THE WAR IS WON

The next chapter of my post-finale TMA fic is posted here! I hope you enjoy!

Title: A Benediction Rating: M Tags: Post-Finale, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Injury, Recovery, Eventual Happy Ending, Spoilers, References to Addiction, Blood, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Guilt Chapter Summary: Jon and Martin spend the night at Daisy and Basira's. An unexpected ally appears.

Excerpt:

Exhaling slowly, Martin continued. Though surely tonight would only be the beginnings of what would have to be many difficult conversations, there was one thing he couldn’t let hang between them unaddressed. “I can’t decide if I’m still angry at you or not. I definitely WAS, because goddamnit, Jon! I KNEW you’d do that! I knew and I was still too late! A-and I don’t ever want to think about how you looked, w-what you sounded like… I can’t.” Shaking, Martin let the tears begin again at last. He cried against Jon’s shoulder for what felt like ages, unwilling to voice the other half of his grief: the vivid memory of just what it felt like to plunge the knife into Jon’s chest.

The scrape of blade against bone, the drag of it through flesh and muscle as if Jon were simply a culinary cut of meat and not someone who he was deeply in love with, his Reason. The way Jon’s body twitched around the blade, his hands grasping desperately at Martin to make sure the blade sunk deep enough as he screamed, nails digging painfully into Martin’s arms before going limp. Lifeless. How warm his blood was as it spilled. The gut-sure agony of knowing what he was deliberately doing, and why.

The weight of his grief and guilt, the weight of Jon, so unbearably heavy he thought he would shatter just trying to hold it all.

hey hope everyone’s well after that killer finale of The Magnus Archives! here’s the first chapter of what will hopefully be a rather long project for my version of post-finale Jon & Martin!

Title: A Benediction Rating: Mature (eventually)  Tags: Injury, Angst, Eventual Happy Ending, Spoilers, Hurt/Comfort, Post Finale, Recovery Summary: "When the sun is nearly blinding/May you, by it, see everything/As it was meant to be/A wonder, extraordinary/Made to wander free and fearlessly/Unto all eternity/Because death has lost already" --The Arcadian Wild, A BenedictionPOST FINALE. Jon and Martin got pulled through to another world and are safe. But living with what they've done won't be easy.

Excerpt:

Martin pulled back from Jon’s arms. “So do you know what happened? Can you still Know things? Are we even still alive?”

“I--” Jon paused, a look of contemplation on his face. “When the fears began to use me as a conduit to flow through the crack, I think they pulled me with them. And I pulled you. But when we got to wherever this is and they…” He trailed off, looking to the sky. “They flowed out of me to be released into this place, I think. If I had to guess.”

“So you don’t know for sure? You’re, er… You’re a regular human again? No more supernatural omniscience?”

After a moment, Jon nodded. “Yes, I think so.” His small smile faded into a pained grimace. “And now I’ve damned another world, and I don’t even know if I saved ours. I brought the Fears here, but I don’t know if that means I extracted them from there. Maybe we didn’t fix anything. Maybe we just saved ourselves at the cost of two realities.” Burying his face in his hands, Jon shook his head. “Maybe none of it mattered and we did all that for nothing.”

“But we don’t know that,” Martin reminded him, starting to get to his feet. “Maybe everything’s fine there, and wherever we are now has millennia before anyone even gets close to completing another ritual.” He helped Jon to his feet. “For now let’s just try to find somewhere to rest, okay?”

Jon groaned again, head still swimming. “If I’m understanding our situation correctly, we might be near Daisy’s safehouse. If it exists here.” He paused as he looked around. Before Martin could ask why he thought that, he continued, “Did you ever read the statement of Anya Villette? The woman who fell through the crack in Hill Top Road, and wound up in our world? If this reality is where the crack leads, then it sounds like we might be in a world very similar to our own. One entirely without the Magnus Institute.”

