#identitytheft

I also won't lie to you I can also imagine after Vigil's got his fill of appreciating Ilian's features and the lovey dovyness leaves him, Vigil might also get the funny idea to just mess around lowcenuinely WHAWHW like squishing Ilian's face, just abusing his free will and straight up being a giggle shit </3

Not that it's making fun of his partner, most likely Vigil would do this nonetheless out of his own form of affection. He'd also probably do this in those times where he wakes up, and just cant go back to sleep so he gets bored and thus,, we come here. I can see him doing the same to Ilians hair, like, flicking his front bang and doing whatever 💔If Ilian wakes up Vigil is immediately pretending to be asleep this little shit!!!

GUH I will say I'm still unsure of this piece since I definitely could have done better with the rendering, especially with their hair, I think I only struggled because of the fact there wasn't a set light source since this is a dark room so it was hard finding where shadows go. I hate to say it but I feel like I prefer the plain lineart even more haha, you see a LOT more there!!

Its not even funny how BEYOND pleased I am with the linework especially with Ilian, GOSH I genuinely locked in so bad for him <33 I find drawing mouth lines hard since I try hard to make sure its not like,, an awkward straight line so it can look like actual lips — so this was GREAT

And no joke, his hair was ever more easier. I think I had more trouble with Vigil compared to Ilian grumbles </3 but thats fair considering how messier Vigil's hair is whilst Ilian's has more,,, structure yk?

MMM what else to add what else to add,, I think it'd also be a first for Vigil to be the smaller one in any dynamic. He hadn't been small in a long time, I don't think he doesn't like it, he's definitely amendable to the position but its moreso coming from a place to being unused to it yknow? This in general is something he's unused to. I think something i found funny thinking about writing this is the fact the change from being friend to lover with Vigil wouldn't be too obvious aside from the fact you two are astronomically closer. But Vigil's still quite playful and just,, himself and all.

I also tried to think if Vigil would have his,, mask on when sleeping with his partner? I feel like he wouldn't since while yes, he doesn't mind the mask, he probably has his moments of removing it - but I also don't think he'd have his lower jaw out and about. Probably wears a,, sigh, yes a mask. Not a wooden one this time!! but shrugs, one of cloth or fabric.

I also have another variation of this since I was stuck inbetween how to,, set the lighting of this piece again since there'd be a lack of light and all - so have this other version where there's more of a focus to Vigil's eye,

I decided against this one and chose the one above since it drew more attention to both of their faces!!! UGHH I go crazy how good this look when you close up like woah!! I probably should have zoomed in more since there's a lot of empty space in the upper and lower parts of this frame but thats okay!!!

This was a WONDERFUL piece despite it taking gulps six hours. Which, fair. You wouldnt believe the amount of Chilling Scares videos i watched in the mean time haha, but this is my contribution to IdentityTheft!!! I keep giggling looking at it again since I wonder how much of a bother Vigil's hair would be WAHAWHAWH

Vigil just has to rest his head against Ilian's collar/neck area(?) and Ilian gets a face full of hair LHLHLH I keep getting a bit wistful thinking about the sadder aspects to their relationship and how it can all potentially fall apart. Because I do think this would be the few moments Vigil would really cherish. Because this is nice, really nice. Better than a lot of things Vigil's used to.

BUT THATS GOOD I HOPE THEY FUMBLE EACH OTHER ANYWAY ugh drawing this also ragebaited me I HATEDD seeing this happy couple like break UP already omfg. Vigil you are CHOPPED, Ilian you are DOOMED wake up sheeple!!! It should've been me not my dumbass son not my dumbass son 💔💔🥀🥀It's that medic doodle all over again GET ME OUT OF HERE

Gonna do a similiar thing like with Luci and Eva here so this is more structured

Writing this will probably take a lot lol

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CHAPTER 1: PREFERENCES

Mm... hard to say. Ilian doesn't really... have preferences? Okay, that's a lie. He does, just not really in the sense of physical appearance. What matters much more to him is whether he feels like he has some sort of advantage over his partner. Not necessarily because he wants to control them, but because it gives him a sense of security. It's much harder for him to lower his walls around someone if he feels physically or emotionally vulnerable around them.

It's not that he's easily intimidated, either. Even if he's dealing with someone considerably bigger than him, he'll usually figure out some way to deal with them. It's more about what happens when he actually allows himself to become vulnerable. He needs to feel safe enough to do that. He's also leaning more toward the dominant side, so having a partner who is equally stubborn and dominant could... potentially cause some problems. xD Ilian doesn't let himself be dominated easily in pretty much any situation, not just romantically. He's very used to being the one who keeps the upper hand.

Which is why I actually think his dynamic with Vigil could be really interesting. Neither of them would necessarily have a clear advantage over the other. It'd be much more of an equal footing situation— a sort of constant balancing act where both of them have something the other needs to account for.

And I think that would pull Ilian pretty far out of his comfort zone. For him to genuinely deepen his connection with Vigil, he'd have to get used to standing on equal ground with someone rather than always having some sort of advantage to fall back on. That would probably feel foreign and, honestly, a little dangerous to him. The funny part is that I think Vigil might feel much the same way.

It's almost like balancing on a line with someone standing opposite you. You both have to trust that the other person isn't suddenly going to shove you off—or start jumping around just to make you lose your balance. Buut if we're talking physical appearance... again, I don't think Ilian has any particularly specific preferences.

Height certainly doesn't bother him in this situation. He's so used to being shorter than most puppets that he's basically numb to it by now. The only time he'd really care is if someone deliberately tried to rub it in his face. And if he thinks he can get away with it without putting himself or his reputation at risk, he's absolutely capable of pulling that person's leg right back to remind them that he's not a pushover. I can actually see Vigil occasionally being that kind of person, if only to tease him or start some banter. And he'd definitely get to experience Ilian's comebacks for it. XD I love the idea of Vigil initially thinking the little thief might be more vulnerable because of his size, only to very quickly realize that Ilian is perfectly capable of holding his own.

If Ilian actually started developing romantic feelings for Vigil, I could see some of Vigil's physical traits gradually becoming attractive to him. But they wouldn't be what initially draws him in or keeps him interested. With Ilian, the bond would come first, and physical attraction would slowly grow alongside it. As for Vigil himself... honestly, I have no idea whether he'd even have a particular physical type or relationship preference. We know he doesn't have much experience with either, so I think that's something that could be interesting to explore separately.

What we do know is that Vigil is extremely careful about who he lets close because of his Vigilante identity. Normally, that alone would probably make these two getting close incredibly difficult. Vigil doesn't exactly seem like the type to willingly let a cunning little thief into his personal life, while Ilian is arguably even more suspicious and cynical. Which is why I love the idea of Ilian knowing Vigil's secret identity hanging over their entire relationship.

It gives them this strange little link neither of them can really ignore. Vigil can't simply treat Ilian like some random thief when Ilian knows something this important about him, while Ilian suddenly has a reason to keep interacting with someone he probably wouldn't have trusted otherwise (plus, yk, Ilian's own little schemes and motives, etc.). And, somehow, that secret becomes the thing that keeps pushing them into each other's orbit.

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CHAPTER 2: PERSONALITIES

Oh boy. So... somehow, whenever I think about Ilian and Vigil interacting and how their personalities would bounce off each other, I keep thinking of those videos where two cats suddenly get the zoomies and start chasing each other through the entire house or even the neighbourhood XD But hm...

I think their personalities clash in quite a few ways, while somehow also complementing each other in ways that are hard to explain. I've talked to -C about this before, and I also mentioned it in my relationship analysis of Ilian, but when it comes to him, I think the best kind of partner would be someone who's a bit of a dreamer. Not necessarily overly positive or bubbly, because that could easily start feeling delusional to Ilian's very "realist" mindset, but someone who's still hopeful. Someone who can look at things and think, maybe this doesn't have to end badly. And Vigil definitely gives me that kind of vibe. Will speak on it later though

Again, going back to my silly cat comparison, they really do remind me of one of those orange-and-black/tabby street cat duos you see in those animal-dynamic posts on tiktok or Instagram. XD Vigil strikes me as an introverted extrovert kind of person. He can be reserved and cautious at first, especially for safety reasons, but once he realizes he can actually feel comfortable around someone, he relaxes and starts showing much more of himself. You kind of have to be persistent to get him to that point, though, like -C mentioned.

Thankfully, Ilian might be even more introverted than him, but he's also incredibly patient and determined when something genuinely interests him. At the same time, Vigil's more outgoing side would make a nice contrast to Ilian's reserved nature. Especially once Vigil realizes that this seemingly quiet little thief actually has a pretty sharp tongue and an even sharper mind. Gosh, I can imagine both of them secretly enjoying the fact that the other can keep up with their banter. Their little battles of wit could easily become a pleasant routine between them; something they both start looking forward to without really admitting it.

