus on the darkbringers and make sure they are trained. I’m sure you also have duties, whatever it is you do."

Cassian blinked. He could not believe she was being so gracious. He had thought she would be angrier.

"So… does that mean there is a chance I will be forgiven?"

She snorted, turning away. "One chance, a lot of grovelling. And maybe I will consider it."

She walked away, hips swaying lightly, but then paused, head turning to look at him.

"For the record, I’m sure these walls would be pretty uncomfortable against my back."

And then she was gone.

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

permanent taglist: @berryzxx @serenescureforboredom @cassie6392 @harrystylesfan2686

@sarawritestories @milswrites @throneofsmut

@daycourtofficial @sweetorangeblossom @secret-third-thing

Acotar Taglist: @bubybubsters @eos-princess @nightless @harrystylesfan2686

@cassie6392 @kennedy-brooke @tele86 @miluiel1

@hnyclover @minnieoo @sidrapotter @piceous21

@mybestfriendmademe @saltedcoffeescotch @lady-of-tearshed @starsinyourseyes

@starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @byyalady

@lilah-asteria @girlswithimagination @garden-of-runar @girlswithimagination

@sunnyspycat @artists-ally @milswrites @kingdomofstarrynights

@berryzxx @buttermilktea11 @loving-and-dreaming @yucanbmylxdy

@mellowmusings

Cassian Taglist: @moonlwghts @samslittlespoon @nickishadow139

@illyriassweetheart

[rottenraccoons]

just played through chapter two of keirs route and WHAT

HIM????? AND OLEANDER????????

(love chapter two so far! can’t wait for my boy francesco)

Yup! 😊

It was in the past and they've very much moved past it at this point, but it did happen.

(It's a small thing but I really wanted to make sure that Keir and Oleander were openly and canonically queer in the text of the game [they're already queer via playersexuality, but that's a complicated topic], and this is a helpful two-birds-one-stone way of going about it.)

[nitrowyverine]

I thought playing Obscura would help me get rid of my brain worms. no, it just gave me new ones. For Obscura, specifically.

I'll be adjusting the format from my TOUCHSTARVED expanded thoughts post. Brain dump after the cut!

[Demo/CH 1 spoilers are included]

(Header Image from Itch.io page! All images in this post are either from there or the Rotten Raccoons tumblr page)

Design/gameplay thoughts:

In full honesty without fluff: this game fucks immensely.

The setting for Obscura might be my new all-time favorite, like, ever. Mystery underground scandalous marketplace??? Under a mountain???? it's a diverse and vast city that's still elegantly contained and claustrophobic, but in a spicy way. The worldbuilding and flavor is excellent. I really want to run a TTRPG in a similar setting now, since its an area with so many possibilities.

CH. 1/the "demo" has a LOT of meat on it. It's got different endings, variations, a whole soundtrack. Speaking of sountrack-

Obscura is also one of the few games I've put on the soundtrack to just to vibe to. The soundtrack is SO good, and sets such a strong mood/tone. I think it complements the game perfectly.

Allot of people have mentioned it, but I am also a fan of the Safeword pause menu. It's a nice and comforting touch, especially when the game can get so intense. It lets players take a breather if they need it, but also doesn't interrupt the intensity/mood of the game for someone who doesn't want a break from the narrative.

Now, onto character specific thoughts!

Cirrus:

IN MY HOUSE WE DON'T BELIEVE IN NOT STARTING OUT STRONG

Shout outs for having your asexual option in the dating sim be. The kinkiest guy there

Cirrus is a bit too intense for me, however, that is NOT a bad thing in the slightest. I think his route is well done for those who are up for his brand of intensity.

I might still play his route because. damn this boy's issues got me curious about his backstory. ($10 on mommy issues)

I had the hardest time getting to Cirrus's good end during my playthrough because having pretty much any self-preservation instinct around Cirrus gives you a bad/neutral ending. He's the only one I had to pull the guide out to get the best ending. (I think I'm just too sassy)

I get medusa vibes from Cirrus. The snake imagery is more likely tied to the lunar church, but his staunch reluctance to take his own mask off makes me wonder (this is mainly referenced in asks answered by the Rotten Raccoon studios). Refusal to let people see his eyes + snakes + power + slightly unnatural abilities to influence is, something.

