sari

Sooo... Remember when you realized that you have to die from the flames in order to go see the prisoner? That sure wasn't depressing at all right... Right.

Something something pretty colors of the simulation, and prisoner, dread, and slight horror

My hand absolutely died while making this but hey that's what I get for drawing every day non stop for like a month now even though I have a problem with my hand. Lmfao

I never do closeups because my art if you zoom is messy at best (unrecognizable at worst), but I liked how hatchlings expression came out :3c

“Jacob?” Evie’s voice rang throughout the hallway, a thread of worry lacing her tone.

“Upstairs!” He chose to quickly knock back the rest of his coffee.

“Jacob, when was the last time you cleaned? Your living room looks like a minefield.”

“I haven’t had the time.”

Evie leaned against the doorway, concern on her features. “You’re exhausted. You need to rest.”

“I’ll rest after we… after…” He sighed. “Later. I’ll rest later.”

The older Frye twin glanced at the table -- at the map decorated with countless crosses, the coffee mugs with their corresponding ring stains. She began to gather them.

“You don’t have to--” Jacob began.

“I was talking to Altair and Kassandra. You’re going on another supply run?” She was quick to cut him off, leaving him momentarily stunned.

“Yeah, this afternoon. And you’re going on an overnight patrol.” Evie raised a brow at his words. “I checked the rota.”

“You’re not going on the run.”

Jacob scoffed. “Says who?”

“Says everyone. You’re wearing yourself out -- killing yourself. And for what?”

“For them, Evie!” He was shockeed at how quickly his temper flared. “Sorry.” His voice calmed immediately, returning to its original, tired state. “This is all my fault.” Carding his fingers through his hair, he sighed. “I should have protected them.”

Evie’s heart stung at her brother’s demeanour. She glanced at the wedding band on Jacob’s finger, a sole reminder of their shared family. “Altair and Kassandra won’t go with you. They can handle being a man down while said man rests.” She put a hand on his shoulder, rubbing it reassuringly. “There’s no point in lamenting the past; It wasn’t your fault, Jacob. We’ll get them back. Go to bed.”

“But--”

Evie gave him a look, shutting him up instantly. “Bed. Now.” She followed his gaze towards the front door. “I’ll lock it when I leave.”

Jacob watched her leave his room, leaving his door slightly ajar. Standing up, he almost tripped over his chair. He moved to his bed, where a T shirt and pyjama bottoms sat. He has been working nonstop for days, and only now realised that he barely had time to look after himself. He never changed out of his overnight patrol gear, mud-encrusted and uncomfortable. A shower would be a smart option, and one he forced himself to take.

Evie was still downstairs as Jacob emerged from the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel. His movements were less than lacklustre, as if on the verge of giving up.

Perhaps a few hours of rest would do him some good.

He climbed into his bed for the first time in half a week, and listened to the ambient kitchen noises Evie made. Closing his eyes, Jacob tried to imagine someone else making that noise, but the movements were never quite the same. He pulled his pillow tight against him, closing his eyes. A tear still managed to escape, but Jacob had passed out before it had time to hit the pillow.

Altair and Kassandra dove for cover behind a car. “How are there so many raiders?!” She yelled.

“I don’t know! Just keep shooting!”

“Kill all three of them!” The leader of the group — standing at least ten raiders strong — commanded from across the street.

Altair and Kassandra exchanged glances, confused at the instructions. “Who else is here…?” Altair questioned, and was swiftly answered when gunshots rang out in front of them. Altair flinched against the car, ducking further behind the metal as he worked out what was going on. The third person had fled toward an abandoned house, a hand pressed against her stomach. She dove inside and slammed the door shut.

“I suppose we found our answer,” Kassandra said.

“We should kill them all. We cannot let them get to that house.”

“Do you know her?” Kassandra asked, concern beginning to grow for whoever she was.

Altair stood up and fired five shots before ducking again. “No, but she looks… very familiar.”

That seemed to be enough for Kassandra, and she began to eliminate the remaining five targets with a striking accuracy. A few moments later and they were all down.

“We should check if she’s alright. She looked injured,” Altair said, holstering his gun before jogging up to the door and knocking firmly. “Hello?! Are you alright? We want to help you! Are you hurt?”

No response.

He knocked again. “My name is Altair! This is Kassandra! We live in a settlement not too far from here. We have first aid and supplies! We can help you!”

Again, nothing.

“I’m kicking down the door! Please don’t shoot me…” and with that, Altair broke the lock on the door by booting it open. It was clear to see immediately that she had hidden upstairs, shown by the concerning trail of blood she left in her wake.

