LADY JUSTICE.

    “ This can’t be legal.” honestly, she doesn’t know how she got talked into coming here, but she’s severly regretting even agreeing to go along. now, Olga necessarily doesn’t have a fear of heights. there were plenty a night where she snuck into the balcony roof in her family home. the difference was, that height was relatively normal. this? this is downright insane. even as she leans forward ever so slightly, gaze peeking over the very, very steep drop, Olga can only feel her heart begin to drop into her stomach.

             and they want her to jump from this height. into a giant body of water. with no perceivable bottom. yeah. this is totally a good idea.

   the mage looks back and forth. from the drop, to the people that just leapt without hesitation, then back to the drop again. “ This is just a death trap in disguise.”

@hesperrhodos​ – spiralefes

            HONESTLY  ?   That’s probably the normal reaction to have. Rosa’s hands rest on her hips as she, too, surveys the drop; it’s... certainly steep, and that might be an understatement. She was so excited to be here that this might be the first time she’s looking at it with skeptical eyes. She’s not sure what that says about her as an attorney... 

ANY RETORT SHE OFFERS UP, all in their teasing glory, only continues to serve to enliven the pout which paints across his lips still. not that he was too chagrined over it all, merely acting with the flare for the dramatics per usual, all in order to retaliate back in his way. every step only serves to prolong it 一 or, rather, it was the fact that she was in his company that seems to stretch time into something more close to infinite. never enough time in the dwindling days to see her as he wishes, yet the way the grains in an hourglass freeze midair in their exchanges, all at once.

underneath the awning was far more comfortable, taking note of it the moment they both duck beneath its protection. water splatters on the terrace, hands at work in wringing out whatever he can of his jacket, eventually placing it to the wayside, head lowering in tandem to rosa’s intentions (it was easy to tell, the way her eyes never left her target, only having done so after orbiting away from the pull of his eyes) so that she could reach with little effort.

fingers push back messy strands, an effort made with kind means which only serve to tangle them a little more, nor would it be the first time. not that he minds so much, were he to be honest. yet it’s the way she finally topples into his oh so obvious trap; hook, line, and sinker. ❝ Eh? Maybe I might just have to get sick now, if it means getting to be tended to by you, ❞ he shoots off immediately, lips that once held that precious bait of a pout now forming into a mischievous smirk. ❝ I think I’m starting to feel a little faint right now. ❞ another jest, one light-hearted as a hand lifts to grab hold of her wrist gently to put a halt to her workings.

playful banter, the way both laugh back and forth at the other’s expense; everything was as it was between them. and yet, the words he spoke earlier linger in his mind more than mere passing quips, something that rings out to him with each, passing word. how emeralds look at him in those moments she believes he isn’t watching, the smile which springs to life when she finally finds the right words to triumph him 一 the way he aches for her to give him reason to tease her back, how he can’t help but have amethysts glancing her way when he can spare those long, pining feelings when she looks away for but a moment.

                                      there was always something more to it all一

before he can stop himself, the words tumble out of his mouth, gaze falling upon her tenderly as his hold upon her wrist tightens gently.

❝ Rosa. ❞ her name escapes him like a soft whisper, something sacred that should be cherished when spoken aloud. ❝ … what are we? ❞

        ❛   I’ll know if you’re faking it !   ❜   THIS   time it was her lips which formed a pout, and it was every bit as childish as his own. His grip on her is comfortable, familiar, and her chiding stare in response to his ‘weak constitution’ is surface-level at best — an attempt to fend off her own smile. She’s not as immune to his teasing as she’d like to think... and deep down, she’s very much aware of that fact. But even when she exaggerates her exasperation, she longs to give him reason to tease her again and again. 

            It’s a constant challenge to try and get one up on him, and she enjoys that challenge. When he triumphs, there’s something very childlike in the wide grin that always follows, and it warms her every time she gets to see it. She feels they’ve built their own personal language through their banter and back-and-forths. Sometimes they’ll speak volumes tucked away in one or two witty lines; sometimes they’ll say nothing at all, relying on physical antics, and savor each other’s impulsive laughter. It’s something that’s come to pass without her actively trying, already in existence by the time she took notice; it’s more than a little startling, then, when he asks her to attempt to define it anyway. 

