About this Phoenix:
1. They would have been part of R&D if they didn't choose to be a field agent. They do occasionally help out whenever they're off the field (mostly as a substitute for medical leave).
2. They used to work for a company Zoraxis acquired but quit due to work environment differences. They didn't know about Zoraxis' dark side until after the incident which caused them to join the agency. They thought they just had horrible bosses.
3. They had a long term relationship an agency operative before they got recruited by the agency. The agency operative's status is officially unknown. They refuse to talk about it.
4. They're "slightly" resistant (self-reported) to poison gas as they messed around with chemicals. How resistant they are to poison gas and other chemicals is kept private.
5. They would always carry candy with them out of habit. Everyone interacting with them inevitably gets snacks and food.
In Character Dialogue:
"Oh, hi. Agent 13-12 here. I'm still learning how these ask blogs work. Please be patient with me. I still have no idea what I'm doing.
I'm also known as Agent Phoenix but there are way too many Phoenixes running around so please refer to me as 13-12.
The candy jar is over there if you want anything. But please don't take more than what you can consume.
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@stellar-collective sent me this in Art Fight's private messages and they're so adorable.
Pea (her Phoenix) runs warm a lot, making them the perfect spot to cuddle in when the weather gets cold. Florian is absolutely enjoying the cuddle pile.
Hello! I'm still reading the fic but appologies because I do keep getting surprisingly busy.
But anyway, how do you think Ichor and my Phoenix/ Pyre would get along?
Well, I hope it's an enjoyable (and understandable) read so far! :3
Ichor gets along with other Phoenixes. For the most part. He kinda has some difficulties with some Phoenixes who may have terrible histories with men. While understandable, it still kinda stings, you know?
Pyre will eventually learn that where Firelight is, Ichor is not that far away. He'd be nearby. He kinda can't help it. Trauma affects him. (Keeping it vague for spoiler reasons.) Firelight keeps him informed of a lot of things.
Ichor is the type of guy who will drive you to your hotel while drunk and may call someone you trust to come watch you all night. He's opinionated about spies getting into relationships but that's because he knows a thing or two about it.
Man's guilty about a few things and some are not entirely his fault. But he still feels responsible for it.
Pyre might be able to get along with him, honestly. He may appear to be serious compared to Firelight but... he's chaotic. And in some timelines, he did become Phoenix instead of Firelight.
His previous identity was effectively (but not officially) burned but Firelight has the right to call him by it. However, he does prefer going by it when traveling across universes.
Pyre might be weirded out by his circle of friends because they're not dating anyone and his circle seems to have a trend of people who are dating their respective Phoenixes. (The reason why is very much heavily hinted at in old posts and the fic.)
Ichor will welcome Pyre into his house and might treat them as another agent who happens to be younger than him.
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I feel like Agent Corvid and Agent Ichor (my OC) will butt heads over their respective attitudes towards their Phoenixes.
Here's the thing. Ichor, try as he might to not be, is sorta biased towards his Phoenix. He tries to avoid it by putting sticky notes on the names of the agents he's assisting. But people can tell he's paid special attention to them once they started getting into more high profile mission.
He's in logistics. Basically the guy who makes sure the hotel rooms are booked. The flights are on time. Anything related to that? Ichor's assigned to it.
Ichor often has a grave expression whenever he's filing out Phoenix's (Firelight's) paperwork and it's often thicker than most agents because of all... the explosions and chaos. So people assume he's venting the workload by deliberately provoking them.
Firelight is usually exasperated at this but finds it understandable because. Paperwork. They rarely meet in person anyway.
Some speculate Ichor's jealous since he has been with the agency longer than Firelight but he doesn't confirm or deny anything.
I think Corvid might think Ichor's too... caught up in admiring Phoenix to see them for what they are. Since Corvid is probably under the impression that Firelight "took shortcuts" despite Firelight being immersed in the outer orbits of espionage since... birth, really. And being married to a spy for a couple of years can really rub on a person.
I definitely agree! Corvid is a lot more jealous and bitter about Pyre. They feel like Pyre stole their position without even putting in the effort to get it. In reality Pyre didn't really care about getting the position because they don't really care about the agency, it's just their stepping stone to get back at Zor. Whereas Corvid is more dedicated to the general Agency.
Agent Corvid is also especially annoyed about it because they were trained by the previous lead field agent.