I also like the idea that Vigil is relatively easygoing and doesn't hold grudges for very long. That would help immensely when dealing with Ilian's sharp tongue, sarcasm, cunning, and occasional apathetic remarks that would probably put most people off or outright anger them. And then there's Vigil's other side.

When people see him in his Vigilante persona, I imagine he can be genuinely intimidating like C mentioned many times before. The mask, the sharp gaze, the claws, the bloodied clothing... not to mention all the rumours surrounding him. Good or bad, his reputation around town or even whole theatre is probably be pretty heavy. But Ilian? Not exactly intimidated. Rumours are one thing. They aren't the whole truth. And once Ilian eventually puts two and two together and realizes that the laid-back civilian "Hunter the Huntsman" and the supposedly terrifying Vigilante— the "Thief of Thieves" as people tend to call him— are the same person, that intimidating aura would probably lose a lot of its effect on him.

Now he knows what's behind the mask. And, more importantly, he has an advantage. But I don't think the biggest benefit of Ilian figuring it out would actually be the leverage. It's the fact that the wall of mystique surrounding Vigil would come down relatively early. Ilian wouldn't be interacting with him based purely on rumours anymore. Of course, he'd still investigate him— I'd imagined he'd do that long before ever admitting that he knows. He'd want to be absolutely certain of his conclusions first.

But once he knows? He can actually judge Vigil for himself. And I think that would make getting closer to him much easier in a strange way. If they start growing closer, I can absolutely see Vigil constantly throwing jokes, puns, and little smart-ass remarks at Ilian, only to get hit back with some ridiculously sharp comeback that leaves him huffy or mildly offended for about five seconds before he starts laughing again. XD

I really like the idea of Vigil being genuinely surprised that someone can keep up with him like that. Someone who doesn't get easily flustered or annoyed by his quips and can throw them right back at him. Like anon said, if Vigil initially went around asking people about the little thief, he'd probably hear descriptions of some quiet, reserved, suspicious guy [I think strangest things he'd hear would be from Merchant probably. Would love to see these two interacting one day lmao]. But actually interacting with Ilian outside of those silent chase scenes would probably shatter that first impression pretty quickly.

Ilian may be introverted, but he's absolutely witty. Just... in a different font. He's more calculated about it. He doesn't talk just to fill silence. He talks when he has something to say, when he wants something, or when he thinks a particular remark will get the reaction he's looking for. And I really like the idea that, as they start spending more time together outside of their "accidental" encounters and spying on each other, Vigil's more extroverted side would gradually start showing around Ilian.

And in return, Ilian would start talking more. Which is actually pretty significant for him. Outside of interactions connected to his schemes, plans, or whatever information he's trying to obtain, Ilian doesn't really... hang out with people. Not like that. But somehow, with Vigil around, he'd start doing it. There's honestly nothing sweeter to me than imagining them slowly getting comfortable with each other like that. Both of them opening up in their own ways without even really realizing it's happening. At least... Not until something else starts sparking between them...

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UGH okay, well this one is... I'll just try to do my best. XD We already know that spying on each other, chasing each other around, and digging through rumours and clues to figure the other person out goes way beyond the normal boundaries you'd expect between two people who are just getting to know each other. And then there's the obvious one: Ilian finding out about Vigil's alter ego and essentially having that information hanging over him. I think that, especially at the beginning, these two would constantly push each other a little outside of their comfort zones with the things they do. As concerning as Ilian knowing his identity and actively trying to get closer to him would be for Vigil, having someone like Vigil take an interest in him is a pretty risky situation for Ilian too. Ilian's whole thing is avoiding people getting too close to him in the first place. He doesn't want anyone taking too much interest in who he actually is or what he's doing. He's practically built himself this little image of the "little thief"— someone easy to overlook, easy to underestimate, and therefore makes it much easier to operate around. He'd much rather be underestimated than become some grand persona that every guard in the theatre knows to look out for. Ekhm. Like Vigil. Ekhm. So suddenly having someone as observant, persistent, and sneaky as Vigil taking an interest in him is... not ideal.

Especially because Vigil would probably learn from his mistakes like C mentioned. "I imagine the two idiots thinking theyre so smart because theyll definitely get something out of this and something like that!! Because Ilian does see Vigil as a potential tool, so keeping someone like him around could be benefitial and where from Vigil's part, he might learn something of Ilian that he can use against or something like that! (Though I feel like my dumbass son would start off with that sort of goal then sorta </3 get lost in the sauce and not even try to look for something to use against Ilian anymore. Especially when he sees Ilian as safe, no danger.)" <- referencing this bit specifically I can imagine that the more Ilian tries to avoid him, the more Vigil would start figuring out his tricks and adapting to them. But Ilian is willing to take calculated risks when there's something worth gaining from them. So I can absolutely imagine the two idiots thinking they're both being incredibly clever because they're definitely going to get something out of this xD

From Ilian's side, Vigil is obviously a potentially useful tool. Keeping someone like him around could provide information, access, protection, or simply another avenue into places Ilian normally wouldn't be able to reach like maybe some more restricted places Vigil usually hangs at and Ilian hasn't seen yet, yk And from Vigil's side, I can definitely imagine him initially thinking much the same way indeed! He could learn things about Ilian, probably figure out some of his habits, maybe find something he could eventually use against him. As C said, I also imagined that Vigil would probably be the first one to let those original motives fade into the background. Ilian could eventually follow him there too, but I don't think he'd ever completely stop thinking about the possibilities in the back of his mind.

It's hard to explain. At some point, spending time with Vigil would stop being primarily about what Ilian could get from him. He'd genuinely start enjoying his company. But even then, Ilian would probably continue weaving little schemes and manipulations into their interactions without Vigil necessarily realizing it. It's that classic trope of someone entering a relationship with an ulterior motive, only to slowly start caring about the person for real while still stubbornly holding onto the original goal.

Except with Ilian, I think the manipulation would eventually change form. At first, he's manipulating Vigil to gain something. Later, once his feelings become real, he'd be manipulating situations to hide something. Buuuut that's a whole different chapter. XD As for the other boundaries...

Even though Ilian has Vigil's identity in his hands, I don't think he'd constantly threaten him with it. He'd probably keep Vigil on his toes more than anything else. And honestly, if he noticed Vigil starting to relax around him and develop that sense of security, I don't think he'd deliberately shatter it just because he could. Wouldn't benefit him anyway. With time, I can see Ilian mentally putting that information away into some little emergency compartment of his mind. It's still leverage. It's still something he could use if he ever absolutely needed to. But it wouldn't be something he constantly waves in Vigil's face.

If anything, he'd rather use the knowledge to keep himself close to Vigil than drive him away. I can imagine plenty of situations where Vigil realizes Ilian has the perfect opportunity to reveal his identity to someone. It would benefit the little thief as he'd think. And Vigil would probably feel that horrible little drop in his stomach as he catches Ilian's sharp gaze and that lazy half-smile. He waits. ... And Ilian just walks away or something. No comment. No threat. Nothing.

Just completely ignoring the opportunity he had. I think those first few times would genuinely confuse Vigil. He wouldn't know what Ilian's intentions were or whether he was simply waiting for a better opportunity. But ironically, that uncertainty might be part of what slowly makes Vigil more comfortable around him. Because eventually, he starts realizing that Ilian could hurt him. And keeps choosing not to.

That's probably much more meaningful to Vigil than Ilian simply promising that he won't. As for physical boundaries, especially when it comes to more intimate forms of closeness, I don't think Ilian would deliberately cross them. He might use his manipulative or threatening tendencies elsewhere in the relationship, but when it comes to physical intimacy, he wouldn't push.

For Ilian, that kind of closeness is serious. By the time he'd even consider going there with Vigil, whatever this relationship started as would have already changed considerably. There would already be genuine feelings involved. And I don't think he'd push Vigil to remove his mask, either. Of course he'd be curious.

Very curious. Early on, I can absolutely imagine him having half a mind to simply take the mask off him if he ever had the opportunity. Maybe while Vigil is distracted, asleep, or otherwise vulnerable. Not necessarily out of malicious intent, but because having one more piece of information about him would obviously give Ilian another advantage. But he'd probably stop himself. Partly because he knows that if Vigil ever caught him doing it, whatever trust they'd managed to build could be destroyed instantly. And partly because, on some deeper level, Ilian understands exactly what it means to have something so personal taken from you without permission. He knows what it feels like to have someone decide that your boundaries don't matter. So even if he doesn't consciously admit it to himself, I think that understanding would be enough to make him leave the mask alone. For once, knowing he could cross that boundary would be enough. He wouldn't need to.

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CHAPTER 4: PRIORITIES

Ughhh... okay... This one is tough. We know what Ilian's main priority is: revenge. Even if Vigil becomes someone genuinely important in his life, Ilian sadly isn't the type to just throw away everything he's spent years building because he finally found someone special.

Honestly, he wasn't even looking for love or friendship in the first place. He crossed that possibility out of his life a long, long time ago. So having someone like Vigil suddenly become part of his routine would inevitably derail some of the things he had already set in motion.