After a moment of silence, Martin let out a long sigh. “So, what? We just live here now? I-I mean don’t get me wrong, I think I’m fine with that? But could it really be that easy?”

Title: The Sun, The Birds, The Breeze Rating: G Relationships: Jonathan Sims/Martin Blackwood Tags: Fluff, Light Angst, Sleepy Cuddles, Love Confessions, Kissing, Set in Episodes 159-160 | Scottish Safehouse Period (The Magnus Archives), Hopeful Ending, Love, Implied/Referenced Abuse Word Count: 1636 Excerpt:  “Can we stay like this for a bit?” Martin asked, shy. “Er, it’s just, you know, I’ve missed sharing a bed with someone I love. I don’t want it to end just yet.”

Jon leaned in and kissed Martin, chaste and sweet. “Who says it has to end? I-I know we can’t run forever, but I’m not going back there. Ever.” Another kiss, the gentle press of their lips tingling brighter than the sun. Jon couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so human, so free. “We can stay together here for as long as it’s safe, and find another safehouse when it isn’t.” He paused; the next words he wanted to say were difficult. “It’s not exactly a normal life, but I’m afraid it’s the best I can offer. I’m sorry that it isn’t more, but it’s better than being part of anything Elias is planning.”

At that, Martin laughed, a deep rumbling laugh in his chest that vibrated against Jon’s, warming him to his core. “Come on, you can’t actually expect I’ll say no to that. I-- okay, I know I’m not good at this, so bear with me -- I love you, Jon. I’ve loved you so, so much for so long. And it’s never been about what you can ‘offer’ me or whatever. It’s about You. It’s always been you.” He closed his eyes and turned his face enough to kiss the palm of Jon’s hand, still resting on his cheek.

Title: Interstitial Fear Rating: Teen (for Swearing) Word Count: 1630 Relationships: Background Jon/Martin, Background Basira/Daisy Summary: Martin and Basira talk while Jon records the statement from episode 178 - contains no spoilers. Martin believes that love can be enough to ultimately conquer fear, but Basira isn't so sure. The two attempt to understand one another a bit better by talking about it. What is humanity, anyway? Does it even matter anymore? Excerpt: 

With the door now closed, Martin clenched his fists hard, looking up and down the hallway. Keeping watch while Jon recorded statements was always tense, but even moreso now with Basira standing beside him. It wasn’t that they were on especially unfriendly terms, nor had he ever felt comfortable around her. Though how much of that was having incompatible personalities and how much was a result of simply being at the Institute, Martin wasn’t sure.

Basira spoke, breaking Martin free of his musings. “So this is what you do while he monologues? Stand around out in the open, exposed to whatever dangers wander by?”

A sigh. “Yes. I know this place isn’t exactly safe, but I trust Jon.”

Basira scoffed, glancing over her shoulder to confirm the door was still shut. “Even after everything he’s done?”

“Right, the same way you trusted Daisy.” Martin leaned his back against the wall, standing up straight again when he realized he could feel the minute vibrations of Jon speaking from within. Best not to think too much about that. “I don’t care what you think. You haven’t seen what this place has been doing to him, Basira! It’s-- it’s horrible, and he needs someone to be there for him.”

Title: Oh, When You Love Rating: Teen Relationship: Jonmartin Content tags: Self-Harm, Self-Hatred, Nightmares, Post, Apocalypse, Kissing, Tenderness, Dissociation, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Existentialism, Sleepy Cuddles, Non-Consensual Voyeurism, Fear, Love, Hope

EXCERPT:

"Is it okay if I kiss you?"

The shy sweetness in Martin's voice momentarily dispelled everything else. Even if that weren't the case, how could he ever say no?

"I'd love it if you would," he answered, pulling back enough to look into Martin's eyes. "I-I know earlier, when I said the fear feels right, I… That scared you to hear. And I want you to know, that this?" He cupped a hand on Martin's cheek, thumb ever-so-gently stroking. "This makes me hold on to being human. Without you, Martin, I'd have already been consumed by it."