Ichor seems more like he admires Firelight but he doesn't care to have their job. And that would definitely be where Corvid and Ichor differ. Maybe it's a mix of personalities and that Ichor also had a slightly different job but Ichor's views and Corvid's views on the Phoenix's would be a lot different.
Ooh also I forgot Firelight's age but another note is just that Corvid is 1-2 years older than my Phoenix so they feel it's even more unfair when Phoenix is a bit younger than them. (I haven't decided their exact age but it's 23-24)
I also think our Phoenix's are very similar in how they act and such things so Corvid would feel similarly about both.
They would totally get into fights about it whenever there was any mention of either of the Phoenix's.
Ichor was a field agent for a much longer time than his current job. In fact, he mostly got out of the field shortly before Firelight joined training. (He's got a lot of complicated feelings about that.)
But if Ichor wasn't as selfless as he is, he'd probably have found a way to take Firelight out of the field. But he doesn't and just gives Firelight a quiet support because he knows there are a lot of little things in their mind already.
Ichor and Firelight are the same age, give or take a few months. (They're in their mid to late 20s so 25 to 29.)
Firelight and Pyre might probably be similar to how they act sometimes but I think the fact that Firelight has been married might mean they're more... diplomatic about certain things. Not to mention that Firelight doesn't view the agency as transactional as Pyre. Firelight has some distrust towards the agency but they know caring even slightly affects how things work. If it's "just a job", Firelight wouldn't be doing the right due dilligence or something. Firelight isn't loyal to the agency in general but the people there.
Firelight is an older sister to Wyvern, @phoenix-and-found-family's Phoenix, already. So Firelight might be a bit more mature.
Corvid and Firelight meeting might be fun because Firelight will acknowledge things being unfair but Firelight's not gonna take the accusation that they don't deserve it laying down. Firelight has impostor syndrome like a lot of people but they. stepped. up. when it mattered.
Ooohhhh! (Also what's the complicated feelings he has about it? I want to know now hehe)
Ohhh it sounds like Ichor has a lot of power just by the position he has. Is that because of the ranks or more so he just has the position to skew numbers/ details to get people out of the field?
Okay so Ichor and Firelight could be roughly near Corvid's age (again still workshopping their age) if their in the younger side of that scale.
Yeah, Pyre isn't super diplomatic. They tend to stay out of any Agency politics and they generally keep to themself and only their closest friends. Also Pyre mostly does stuff for the sake of getting back at Zoraxis but they do think that if it's their life wighed against the lives of civilians and groups of people that they will make the sacrifice to keep everyone safe. If they didn't think that then they wouldn't be so okay with risking their life.
OHHHH AGENCY SIBLINGS!?! That makes sense that it would influence their maturity lol
Ooohhhh yes Firelight! Corvid wouldn't be so bold as to tell anyone about how unfair they think the whole thing is but it wouldn't go fully unnoticed. It's more of a thing that annoys them and one of their biggest flaws is holding onto grudges like that despite it not being Phoenix's fault.
(He'd like to keep it to himself. Admitting it would make it really really uncomfortable for the agency.)
He could. In theory. Put anyone out of the field. By icing them out. Prevent transport. Stop the supplies from reaching. But he never would do it. But for Firelight's case, he can beg them to stop and they would. There is something between the two that neither wants to openly acknowledge.
They're probably 28 or something though. In some AUs, they have explicit ages.
Well, both can agree on that at least. But Firelight is more aware of agency politics because agency politics is part of how they got there. The compartmentalization between regions is something very bitter but also comforting. They don't want the reputation they had in the Pacific League but they also want to make sure whatever happened wouldn't happen again.
Firelight tries to prove themself because of that unspoken attitude. Not to mention Firelight was definitely femme presenting when they started out. And does use she/her, especially in civilian circles.
Well, the Pacific League covers the Philippines. Chancellor Magpantay, the leader in that region, is a Filipino.
Florian is also a Filipino (I never put it as confirmation but basically everything just points to them as one). So whatever happened there is... classified. The records are sealed. But it had something to do with their spouse.
The reason why is unclear but they were given the run-around about the details and tried to dissuade them from digging into stuff but they weren't taking losing their bestie with a "I'll let it go" so they managed to track down the freaking agency, demand answers, and be taken in.
They don't want people finding out they're sorta widowed but also not quite? There was something covered up and they don't wanna revisit that for a long long time.