Instead of being able to continue his secret scheming as usual, Ilian would probably have to start doing things much more carefully. Vigil would inevitably begin snooping around him, following him, learning his habits, figuring out some of his usual routes and routines. And if Vigil becomes comfortable enough to casually tag along during Ilian's usual errands around the town, that only makes things worse. Ilian would have to start working around him.

Thankfully, Ilian adapts quickly. I also imagine he'd be somewhat prepared for this possibility even before Vigil actually started following him, especially if Ilian himself had been deliberately trying to get Vigil's attention. But temporary solutions only work for so long. At some point, Vigil would probably manage to bypass one of Ilian's carefully planned reroutes or figure out one of his little tricks in a way Ilian wasn't expecting. And that would actually be pretty interesting for both of them.

Because as much as Vigil would have to adjust to finally meeting someone who can match him in this sort of game, Ilian would have to do the same. I don't think Ilian would stay caught off guard for long, though. He'd eventually figure out how to redirect Vigil without actually leading him toward anything important. He'd probably even lean into the whole "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" approach too.

Sometimes that would mean deliberately allowing Vigil to see certain things while making sure he never gets close to the things Ilian actually needs to keep hidden. Other times, Ilian might have to postpone some of his work altogether just to avoid raising suspicion. And the need for that would only grow as the two of them started interacting more and becoming closer.

At first, I think this would secretly irritate Ilian quite a bit. It's almost like having a hunting dog constantly sniffing around the house while you're trying to hide a stash of illegal goods somewhere inside. And if he ever found out that Vigil had some sort of association with Jestyn? Oh, that would be a whole other hell to uncover. But as their relationship grows, that irritation would probably start turning into something much more complicated.

Worry. Internal conflict. Because I usually imagine that, if Ilian gets deeply involved with someone, he'd eventually want to bring them into his plans for revenge. Especially if we're talking about MC. But with Vigil, I think it would be different. Just because it's Vigil.

Vigilante is a very unusual case. Normally, these two probably wouldn't have any reason to become this close in the first place. Their relationship exists largely because of that strange little string of circumstances that kept pulling them back toward each other. Vigil is also pretty much the opposite of the kind of person Ilian would normally allow this close to his heart. He's observant. Persistent. Nosy. Difficult to shake off.

Ilian likes feeling secure. He likes knowing what's happening around him. He likes having some degree of control over the situation. And Vigil would constantly challenge all three of those things. But now he's gotten close. And Ilian let him. And that's the problem.

Because by this point, Ilian knows there isn't really an easy way back. He probably couldn't simply shake Vigil off even if he wanted to. Not only because of the secret he still holds over him, but because Vigil is stubborn enough to keep coming back anyway. I think that conflict would eat at Ilian quite a bit during the middle stages of their relationship.

On one hand, he has spent years building toward something that he refuses to abandon. On the other, he now has this person standing in the middle of everything he's built, someone he never intended to let this close in the first place. And I think he'd keep going back and forth on what to do with that. Until Vigil eventually does something that genuinely captures Ilian's heart. Something that tips the scales. And suddenly, instead of thinking How do I get rid of this problem?, Ilian starts thinking: I want him here. I want to keep him.

And that's probably when things become even more complicated. Because choosing Vigil doesn't mean choosing against revenge. Ilian would still hold onto his plans. He'd simply start making room for Vigil around them. Some hints of Ilian's real perspective on the theatre might slip through in their conversations. Little comments or observations that don't seem particularly important at first, but might start making much more sense later once Vigil actually sits down and thinks about them. But Ilian would know better than to tell him too much.

In this case, I think he'd actually be unusually hesitant to involve Vigil directly in his plans. He wouldn't explain what he's doing. He wouldn't lay everything out. He'd probably just... keep it to himself. Which, honestly, makes it even more likely that Vigil would eventually find out by accident.

Maybe he'd put two and two together. Maybe he'd stumble across something he wasn't supposed to see. Maybe one of Ilian's little hints finally clicks into place. And if Vigil realizes just how deep Ilian's plans actually go... Well. That could end very badly. Especially if the two of them end up confronting each other over it. But, again... I'll talk about that later. XD

Vigilante's priorities, on the other hand, would eventually clash with Ilian's pretty heavily. I don't think he'd realize just how incompatible they are at first, though. It would probably happen much later, after all the little pieces Ilian has shared with him start accumulating into a much bigger picture. Eventually, Vigil might realize that the two of them have been looking at the theatre, its people, and what should be done about it from completely different directions this entire time. But... I'll explain that one later too. Sorry XD

BE PATIENT WITH ME HERE don't wanna spoil too much before the last chapter--

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CHAPTER 5: PHYSICAL INTIMACY/CLOSENESS

FINALLY A CHAPTER THAT ISN'T SAD

Oh, I've been waiting for this one.

So, this one is fun to imagine because we all know Ilian isn't exactly the most affectionate person. And you're correct! But that's mostly true during the early stages of their relationship.

I mean, how affectionate can you really get when you've only just met? Especially when we're talking about Ilian, a very guarded and cynical thief, and Vigil, who is secretly a Vigilante and therefore doesn't actually have that many close connections either, aside from the Bard and the people he interacts with while in his civilian disguise.

These two would be cautious around each other for a while before either of them started feeling comfortable with physical closeness.

But if we move forward and imagine that they do eventually get there, I think physical affection would slowly become a very comfortable thing between them.

Vigil might actually be the first one to initiate it, at least platonically. Once he gets comfortable enough to casually join Ilian on his errands around town, I can totally imagine him suddenly appearing beside him, giving him a little pat on the shoulder or back to let him know he's there before dropping his hand and continuing to walk alongside him.

Ilian would probably just stare at him but let it slide.

He'd tolerate it mostly because he doesn't want to push Vigil away after going through all the trouble of getting him interested in the first place. That doesn't mean he's going to reciprocate, though.

You know how sometimes someone holds their hand up for a high five and the other person just gives them a blank look before continuing on, leaving them to awkwardly high-five themselves?

Yeah. I imagine that's them. xD

Though there would obviously be limits.

If Vigil crosses a boundary— or even gets a little too close to one— Ilian would make that very clear. If Vigil suddenly reached for his hair, for example, he might find his wrist caught and twisted just enough to send a message.

Not enough to actually hurt him but just enough to remind him that Ilian isn't some plush toy he can casually poke and prod whenever he feels like it. [Not that i think Vigil would cross these boundries often! I feel like Vigil can take a hint if he's pushing too much maybe]

With time, though, Ilian could start initiating physical contact himself.

At first, it would mostly be for the sake of mocking Vigil lol. If Vigil falls behind, Ilian might casually poke him on the head. He could tug at his clothes to get his attention or, if he's feeling particularly mischievous, take a little section of Vigil's hair onto his palm, give it an exaggerated little flap, and let it fall as he walks past.

Very mature behaviour from the Thief, obviously. xD

But once the two become genuinely amicable, those little gestures could slowly stop being purely teasing. Ilian would start tolerating Vigil's presence in his personal space more and more

I'd honestly compare him to a cat haha You don't really make Ilian comfortable with you. You just kinda need to give him enough time and space for him to decide that you're safe, and eventually he'll start coming closer on his own. Kinda like with Vigil but it'd just take more time I think

He'd stop minding their shoulders brushing against each other. He might let Vigil's hand rest on his shoulder for longer than a few seconds without immediately giving him a look or moving it away. Sitting close together wouldn't feel like something either of them had to think about anymore.

And once they're comfortable enough to spend time together outside of their usual encounters— maybe at one of Vigil's hangout placec, somewhere among the unfinished theatre construction or the beams where he hangs out often, or sitting on one of the rooftops of the buildings of the town or whatever place that gives them some privacy— I can see the physical distance between them gradually disappearing altogether

They could sit shoulder-to-shoulder without thinking about it. One might lean against the other. Eventually, one of them could end up resting their head against the other's shoulder or lay beside them or lean on them in some comfortable way while they simply... sit there.

No teasing. No ulterior motives. No need to fill the silence. Just two people who have somehow gotten so used to each other's presence that being close no longer feels unusual.

I have a drawing for exactly that kind of scene, actually, but I'll share the doodles in a separate post.

Now, when it comes to more intimate closeness...

Hm.

Okay, I feel like Vigil might genuinely be surprised by how affectionate Ilian can get once they finally move beyond that initial stage of their relationship.

Of course, kissing wouldn't really be straightforward because of Vigil's jaw— or rather, the lack of one beneath the mask. But I don't think Ilian would ever push him to reveal what's underneath just for the sake of being able to kiss him properly.

He'd simply work around it.