“Hello?” Altair became nervous; no response after an injury usually didn’t bode well for the injured. They followed the trail, Altair climbing each step purposely but with caution, eyes observing everything from the cracked yellow paint along the wall to the bloodstained bannister.

At the top of the stairs, the trail led into a closed door. He tested the handle; locked. He knocked politely. “Miss? We just want to help you. I’m coming in, alright?”

There were murmurings on the other side of the door, and Altair, without any lockpicks, did the only thing he could think of.

He kicked down the door.

Splinters flew, startled screams sounded out, and his hands automatically came up in surrender as he stood at gunpoint. The woman in question was crumpled against the wall, one hand around her crimson-stained stomach, the other holding a shaking gun. “Don’t move.” Her tone was fierce, strong.

“We can get you help.” He persuaded calmly. “I can help you; I’m a medic.”

“What faction are you with?”

Kassandra mirrored Altair’s movements. “Factions?” She asked. “I don’t... we didn’t know there were any.”

“You don’t dress like cultists… who are you?” The woman squinted in suspicion.

“We’re just survivors. Same as you.” Altair looked around, surprised to see two small figures crouching beside each other in the corner. “You’re protecting your children, we understand, but let us take you to our settlement. We have better medical equipment than here, and it’s safe there.”

“Survivors…” you let your arm with the firearm drop, hitting the wood with a thud. “Why are you out here?”

“We’re searching for supplies.” Altair furrowed his brows in thought. That wasn’t the only reason they were out here. He glanced at the two children; one boy and one girl. “Where’s the father?”

“We got separated about three months back. I don’t know if…” she paused. “If he’s still alive.”

“What’s his name?”

“Jacob.”

“Jacob… Frye?”

Your eyes lit up through the prevalent exhaustion, tears of relief forming. “He’s alive? And Evie?”

Altair rushed to your side, snapped out of his frozen state. “He has not stopped looking for you. It must’ve been fated that the one time we told him to rest was the when we found you.” He cradled the back of your head. “Lie back. Evie’s fine; she’s on an overnight patrol and won’t be back until morning.”

You relaxed slightly, distracted by Kassandra introducing herself to your children. “You both look so much like your parents; I’m your pater’s friend. What are your names?”

“I’m Emmett!” Despite the situation, word about his father’s whereabouts must have excited him. “This is my little sister, Lily.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders behind her in a comforting hug. Lily held onto Emmett’s arms, looking away from Kassandra. “Is it true?!” he cried excitedly. “You know our father?”

Altair took some gauze and medical tape out of his backpack, beginning to pack and dress the wound. You bit your cheek to try and hide the pain from your children. “I can’t do much here without a needle and thread, but we have what we need at the settlement.,” he said, wiping his hands on his shirt. “We need to go, now.” He wrapped your arm over his shoulders and heaved you to your feet. “Kassandra, get them to the horses.” She nodded, and took the children by the hands, leaving the room first. You and Altair stumbling after.

Your knees kept buckling every few steps on the way to the front door, causing Altair to adjust accordingly. “Jacob will not be happy with us when we return with you in this state.”

You chuckled, a weariness to your tone. “I can imagine. That man has a tendency to overreact.”

“We’ll just have to beg for forgiveness this time around.”

As you and Altair limped out of the front door, Kassandra had rushed to bring the horses closer, the children both mounted on one of them already. “Okay, ready?” Altair asked, before hoisting you as best he could onto his horse, mounting behind you. Kassandra held both children in front of her, holding them tightly.

“Will Mama be okay?”

“She’ll be fine, little ones,” Kassandra comforted, though an uneasy smile rested on her face as she assessed the blood staining her friend’s hands.

“Stay as still as you can,” you told them, slumping heavily against Altair’s chest.

He urged his horse to turn back the way they came, kicking her into a gallop — sprinting as fast as she could go. Kassandra wasn’t far behind.

——

Throughout the ride, your pulse had slowed down tremendously. Your bandage (and Altair’s shirt) was almost drenched in blood, and you had been slipping in and out of consciousness for a while. Altair skidded his horse to a stop and slid off, taking you with him. He adjusted you up in his arms and carried you hurriedly into the infirmary. “Help! I need help!” A few doctors came out, and upon seeing the amount of blood, dove into action, taking you out of his arms. He looked down at himself, at the crimson soaking the cotton of his shirt, at the dried blood on his skin. A wave of nausea threatened to overcome him. It was too much.