       ❛    — Well— that’s...   ❜   As anyone who knew her could likely testify, it was a rare day indeed when Rosa found herself short of words. Even in the courtroom, when she was sent stumbling by the subject of her questioning, she never stayed adrift for more than a moment— never waffled or padded for time. She may not be the most capable attorney the city of Stellis has ever seen, but her tenacity has helped her master the art of dusting herself off and trying again. So, in short, Marius has accomplished what opponents in the realm of law have been trying to do for years: he’s sliced right through her train of thought. She’s officially adrift. What are we... ?  The more she thinks about it, the more she also wants an answer. What are they ?

            As observant as she could be when the occasion called for it, as effective as she believed herself to be when questioning a client or citizen, it’s finally dawning on her that she has a penchant for not questioning the goings-on in her own life. It’s not so much that she ignores what’s laid out in front of her... moreso she has a tendency to accept it at face value and avoid putting pieces together. Why was that ? Was she afraid of the answer ? Even so... he deserved one.

            ‘I’m married to my work,’ she liked to say. Kiki’s joked about getting her a mug with that emblazoned on it, her own personal slogan. To that end, she’s never really been concerned with settling down or even dating— she had a lot on her plate, after all. She had people to do right by, friends and family she couldn’t bear to think of disappointing. If she could move into Themis Law Firm and work around the clock, she might have by now. And yet, despite her diligence that bordered on excess ( some would say it had crossed that border a long time ago )… she always made time for him. More than that, she secretly jumped at any opportunity. Sometimes she’d even invent one if it didn’t present itself. She’d always considered any sort of romantic relationship to be selfish on her part, knowing she’d never find the time to give them what they deserve, and yet she’s effortlessly made time for Marius even if she had to carve it out herself. What does that say ? 

            When she found out Marius was on this island, she was more elated than she’d ever been. It wasn’t just because there was finally a familiar face amid the madness, but because she knew from that moment that she would be able to weather the madness. It wasn’t a matter of convenience, but a matter of someone up high hearing her fervent wishes and finding a means to grant them. When there was a problem, he was always the one she’d call first. When something amusing happens, he’s the one she wants to tell. If she’s stumped by something, she knows she can rely on his powers of observation and contrasting skills to fill in the gaps. She wants to rely on him, him specifically, and she wants even more for him to rely on her. What does that say ? 

            Finding their older, more mature, happily married selves on that alternate island was the most embarrassed she’s ever been... and it was also the most envious she’s ever been. That version of her got to see him every day, her work-life balance seeming like a glittering apex in comparison to her own. Several times since then, she’s fought the urge to visit that older Rosa to ask her how she did it; not just how she achieved that balance, but how their relationship unfolded. It went beyond simple curiosity, despite what she may have told herself... so what does that say ? 

            It dawns on her with such startling clarity that it’s embarrassing, looking back on it. Had she really ignored the signs for so long ?  Did she do it intentionally, and if so, to what end ?  Was she afraid of rejection ?  Was she worried about the fallout should she mess everything up ?  Was it because they were technically coworkers, or at least investigative partners ?  Was it because he still considered her ‘his’ attorney ?  Did any of it even matter ?  She’s been staring at him this entire time, but she’s been looking at things far beyond him — replaying past events and conversations in her mind. She thinks again about the tender kiss he’d planted on her palm, the way her entire body had burned... and now again, in the present, how his tightened grip sends electricity all the way up her slender arm ( seeing as she was soaked to the bone, she no doubt made an excellent conductor ). Her face burns from a furious blush, embarrassment and a hint of shame at her own obliviousness. And yet still, even now, she struggles to find the right words. What would feel too light, and what would feel too heavy ?  What are they ? 

WHEN LAUGHTER LEAVES HER LIPS, all he can initially think of is how pretty the smile it comes from despite the tinge of embarrassment that creeps across his cheeks. heartfelt, nothing so fake that he can slice the polite tension with a knife 一 it wasn’t like those big-wigs sitting in an office, tailoring it in order to get into the pockets of his company, let alone him. no, were it anything as that, he would be able to tell without question; there would be nothing humorous in this predicament, only some fleeting worry to make sure the young heir would receive only the best care in the aftermath.