He could kiss the mask if Vigil is wearing it, or gently take him by the collar of the shirt or neck and place a kiss somewhere just beside it, near his ear. If Vigil is in his civilian disguise, he'd have more options, like a kiss to the cheekbone. Ilian's kisses would generally be slow and deliberate, and he'd probably enjoy catching Vigil off guard with them. He might hold his gaze for a moment before leaning in, just to see that little flicker of surprise. And if he was feeling particularly cheeky, he might even brush his lips against the part of the mask where Vigil's mouth would be.

One thing I keep thinking about is how surprised Vigil could be once Ilian becomes genuinely physically attracted to him. Because underneath all that cynicism and restraint, Ilian can actually be surprisingly... affectionate. And a little mischievous.

Once he knows Vigil is comfortable with it, I can see him experimenting with little things simply because he enjoys seeing how Vigil reacts. A lingering kiss near his neck or ear, perhaps a gentle graze of his teeth against his skin just to make him shiver.

He'd be very deliberate about it, too. Not just doing whatever he wants, but paying attention to Vigil's reaction and adjusting accordingly.

And if he discovers that Vigil likes it?

Well. Congratulations, Vigil.

You've just taught the Thief that biting you gets a reaction. Okay I might be indulging myself here a little bit so I hope that's okay but I cannot stop thinking about how Vigil could get surprised with how much Ilian could grow to like marking him. Like, Vigil could wake up after a night with him all covered up in small hickeys and bitemarks around his neck and collarbone... his pecs.. maybe light accidental or not accidental scratches on his sides or on the back (especially the back if Ilian were to be a bottom for that night). You know that one meme? Wait hold on-

This lmao but Ilian just lays there relaxed xD I think it could be a nice surprise though. Definitely a surprise but a good one. Who'd know a lonesome, abrasive thief can be so...affectionate If they ever went to bed Vigil would get to know how affectionate and caring Ilian can be. No idea if Vigil would give in to be more on the submissive side at first or would these two fight a bit... I think there could be a possibility of them somehow switching midway or equally dominating each other. I do think there could be some competiveness bleeding through, but it'd be quite playful. Gosh imagine the smiles and smirks that it could get out from Ilian.. the way he'd look at Vigil... again, Ilian is the type to keep eye contact with their love as they get intimate, and so I do like to imagine that at times Ilian's gaze could fluster Vigil in one or another. Like, the amount of attention and focus that Ilian would give to Vigil could get quite overwhelming for someone who's not really used to company like that.

Vigil is probably used to being charming. He can flirt, tease, make people laugh, and probably knows exactly how to make someone swoon when he wants to. But that's different from having someone genuinely focus on him.

Someone who knows both sides of him.

Someone who has seen Hunter the Huntsman and Vigil the Vigilante, and still looks at him with the exact same interest. To lay bare beneath them like that.

There's something much more vulnerable about that kind of attention.

I think both of them could be somewhat touch-starved in their own ways, too. Neither necessarily has much experience with prolonged, genuine closeness, so actually being on the receiving end of that affection could leave them both a little stunned at first.

For Ilian especially, it would take time to let Vigil initiate things.

Ilian prefers being the one to make the first move and take the lead, not necessarily because he wants to control his partner, but because initiating gives him a sense of safety. Letting someone else take the lead means giving up another little piece of control, and for him, that's another layer of trust.

So at first, he might be tentative about it.

There would probably be some trial and error as he figures out what feels good and comfortable. But the more secure he becomes with Vigil, the more naturally he'll let himself relax into it.

AndI know I said he'd be brat as a bottom but honestly I could absolutely see Ilian occasionally taking on the role of the power bottom purely because it allows him to surrender some control without actually feeling completely vulnerable.

I also can't stop thinking about him getting pretty comfortable with being on Vigil's lap, facing him. It's close and intimate, but it still gives Ilian that sense of security he likes. They're facing each other, he's still able to read Vigil's expression, and there's something almost equal about the position. Ilian would certainly keeps his hands on Vigil all the time haha I think the closer they get the more cuddly and handsy he might get. He'd keep Vigil close to him, his hands firmly resting on his shoulders and Vigil might feel how he tries not to dig his nails too deep into his skin as otherwise he might injure him real bad... This is something that Vigil might start noticing, this change in behaviour

Ilian can be rough around the edges. Vigil would probably experience plenty of that earlier in their relationship, when Ilian still sees him as a potential threat, rival, or useful tool rather than someone he genuinely cares about. But once that changes, so does the way Ilian handles him.

He'd become more considerate.

Even when he's being playful or a little rough, there's a noticeable awareness behind it. He knows how much pressure he's putting on Vigil. He notices when his grip tightens. He'd be conscious of his nails when they're holding onto Vigil's skin when holding onto him when overwhelmed, making sure he doesn't dig them in too deeply. He'd learn where the line is and he'd actually start to care about staying on the right side of it. Vigil's high tolerance for pain might make some of Ilian's habits easier to indulge in, too. He might occasionally bite at his shoulder or neck a little harder than he normally would (maybe to muffle the sounds that could come out of his mouth or just because he felt the urge to do so), only to pause and watch for Vigil's reaction. Not because he wants to hurt him, but because he's comfortable enough with Vigil to let that more instinctive side of his affection come out.

And Vigil would probably notice that Ilian is constantly holding himself back just a little.

The funny thing is that Ilian probably wouldn't even realize how obvious it becomes. The thief who once had no problem being rough with him now automatically adjusts his grip. The same hands that once grabbed to restrain him now settle carefully against his shoulders. The same person who used to treat every interaction like a game of advantage and leverage is suddenly paying attention to whether Vigil is comfortable That would probably be one of the clearest signs that Ilian has become genuinely attached.

He's learned how to be gentle with Vigil. And for Ilian, that's a pretty big deal alright

But coming back to the pose. Honestly, that could easily become one of their favourite cuddling positions too I think? Or at least for Ilian haha

Because once Ilian gets really attached, Vigil might be completely unprepared for how cuddly this man can become.

Almost clingy, at times.

He'd hold onto Vigil surprisingly tightly, especially when they're alone and there's nothing forcing him to keep his guard up. He might bury his face into the crook of Vigil's neck, or settle against him from behind and simply stay there. Vigil could wake up to find Ilian still holding onto him— not squeezing, exactly, but with a firm enough grip that it's obvious he never intended to let go during the night.

And then there's the public side of things. Yk PDA.

I don't think Ilian would want to show much affection in front of other people.

It's not that he'd be ashamed of Vigil or their relationship. Quite the opposite. It's that Ilian knows vulnerability is a weakness people can exploit. If other puppets realize that Vigil matters to him, then Vigil becomes something they can potentially use against him. And Ilian has spent far too long surviving by making sure nobody has that kind of leverage.

Even if Vigil is in his Huntsman disguise, Ilian would probably still be reluctant to show much openly. It draws attention, and attention is the last thing he wants. He might even argue that keeping their relationship quiet is safer for Vigil, too. The less attention they bring to each other, the less likely anyone is to become curious about this sudden connection between them.

Could that become a problem?

Possibly. It would depend heavily on how Vigil feels about it.

But maybe Ilian wouldn't be completely incapable of showing affection in public. It would just be much more subtle.

A glance held for a second too long.

A little smirk that hides a genuine smile.

Their shoulders brushing as they walk beside each other.

A hand briefly resting against the other's back when nobody is paying attention.

Small things. Easy to overlook.

But for Ilian, they'd mean plenty.

Because when they're finally alone again, he doesn't have to hide any of it.

He can finally let himself be close.

No audience.

No theatre.

No eyes watching.

Just the two of them. [Would write more about them being real intimate but there's still more to write in this post and I dont want this draft to combust lol]

────────────────── ⋆⋅♛⋅⋆ ─────────────────── CHAPTER 6: LOVE LANGUAGES AND VULNERABILITY

Uhuhu okay this one's fun as well

So, Ilian's love languages are quite specific...

Again, he's not really a words-of-affection kind of person. At least not in the conventional sense.

One thing Vigil might actually appreciate about him, though, is that when they get close enough for the more vulnerable conversations, Ilian won't laugh at him. He'll be oddly understanding. He might not always know exactly what to say, and he certainly won't suddenly turn into some overly sentimental therapist, but he won't mock Vigil for admitting something difficult either. If anything, Ilian can be surprisingly good at listening when he actually cares about the person speaking.

The same goes for honesty. Obviously, I can't say Ilian will be completely honest about every part of himself. He still has secrets, schemes, and things he simply isn't ready to share. But if we're talking about his opinions, he'll give them to you. And yes, sometimes they might sting.

But Ilian has this strange ability to say something blunt or uncomfortable in a way that makes you look at the situation differently. He might give you a perspective you hadn't considered, help you sort through your emotions, or simply tell you the thing nobody else was willing to say. He's not necessarily going to tell you that everything will be okay. He'll tell you what he actually thinks. =

Another one would definitely revolve around quality time.

Honestly, I think both of them would be pretty heavy on this one.

Neither of them exactly spends their days surrounded by close friends. Vigil has his connections in the tavern and his friendship with the Bard, but his double life inevitably puts a limit on how freely he can socialize. He can't just spend every day with the same person without eventually risking someone noticing the connection between his civilian identity and his Vigilante persona.