Gathering himself, he turned to move into the porch of the infirmary building, where Kassandra and the children were waiting, confused and distressed. “I’m getting Jacob,” he told her, sprinting towards the bar. It was the only place the group usually frequented; no doubt the familiarity would be his coping mechanism. The sun had dipped low under the horizon, chilling the air. Altair didn’t feel the cold.

He slammed the door open with his shoulder, slamming it against the wall. The entire room fell into silence, eyes shooting to the scene. Jacob sat on a barstool, a glass of whiskey in front of him. He also snapped his gaze to Altair while pocketing his wallet.

The look on his friend’s face told him everything.

But the blood saturating his shirt told him something far worse, and his blood crystallised to ice. “Oh, Christ.” Jacob flew off of his stool, sprinting behind Altair.

Who was hurt? How bad is it? Are they…?

They ran down the street in what can only be described as the longest ten seconds of his life. Altair let Jacob overtake him as he threw open the porch door to the infirmary.

He fell to his knees when he saw his children again. “Oh…”

There they were, dishevelled and thinner than when he lost them, but alive.

They fell into his arms, and he embraced them tightly, heart swelling and breaking like the tide. “Are you both alright? Are you hurt?” Pulling away, his voice cracked with concern and relief, despite trying to hide it.

“No.” Emmett said, tears in his eyes. He flung his arms around his father’s neck, nestling his face in its crook.

Lily’s tears had already stained her cheeks. “I was so scared,” she whispered, clinging to his other side.

“It’s okay, you’re safe now. You’re alright. My gorgeous girl.” He wiped her tears and kissed her forehead, bringing her back into him. “My beautiful boy.” Emmett held him tighter as Jacob cradled the back of his head. He never thought he would savour this moment again — holding his children in his arms. His eyes scanned the room. They were in the infirmary, and two of them were unharmed. That left one more reason behind Altair’s shirt. He sniffed, barely composing himself.

He pulled away after a few more moments. “I need to check on Mum. You two stay out here, alright? Stay with Kassandra and Altair while I go inside. They’re very kind people. I’ll be back in a minute.” He could tell that they didn’t want him to disappear so quickly, but they nodded anyway. Kassandra took them to a small play area in the corner. Altair stood over them all, watching intently.

Jacob moved to knock harshly on the door. “Hey! Open up! I need to see my wife!” The door unlocked quickly, the doctor perhaps intimidated by Jacob’s tone. He barged in, freezing at the sight before him.

You, with your sickened face, barely conscious in a hospital bed. Doctors had just finished treating you, checking your pulse rate as they tidied the area. Two trolleys sat beside them; one of clean bandages and medical equipment, and the other held bloodstained fabric.

So much red. Too much.

Jacob’s stomach dropped, filling with lead. “No…”

Rushing to your bedside, he caressed your head with one hand, and grasped your own with the other. “Y/n, God…” he choked out. His composure crumbled, tears spilling down his cheeks in both worry and relief. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, sosorry.”

Semi-lucid, you turned and feebly squeezed his hand. “I found you.”

He laughed, tears brimming in his eyes. “You did.” The light mood was quickly dissipated by the way you were blinking. Slow, fatigued eyes staring slightly out of focus. “Who did this to you?” Anger bled through his gritted teeth.

“They’re dead, Jacob. Don’t chase headless chickens.”

He sighed. Emotions overwhelmed him, constantly switching between anger, devastation, and relief. He looked up to one of the doctors. “Is she going to be okay?” His thumb caressed your cheekbone.

The doctor kept looking between you and Jacob. “We’ll take care of her.” He walked away quickly, as if fetching something.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He began to sit up, worried, but you tugged on his hand weakly.

“Don’t, Jacob. Let him go.” Frowning, he paused before pulling up a chair to sit beside your bed.

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t find you sooner.” His elbows rested on the mattress, his hands enveloping yours, pressed against his forehead. “I never should have stopped.”

You brushed the tousled hair out of his eyes, smiling at his loving gaze. Concerned and guilty, but loving.

“From what I heard, you were working yourself to death. I’m glad you weren’t there; you would have panicked.”

“But I could have prevented… this.” His lips pressed against your knuckles; a constant kiss.

“You don’t know that. I’ll be fine here… but our children need somewhere to sleep. And bathe.” You studied his features, keeping to yourself concerns about his own health. His eyes looked exhausted, and if it wasn’t for Evie’s presence you would have been certain that he wouldn’t have been eating either.