Here's the context. :D (It's pretty long, ngl. It's a multichapter fic. It doesn't provide answers but it does drop enough details to paint a picture.)
I feel like Agent Corvid and Agent Ichor (my OC) will butt heads over their respective attitudes towards their Phoenixes.
Here's the thing. Ichor, try as he might to not be, is sorta biased towards his Phoenix. He tries to avoid it by putting sticky notes on the names of the agents he's assisting. But people can tell he's paid special attention to them once they started getting into more high profile mission.
He's in logistics. Basically the guy who makes sure the hotel rooms are booked. The flights are on time. Anything related to that? Ichor's assigned to it.
Ichor often has a grave expression whenever he's filing out Phoenix's (Firelight's) paperwork and it's often thicker than most agents because of all... the explosions and chaos. So people assume he's venting the workload by deliberately provoking them.
Firelight is usually exasperated at this but finds it understandable because. Paperwork. They rarely meet in person anyway.
Some speculate Ichor's jealous since he has been with the agency longer than Firelight but he doesn't confirm or deny anything.
I think Corvid might think Ichor's too... caught up in admiring Phoenix to see them for what they are. Since Corvid is probably under the impression that Firelight "took shortcuts" despite Firelight being immersed in the outer orbits of espionage since... birth, really. And being married to a spy for a couple of years can really rub on a person.
I definitely agree! Corvid is a lot more jealous and bitter about Pyre. They feel like Pyre stole their position without even putting in the effort to get it. In reality Pyre didn't really care about getting the position because they don't really care about the agency, it's just their stepping stone to get back at Zor. Whereas Corvid is more dedicated to the general Agency.
Agent Corvid is also especially annoyed about it because they were trained by the previous lead field agent.
Ichor seems more like he admires Firelight but he doesn't care to have their job. And that would definitely be where Corvid and Ichor differ. Maybe it's a mix of personalities and that Ichor also had a slightly different job but Ichor's views and Corvid's views on the Phoenix's would be a lot different.
Ooh also I forgot Firelight's age but another note is just that Corvid is 1-2 years older than my Phoenix so they feel it's even more unfair when Phoenix is a bit younger than them. (I haven't decided their exact age but it's 23-24)
I also think our Phoenix's are very similar in how they act and such things so Corvid would feel similarly about both.
They would totally get into fights about it whenever there was any mention of either of the Phoenix's.
Ichor was a field agent for a much longer time than his current job. In fact, he mostly got out of the field shortly before Firelight joined training. (He's got a lot of complicated feelings about that.)
But if Ichor wasn't as selfless as he is, he'd probably have found a way to take Firelight out of the field. But he doesn't and just gives Firelight a quiet support because he knows there are a lot of little things in their mind already.
Ichor and Firelight are the same age, give or take a few months. (They're in their mid to late 20s so 25 to 29.)
Firelight and Pyre might probably be similar to how they act sometimes but I think the fact that Firelight has been married might mean they're more... diplomatic about certain things. Not to mention that Firelight doesn't view the agency as transactional as Pyre. Firelight has some distrust towards the agency but they know caring even slightly affects how things work. If it's "just a job", Firelight wouldn't be doing the right due dilligence or something. Firelight isn't loyal to the agency in general but the people there.
Firelight is an older sister to Wyvern, @phoenix-and-found-family's Phoenix, already. So Firelight might be a bit more mature.
Corvid and Firelight meeting might be fun because Firelight will acknowledge things being unfair but Firelight's not gonna take the accusation that they don't deserve it laying down. Firelight has impostor syndrome like a lot of people but they. stepped. up. when it mattered.
Ooohhhh! (Also what's the complicated feelings he has about it? I want to know now hehe)
Ohhh it sounds like Ichor has a lot of power just by the position he has. Is that because of the ranks or more so he just has the position to skew numbers/ details to get people out of the field?
Okay so Ichor and Firelight could be roughly near Corvid's age (again still workshopping their age) if their in the younger side of that scale.
Yeah, Pyre isn't super diplomatic. They tend to stay out of any Agency politics and they generally keep to themself and only their closest friends. Also Pyre mostly does stuff for the sake of getting back at Zoraxis but they do think that if it's their life wighed against the lives of civilians and groups of people that they will make the sacrifice to keep everyone safe. If they didn't think that then they wouldn't be so okay with risking their life.