I am shaking this man like a snowglobe WHAT IS YOUR DEAL I MUST KNOW MORE

(I am. metaphorically shaking him like a snowglobe. I would never shake this man im terrified)

CONCLUSION: Most likely to shame you for your anime choices. Least likely to be normal about it when you ask for help peeling an orange.

Keir:

HERE COMES BIG MAN

yeah he's tied for favorite right now. the slow burn in his plot is just too good? big man....freckles...secret soft side...im weak

he's so nice I keep forgetting. He kind of kidnaps you? not even kind of he just drags you off the street and goes "you live in my house now". Even Griff calls MC a stray early on. My man really said "Here's a convenient lost human I'm dragging them home now"

oh my GOD they were ROOMATES

I definitely was too nice to him in my first playthrough until I realized he does need (and want) to be sassed to death.

this man is like 6'6 and the canon-ish Vesper height from the CG is 5'4. THE HEIGHT DIFFERENCE. This kills the man (me)

The sprite of Keir's ears blushing SENDS ME INTO A FRENZY

I quite liked the gameplay style of Keir's route. I was so focused and invested as soon as I realized I needed to remember specific directions to save the heist group during timed decisions

Something I haven't seen discussed yet: I'm mega curious about the dagger Keir has on his outfit. It's specifically pointed out in text that it's high-quality, and I vaguely remember an ask that Rotten Raccoons answered that said it's a status symbol. (The dagger also just looks SO cool. and....it looks like Francesco's...?)

(My bet is that he either 1. stole it. or 2. got it from Oleander during their tryst (WHICH WE ALSO NEED TO TALK ABOUT-))

CONCLUSION: Most likely to be gifted a "WORLD'S BEST DAD" mug from his similarly-aged peers. Least likely to live down that one time he ate soap because he thought it was edible.

Francesco:

someone keep the "silver dust" away from this lad im scared

Originally, I was least looking forward to playing Francesco's route since I just wasn't interested in his initial concept. After playing his route though? It was excellently done, and I genuinely had fun. It was refreshing to have a character more naive than Vesper, so more cultural aspects were explained and we got a good alternate perspective on the marketplace. Also, it got REAL spicy in new and exciting ways the other chapters didn't. I'm really looking forward to the next chapters with his route!

I totally love the contrasts in his design and his character. He's got both bright red and blue highlights in his design, his outfit is very pointy and angular while his hair/smile is soft and flow-y.

And in his personality, he's both sweet and open, but extremely cagey about some information, and quite pragmatic when he wants to be. I think he's way smarter than he lets on.

that doesn't mean I don't want to bridal carry him and tuck him into bed at night after a all-nighter party

I do think Fran's slightly looser demeanor could lead to him being even more brutal than the other LI's. Remember that one anime clip (Found it, it's this one from Danshi Koukousei) where a group of friends wants to fight for fun, but one of the friends asks why they need rules in a fight? And said friend is shown like secretly holding a rock and was ready to use it? that's Fran. He would not have chill and does not heed the rules.

"Protect the boy", but mostly to prevent him from tasting blood. Because if that happens we're all fucked

CONCLUSION: Most likely to eat that M&M off the ground because you dared him. Least likely to beat the puppy allegations.

Oleander:

Oleander is tied for favorite with Keir. Oleander is just *chefs kiss* LOOK AT HIM. inscrutable......

Somewhere in an ask answered by Rotten Raccoons studio, they mentioned that for Oleander's route, they were going for a "Sexy boss situation that doesn't feel like a work safety violation". They hit that right on the nose; there's intrigue and a power imbalance, but in a non-restrictive or terrifying way.

I love being involved in the business part of his route. I keep making decisions like "Hmm yes my primary goal is to romance Oleander. But what would be the smartest business move here? How do we advance our agenda?"