“I can’t just leave you here.” He breathed a tone of fatigued defiance.

You scoffed. “I’m in the safest place in the world right now.”

“But what if—“

“Stop.” You rubbed your thumb over his knuckles soothingly. “Nothing will happen. It won’t happen.”

He geared himself to leave, but paused at the last moment. Turning to you again, he opened his mouth to say something, but a tearful huff came out instead. “I thought… I thought I’d never see my family again.” He grasped your hand tighter. “I can’t leave you again.”

You wiped a tear from his cheek. “We’re not going anywhere. I promise.” A wall of fatigue overcame you, and you found your eyes fluttering closed.

“Y/n?” You hummed, feeling your husband’s hand on your cheek.

“I’m resting, Jacob. I’m okay.”

He sighed, leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “Sleep well, my love.”

——

“Hey, have any of you seen Jacob?”

Evie found her way into the bar in the morning, having just returned from her overnight patrol. The entire squad had bagged the biggest booth that morning, conversing in relieved and content murmurs. She eyed them suspiciously. “What’s going on?”

Altair regarded her with the most emotion she’d ever seen him wear. “Go find out. He’s in the infirmary.”

“What?!” She turned on her heel and ran. What did he do this time?

She opened the infirmary door, expecting Jacob to be bandaged up and drugged on morphine (which has happened more often than she would like). “Oh my God.”

Jacob was sat in a chair at your bedside, chuckling quietly at one of Emmett’s stories, his actions and facial expressions entrancing Jacob fully as the boy sat cross legged on the bed. Lily was playing with her father’s hair, tucked safely in his lap. He held her tightly in one arm and held your hand. The children snapped up at the sound of her voice.

“Aunt Evie!”

She dropped to her knees as they bolted towards her. Laughing, she kissed their heads multiple times as they collided into her arms. “Oh my God; you’re here! I missed you both so much!” She couldn’t help tears of joy breaking through. “Don’t cry, Aunt Evie,” Emmett said sadly, wiping her tears.

“They’re tears of joy, darling. I’m so happy you’re safe.”

“They’re tears of pain, really; you naughty rascals are going to drive her up the wall.”

They groaned at their father’s jokes. “No, we drive her down the wall; you’re the one who drives her up it.” Jacob was stunned at Lily’s comeback, while you and Evie laughed. Suddenly, you winced, shifting uncomfortably on the bed.

Jacob’s attention was on you in an instant. “You alright? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m okay. I laughed too hard.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

Jacob raised a suspicious brow.

“I promise I’m okay.”

Momentarily satisfied, Jacob smiled softly before leaning down to kiss you ever so gently, as if you were made of porcelain. You couldn’t help but smile back; it was impossible to ignore the love in this moment.

“Jacob?” Evie’s voice rang throughout the hallway, a thread of worry lacing her tone.

“Upstairs!” He chose to quickly knock back the rest of his coffee.

“Jacob, when was the last time you cleaned? Your living room looks like a minefield.”

“I haven’t had the time.”

Evie leaned against the doorway, concern on her features. “You’re exhausted. You need to rest.”

“I’ll rest after we… after…” He sighed. “Later. I’ll rest later.”

The older Frye twin glanced at the table -- at the map decorated with countless crosses, the coffee mugs with their corresponding ring stains. She began to gather them.

“You don’t have to--” Jacob began.

“I was talking to Altair and Kassandra. You’re going on another supply run?” She was quick to cut him off, leaving him momentarily stunned.

“Yeah, this afternoon. And you’re going on an overnight patrol.” Evie raised a brow at his words. “I checked the rota.”

“You’re not going on the run.”

Jacob scoffed. “Says who?”

“Says everyone. You’re wearing yourself out -- killing yourself. And for what?”

“For them, Evie!” He was shockeed at how quickly his temper flared. “Sorry.” His voice calmed immediately, returning to its original, tired state. “This is all my fault.” Carding his fingers through his hair, he sighed. “I should have protected them.”

Evie’s heart stung at her brother’s demeanour. She glanced at the wedding band on Jacob’s finger, a sole reminder of their shared family. “Altair and Kassandra won’t go with you. They can handle being a man down while said man rests.” She put a hand on his shoulder, rubbing it reassuringly. “There’s no point in lamenting the past; It wasn’t your fault, Jacob. We’ll get them back. Go to bed.”

“But--”

Evie gave him a look, shutting him up instantly. “Bed. Now.” She followed his gaze towards the front door. “I’ll lock it when I leave.”