OHHHH AGENCY SIBLINGS!?! That makes sense that it would influence their maturity lol
Ooohhhh yes Firelight! Corvid wouldn't be so bold as to tell anyone about how unfair they think the whole thing is but it wouldn't go fully unnoticed. It's more of a thing that annoys them and one of their biggest flaws is holding onto grudges like that despite it not being Phoenix's fault.
(He'd like to keep it to himself. Admitting it would make it really really uncomfortable for the agency.)
He could. In theory. Put anyone out of the field. By icing them out. Prevent transport. Stop the supplies from reaching. But he never would do it. But for Firelight's case, he can beg them to stop and they would. There is something between the two that neither wants to openly acknowledge.
They're probably 28 or something though. In some AUs, they have explicit ages.
Well, both can agree on that at least. But Firelight is more aware of agency politics because agency politics is part of how they got there. The compartmentalization between regions is something very bitter but also comforting. They don't want the reputation they had in the Pacific League but they also want to make sure whatever happened wouldn't happen again.
Firelight tries to prove themself because of that unspoken attitude. Not to mention Firelight was definitely femme presenting when they started out. And does use she/her, especially in civilian circles.
I feel like Agent Corvid and Agent Ichor (my OC) will butt heads over their respective attitudes towards their Phoenixes.
Here's the thing. Ichor, try as he might to not be, is sorta biased towards his Phoenix. He tries to avoid it by putting sticky notes on the names of the agents he's assisting. But people can tell he's paid special attention to them once they started getting into more high profile mission.
He's in logistics. Basically the guy who makes sure the hotel rooms are booked. The flights are on time. Anything related to that? Ichor's assigned to it.
Ichor often has a grave expression whenever he's filing out Phoenix's (Firelight's) paperwork and it's often thicker than most agents because of all... the explosions and chaos. So people assume he's venting the workload by deliberately provoking them.
Firelight is usually exasperated at this but finds it understandable because. Paperwork. They rarely meet in person anyway.
Some speculate Ichor's jealous since he has been with the agency longer than Firelight but he doesn't confirm or deny anything.
I think Corvid might think Ichor's too... caught up in admiring Phoenix to see them for what they are. Since Corvid is probably under the impression that Firelight "took shortcuts" despite Firelight being immersed in the outer orbits of espionage since... birth, really. And being married to a spy for a couple of years can really rub on a person.
I definitely agree! Corvid is a lot more jealous and bitter about Pyre. They feel like Pyre stole their position without even putting in the effort to get it. In reality Pyre didn't really care about getting the position because they don't really care about the agency, it's just their stepping stone to get back at Zor. Whereas Corvid is more dedicated to the general Agency.
Agent Corvid is also especially annoyed about it because they were trained by the previous lead field agent.
Ichor seems more like he admires Firelight but he doesn't care to have their job. And that would definitely be where Corvid and Ichor differ. Maybe it's a mix of personalities and that Ichor also had a slightly different job but Ichor's views and Corvid's views on the Phoenix's would be a lot different.
Ooh also I forgot Firelight's age but another note is just that Corvid is 1-2 years older than my Phoenix so they feel it's even more unfair when Phoenix is a bit younger than them. (I haven't decided their exact age but it's 23-24)
I also think our Phoenix's are very similar in how they act and such things so Corvid would feel similarly about both.
They would totally get into fights about it whenever there was any mention of either of the Phoenix's.
Ichor was a field agent for a much longer time than his current job. In fact, he mostly got out of the field shortly before Firelight joined training. (He's got a lot of complicated feelings about that.)
But if Ichor wasn't as selfless as he is, he'd probably have found a way to take Firelight out of the field. But he doesn't and just gives Firelight a quiet support because he knows there are a lot of little things in their mind already.
Ichor and Firelight are the same age, give or take a few months. (They're in their mid to late 20s so 25 to 29.)
Firelight and Pyre might probably be similar to how they act sometimes but I think the fact that Firelight has been married might mean they're more... diplomatic about certain things. Not to mention that Firelight doesn't view the agency as transactional as Pyre. Firelight has some distrust towards the agency but they know caring even slightly affects how things work. If it's "just a job", Firelight wouldn't be doing the right due dilligence or something. Firelight isn't loyal to the agency in general but the people there.