"Jon…"

"It's okay. I'm saying this all because I want to. And because, cliché as it is, what good is the end of the world if it doesn't make me speak my mind in case it's the last time I'll get to?" He hesitated, the brief smile he felt welling up melting away at the sadness etched so painfully on Martin's face. "I'm sorry. For everything."

At that, Martin kissed him. It wasn't exactly a soft kiss, the kind where their lips barely pressed together as their shared breath warmed the minute distance. But it wasn't a rough and passionate kiss full of heat and urgency, either. It was a firm insistence that said, "I forgive you," the steadfast resolve of "It isn't your fault."

How many times had they kissed now in their too-brief relationship? Jon wondered. And how was it that each time could feel so singular, so special?

enjoy!!

He'd been agonizing about the decision for weeks, going back and forth between several ideas before he finally decided. "I dunno, do you really think she'll like it?"

A scoff. "Uhh, duh? I'm her brother? Would I lie to you?" 

"Yes. You absolutely would." Barry sighed in frustration, pushing his glasses back up from where they'd started to slip. A nervous habit. "Look, you don't need to help me pick it out or anything, but I just wanna make sure it's not something she'll totally hate." Because that would be a disaster and I'd never forgive myself, he wanted to add.

Taako could barely contain his grin. "Listen, as much as I just LOVE messing with you all, this is Lup we're talking about. If I made up some bogus gift idea and told you to get it for her, she would figure that shit out, like, immediately. And as hilarious as that would be, I think it'd pass the point of goofs and actually piss her off. Not worth the cheap laugh, my man."

He hadn't thought of it that way. It put his anxious heart at ease to hear Taako put it so plainly, and he knew deep down that it was the truth. He felt silly asking him about what to get Lup for Candlenights in the first place with how long they'd known each other, but he needed this year to be special. This would be their first Candlenights as a couple, and he couldn't risk messing it up! It had to be perfect!

And what could he possibly get for the woman who meant everything in the world to him? Especially after so many years of trying to get presents which showed that he cared without totally giving away how badly he'd been pining for her. He spent so long trying NOT to seem desperately in love with her that now he was afraid of failing at the opposite. She needed to look at this present and immediately know how much he loved her.

Taking a deep breath, he stood from the table and exhaled slowly. "Okay. I think I'm gonna head out and see what I can find, and uhh, I guess hope for the best?" He chuckled nervously, head spinning from the pressure of it all. "Thanks, by the way."

Excerpt: 

If he'd been awkward at flirting in real life, he only felt like he'd gotten worse as a reaper. At that rate, he figured he wouldn't have a date in the next million years, if he was lucky.

And then Taako happened.

He chuckled, smiling at Taako's sleeping form.

He did always have a knack for getting lucky.

"Whatcha thinkin' about, handsome?" Taako asked, voice slurred through sleep as he blinked up at Kravitz.

Kravitz smiled. "You," he said simply, enjoying the brief glimmer of amusement that flashed in his boyfriend's eyes.

"Natch, I'm fucking awesome," Taako mumbled with a yawn. He threw an arm over Kravitz' stomach and pulled him closer, not flinching away from the coldness of his flesh. "Maybe instead of thinking about me you cuddle me instead? Taako needs a piece of this."

"Of course, dear." Kravitz pressed a kiss to Taako's curls and sighed, paying special attention to the way the elf's body relaxed against him. He knew that for all the performing Taako did of making sure he always appeared confident, invulnerable, immaculate, there was a sensitive man beneath it. Pretty far beneath it, but still somewhere in there, visible only in these moments when he allowed it to be.

Title: Taako needs therapy Rating: Teen (for swears) Ships/Primary Characters: Lup & Taako, Taako/Kravitz, Barry/Lup Warnings/Tags: Grief/Mourning, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Panic Attacks, Triggers, Recovery, Comfort, Angst, Sibling Love, Post-Canon Summary: Taako deals with being triggered. He's stuck in the emotions of the day he lost Lup, and he struggles to talk to his family about it. Mostly he cries and apologizes for not recovering from the ordeal more quickly, but they love him so they're patient and comforting and kind. An exploration of grief, and the quiet ways it sneaks up even years later.