But with Ilian, that particular problem is already... somewhat ruined.

Ilian knowing his identity from the beginning means Vigil doesn't have to maintain that separation around him anymore. And that almost accidentally gives Vigil something he hasn't really had before: someone he can simply hang out with.

For Ilian, though, I think the first sign that he actually starts caring about you is that he becomes more comfortable with having you around. Of course, it would take a lot of time to get there. But once they do, I think both of them would start cherishing that company.

Ilian has spent so much of his life being alone and relying entirely on himself that once you get past that thick barrier he's built around himself, you'll start noticing these tiny signs that he's actually beginning to enjoy your presence.

Maybe their first regular interactions are meetings at the tavern, eyeing each other. Then Vigil starts joining him on errands. Then walks around town become a normal thing.

And eventually Ilian starts getting used to having someone beside him throughout the day. Not constantly, of course. There would still be times when Vigil can't find him anywhere, even if he searches all his usual spots. Ilian still needs his solitude.

But the time they do spend together would slowly stretch. Vigil might notice that Ilian lets himself be found more often. He doesn't disappear immediately after finishing whatever he came to do. He lets Vigil linger. He doesn't immediately try to lose him in the crowd like he used to.

He starts smiling more often around him. Not huge smiles. Not some sudden transformation into a cheerful person. Just little changes.

He becomes slightly more lively. Less rigid. Less abrasive. His banter becomes more playful rather than purely cutting. That sharpness in his eyes doesn't disappear, but there's a little more spark behind it.

And I really like the idea that Vigil's personality brings out something in Ilian that has been buried for years. Remember how I mentioned that Ilian used to have a more lively personality before the reality of his role started really settling in?

When I think about these two, I often imagine Vigil's energetic, action-oriented personality reflecting some of those buried qualities back at him.

Their banter. Their little competitions. Trying to outsmart each other. Trying to see who can be more stealthy, who can lose a tail faster, who can get something done more efficiently.

The more time Ilian spends around Vigil, the more those old qualities start peeking through again. He doesn't become reckless or suddenly as expressive as Vigil. But he becomes a little more alive.

Almost like Vigil adds a little bit of colour to a life that had become very grey.

=

I think another major love language for Ilian is trust.

Not necessarily telling Vigil everything. He absolutely would not do that. Ilian is far too cynical to simply lay all his cards on the table. That's practically inviting someone to use them against you. But once they reach a certain point, he'd start showing Vigil little pieces of his life.

Maybe he shows him a shortcut through the theatre that Vigil didn't know existed. Maybe he takes him somewhere in the town that he rarely visits, from a different perspective than he's used to. Maybe he shows him one of his pickpocketing tricks.

Which, knowing these two, could very easily turn into a competition. Who can steal something without the other noticing? Who can spot the other first? Who can lose someone following them faster? Who can sneak past someone without being noticed? yk that sort of thing xD

Honestly, I think a lot of their early bonding would accidentally revolve around competitions like that.

Ilian wouldn't show Vigil all of his tricks. He's still Ilian. But showing him a few is meaningful precisely because he doesn't have to.

And I think he'd secretly be a sucker for Vigil's curiosity.

At first, that curiosity would probably annoy him. Vigil is too noisy. Too observant. Too interested in things that aren't his business.

But once Ilian starts caring about him, that same curiosity could become something he quietly appreciates. Especially when Vigil keeps showing genuine amazement at some of Ilian's abilities, etc.

Because deep down, Ilian does want to be appreciated. He just isn't used to admitting it nor believing such interest.

So if Vigil is genuinely impressed by something he does, it might tug at a part of Ilian that hasn't received that kind of attention in a very long time. And that could become one of the reasons he keeps showing Vigil more.

His original plan might have been to make Vigil curious enough to keep coming back. Except eventually Vigil isn't the only one who gets lost in the process.

Suddenly, Ilian has someone who actually wants to spend time with him. Someone who is interested in the things he can do. Someone who keeps asking questions.

And when you've spent most of your life alone, that kind of attention can become difficult to walk away from...

=

Then there's physical touch, which would become much more prominent once their relationship turns romantic.

Most of it would happen in private.

Vigil might notice that Ilian becomes reluctant to let go of him after they've been holding each other for a while.

He might start initiating contact more often—leaning against him, pulling him closer, hugging him from behind, or simply grabbing Vigil by the collar to bring him closer.

He'd hold eye contact for longer, too.

Which is especially funny considering how much Ilian normally wants people to look past him.

With Vigil, it's almost the opposite. He wants him to look. He wants him to notice.

And then there's acts of service, which I think would be one of Ilian's strongest love languages despite him probably never calling it that.

Ilian is observant. He remembers things.

Of course, that knowledge is initially part of his manipulative tendencies. When he's learning Vigil's routines, habits, abilities, preferences, and weaknesses, he's collecting information because that's simply what Ilian does.

But once he genuinely cares about Vigil, that same observation becomes affection.

He'll remember what Vigil likes. What he doesn't like.

What annoys him. What makes him laugh.

What makes him uncomfortable. Where his boundaries are.

Eventually Vigil won't even have to tell him. If Vigil mentions being interested in something, he might find something related to it later sitting near his usual spot. Or perhaps tucked into his belongings.

No explanation. No big romantic gesture. Just Ilian silently remembering.

He'd even memorize the little details of Vigil's body; the scars on his form, the injuries, the places that are sensitive, the things that hurt, the things that don't. Not because he's studying him anymore for his ulterior motives. Because he knows him. He wants to know him. He wants to remember him.

=

I don't think Ilian would have much genuine concern for Vigil's wellbeing at the beginning of their relationship. If he saw him injured, he'd probably register it as information rather than something that actually worries him.

But once Vigil becomes important to him? That would change

If they meet after one of Vigil's more dangerous stunts and Ilian realizes he's genuinely hurt, especially if Vigil is struggling to take care of himself on his own with this one (for example cant move much, is feeling dizzy or cant reach the place on his own to bandage it), I can see Ilian simply stepping in. He'd ignore the deflections, take initiative, and deal with the problem himself.

He's not bothered by blood or gore, so he'd tend to Vigil's wounds with that same eerily stoic, almost professional expression. Cleaning the wounds, changing the bandages, making sure he rests properly. And if Vigil tried to argue or brush it off, he'd get one of Ilian's stern cold looks that pretty much would tell him to shut up x'D

Or he'd get hit with one of Ilian's brutally honest remarks about exactly how careless he was being. It might sting, but that's kind of the point.

What I really love about their potential dynamic is that I think Ilian would slowly become a sort of grounding opposite to Vigil's more reckless nature. Vigil is the type who can throw himself into a dangerous situation because he sees an opportunity or sth and figures he'll deal with the consequences afterward. Ilian is much more calculated. He thinks about exits, risks, what could go wrong and how to avoid being caught in the first place.

So when Vigil gets too reckless, Ilian would naturally be the one pulling him back down to earth. Not necessarily by telling him don't do that every time, either. He's not that controlling alright. He wouldn't tell him what to do or not to do or idk lecture him. Sometimes he'd just quietly deal with the aftermath while maybe giving Vigil a piece of his mind that often or not would be on point. This or he'd banter with him how stupid that stunt was lol

His concern often wouldn't sound like concern. It would look like actions. He might stay nearby while Vigil sleeps, keep an eye on him, or leave fresh clothes, food and a note if he has to leave. He'd make sure the bandages are changed and that Vigil actually takes the time to recover instead of immediately throwing himself back into another fight.

And I think Vigil would eventually learn that Ilian's quietness in those situations doesn't mean he isn't worried. If anything, the less Ilian says, the more serious he probably is.

Ilian can become a bit protective too. It could show up when Ilian were to catch Vigil in the middle of a fight or chase that's getting too crowded. He wouldn't necessarily jump in and fight alongside him, but he could quietly use his mirages to pull some of the opponents away, giving Vigil an easier opening to deal with the remaining ones or escape.

And he'd probably do it without letting Vigil realize he's helping. There's no reason to risk anyone connecting Ilian to Vigilante (and he also wouldn't want Vigil to know he can make mirages of other people. That's not something he shares with everyone obviously).

Even in the tavern, if someone starts picking on Vigil while he's in his Huntsman disguise and things get too heated, Ilian might eventually step in. Not by throwing punches. That's not really his style.

He'd use that sharp tongue instead, turning the situation around with a few carefully chosen remarks and embarrassing the other puppet enough that they decide continuing isn't worth it.

He wouldn't necessarily tell Vigil to be more careful. He'd just start quietly making sure someone is there to catch him when his recklessness inevitably catches up with him.

=

Another sign that Ilian cares is his jealousy.