Firelight is an older sister to Wyvern, @phoenix-and-found-family's Phoenix, already. So Firelight might be a bit more mature.
Corvid and Firelight meeting might be fun because Firelight will acknowledge things being unfair but Firelight's not gonna take the accusation that they don't deserve it laying down. Firelight has impostor syndrome like a lot of people but they. stepped. up. when it mattered.
I feel like Pyre and Firelight might have similar views when it comes to legacy.
But I feel like Pyre would lowkey be jealous Firelight's parents are still alive.
Firelight's father never wanted them in espionage. Yet... He... kinda allowed them to marry a spy despite being a civilian at the time.
What was that? Wait. Seems like those records are sealed. Sorry about that.
Hmm yes I do think they would have similar views (because of such similar upbringings). Pyre isn't a supper bitter jealous person but they would definitely want to have the life Firelight has (with their parents alive).
Like they would see Firelight's family and think about how they could have had that. But that's exactly why they're going after Zoraxis for revenge. If Pyre met Firelight's family it would fuel their fire against Zoraxis.
Firelight is unfortunately in low contact with them due to operational security. Unfortunately.
They feel absolutely bad about it. Especially since they didn't know until after they joined the Agency.
You'd think that their... prior connection would have dragged them much faster in the world.
You'd be wrong.
If it wasn't for that entanglement, the agency would have found them sooner. They like to dig and uncover secrets.
So... Who'd be under more skepticism in the agency's eyes? A trained operative working for them? Or a civilian woman (they didn't start using they/them until they worked for the agency and defaulted to she/her before) poking around their business?
Definitely. They're a team and they like it that way. :3
Unfortunately, what happened to their spouse / bestie is the inciting incident on why and how they joined the Agency.
And yes, Zoraxis is involved.
Their spouse often pulled the "one of my contacts said this the other day" card to hide them poking around.
Back then, Firelight knew to bring up a topic during dinner and a little "nah it's nothing" or "that actually helped me out at work" a few days later was enough to get them to back off.
Unfortunately... Their spouse was in the middle of a mission when they discovered something to time-sensitive they took matters into their own hands.
Let's just say... Zoraxis wanted to surveil a little bit.
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I feel like Pyre and Firelight might have similar views when it comes to legacy.
But I feel like Pyre would lowkey be jealous Firelight's parents are still alive.
Firelight's father never wanted them in espionage. Yet... He... kinda allowed them to marry a spy despite being a civilian at the time.
What was that? Wait. Seems like those records are sealed. Sorry about that.
Hmm yes I do think they would have similar views (because of such similar upbringings). Pyre isn't a supper bitter jealous person but they would definitely want to have the life Firelight has (with their parents alive).
Like they would see Firelight's family and think about how they could have had that. But that's exactly why they're going after Zoraxis for revenge. If Pyre met Firelight's family it would fuel their fire against Zoraxis.
Firelight is unfortunately in low contact with them due to operational security. Unfortunately.
They feel absolutely bad about it. Especially since they didn't know until after they joined the Agency.
You'd think that their... prior connection would have dragged them much faster in the world.
You'd be wrong.
If it wasn't for that entanglement, the agency would have found them sooner. They like to dig and uncover secrets.
So... Who'd be under more skepticism in the agency's eyes? A trained operative working for them? Or a civilian woman (they didn't start using they/them until they worked for the agency and defaulted to she/her before) poking around their business?
Yeah, I definitely think they would! Pyre's a bit reserved when meeting new people but once they get acquainted I feel like they would make great friends! I feel like they would have plenty in common just from their jobs but I do need to check out Firelight's backstory because I don't think I know it yet
Agent Firelight, or Agent 13-12 prior to getting a codename, is a spy who grew up amongst spies who didn't want them to become one.
But habits die hard and some spy habits kinda... rubbed off on them. That's partly why they didn't need to work as hard in agency training.
(Spoilers under cut)
It depends on the timeline but we're going for OG / main one here.
As far as the HQ they're in is concerned, Firelight is an agent with sealed records from the Pacific League branch. (I headcanon that the agency branch we usually are found in is the Hudson Federations, AKA America.)
Reginald is tasked with them because whatever incident they were tied in was major enough that they had to relocate across continents.
Firelight doesn't hide the fact they used to be part of R&D but never met Dr. Prism personally.