                               for a moment, he feels his heart flutter, if only a little一

❝ … do you really have to laugh that much, Miss? ❞ water continues to stream down through the gaping tear, lips never freeing themselves from a near perfect imitation of a puppy dog pout. bangs shed away droplets at the shake of his head, feeling himself beginning to get drenched. ❝ If that’s the case, let’s keep going before it gets too out of hand. Or maybe you’re planning to laugh at me all day like this, ❞ he whines a little, swift to lay on a voice that’s meant to draw out some sense of guilt.

walking forward, he reaches back to take hold of her hand, making sure she doesn’t slip with any added waterworks now being drizzled on them. and, glancing over toward her own clothes getting soaked before inspecting the umbrella, he can only think of how useless it is. all it takes is one moment before he closes it, releasing her hand before tucking it beneath an arm to keep safe.

and, in another moment, he’s already begun to peel off his jacket, albeit partially soaked through. where drops of faux rain fall upon her, it would now be the lasting memory of their touch that lingers, kept as dry as he can manage beneath the overhead cover of his coat.  ❝ There should be one around here, then… it’s been a while since we last saw one back there, ❞ he mutters somewhat to himself, eyes gleaning the scene before finally noting a small structure in the distance.   

❝ Over there! Let’s hurry up before you catch anything bad, Miss. ❞

       ❛   Marius von Hagen,   ❜   COMES   her easy reply, somehow managing to be equal parts chiding and apologetic,  ❛   pouting comes way too easily for you. You’re not worried you’ll melt, are you ?   ❜   She teases, but the satisfaction she feels from the warmth of his hand is unparalleled. She puts on an air that says ‘your antics won’t work on me,’ but they always do; even now, that exaggerated pout and almost childish whine tug on her heartstrings. He seems to think better of taking the lead, opting instead to cover her as best he can with his jacket. She wants to protest, point out that it’s not helping his own predicament any, but he’s far too tall for her to rectify it herself. And besides that, if she were being honest, a small and selfish part of her enjoys the warmth of his arm radiating along the curve of her spine.

           And yet even as they both rush to reach the cover thoughtfully provided by the garden’s caretakers, she still finds amusement in it all. Laughter accents her footsteps, subdued chuckles that sound more like a side-effect of utter contentment. She’s sure they’ll both feel the chill later — or perhaps steam from the inside out if the humidity returns — but for now, it was just another of life’s little underrated delights.

       ❛   Well, that was lucky !   ❜   Rosa all but chirps, glancing over and up to offer a triumphant grin. Her smile falters somewhat as she takes in the sight of him, settling into more of a subdued smile. Since they were still standing so close together, it was easy to catch every detail; the droplets rolling down his jaw and collarbone, the way his soaked shirt clung to him from every possible angle, the gleam in his eye. The water’s effects make her throat go tight and her face grow red, but it’s his gaze that always makes her heart race. Whenever she sees his eyes up close like this, she can’t help but be reminded of outer space— it’s like two small galaxies were looking back at her, constantly tracking her movements, often reflecting mischief. 

A MIND OF ITS OWN, they say. when it’s stated like that, the only thing that comes to mind is some sci-fi novel or fantasy tale. not that he doubts it, already them being here something highly fantastical, but it was a little different when one didn’t witness it with their own eyes. ❝ Mm, I’ve heard similar things from others… most of the locals brush it off, though. A shame we don’t have the NXX at our disposal, ❞ he responds, falling into a moment of thought over the difference between what others like them took from it than the ones who are meant to live here. maybe, he thinks, he might find a way to look into that dilemma when he manages to figure a way to wrangle it in one, condensed spot.