Again, it wouldn't be particularly dramatic or obvious. Ilian isn't the type to start making a scene just because someone is talking to Vigil. Especially because Ilian wouldn't want people paying too much attention to his connection with Vigil in the first place. If anything, he'd be careful to make sure they don't look too close in public. But that doesn't mean he wouldn't get jealous. I can imagine them being in the tavern and Ilian noticing someone getting a little too interested in Vigil while he's in his Huntsman disguise. He'd probably sit somewhere nearby and quietly watch the whole thing unfold, looking completely indifferent while very much keeping track of what's happening. He wouldn't openly interfere. That would be far too suspicious. Instead, he'd make the problem disappear in a way that has absolutely nothing to do with Vigil. Maybe the puppet suddenly gets dragged into some argument across the tavern because of a few carefully chosen words whispered to the right person. Maybe someone conveniently remembers an errand they need to run. Maybe Ilian nudges some unrelated bit of tavern gossip in their direction until they're distracted enough to leave. Nothing that could be traced back to him. And certainly nothing that would make anyone think oh, Ilian is jealous or something like that. He'd just sit or stand there with that same lazy expression while watching his little problem conveniently remove itself. I don't think Vigil's social life would genuinely bother him most of the time. Ilian knows Vigil has friends and acquaintances, and he's not going to demand that he stop talking to people just because he happens to be possessive. He wouldn't care much about who he hangs outs with outside of their relationship as long as its nothing suspicious or he starts getting ignored too much. It's more that every once in a while, someone crosses whatever invisible line Ilian has in his head, and suddenly that person becomes an inconvenience that needs to be dealt with. Vigil would probably notice eventually, though. Especially afterward. When they're finally alone, Ilian might be a little quieter than usual, more focused on Vigil, perhaps more inclined to keep him close or initiate some physical affection. He wouldn't admit that he was jealous. He probably wouldn't even acknowledge that anything happened. But Vigil would probably know him well enough by then to recognize the signs. And honestly, I can imagine Vigil finding it more amusing than anything else once he realizes what Ilian is doing hah Because for someone who is so careful about keeping their connection hidden, Ilian sure does have a funny way of making sure nobody gets too close to him. Don't tease him too much Vigil though or you'll ruin the mood lmao

======

VULNERABILTY

If Ilian gets vulnerable with you, know that you are special. Real special. After so many years of being pushed around, controlled and mistreated, he became incredibly cynical. Getting close to the thief isn't an easy task, and if he lets you in on his own, you might as well consider yourself someone important to him. Trust does not come easily to Ilian. I imagine the way he opens up to Vigil would be very subtle. Deliberate, too. At first, some of it would probably be calculated. He'd share just enough to keep Vigil interested, choosing certain things where the potential risk is outweighed by what he could gain from letting Vigil see a little more of him. But eventually, that would start changing. It wouldn't be about manipulating the course of their relationship anymore. He'd simply... want to tell him things. And I think that would actually feel quite... conflicting for Ilian. He'd still calculate how much he shares. If a topic feels particularly risky, he might leave out certain details or carefully choose his words. Some things would have to be pieced together from what he says rather than being told outright. But he wouldn't lie to Vigil. He'd hide things, certainly. There's a difference. What he does choose to tell him, though, would be true. I can imagine the two of them eventually having those quiet conversations where they trade perspectives on things— talking about their experiences, their concerns, their desires, the way they see the theatre and the world around them. Sometimes one of them would say something that makes the other pause and think: ...Huh. I actually understand that. And I think they'd occasionally surprise themselves with just how much they have in common. If Vigil ever opened up about feeling isolated because he doesn't really have a role, or about feeling less worthy because of how much importance the theatre places on its roles, I think Ilian would find that painfully relatable. Because he knows that feeling. He knows what it's like to have a role imposed on you and slowly realize that everyone expects you to become whatever that role says you are. He hates the hierarchy that comes with it. The way roles determine how valuable you're supposed to be, what you're supposed to do, and even how far you're supposedly allowed to stray from what was assigned to you. It made him feel restricted. Miserable. Like whatever he actually wanted from life mattered less than what someone else had decided he was supposed to be. Ilian already knows what happens when you try to escape that. You can refuse the role. You can try to become something else. But the theatre will make sure you remember the price of doing so. Ilian did. And he paid it. == I know it may take time and specific circumstances to get to that point of vulnerability but I keep thinking about how these two would share their most vulnerable experiences. No idea if Vigil would ever tell Ilian about how he lost part of his jaw, but if he did, I don't think Ilian would press him to tell the whole story. He'd let him speak at his own pace. Maybe ask something here or there if Vigil seemed willing to elaborate, but otherwise he'd simply listen. And honestly... I think it would hit closer to home for Ilian than he'd ever admit. There's something about hearing that someone else had part of their body taken from them as part of punishment that would probably make something in him go very, very quiet.

Because Ilian knows that feeling. Not the exact circumstances, obviously! But it'd somewhat be in Ilian's mind... the feeling of having your own body restricted, used as a lesson. Of having someone hurt you and leave you with something permanent just to remind you that you are not as free as you thought you were. He knows what it's like to look at the aftermath and remember exactly who did this to you and why. And I think he'd understand something else about Vigil's story too— the part that happened afterward he got imprisoned.

That moment where you're trapped somewhere or by someone and suddenly realize there is no clever trick, no hidden route, no easy way out. No words that would help you escape what's about to happen. Where you can try to stay calm and tell yourself you'll figure something out, but eventually that fear of being trapped starts creeping in anyway. Vigil eventually found his way out on his own terms in a way. Ilian not so much. But I think he'd still recognize that feeling of helplessness. That horrible realization that, for however long it lasts, someone else has control over what happens to you. They both didn't have a choice really.

Maybe that's why Ilian wouldn't have much to say afterward. He wouldn't pity Vigil. He wouldn't tell him that everything was going to be okay or anything as the damage's already been done. He probably wouldn't even tell him that he understands. He'd just... stay. Because sometimes you don't need someone to explain why something hurt. Sometimes it's enough to have someone who already knows what it feels like to carry the aftermath.

Maybe it'd help Vigil, to tell someone as maybe with time he might have pushed the real feelings that he felt and still feels aside. Something something Vigil doesn't hold grudges and therefore puts his feelings aside and doesn't process them as he should while Ilian sits on his feelings and grudges a little too much at times so they kind of suplement each other and Ilian can help him release some of the emotions or whatever, you get it hopefully-- == Okay. This. I've been sitting on this idea for a while now, especially after C posted that IdentityTheft art of them sleeping together. I've been thinking about it a lot because I feel like some of Ilian's nightly habits could make having peaceful nights together... difficult, at least at first. I think it'd take some time for Ilian to actually let himself sleep next to Vigil. Even at that stage in their relationship, he'd still have some trust issues. Part of it is instinctive survival at this point, but he also genuinely struggles with sleeping in general.

He might actually find himself sleeping better with Vigil beside him once he gives it a try, but I don't think that would immediately make him comfortable with fully letting his guard down. And I think at some point Vigil would find out why. Maybe he suddenly wakes up to movement beside him, only to open his eyes and see Ilian sitting upright, silently heaving. He's turned away from him, hugging his right hand close to his chest, leaning forward and almost curling in on himself. Night terrors. They're a fairly regular occurrence in Ilian's sleeping schedule, and one of the main reasons why he struggles with insomnia in the first place.

If Vigil instinctively reached out to touch him, though, he'd probably regret it immediately. Ilian could scratch him pretty badly or catch his forearm in a painful grip, his thumb and index-finger claws digging into the skin hard enough to draw blood. It wouldn't really be intentional. Not in the conscious sense, anyway. He's still caught somewhere between the nightmare and reality, running purely on that instinctive panic. His eyes would snap toward Vigil, sharp and alert despite being full of tears. His teeth clenched. His scarred right eye could be watering or even bleeding slightly from the stress. Maybe some less than human growl would slip from his throat before the haze finally starts to lose its grip on him.

Then he'd blink. And see Vigil. Those softly glowing eyes. It'd probably take him a moment to realize who he's holding. And another moment to actually let go. His grip might have already drawn blood or left some ugly bruising, but I don't think he'd even notice at first. His more conscious reaction would probably just be... silence.

He's never been caught like this before. I'd imagine he'd be stuck somewhere between the instinct to flee and the strange feeling of being pinned in place by Vigil's stare. There's nowhere to hide from him in that moment, and Ilian would probably hate that almost as much as the nightmare itself. He'd still keep his right hand close to himself afterward. Actually, I don't think he'd ever take his glove off around Vigil.

Well... Not unless Ilian decides to do it himself. And I really want to imagine that, eventually, Vigil could become someone Ilian feels comfortable enough with to actually share that part of himself. Not just the story. What's underneath the glove, too. Because if Ilian willingly shows Vigil what's underneath it, that means something.

After Crownus' punishment, no one has seen him without that glove. Ever. The few who somehow got close enough to try forcing it off him learned very quickly that it wasn't a good idea and, presumably, never tried crossing paths with the thief again. So if Ilian takes the glove off himself and lets Vigil see? That's probably one of the biggest signs that Vigil has become the person for him.