However, a lot of indication imply they were previously in civilian circles before either getting dragged into this or... they looked into it.
Yeah, I definitely think they would! Pyre's a bit reserved when meeting new people but once they get acquainted I feel like they would make great friends! I feel like they would have plenty in common just from their jobs but I do need to check out Firelight's backstory because I don't think I know it yet
I love how they bounce off of each other and their dynamics. :3
Edit: Here's the link to last year
đŹ 0  đ 2  â¤ď¸ 9 ¡ Matchstick AU Comics Masterpost ¡ Hi, @stellar-collective, I hope you don't mind if I made a masterpost of the revenge chai
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Candlelight, Paperwork, and the fact it never seems to end. A continuation of this.
Content Warnings: Missing a Coworker (lies, they're friends at this point), You need awareness of @stellar-collective's Matchstick AU, Corporate Intrigue, Patronage, mentions of violence, mentions of blackmail, overworking, possible dehumanization, mentions of killings
"Well, it seems like you're more capable than I give you credit for, Candlelight. To think you managed to find a way to get over Weaver's head to fix that roadblock." Rubble stared at the blonde operative standing in his office as she lowered her head. He placed down the files on his desk with an amused smile on his face.
"I wouldn't be alive in Zoraxis for years if I don't have some skills, sir." She gave him a subtle smile before tugging at her brown coat she often wore on conferences. "I'd rather not rely on that repertoire whenever I can. It's... much safer for me if not many people know the extent of what I can do."
"Well, I find it funny. The way you run circles around them is something part of me wishes... I suppose it's far too late to think about the past. We're already here."
Her grey eyes only looked at the desk filled with tiny trinkets on top of Rubble's office. If the tiny candy jar on his desk gave her some joy, she's not gonna admit it. Especially not openly.
As much as curiosity wanted her to dig deep into whatever is going on with Rubble, she knows knowing too much can kill anyone in this industry. Her tiny stint with a certain Scion already told her enough.
Knowledge is a blade. As much as it can be used to protect oneself, it can easily wound the hand that holds it. And unfortunately, people knowing how many blades you own is a certain way a majority of them will end up deep in your back.
"There's something on your mind. Is there something that I need to know about, Candlelight?"
"Nothing. It's just... it's a bad time this time of month. You know how it is. Zor is upset about recent events and things got even tighter. Since I'm 'new' to the positions, everyone's been keeping an eye on me. One mistake and..." Candlelight looked at Rubble with a pained smile as she let her hand free from the brown coat. The room still feels unfamiliar to her, despite visiting it more times than an average operative.
She's only there because she's useful. Someone who can be used up. The care here only extends to as far as she is able.
"It's always been like that, isn't it?" Rubble leaned back, watching the operative in front of him look away as she took in a deep breath.
"It is what it is, Sir. Besides, what makes you think I'm not trying to look pitiful in front of you to get sympathy?" She shrugged, only to chuckle slightly. "I wouldn't do that, right?"
"Be careful on your way back to your floor, Operative. And make sure to cover up your neck. They will notice the foundation."
Candlelight put a hand on her neck, taking a deep breath. "It mostly faded. Besides, I don't think they will be back until a few hours later. I just overreacted."
"Will they find out?"
"No. I try my best to make sure they don't get openly associated with me. Or you. We already have enough cliques in this place." She tucked her brown coat in closer, making sure to bury her neck into it.
"Go back. You've been here long enough."
Candlelight stared into Rubble's brown eyes before turning aside and walking away. "See you around, Sir."
The door shut behind her. It was a good thing his office remained fairly avoided by most of the operatives. However, anyone might notice she'd been there more often than the average operative, even more for someone in admin such as herself.
Foundation on her neck was wiped away in the women's restroom, a task that required a fair bit of stealth from Rubble's office. The cream felt sticky as she wiped it with a damped handkerchief. The mark has nearly faded away and barely poked out of her coat collar.
It was probably Weaver's doing to assign her to the conference immediately after that incident. Then again, it is the role of the patron to protect their client. Just enough time to let things heal over so no one can really prove Weaved laid a hand on her.
She'd rather not think about anything related to that arrangement right now. After all, thinking about Rubble only leads her to Matchstick.
It's better to get work over and done with. Being gone in the field didn't excuse her from her responsibilities, after all. It just piled up on her desk, with some superiors thinking she needs to handle it immediately, like she didn't just head out.