Jacob watched her leave his room, leaving his door slightly ajar. Standing up, he almost tripped over his chair. He moved to his bed, where a T shirt and pyjama bottoms sat. He has been working nonstop for days, and only now realised that he barely had time to look after himself. He never changed out of his overnight patrol gear, mud-encrusted and uncomfortable. A shower would be a smart option, and one he forced himself to take.

Evie was still downstairs as Jacob emerged from the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel. His movements were less than lacklustre, as if on the verge of giving up.

Perhaps a few hours of rest would do him some good.

He climbed into his bed for the first time in half a week, and listened to the ambient kitchen noises Evie made. Closing his eyes, Jacob tried to imagine someone else making that noise, but the movements were never quite the same. He pulled his pillow tight against him, closing his eyes. A tear still managed to escape, but Jacob had passed out before it had time to hit the pillow.

Altair and Kassandra dove for cover behind a car. “How are there so many raiders?!” She yelled.

“I don’t know! Just keep shooting!”

“Kill all three of them!” The leader of the group — standing at least ten raiders strong — commanded from across the street.

Altair and Kassandra exchanged glances, confused at the instructions. “Who else is here…?” Altair questioned, and was swiftly answered when gunshots rang out in front of them. Altair flinched against the car, ducking further behind the metal as he worked out what was going on. The third person had fled toward an abandoned house, a hand pressed against her stomach. She dove inside and slammed the door shut.

“I suppose we found our answer,” Kassandra said.

“We should kill them all. We cannot let them get to that house.”

“Do you know her?” Kassandra asked, concern beginning to grow for whoever she was.

Altair stood up and fired five shots before ducking again. “No, but she looks… very familiar.”

That seemed to be enough for Kassandra, and she began to eliminate the remaining five targets with a striking accuracy. A few moments later and they were all down.

“We should check if she’s alright. She looked injured,” Altair said, holstering his gun before jogging up to the door and knocking firmly. “Hello?! Are you alright? We want to help you! Are you hurt?”

No response.

He knocked again. “My name is Altair! This is Kassandra! We live in a settlement not too far from here. We have first aid and supplies! We can help you!”

Again, nothing.

“I’m kicking down the door! Please don’t shoot me…” and with that, Altair broke the lock on the door by booting it open. It was clear to see immediately that she had hidden upstairs, shown by the concerning trail of blood she left in her wake.

“Hello?” Altair became nervous; no response after an injury usually didn’t bode well for the injured. They followed the trail, Altair climbing each step purposely but with caution, eyes observing everything from the cracked yellow paint along the wall to the bloodstained bannister.

At the top of the stairs, the trail led into a closed door. He tested the handle; locked. He knocked politely. “Miss? We just want to help you. I’m coming in, alright?”

There were murmurings on the other side of the door, and Altair, without any lockpicks, did the only thing he could think of.

He kicked down the door.

Splinters flew, startled screams sounded out, and his hands automatically came up in surrender as he stood at gunpoint. The woman in question was crumpled against the wall, one hand around her crimson-stained stomach, the other holding a shaking gun. “Don’t move.” Her tone was fierce, strong.

“We can get you help.” He persuaded calmly. “I can help you; I’m a medic.”

“What faction are you with?”

Kassandra mirrored Altair’s movements. “Factions?” She asked. “I don’t... we didn’t know there were any.”

“You don’t dress like cultists… who are you?” The woman squinted in suspicion.

“We’re just survivors. Same as you.” Altair looked around, surprised to see two small figures crouching beside each other in the corner. “You’re protecting your children, we understand, but let us take you to our settlement. We have better medical equipment than here, and it’s safe there.”

“Survivors…” you let your arm with the firearm drop, hitting the wood with a thud. “Why are you out here?”

“We’re searching for supplies.” Altair furrowed his brows in thought. That wasn’t the only reason they were out here. He glanced at the two children; one boy and one girl. “Where’s the father?”

“We got separated about three months back. I don’t know if…” she paused. “If he’s still alive.”

“What’s his name?”

“Jacob.”

“Jacob… Frye?”

Your eyes lit up through the prevalent exhaustion, tears of relief forming. “He’s alive? And Evie?”

Altair rushed to your side, snapped out of his frozen state. “He has not stopped looking for you. It must’ve been fated that the one time we told him to rest was the when we found you.” He cradled the back of your head. “Lie back. Evie’s fine; she’s on an overnight patrol and won’t be back until morning.”

You relaxed slightly, distracted by Kassandra introducing herself to your children. “You both look so much like your parents; I’m your pater’s friend. What are your names?”