scenery passes by as they carry on, careful in his strides for any crawling vines that may hinder their way, knowing well the warnings of how overgrown some places can be where volunteers have yet to trim. ❝ I agree, it’ll go far if we an figure something or the other out. Even more, it may allow us to discover new species alike it that we haven’t managed to since we hadn’t a clue what to look for. But… ❞ he trails off, turning to offer her a smile, one subtly tinted with a bit of a cheeky grin. ❝ … I wouldn’t go so far to say there aren’t any hidden miracles in this garden. You just have to use your eyes a bit more. ❞ or rather, it was one she wouldn’t be able to see without any form of outside help. but for someone like him, one who could look directly at her as they were, all the miracles of the world couldn’t compare to the one standing right before his eyes.

each step carries them further in, nor is there any attempt to take his gaze from her direction — the way the bangs of her hair softly frame her face, nor the smile that only serves to brighten the way she looks. each, little thing only collects to draw his attention toward her more, keeping an ever watchful eye from the corner of his eyes, all until he feels the sudden jerk of his arm tug him back briefly, accompanied with something that felt cool to the touch splatter upon the exposed skin of his forearm.

well, he supposes that was a wake up call if here were any—

one glance is all it takes for him to realize just what had tragically happened. water has already began to dribble down, with the source being none other than a gaping hole from what seems a sharp branch having sliced through without relent. dammit, he was too focused on the path before them and the obstacles at eye level, let alone preoccupied with her alone, that he hadn’t thought of the dangers lurking above.

❝ Uh, Miss, I think we have a problem— ❞ only after he tries to speak upon noticing it does a torrent of water pour through the gaping hole, soaking a part of his hair through, all before working its way toward rosa. a sigh, all before…  ❝ … … do you see any awnings up ahead? We may need a quick pit stop. ❞

        ❛   Do you really think so... ?   ❜   SHE   takes his talk of ‘hidden miracles’ at face value, the back of her neck prickling slightly in embarrassment as she focuses her attention back on the scenery; she hadn’t been too obvious, had she ?  ❛   I suppose on these islands anything’s possible.   ❜  Except returning home, apparently. But right now, for once, home was the furthest thing from her mind— Rosa was far too content to wish she were anywhere else. 

            The sun filtered steadily through the overgrowth, making sporadic patterns all over the moist earth. The earth itself carried with it a strong smell, not really pleasant or unpleasant — just decidedly ‘earthy’. The steady rain pattering against vibrant leaves and petals, the crunch of gravel under their feet, the crystal-clear chirping of birds — all of it came together to form a louder ambiance than one might expect from a botanical garden, but it was just enough to make it feel lively. For someone who practically lives in an office building back in Stellis, this was a vacation in and of itself. Rosa found herself immersed in it rather quickly, unable to help the subconscious smile that tugged at her lips. 

            Until a sudden sound drew her attention, that is. Her gaze flits over and up just in time to see Marius come to an abrupt halt, apparently having not realized a branch had basically impaled their umbrella. That... could definitely be a problem. No sooner did he voice the same sentiment than the problem itself arose, rain pelting his head and shoulders without a care and flattening his hair. A little mercilessly, in fact. The timing of it, his comical expression... Rosa doesn’t even care that the downpour isn’t sparing her, either— she can’t help but laugh. 

FEATURES ARE NEARLY AS VIBRANT, pairing well with the myriad of colors that paint across the scene. were he to compare the way she beams, that smile enough to disperse the bleakest of hours with the warmth of daylight itself, it would surely be the brilliance of the sun. even now as refractions of light stream down from the prismatic pools dripping above, sunlight pouring through like a kaleidoscope through the depths, it could almost be mistaken as coming from her very existence. eyes remain fixated to that very light she blindly gives, like flowers leaning toward sunshine after a long night.

still, only the sound of an amused laugh escapes him at how she easily takes this all in. so carefree, as if they really were back in stellis, or once more hiking through the dense forests of tambyani. ❝ Haha, it is almost reminiscent of our trip to one, isn’t it? This island is covered in that fog wherever you look, so it’s difficult to tell if this ecosystem is similar to the rest of the terrain, or if it’s a product of the unique circumstances from the islands above. ❞ something difficult to believe while not being entirely impossible. letting his gaze drift to where her eyes have fallen, the emerald of her eyes almost meld in to the verdant foliage around them as he notes the array of flowers and fungi mingling together. ❝ If it really is contained to this one place naturally, that makes it all the more fascinating, ❞ he continues, shifting to bump his body into hers to subtly guide her away from a branch that had fallen part-way into their trail.