Excerpt:

Groaning, Taako took his hands back from them and sat up, rubbing at his eyes. "I feel like shit." He let his head fall forward onto Lup's shoulder. "I'm sorry; I know I've been a real pain in the ass this last week. I dunno what's wrong, but I…" A heavy sigh. "I got nothing. I'm scared, I guess. It just feels like that day. Over and over again. And I know it's not! I know you're safe, and here, but it just feels… bad," he finished.

Kravitz and Lup exchanged a worried glance. "Is it okay if I ask you a question?" Lup started, hesitant. When Taako nodded, she quickly looked over to Kravitz again, who gave an encouraging smile. "Is it because this is around when I died?" As soon as she said that, Taako stiffened in her arms. "Because it is, y'know? Around that time, I mean. Just a few months before the second anniversary of our arrival here."

Title: Free and Fearlessly  Rating: Teen (for swears) Ships/Primary Characters: IPRE Crew, Carey, Killian, Kravitz; background Taako/Kravitz, background Barry/Lup/Lucretia Warnings/Tags: crew as family, celebrations, forgiveness, post-canon, family feels Summary: In the minutes after the Hunger is defeated, the Starblaster's crew have a lot of emotions to process. Between their grief, anger, joy, and love, there is a lot that needs to be said.

Excerpt: 

"Lup, come meet my boy!" Taako exclaimed, pulling Angus by the arm to where Lup was hovering beside Barry.

Angus waved nervously, grinning. "H-hello, miss Lup! I'm Angus McDonald, the world's g-greatest detective, and I-- You were-- That was some journey you went on, and I'm really glad you're okay, and thank you!" he rambled, bouncing on his feet.

Though her spectral face couldn't emote, it was clear that Lup would be smiling from how her ethereal glow softened as she knelt down to be at eye-level. "Hey, little man! You did great out there! I'm proud of you!" She reached out to ruffle his hair but paused when she saw her ghostly hand. "Oh, I guess I shouldn't, huh? Not until I have a body again, anyway."

"Again? You got plans for fixing this? Because not gonna lie, Taako needs some trademark-Twin-Time, and that includes at least one hug." Taako put a hand on her shoulder; it went right through with a sizzling sound. "Ugh, see? Gross."

"Oh shut up, you're happy I'm here and everyone in existence knows it. And to answer your question: maybe. Barry's got that pod he used for regrowing his body, so like maybe." Lup shrugged. "I won't make any promises but Taako? If I get corporeal again you'll be the first to know."

"I sure hope you're able to, miss Lup! I know it would make Taako really happy, and you've all been through so much, and I'm sure your husband would be happy too!"

Title: The Road to Recovery Rating: M Ships/Primary Characters: Taako, Lup, Kravitz, Magnus, background Taako/Kravitz Warnings/Tags: self harm, eating disorders, recovery, past abuse, implied sexual content, angst, blood, vomiting Summary: Taako has issues with needing the control his environment, born out of lifelong chaos. He doesn't have healthy coping mechanisms, and it's about time he acknowledged it.

Excerpt: 

It was all about control. Everything from the carefully crafted façade he wore to the magic he studied to the work he applied it to. Transmutation magic was, after all, the refusal to accept a material as its substance so much so that the user bent it to their will into something entirely separate. A control over matter itself, from its molecular composition to its outward appearance.

Taako always understood why he was so fascinated it, having had so little control in every other area of his life. As a child he didn't control where he lived, and as a young man he didn't control where the caravans traveled. Hell, he didn't have any control over his own life at all until the show years later, so it was no surprise he developed some unhealthy habits born out of that lifelong chaos. He told himself it was understandable, tragic even; who wouldn't walk out of a life like his with a little pain?