“I’m Emmett!” Despite the situation, word about his father’s whereabouts must have excited him. “This is my little sister, Lily.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders behind her in a comforting hug. Lily held onto Emmett’s arms, looking away from Kassandra. “Is it true?!” he cried excitedly. “You know our father?”

Altair took some gauze and medical tape out of his backpack, beginning to pack and dress the wound. You bit your cheek to try and hide the pain from your children. “I can’t do much here without a needle and thread, but we have what we need at the settlement.,” he said, wiping his hands on his shirt. “We need to go, now.” He wrapped your arm over his shoulders and heaved you to your feet. “Kassandra, get them to the horses.” She nodded, and took the children by the hands, leaving the room first. You and Altair stumbling after.

Your knees kept buckling every few steps on the way to the front door, causing Altair to adjust accordingly. “Jacob will not be happy with us when we return with you in this state.”

You chuckled, a weariness to your tone. “I can imagine. That man has a tendency to overreact.”

“We’ll just have to beg for forgiveness this time around.”

As you and Altair limped out of the front door, Kassandra had rushed to bring the horses closer, the children both mounted on one of them already. “Okay, ready?” Altair asked, before hoisting you as best he could onto his horse, mounting behind you. Kassandra held both children in front of her, holding them tightly.

“Will Mama be okay?”

“She’ll be fine, little ones,” Kassandra comforted, though an uneasy smile rested on her face as she assessed the blood staining her friend’s hands.

“Stay as still as you can,” you told them, slumping heavily against Altair’s chest.

He urged his horse to turn back the way they came, kicking her into a gallop — sprinting as fast as she could go. Kassandra wasn’t far behind.

——

Throughout the ride, your pulse had slowed down tremendously. Your bandage (and Altair’s shirt) was almost drenched in blood, and you had been slipping in and out of consciousness for a while. Altair skidded his horse to a stop and slid off, taking you with him. He adjusted you up in his arms and carried you hurriedly into the infirmary. “Help! I need help!” A few doctors came out, and upon seeing the amount of blood, dove into action, taking you out of his arms. He looked down at himself, at the crimson soaking the cotton of his shirt, at the dried blood on his skin. A wave of nausea threatened to overcome him. It was too much.

Gathering himself, he turned to move into the porch of the infirmary building, where Kassandra and the children were waiting, confused and distressed. “I’m getting Jacob,” he told her, sprinting towards the bar. It was the only place the group usually frequented; no doubt the familiarity would be his coping mechanism. The sun had dipped low under the horizon, chilling the air. Altair didn’t feel the cold.

He slammed the door open with his shoulder, slamming it against the wall. The entire room fell into silence, eyes shooting to the scene. Jacob sat on a barstool, a glass of whiskey in front of him. He also snapped his gaze to Altair while pocketing his wallet.

The look on his friend’s face told him everything.

But the blood saturating his shirt told him something far worse, and his blood crystallised to ice. “Oh, Christ.” Jacob flew off of his stool, sprinting behind Altair.

Who was hurt? How bad is it? Are they…?

They ran down the street in what can only be described as the longest ten seconds of his life. Altair let Jacob overtake him as he threw open the porch door to the infirmary.

He fell to his knees when he saw his children again. “Oh…”

There they were, dishevelled and thinner than when he lost them, but alive.

They fell into his arms, and he embraced them tightly, heart swelling and breaking like the tide. “Are you both alright? Are you hurt?” Pulling away, his voice cracked with concern and relief, despite trying to hide it.

“No.” Emmett said, tears in his eyes. He flung his arms around his father’s neck, nestling his face in its crook.

Lily’s tears had already stained her cheeks. “I was so scared,” she whispered, clinging to his other side.

“It’s okay, you’re safe now. You’re alright. My gorgeous girl.” He wiped her tears and kissed her forehead, bringing her back into him. “My beautiful boy.” Emmett held him tighter as Jacob cradled the back of his head. He never thought he would savour this moment again — holding his children in his arms. His eyes scanned the room. They were in the infirmary, and two of them were unharmed. That left one more reason behind Altair’s shirt. He sniffed, barely composing himself.

He pulled away after a few more moments. “I need to check on Mum. You two stay out here, alright? Stay with Kassandra and Altair while I go inside. They’re very kind people. I’ll be back in a minute.” He could tell that they didn’t want him to disappear so quickly, but they nodded anyway. Kassandra took them to a small play area in the corner. Altair stood over them all, watching intently.