Also, I do love playing a sexy evil secretary in a vn. love having a job and being evil at it AND being paid money. 10/10

That dance scene is everything I could have ever wanted no notes

I am fascinated to find out more about what he's been up to since his last trek into the marketplace. Seems like people are trying to kill him all the time anyway, so what would be enough to cause him to leave?

he's like an angler fish, but the lure is his booba

I relate to Oleander in that. I have too many online usernames because I can't stick with one. People get my 800 online names mixed up often. He has the same problem, we're basically twinsies

This man is pretending to be a himbo like his life depends on it (It probably does). He's too smart though, I know for a fact he has at least three different schemes going at any given time.

CONCLUSION: Most likely to be able to help you properly lace a corset (this man knows the boot-to-the-back necessity of the process). Least likely to be allowed to be banker during monopoly night.

Vesper:

black mask enjoyer 4 life

(all three are good I just wanted to say which one I picked. And to add my conclusion section)

CONCLUSION: Most likely to get their shit rocked by a falling piano. Least likely to survive an argument about pineapple on pizza.

Concerns:

With how separate the four routes are, the game could potentially feel like four separate visual novels all in one universe. Maybe I haven't played enough VN's, but there is a feeling of separation between the routes.

In the very beginning of the game, when you're picking your route, I wish there was a bit more heads up/information between who you're picking. For example, I had a rough idea that going into the church is where you'd find Cirrus, but only from information outside the game. I didn't know sticking around for the brawl would push you into Kier's route. It's overall pretty vague to which route you're going based on only in-game information.

Misc thoughts:

Vesper: "How are you going to keep me?? ;)" Keir and Oleander: "crimes" Vesper: "Wh-" Keir and Oleander: "you're an accomplice now congrats we're in this together. wanna get drinks"

catch my socially anxious ass wanting to be under the mountain and wear masks so I don't have to make eye contact with strangers all the time. at least its a fun thought to have when I mask for covid

OKAY FRANCESCO AND KEIR'S DAGGER MATCH? AND ARE RED/BLUE LIKE FRANCESCOS OUTFIT? DOES IT MEAN ANYTHING??? probably not but I do like the pretty knives....

For real, I got the brain worms for this game, I'm on the edge of making a big ol playlist. the headcannons? They go on my friend. they go on. I'm laying awake at night thinking about what each character would order at a coffee shop

by the time I publish this post. I did start working on the playlist

yes, I've also designed my own vesper, its such a prime opportunity for character design.

Obscura also may or may not have inspired me to get involved with an otome jam game team, more on that in the future possibly.....

OVERALL: I got the first chapter/demo of Obscura for free from Itchio/steam. High marks for writing, sound, art, game design, all of it! I am on the edge of my seat waiting for CH2.

TL;DR: If you haven't played it, and love spicy and dark stories, go play it! Part one is free! and fantastic.

Itch.io

Steam

[anonymous-eggy]

Keir memes. you cannot tell me this isnt how Keir and Vesper would text eachother if phones were a thing.

also minor spoilers for Keir's route?

[frango-maconheiro]

vesper after scaring the shit out of me with their mental reaction to discovering what lunar ichor is made out of in keir's route

[karolinxx]

HEY!?!? ARE YOU A TOUCHSTARVED FAN?? IF YES THEN LISTEN

i would like to introduce to you...

THIS AMAZING GAME! its a dark fantasy ANDDD romance game, so thats why im reaching out to you. (touchstarved game freaks../j)

It has four protagonists, if i would describe them in a couple of words we would have:

1.Oleander(no i did not make this up ts fans this is literally his name): ooeeh rich rich man 😜

2.Cirrus: ah yes im just a humble priest with nothing suspicious about me yeah no absolutely not

3.Keir: sorry for lowkey kidnapping you, anyway ure kinda cool u wanna work for me 😊

4.Francesco(i thought his name was espresso when i started playing): the indomitable human spirit always wins! *gets stabbed*

the game currently has one chapter out and four routes with the protagonists, i would say the average play time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes? it depends on the person playing... ANYWAY uhm, i would really apreciate if you guys showed this game some love, i love love love love LOVEEE it and more people should know about it.

you can get it on here on itch.io or on steam!