Her fists were shaking as she fought the urge to gasp. It's not the time to get angry. Not right now.
She doesn't have the privilge to explode like Matchstick. And she might never have it.
Words can be a leash and many hold her collar. And she said so many things already.
Her office remained as desolate as it was. The melted candles serving as a memorial for those killed by the machines she worked on, and now the projects she helped approved stick to her like it melted on her skin. The candy jar remained sealed. The stack of paper left on her desk is bigger than it should have been, even with Matchstick and Scion's workload added in.
She sighed before taking her seat and looking at the stack. Sort the important ones, the urgent ones, the routine ones. Figure out the critical papers first.
Think about the growing headache later. Ignore the nausea. Avoid staining the paper with tears. Her visions' swimming in flashes of dark and light. Ringing floods her ears.
"Candlelight? Are you there?" Matchstick's voice stirred her up, only for them to pause when she started squirming.
"... Matchstick?" Candlelight looked at them, only for her vision to fail her once again. The wind in the back of her ears tell her they're moving.
"Did you pass out from overworking again?" Their tone was pointed, and despite her closing her eyes, followed by a glare.
It took a lot of effort to hold back from pulling on her coat. Getting their attention on it would be a terrible idea.
"I came to your office and you weren't there. There was a 'on the field sign' on it. What happened?"
Candlelight didn't say anything, moving her head down to cover her eyes with her hair. "... Yeah. Don't take me to medical. I just need... a nap. Or two."
There were a few seconds exchanged between them before they put her down, a hand outstretched to catch her if she stumbled.
"You're an idiot who can't take care of yourself."
"I know." She gave Matchstick a wry smile before leaning on them slightly to get her bearings. "... Do you think this will end soon?"
"What will?"
"... I don't... know. I just... I sometimes wish things... didn't have to be like this." Her voice remained small as she tried to say it in between breaths. "I'm... definitely more tired than I thought."
Tag List for the Matchstick AU: @pandagobrr, @phoenix-and-found-family, @warden-draws-sometimes, @ghostlystarwanderer, @agentpheoness, @agent-nor, @silverdragon889
So, I know how much everybody loves pretend-dating/pretend-marriage fics, but have you considered âpretend NOT to be dating/marriedâ AUs?
For example:
My friend is so determined to fix me up with somebody better than my string of casual coffee date/hookup partners that I didnât have the heart to tell her, after she set us up for a blind date, that I actually met you six months ago
Weâre both professors in the same department and it enhances your reputation with the students as a mysterious enigma and my reputation as a stone-cold terror if we pretend to hate each other, plus when we back each other up in departmental meetings everybodyâs so surprised they give in right away
My parents thought I was working for an insurance company in New York when really I was joining the CIA so I just sort of never mentioned when I met you on an assassination-gone-wrong and now weâve been married for five years and they still donât know you exist, this has gotten wildly out of hand and you wonât stop laughing about it
All your coworkers know youâre married to a cop but now Iâm undercover investigating a string of bank heists and it turns out that your only friend at your shitty new job is dating the head bank robber.
Weâve been communicating entirely by email/phone/carrier pigeon/paid messenger for the past year as we work to bring some peace and order to this troubled land, so when I walked into the negotiation room to sit down with the fearsome and terrible politician/businessperson/famed warrior that all my people are so afraid of, I didnât really expect it to be you.
I didnât think my parents could accept me dating somebody of your gender/race/religion/species, so weâve been keeping it quiet, but now my mom canât stop talking about her friendâs next-door neighbor and how perfect theyâd be for me and youâve got some nosy neighbor trying to set you up with their coworkerâs kid and how do we tell them weâre engaged without making them think itâs because of their completely uninvited meddling?
Youâve got to pretend-date your best friend for a couple of weeks because reasons, and somehow that means weâre passing ourselves off as siblings to explain why we live together but weâve started giving each other really filthy pre-sex looks behind everyoneâs back like a game of chicken and pretty soon somebody is going to start to have serious concerns about our siblinghood.
Admitting we're married would cause SO so many logistical and paperwork challenges so let's just pretend we broke up years ago.
Everyone thinks you're divorced but you're just physically separated from me as an undercover agent and can't say a word because you can tell off the terrible spouses much more effectively that way.
You're acting like I don't exist so your mother doesn't dig into me and violate my privacy.