Jacob moved to knock harshly on the door. “Hey! Open up! I need to see my wife!” The door unlocked quickly, the doctor perhaps intimidated by Jacob’s tone. He barged in, freezing at the sight before him.

You, with your sickened face, barely conscious in a hospital bed. Doctors had just finished treating you, checking your pulse rate as they tidied the area. Two trolleys sat beside them; one of clean bandages and medical equipment, and the other held bloodstained fabric.

So much red. Too much.

Jacob’s stomach dropped, filling with lead. “No…”

Rushing to your bedside, he caressed your head with one hand, and grasped your own with the other. “Y/n, God…” he choked out. His composure crumbled, tears spilling down his cheeks in both worry and relief. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, sosorry.”

Semi-lucid, you turned and feebly squeezed his hand. “I found you.”

He laughed, tears brimming in his eyes. “You did.” The light mood was quickly dissipated by the way you were blinking. Slow, fatigued eyes staring slightly out of focus. “Who did this to you?” Anger bled through his gritted teeth.

“They’re dead, Jacob. Don’t chase headless chickens.”

He sighed. Emotions overwhelmed him, constantly switching between anger, devastation, and relief. He looked up to one of the doctors. “Is she going to be okay?” His thumb caressed your cheekbone.

The doctor kept looking between you and Jacob. “We’ll take care of her.” He walked away quickly, as if fetching something.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He began to sit up, worried, but you tugged on his hand weakly.

“Don’t, Jacob. Let him go.” Frowning, he paused before pulling up a chair to sit beside your bed.

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t find you sooner.” His elbows rested on the mattress, his hands enveloping yours, pressed against his forehead. “I never should have stopped.”

You brushed the tousled hair out of his eyes, smiling at his loving gaze. Concerned and guilty, but loving.

“From what I heard, you were working yourself to death. I’m glad you weren’t there; you would have panicked.”

“But I could have prevented… this.” His lips pressed against your knuckles; a constant kiss.

“You don’t know that. I’ll be fine here… but our children need somewhere to sleep. And bathe.” You studied his features, keeping to yourself concerns about his own health. His eyes looked exhausted, and if it wasn’t for Evie’s presence you would have been certain that he wouldn’t have been eating either.

“I can’t just leave you here.” He breathed a tone of fatigued defiance.

You scoffed. “I’m in the safest place in the world right now.”

“But what if—“

“Stop.” You rubbed your thumb over his knuckles soothingly. “Nothing will happen. It won’t happen.”

He geared himself to leave, but paused at the last moment. Turning to you again, he opened his mouth to say something, but a tearful huff came out instead. “I thought… I thought I’d never see my family again.” He grasped your hand tighter. “I can’t leave you again.”

You wiped a tear from his cheek. “We’re not going anywhere. I promise.” A wall of fatigue overcame you, and you found your eyes fluttering closed.

“Y/n?” You hummed, feeling your husband’s hand on your cheek.

“I’m resting, Jacob. I’m okay.”

He sighed, leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “Sleep well, my love.”

——

“Hey, have any of you seen Jacob?”

Evie found her way into the bar in the morning, having just returned from her overnight patrol. The entire squad had bagged the biggest booth that morning, conversing in relieved and content murmurs. She eyed them suspiciously. “What’s going on?”

Altair regarded her with the most emotion she’d ever seen him wear. “Go find out. He’s in the infirmary.”

“What?!” She turned on her heel and ran. What did he do this time?

She opened the infirmary door, expecting Jacob to be bandaged up and drugged on morphine (which has happened more often than she would like). “Oh my God.”

Jacob was sat in a chair at your bedside, chuckling quietly at one of Emmett’s stories, his actions and facial expressions entrancing Jacob fully as the boy sat cross legged on the bed. Lily was playing with her father’s hair, tucked safely in his lap. He held her tightly in one arm and held your hand. The children snapped up at the sound of her voice.

“Aunt Evie!”

She dropped to her knees as they bolted towards her. Laughing, she kissed their heads multiple times as they collided into her arms. “Oh my God; you’re here! I missed you both so much!” She couldn’t help tears of joy breaking through. “Don’t cry, Aunt Evie,” Emmett said sadly, wiping her tears.

“They’re tears of joy, darling. I’m so happy you’re safe.”

“They’re tears of pain, really; you naughty rascals are going to drive her up the wall.”

They groaned at their father’s jokes. “No, we drive her down the wall; you’re the one who drives her up it.” Jacob was stunned at Lily’s comeback, while you and Evie laughed. Suddenly, you winced, shifting uncomfortably on the bed.