❝ I thought it could be beneficial to poke around, just like the PAX research back then, too. If this island is really as mystical as it lets off, it’s possible it could be applied in a way that may lead into major break throughs in the medical field for conditions without cures, like Alzheimer’s, or to stall severe symptoms from rapidly developing. ❞ whether or not there were any such discoveries were to be seen despite the hope that there may be something. ❝ But it doesn’t have to be all business, either. We can come back as much as you like just to look around. ❞

         HER   smile softens considerably at the mere mention of that trip. She’s been pretty fortunate to see so many new things with Marius next to her, hasn’t she ?   ❛   Yes, that’s exactly where my mind went. Logic dictates the plants are so much more vibrant due to all the rain, but it’s still pretty breathtaking, isn’t it ? I wonder about that fog, though... Some people have told me it ‘invaded’ the city once. They said it was like it had a mind of its own...   ❜

         It was an unsettling thought, to be sure, but the furrow in her brow was only temporary. Was she already getting too used to what this island had to offer in terms of the fantastical and horrifying ?  Maybe... But if she spent her time being shocked about everything, she couldn’t really accomplish much in a crisis. What kind of lawyer would she be then ?  That was essentially a career packed with new situations and crises every day. 

         She felt his warmth press against her as she spoke, little more than a casual bump— but it was enough to cause her to instinctively glance down, noticing a wayward branch in time to skirt around it. It was also enough to leave a lingering sense of exaggerated heat, just like his mouth on her hand. She’s done her best not to overanalyze it past that day ( or analyze it at all, really, which was extremely unlike her ), but the feeling persisted... Something that didn’t improve the longer he spoke. Rosa gradually found herself watching him more than the scenery, something akin to admiration in her eyes. Once more, she finds herself wishing the entire world could see the Marius that she sees— the Marius far beyond the rumors and catchy headlines, the one that would give away however much time and effort and money it took to solve a total stranger’s problems.

WHEN WORDS OF SOME GARDEN were heard of in passing, he had initially written it off as low on the priority scale. only when he eventually dug his teeth in with his own research did intrigue set in at its unique property, that of its perceived perpetual rain, leaving him to wonder how it was managed in thoughts of bringing back a few ideas to pax upon his return. nor was it truly surprising that while he’d thought to go on his own in initial planning, the idea to invite along a certain lawyer was never far off. not only for the dearly cherished company she offers, but for her own benefit in getting to know the island for herself.

holding out the dust for rental fees, he’s swift to make sure she hardly lifts a finger to spend a single cent of her own. just like back home, the way it naturally falls into place, as the volunteer hands over the umbrella. and once they begin to step onto the path, once more is he quick on the uptake to take the parasol to hold it up between them, making sure the everlasting drizzle hardly finds its way underneath.

❝ Hey, let me handle that, Miss. Just take time enjoying the scene as we walk through, got it? ❞ just as he’d take in the scene of a solitary flower, poised before such an elegant background as if she belonged so naturally.

@hesperrhodos

         SAY   what you will about Marius von Hagen, and less-informed people would say plenty, but he knew exactly how to draw someone in. Ever since he suggested it, it’s all she could think about— not only excited to see more of this island during the peaceful times, but eager to do at least something resembling her usual work. At the very least, there was the vague hope she could offer some legal insight here and there... 

         It helps, of course, that generally he’s the first person she thinks of when she catches wind of something fun to do. But that was neither here nor there, and he’d never let her live it down if she mentioned that. Rosa seems particularly buoyant as he takes it upon himself to hold up the umbrella for the both of them, instinctively inching closer as she offers a warm smile in return. Truth be told, she’s thought about him quite a bit since his arrival here... not just in general, but specifically about what this island meant for someone like him. Was he treating it like an opportunity to be himself ?  Like a vacation, perhaps ?  Or was he still thinking about everything waiting for him in Stellis... ?  