I'm not even sure when it would happen. Maybe after a particularly bad night terror. Maybe after Vigil has already gotten comfortable enough to show Ilian what's underneath his own mask. Either way, it'd be an incredibly vulnerable moment for both of them probably And, honestly; what's underneath the glove might genuinely shock Vigil.

He's probably used to seeing injuries by now. He gets them himself, sees them in his work, deals with blood and damage all the time. But this would be different. I don't want to spoil too much of what I have in mind for Ilian's right hand, but... it's not pretty. Not even remotely. And it's definitely not what you'd necessarily expect a hand to look like after being completely burned away. It's almost difficult to describe as a hand anymore.

For puppets, seeing part of their form reduced to something like that would probably be genuinely horrifying. Maybe even difficult to look at without that instinctive feeling of disgust or nausea. But I think what might unsettle Vigil even more would be Ilian's reaction to it. Or rather, his lack of one. That cold, dull look in his eyes as he looks down at the thing that used to be his hand. Still is his hand, in a way.

There's no shock there. No visible disgust. No horror. Just... familiarity. Like he's looked at it so many times that he's long since stopped reacting to what he sees. That's probably the worst part because the hand still hurts. It always will. He can still feel it.

Sometimes I wonder how Vigil would react to seeing all of this— not just the hand itself, but finally hearing the story behind it from Ilian. There are probably all sorts of rumours about what happened. Most of them would have been shaped by Crownus himself. Ilian was just a lowly thief. He tried to steal from the King himself, humiliate him, betray him, disrupt the balance of the kingdom. Whatever version was most useful for Crownus to spread honestly And with something like that, there would probably be dozens of different stories floating around the theatre Everyone has their own version

Almost none of them would actually know what happened. Only the very few puppets who were there would know the truth, and I doubt Vigil would have been one of them. He rarely had any reason to be around the areas where Crownus ruled back then. So he'd be hearing it directly from the victim for the first time. Ilian probably wouldn't exaggerate anything... I think he'd tell it almost too plainly. He'd remember the exact words Crownus used.

The way he thrashed under their grip, trying to get free. The way his arm was pinned down. The moment he realized what was about to happen. He'd remember seeing Jestyn hesitate. Just for a second. The axe in his hands. The blade being positioned against Ilian's wrist. That tiny pause where Ilian finally gave in and started pleading. Begging. Only for his own scream to drown everything else out as the shell of his hand was broken apart. Then the strange, almost surreal moment afterward where his form began trying to repair itself as it normally would. The shaking. Trying to get back up.

And then another command. Before he could even properly understand what was happening, he was already being dragged toward the exit and taken to one of the theatre's towers. And that's where the sunrise comes in. The rest you know, in a way, but I think the way Ilian would sum this up would be almost haunting... "I remember the sunrise." He'd probably pause there for a moment. "That's the part that stayed with me."

His voice wouldn't change. No anger. No tremble. Just that same low, tired tone. "Jestyn held my wrist. I could feel the sun getting closer. I kept asking him to let go." A quiet breath. "He didn't. I kept talking. Kept trying to convince him that there had to be another way. That he didn't have to do it." His eyes would remain fixed somewhere ahead. "He never answered me. Just stood there and waited for the sun to reach me." Another pause.

"And when it did... I screamed." He'd look down at his gloved hand. "That's all there really is to remember." A faint, humorless smile. "Funny thing, isn't it? You can beg someone for your life until your throat gives out, and it still doesn't make them stop."

. . . "He could have let me go." "Even if he was afraid of Crownus. Even if he couldn't fight him." "He could have opened his hand." "He didn't. I remember that."

...I think Vigil knows Jestyn isn't exactly innocent, but I keep thinking of how hearing what happened from Ilian's perspective could put him in a completely different light for Vigil. Because I can't imagine Jestyn ever willingly talking about that moment himself... Gosh bc of that I keep thinking about how Vigil might feel when he realizes that he's got an allience with someone that hurt his partner so deeply. And he doesn't know that yet Which brings us to the next part... :'D ────────────────── ⋆⋅♛⋅⋆ ───────────────────

CHAPTER 7: ISSUES AND CIRCUMSTANCES

None!! Very not-doomed yaoi!! nothing bad to look for!!!! ...okay I lied There's so much that can go wrong here it's not even funny. So let's get to it... === 1. Back to the priorities This one bothered me from the very begining of my discussion with C because of that one bit Hold on "Because I think whats so ironic,, is how much Vigil wants to give to the world? He loves the world vrah!!! AGain its that difference in mindset between them both. Ilian wants his revenge against the theatre, Vigil wants the better for it. And I can only imagine those brief moments where Ilian sees it, sees it in the way Vigil hits it off well in the crowds joy and warmth. When they're sitting above the beams and watching the world below them, and see how fondly Vigil watches it all."

Gaaah. This makes me cry because I feel like... Ilian would probably know from half a mile away that they might not work out.

At first, Ilian would obviously try to keep Vigil out of his business for safety reasons. But as their relationship evolves, and Ilian gets more attached, he would slowly realize that he's getting lost in the sauce too.

And I think there'd be a lot of denial involved.

He'd keep telling himself that this is still beneficial to his end goals. That keeping Vigil close is useful. That he can manage the situation. That he can simply make adjustments to his plans and keep the two parts of his life separate.

Except then Vigil starts making his way into Ilian's heart.

Aand that's when things get complicated....

Because Ilian would know from fairly early on that letting Vigil too close is a massive risk to his mission. That doesn't suddenly disappear just because he falls in love with him.

If anything it becomes worse...

There might be moments where Ilian genuinely considers telling Vigil about his dreams. About what he actually wants. Especially once he realizes just how similar they can be. How understood he feels around him. How Vigil trusts him, sees him, and somehow manages to make Ilian want to trust him back.

And he'd want that so badly.

But then he'd notice something about Vigil that drags him right back to reality.

The way Vigil looks at the world.

The way he can still see something worth saving in this theatre.

We know Vigil isn't blind to its flaws. He knows the system is broken. He knows the people living in it can be cruel. He knows how lonely and restrictive this society can be.

But somehow, he still has hope. He still believes it could become better.

He still calls it home.

And that's where I think Ilian and Vigil fundamentally differ.

Because Ilian doesn't see a home when he looks at the theatre.

He sees a prison.

He's been burned too many times by this place to believe otherwise. He never felt like he belonged here. Never felt like this was somewhere he was supposed to stay. Every attempt to make him fit into the role assigned to him only made him feel more trapped.

It's a Pandora's box to him. Except the evil inside never really disappeared.

You can contain it. You can give it structure. You can make the box beautiful enough that everyone convinces themselves it's worth protecting. But it's still a box full of suffering.

Ilian doesn't want to save it. He doesn't want to give it another chance.

He doesn't want to delude himself into believing that things can somehow become better when he's already seen what happens when you place your faith in this place.

There's no saving it.

And I think one of the saddest parts here is that Ilian probably always intended to leave the theatre behind once his revenge was finished

Vigil, meanwhile, doesn't really imagine a life outside of it. He loves this place despite everything wrong with it.

And Ilian's revenge could very well take that home away from him.

I think that realization would haunt Ilian for a long time.

Even as their relationship progresses, there'd be this constant internal battle going on. At first, he'd convince himself that he's only postponing things because Vigil is useful. Then he'd tell himself he's simply trying to figure out how to incorporate this new variable into his plans.

But eventually he'd have to confront that much simpler truth:

He's postponing his revenge because he wants more time with Vigil.

And he knows exactly what that means.

He'd probably start testing the waters in little ways, too. Dropping a word here. A question there. Giving Vigil some strange hypothetical scenario and quietly watching his reaction. Sharing a bit of his perspective on things, etc.

Not enough to reveal anything.

Just enough to see whether there might be some way for the two of them to exist on opposite sides of this without destroying each other.

Sometimes Vigil might only realize what Ilian meant much later.

He might remember something Ilian said weeks ago and suddenly go: ...Wait.

Because perhaps those weren't random comments. Maybe they were warnings. Maybe they were Ilian trying to tell him something without actually having the courage to say it.

But at the same time I feel like he might brush these things off until really later??

And honestly that's what makes the whole thing so bittersweet to me ToT

Because I can imagine Ilian looking at Vigil during those peaceful little moments they have together and just... staring.

Watching him laugh.

Watching him talk.

Watching him look out over the theatre with that stupidly hopeful expression.

And every once in a while, Vigil might catch him looking.

For just a second, Ilian's expression would soften. Not much.

Just enough for that usual sharpness in his eyes to disappear, replaced by something almost melancholic. Something that looks suspiciously like grief.

Then Vigil looks back and Ilian immediately masks it.

"What?"

And he carries on like nothing happened.

Or when Vigil is asleep. Ilian might lie beside him and just watch.