Jacob’s attention was on you in an instant. “You alright? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m okay. I laughed too hard.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

Jacob raised a suspicious brow.

“I promise I’m okay.”

Momentarily satisfied, Jacob smiled softly before leaning down to kiss you ever so gently, as if you were made of porcelain. You couldn’t help but smile back; it was impossible to ignore the love in this moment.

“Careful, princess,” Verso’s words of warning cut through the quiet copse and make you jump a bit in surprise.

You look over your shoulder, briefly, to see him walking your way. Then you go back to looking over the Curator who stands idly by waiting for someone to engage its skills.

“You might not like what looks back,” Verso says, meeting where you’re standing and casting his gaze at what you’re investigating.

“Its just so interesting,” you marvel, leaning over to try and notice something new from a different angle.

You hear Verso hum an amused, if skeptical, acknowledgment. “Well, I came to ask if you wanted dinner while it was still warm,” he muses, “I know how you scientific types absolutely love to put anything and everything before your own wellbeing.”

You scoff at him, but it carries no weight as you circle around the Curator and fumble through your jacket for your notebook. You flip through the pages quickly to find a blank sheet.

“Are you ignoring me, mademoiselle?” the usual growling cut of Verso’s voice is there and undercut by his feigned, dramatic, offense.

“I’m not ignoring you,” you begin to say.

“But you wish to gain sustenance from scientific discovery and have no need to partake in basic human functions?” he interrupts you.

You slide your eyes to meet his and find his chastisement is coming from a place of concern, not anger. You make a dramatic display of tucking your notebook away and gesture for him to lead on.

A small, slanted smile graces his features as he turns and walks you back to the fire.

You study his back as you go. His concern for you was different from his concern for Maelle. And as you think about his addition to your camp you realize you’d seen him impatient, but you aren’t sure you’ve seen him angry.

Not that you want to see him angry, particularly, he is fierce enough in battle while calm. But, call it scientific folly, you want to see what would happen.

A simple stew was simmering over the fire. You aren’t exactly passing through greener pastures so stew is the best your group can do with what little supplies you have. Verso has been more than helpful on that front too. He knows what plants grow in even the harshest environments, and he knows how to prepare them so they don’t kill you.

Verso waves you to sit, while he grabs two bowls and fills them. You take the time to glance around. It’s dark in the clearing, even with the moon shining on a cloudless sky. You notice there are no other silhouettes. The rest of your small expedition team must’ve already gone down to rest for the night.

“What’s on your mind?” he asks, handing you a warm, full bowl.

You take it, gratefully, and get caught under his stare for a heartbeat. He breaks the moment, seemingly reluctantly, to sit with his own dinner. Your mind comes back to you as do the many questions you’re dying to ask him, most of which you fear you know the answer to. You take up a spoon and eat a few bites instead.

“You know you can tell me anything, princess,” he says, and the nickname he’s chosen to give you makes your blood warm. “I want you to trust me – I want us to trust each other,” he adds.

“Why does it matter?”

Verso gives you a look like he needs you to explain.

“We need you to continue on our journey. Why does it matter if we trust you?”

You watch a glimmer of understanding twinkle in his eyes. He leans forward, and you forget, for a moment, what you’re a part of. “I need you to trust me,” he says, his growling voice is low. You realize he’s telling you a secret. “I need you to trust me because things are only going to get worse, and I know we’re all going to need someone to rely on.”

You let him know you are listening to what he is telling you, and for a long while after you let his words sit between you in silence. You are hungry and you do want to eat something warm for once. And hadn’t he gone out of his way to make sure you take care of yourself?

But soon enough the food is gone, and you don’t feel tired and when you look at Verso, he doesn’t look tired either.

“You think I’ll rely on no one?” you ask, staring into your empty bowl.

“You rely on no one now,” he says with a light laugh. The sound doesn’t help how gravely serious he’s looking at you. “If you rely on no one it will kill you long before any of our enemies get the chance.”

“Okay,” you concede.

Verso stands and offers his hand to you.

You look up at him curiously but take his hand without hesitation. It’s warm and rough with callouses.

“When we get to that point, promise you’ll rely on me too.” You’re cringing a bit at your choice of words, given how the last promise had gone for your group, but felt you meant the words you chose.

For Verso’s part he doesn’t seem at all phased by you. Instead, he allows you to use his hand to stand and begins walking you to where everyone else is sleeping soundly.