Title: New Beginnings, Chapter 6: First Vacation Rating: Teen Ships/Primary Characters: Lup/Lucretia Warnings/Tags: Girls Kissing Summary: Thirty short ficlets about Lup and Lucretia’s relationship centered on the theme of “the first time x happens.” Ideally will update daily throughout August, tags will be updated with each installment.

Excerpt:

"Okay hear me out, I know this is, like, strictly a work-thing, but we've never gone on a vacation together before!" Lup said, shoving her suitcase full of clothes. "Are you excited, babe?"

Lucretia was sitting on Lup's bed, finishing up the day's journaling. "Absolutely. Have you ever been on a cruise before?"

Title: New Beginnings, Chapter 1 Rating: Teen Ships/Primary Characters: Lup/Lucretia Warnings/Tags: First Kiss Summary: Thirty short ficlets about Lup and Lucretia’s relationship centered on the theme of “the first time x happens.” Ideally will update daily throughout August, tags will be updated with each installment.

Excerpt:

They were sitting on Lucretia's bed some time during the fourth cycle, Lup laying across the pillows luxuriously while Lucretia sat cross-legged at the end. When Lup finished telling Lucretia a crazy story about a time she hooked up with an orc woman she met in a bar that somehow ended in them busting a smuggling ring, Lucretia felt like she should share something too.

Title: The Right One Came Along  Rating: Teen  Ships/Primary Characters: Barry/Lup  Warnings/Tags: Falling In Love, Pre-Relationship, Fluff, Romance, Holding Hands, Sharing a Bed, Tenderness, Teasing  Summary: A series of tender moments leading up to Barry and Lup's relationship, told from his perspective. Including the first time she comforted him, the first time he realized she may feel the same, and their first time sharing a bed. Fluffy schmoopy goodness. 

Excerpt: 

Barry found himself thinking that there was no other way to interpret it. He was insecure, sure, but he wasn't an idiot! Did she always look at him like that and he was only just now noticing? Was this new? Was it so obvious that he was in love with her that she'd gone and started feeling things too? Was that a weird thing to think? Oh gods, it was, wasn't it? Did she think he was weird?

"Little lost in thought there, huh, Bear?"

He nearly dropped the glass he was holding and stammered out, "Just a bit, yeah."

The mischief glinting in her eyes told Barry that he was about to be in trouble. "Hmm, and whatcha thinking about?" He didn't answer. "C'mon, it looked super serious!" Still he bit his tongue. His silence was enough of an answer for her, though; she patted his shoulder affectionately. "Aww it's okay, you can just say you were thinking about how awesome I cook breakfast. A little flattery never hurt anyone."

Deciding to play along, Barry poked her side and fell in love all over again at the squirmy giggle she gave. "Aww, it's okay Lup, you can just say you're fishing for compliments. A little humility never hurt anyone."

"Dork."

Title: The Redaction Rating: G Ships/Primary Characters: Lucretia, mentions of IPRE crew Warnings/Tags: angst, memory alteration, grief/loss Summary: What was Lucretia thinking when she decided to go through with her redaction? How did she justify it to herself every day that she worked on revising their mission? How could she spend day after day knowing that she was doing something unforgivable, and continue to trust that it was necessary?

Excerpt:

By the time Lucretia finished her third reread of the mission log, she felt enough had been removed that it was time to make her plan a reality. Tears streamed down Lucretia's face, hands trembling, as she looked over to Fisher's tank. It was too late in the evening to do it now, she reasoned. Tomorrow for sure. Bright and early. That way she would have the whole day to ferry them to their new homes.

She told herself the same excuse the next day. And the day after that. And the following day as well. By the fourth day she couldn’t stand looking at the journals anymore, the guilt of her intent sitting sour in her stomach like poison. Anxiety gripped her heart every time she picked up one of the thick tomes, and she faltered.