SEEING HER THIS RILED UP, all teasing aside, lips can hardly contain the genuine warmth that he feels. so, he shifts himself a little downward at her weight, feeling the heat of her skin press against his lips. what she threatens isn’t exactly concerning, when he thinks on it. hasn’t he always been open about his feelings toward her, no matter the presentation? rather, it was always her that he felt he would hold his breath for in wait for an answer he may never receive.

one hand reaches up to grab her wrist, gripping lightly, all before pressing his lips to her palm in a brief few seconds to steal this moment for himself, just for a little while. soft, tender — just like how she deserves to be treated for the rest of her life.

                                                   just like how he wishes he could—

pulling her hand from his mouth, only a chuckle escapes him, though a small pout almost plays on his lips before pulling back up completely. ❝ Hey, now! No need to go so far, you know? I was only teasing here, Miss. ❞ no, there wasn’t any reason for him to be ashamed of anything his other self might say, no matter the lifetime. but maybe it was better to concede before she asks something that tangles her too deeply without realizing in her want to fight back.

          HE’S   always ready to counter her, rarely outwardly bothered, like he can predict her every move. How does he manage that ?  His powers of observation were really staggering sometimes. It’s almost like——

      ❛   ———   ❜   Any and all thought completely left her brain, evaporated entirely. There was no mistaking the sensation, not against such a sensitive part of the body. Her physical response was immediate— the shiver that prickled at her neck and darted down her spine, the heat that coated her palm and shot straight up her arm. Some of that heat was inevitably going to color her cheeks, but she was too stunned to care. 

          The only thing that could possibly startle her more than the action itself was her reaction to it — this visceral, physical reaction. Rosa knew good and well they were in public ( something that never stopped them from getting into discussions like this ), but the instant she felt his mouth on her palm, everything else completely fell away. It was just a brief, almost teasingly fleeting moment, but the moment stretched much longer in her mind’s eye. So much longer, in fact, that she nearly missed what he was saying to her— only registering sound fast enough to catch the tail end of it. If her outward reaction was anything close to how she felt inwardly, she should probably be mortified... but she feels more electrified than embarrassed.

DAMN, ALMOST HAD HER FULLY. still, the war wasn’t completely lost, instead her response only bolstering the easy-going smile that grows a little more. not a single sweat or falter, all before using his height to lean in a little almost goadingly.

❝ That can always change. Now then, how to best go about it is the question… ❞ yeah, he’s definitely being a smug little bastard about this. ❝ Maybe I can drop in for a special visit to that place and see which ones you prefer? Then I’ll use them to see which you like best— ❞

          NOPE.   No, no, no, absolutely not. Her face is reaching temperatures she didn’t think possible without having a cold first, and the mere thought is making her neck itch. Half for her own self-preservation, and half because she always feels this sort of instinct whenever he opens his mouth, Rosa’s quick to rest a hand on his shoulder. She’s using it as leverage, raising up on her toes a bit to bridge the ridiculous difference in their heights— and her free hand plants itself across his mouth mid-sentence. No more of that !

❝ Your honor: exhibit A. I didn’t even have to say any and I just won the lottery. Why else would you be so adamant to come in and prove my point with my whole name if it didn’t hit the mark, Miss? ❞

       ❛   MAR— !   ❜   WAIT.   She can’t yell !  She’s already put the proverbial foot in her mouth, and she’s not about to shove it any deeper !  Deep breaths, Rosa. Deep breaths... 

❝ Pet names, yeah? Some of them can easily flop, but you know you hit the jackpot when you get them all embarrassed to the point of yelling out your full name. Give the Pet Name Roulette a whirl sometime! ❞

“Something to get away from, to be certain.” He taps his chin, running casually next to the woman who had just started running away from the seeping black ichor that had just come out of the street. “Likely a byproduct of whatever had happened here prior.” Outside of the unnatural black mass coming down the street, the tall Commissioner too was, unnaturally calm.

The other thing, was, that he could feel the strength return to his Vision. Stopping with a small tap of his shoe, he turns on his heel, pulling a vibrate blue blade from his Vision. As hands of the CPNs - so they were called - reached out of the ooze, so too were they vanquished as blue blades fell from the sky like rain.

And gentle, glowing blue flowers appeared underfoot.

“Either way, I am very much of the same mind. High ground, as it were.” While the ooze was held at bay, he smiles at the young woman. “Shall we proceed as you were, then?”

           THERE’S   a surge of moisture in the air, and combined with his admittedly soothing tone of voice, Rosa instinctively skids to a stop. Her gaze turns just in time to see bright blue blades tear through the sky, flowers blooming in the place of those ooze monsters. And she thought the island was suspending her disbelief a little too far ?!  Still... it’s like Marius said. This was all far too elaborate to be any sort of illusion, and virtual reality was nowhere near this advanced. In the absence of additional factors, seeing would have to be believing. And, at any rate, this stranger’s clearly here to help. … Has Marius made it through all of this ?  Wait— she can’t get sidetracked at a time like this.

SILENCE, SUCH AN UNCHARACTERISTIC SIGHT. where one usually expects that unabashed, winding wit, one will only find brows knitted in thought, a hand in pocket as he stands within the room where their older selves had determined was best to leave them be. ‘leave you two alone,’ they’d said. in all honesty, had he ever wanted to throttle himself thoroughly for any decision, now would be the most opportunistic time. yet he stands still, eyes downcast as if slowly digesting all the information which they had been given, as if they could piece together the puzzle like it were just a daily chore.

                                                    how vexing, in every sense of the word—

so when rosa speaks, laying out the entirety in a neat, uniformed list (there’s a fondness for that quirk of hers, isn’t there? the way she sorts it all to analyze, even in the most pressing times) for them to pick through, it was a welcomed relief to the deafening string of his own thoughts. ❝ Looks like you got everything in order. Didn’t even need my help at all with connecting what pieces we have, ❞ he retorts, gaze lifting finally from the nightstand where amethyst eyes have perused a set of matching trinkets.

❝ I don’t think there’s any tech that could achieve a simulation this grand. Even PAX hasn’t heard of any ongoing deals with headline breaking developments being implemented. Virtual reality is one thing, with VR headsets real enough to make you believe you’re there and trick the senses like smell, sound, and sometimes taste, but… ❞ this was all too realistic, he figures he doesn’t need to finish. walking over, a hand reaches out to grab a piece of jewelry, twirling it between his index and thumb to feel the cool metal wash over skin, all before turning to hold it out to her. ❝ We shouldn’t be anywhere near being able to feel something digital. Which leads me to believe this is a very real situation, ❞ he carries on, eyes casting to the side as if searching for any other parts they were missing.

only one she brings up the weighted topic which looms over their head, he hardly flinches despite the tinge of heat that threatens to take over his face were he to let his guard down

❝ On the contrary, I don’t think that tidbit has any weight into our factors, ❞ he dismisses, one shake of his head to accompany it. ❝ Whatever these alternate versions of us do has no jurisdiction over us and what we do, does it? It’s not like they dictate our reality. ❞ otherwise it would be far too idealistic, he knows, to be able to accept a place where his dreams could become real to the touch. ❝ … unless you’re using this as an opportunity to say you’d like it to become this way, Miss? I’m sure there’s a few nice chapels back in Spirale we could book once this all settles over. ❞

and there it was, the one reply that anyone who knew of him would be waiting on, all presented with a playful wink as he leans toward her with that smarmy smirk.

           HER   gaze flits about the room as he speaks, taking it in with greater attention to detail. This was definitely the home of a married couple, not that there was any doubt at this juncture. It was almost difficult to identify where her tastes ended and his began; similar and different in just enough ways to, somehow, create a satisfying blend. For someone who’s lived alone for years, it was a little surreal to see something so drastically different... somehow manage to seem welcoming. Green eyes linger where his own gaze had stalled: a nightstand, part of a matching set in terms of both furniture and accessories. For some reason, out of all of this, seeing those matching trinkets poised so carefully in front of a couple of photos is what makes her feel the most hot in the face. Part of her wants to lean in closer, see what was happening in those photos... but mostly she feels like she’d be intruding. … On herself. Somehow.

       ❛   … I think that’s a safe assumption.   ❜  Rosa almost didn’t notice the offering, her response coming in something of a flustered rush as she turns it over in her fingers. It felt entirely real, just like everything else up until this point. Well, aside from the marriage bit. That still felt anything but. Is it warm in here ?  ❛   I don’t think even the most determined PAX competitor could come up with something this detailed. Even if they could... I would say this simulation would require a lot of personal information from the both of us to make something this convincing— right down to our personal tastes. And we should assume every other island resident is experiencing something similar to us. … You’re right. It’s far too grand a scale to be anything but real.   ❜

           Talking these things out loud with him always had a sort of calming effect. He had an even better eye for detail than her sometimes, and he had a business perspective that she couldn’t quite touch. Most wouldn’t believe it ( and that in itself was a shame )… but Marius was incredibly reliable. If she were in a crisis, he’d be the first person she’d call; he has been the person she’s called before. So if she were to be stuck in this situation with anyone... Rosa was glad that it was——————

             Nevermind.

        ❛   What is that... ?!   ❜

            Just when Rosa felt she could catch her breath is when the ooze starts inching down the street. It’s difficult to tell much about it from this distance... except that it’s very dark, very viscous in nature, and it appears to have a life of its own. It definitely doesn’t require any sort of law degree to all but guarantee touching it would be a bad idea. A bit more frantically than she’d care to admit, she breaks into a sprint.

             THE   silence had been deafening ever since their older selves opted to ‘leave you two alone’  ( honestly, this older Rosa wasn’t much better than present-day Marius... ); in actuality they’ve probably only been alone for a couple of minutes at best, but it may as well have been hours. Her clear of the throat seemed to cut the air in the room in half with a perfectly-poised knife.

         ❛   That terrifying event was, more or less... the end of the world. Now we’re in an alternate world, some sort of digital copy of where we were prior. In two weeks, we’ll get a chance to go back and try to fix it... and we each need a ‘blessing’ in order to do that. It’s also worth noting the discrepancy in time here. Judging from our — their ages, ten years have passed since whatever the catalyst event was. … As crazy as it all sounds, those are indeed the facts as we know them. Somehow I feel like Huey would have a way better understanding of all of this...   ❜   She mutters partially to herself, rubbing at the back of her neck. Is this some sort of virtual reality, then ?  How can they be safe in a virtual space if the real space from which it originates is gone ?  How can they go back in time to prevent the impossible ?  It must be some seriously advanced technology... but those were all assumptions and theories. It was better to put their heads together and tackle this a bit at a time, right ? 

        ❛   …   ❜   A brief pause follows, eyes darting in his direction. There’s an elephant in the room. She gets the distinct feeling that if she doesn’t say something about it, whatever he says about it will be ten times worse ( for her complexion, that is ). So, despite how hot she can feel her face getting, she clears her throat again. Don’t say married. Don’t say married. 

        ❛   And we’ve also, apparently... entered into a legally-binding union. That’s also a fact we shouldn’t overlook.   ❜

          SUBSISTENCE INFO  :  rosa. 

Grew up in Golden Ward with her two researcher parents, who were often away doing classified contract work.

She knew from a young age she wanted to be involved in the pursuit of justice, and thanks to her sharp aptitude and hard work, she’d been hired by a prominent law firm when she was just barely out of college. By her mid-twenties, she had racked up an impressive streak of winning cases. Now that she’s thirty-four, her workload has only gotten more ambitious— and she loves every second of it.

One of her early cases involved clearing the name of a certain Marius von Hagen, whose keen eye and art expertise helped her not only vindicate him but also identify the real culprit. 

Afterward, they just kept bumping into each other. Through one circumstance or another, they’d find themselves spending time together; at some point the encounters became intentional, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. In fact, they got married ! 

Rosa’s still a prominent attorney, but she’s finally achieved that mythical work-life balance; it helps having someone to always come home to. Idly watching the other work on their passion projects, making a mess in the kitchen together, going on outings... Despite how many years they’ve been together, they still act like the same lovestruck twenty-somethings. They’re disgustingly in love, even when they still playfully bicker.