His eyes lingering over his face. His messy hair. The rise and fall of his chest. The peaceful expression that Vigil almost never has when he's awake. The silence.

I think he'd do that more often than he'd ever admit.

Not because he can't sleep. Not always.

Sometimes I think he'd simply be memorizing him.

As if some part of Ilian already knows that he might lose this.

And perhaps that's also why he refuses to completely abandon his revenge.

Because as much as he loves Vigil, Ilian knows love isn't a guarantee.

What if he gave up everything he'd spent years working toward? What if he shoved all that suffering aside for one person, only for that person to eventually leave him?

What if Vigil betrayed him?

What if they simply couldn't reconcile their differences?

What if Vigil died?

What would Ilian have left then?

The chance for revenge would probably be gone by then.

The suffering would still have happened.

And the theatre would still exist, still thriving in the misery that Ilian had spent so long trying to escape.

He'd be left with nothing.

And even if Vigil stayed?

Even if they somehow managed to remain together?

Ilian knows Vigil and him would still be living in a place he considers a prison.

Vigil can hope for change.

He can fight for it.

He can love the people inside it.

But Ilian doesn't believe something this deeply ingrained can simply be fixed.

And that's the tragedy of them, I think.

Vigil wants to save the home Ilian wants to destroy.

And Ilian might eventually have to choose between the one thing he's spent years living for...

and the one person who finally made him want to live for something else.

==

…Also, we gotta address the elephant in the room.

Jestyn.

And his sort of alliance with Vigil.

Honestly, the worst possible timeline for them to finally get to that point would be when Ilian has already shared so much of himself with Vigil </3

I have no idea how Ilian would actually find out. Maybe he'd notice some of Vigil's behaviour or routines becoming strange enough to make him suspicious, especially after Vigil learns about Ilian's history with Jestyn and that guilt starts creeping into his behaviour. Maybe it's an accident where Ilian sees Vigil talking to Jestyn. Maybe he puts two and two together himself and confronts Vigil, already having a pretty good idea of the answer.

And then Vigil confirms it.

God.

I can only imagine the horror in Ilian's eyes when it finally sinks in.

He let himself get close to someone who works with Jestyn.

Jestyn's eyes.

A potential spy.

And Ilian told him things. Showed him things. Let him see parts of himself that nobody else had been allowed to see for years.

He let Vigil walk straight through every defence he'd spent years building around himself. Like a fucking Trojan horse.

And the worst part? Ilian was the one who opened the gates.

I think that's what would make this hit so much harder than a normal betrayal really. It's not simply "Vigil lied to me"; It's the realization that Ilian, who prides himself on being observant and difficult to fool, somehow let someone past every single one of his defences.

He'd start questioning everything.

Was that conversation genuine? Did he already know? Was he asking because he cared, or because Jestyn wanted to know? What did I tell him? What did he notice? What did he tell Jestyn?

And then he'd start thinking about everything he'd shown Vigil without even realizing how much trust was involved.

His habits. His routes. His hiding places. His opinions. His past.

The glove.

His hand.

The things he'd shared because, somewhere along the way, he genuinely believed he was safe.

That's what would make him feel sick.

Because he doesn't just feel betrayed.

He feels stupid.

And Ilian hates feeling stupid.

I don't think he'd immediately become angry, either. He'd probably go very, very still. He'd listen to Vigil's explanations. Ask precise questions in this eerily calm but somehow sharp tone.

"How long?"

"What does he know?"

"What did you tell him?"

"Why?"

He'd try to keep himself together, but if Vigil said something that made the full weight of what Ilian had given him sink in, even if it weren't really anything that confirms direct "betreyal," that calm could crack.

Maybe just a quiet:

"You knew."

A pause.

"You knew who he was to me."

Because that's the real wound as Vigil isn't just connected to Jestyn.

He's connected to the one of the people who hurt Ilian the most. At least in Ilian's eyes.

And Ilian trusted him anyway. Honestly no idea how the conversation would go from there since I'd need to know how it'd look from Vigil's side so this could change a bit! Maybe he could get a bit angrier if the conversation keeps going who knows Okay maybe not Regina George style with ruining her room and writing nasty shit in her diary scrapbook thingy though thats a funny meme to consider making XD Honestly cant tell if Ilian would be eerily silent and calm throughout the whole thing or say some cynical mean shit, I think he might just be too stunned unless Vigil says something that triggers him in some way But

Eventually and sadly, I think his survival instinct would win over everything else.

He'd disappear after that confrontation.

Not dramatically. He wouldn't make some grand declaration about never wanting to see Vigil again. He'd simply become impossible to reach.

The routes Vigil knows? Changed.

His usual spots? Empty.

The tavern? He stops going.

The shortcuts he once showed Vigil? No longer used.

If Vigil follows him, Ilian loses him in the crowd.

If he waits somewhere they used to meet, Ilian simply doesn't come.

And if Vigil somehow manages to catch him in an alley and reaches for him, Ilian's reaction would be immediate.

His hand would snap around Vigil's wrist, hard enough for his claws to dig into the puppet's skin.

No playful smirk.

No teasing.

No softness.

Just that cold, sharp stare.

Almost like the Ilian Vigil knew had disappeared overnight.

And maybe Vigil would realize a second later that he hadn't even caught the real Ilian.

The figure he'd been following flickers.

Disappears.

A mirage.

And suddenly Vigil is standing alone in the alley.

I think that would be such a painful contrast to how Ilian's mirages were used around him before when they were hanging out. There was a time when Vigil got to see them as part of their little games, their competitions, their attempts to outsmart each other.

But now Ilian would use the exact same ability to make sure Vigil can't reach him.

...I don't think Ilian would try to punish him away here... it's complicated.

I think it'd be his way to try to protect himself by putting the wall back up.

Except this time, it's much higher, much colder, and much harder to climb. . . .

Gaah there's so many ways this confrontation could go honestly! I keep thinking about if the confrontation would escalate or would Vigil and Ilian somehow get to a sort of compromise and Ilian would stay. But if he'd stay I think Ilian might start using manipulative, protective tactics once more. This or after disappearing he'd come back once again but with secret ulterior motives if he'd need Vigil to get something in the works. All depends on how much he'd believe Vigil and in his innocence regarding the Jestyn situation.

== And then we have a scenario where uh.. Vigil finds out about Ilian's plans. There could be various ways for this to happen, but the one I keep thinking about is Vigil eventually finding one of Ilian's secret hideouts. And that's important because I don't think Ilian would ever willingly show Vigil the real one. Ilian has quite a few hideouts, actually. At least two of them would probably be his main ones, with several smaller ones scattered around. And I can imagine him sacrificing one of them eventually if it meant making Vigil trust him more. Especially if Ilian had already found one of Vigil's own hideouts and they started using it as one of their places to hang out.

But the hideout Ilian willingly shows him wouldn't contain anything that could lead Vigil to his actual plans. It'd basically be another mask. An illusion of sorts (get it get it--) Maybe even his old room could serve as one of these "surface-level" hideouts. Since people already know where his old place is, it would make sense to leave something there to discourage anyone from digging further. He could alter things often enough to make it look like he still uses the room, even though he rarely actually visits it. The real one however? That would be properly hidden.

Maybe behind a seemingly sealed wall, beneath something nobody would think to move, or somewhere close enough to another location Vigil already knows about that the existence of another hidden space would be almost impossible to notice. And I can imagine Vigil finding it after Ilian has gone silent on him. Maybe they're at a point where Vigil is desperately trying to figure out how to reach him, and all those little things Ilian had said over the course of their relationship suddenly start bothering him. Things that didn't seem suspicious at the time, but now, with enough distance to actually think about them, start forming a pattern.

So Vigil starts looking. And eventually he notices something odd. A wall that doesn't quite make sense or a section of the room that seems slightly off. And then bam. A hidden entrance. At first, the room itself might actually be disappointingly mundane. Almost empty.

Maybe some shelves, a few cabinets, scattered notes and little objects. Nothing immediately screaming "secret conspiracy". Just the sort of strange, meticulously organized storage space that feels very... Ilian. And Vigil would probably start snooping. Aaand that's when things get interesting. There are notes about certain puppets. Their habits. Their routines. Certain shops. Routes through town. Lists of names.

Nothing individually too strange for Ilian, honestly. He's observant, suspicious and collects information on people. Vigil already knows that. But the longer he'd look, the more unsettling the organization becomes. Everything is managed alright. Some routes are crossed out and replaced with others. Some maps have been altered several times.

Some of them would look familiar. Too familiar. Vigil might recognize one as a route Ilian used to take regularly. Then another. Then another. And suddenly he remembers how Ilian started changing those routes.

How he once thought it was just another one of Ilian's little tricks. Except now Vigil is looking at older versions of those same routes. And they look almost calculated. There might even be maps showing some of Vigil's more difficult routines hidden away among them. Notes about the people he spends time with at the tavern.

Small reminders. Fragments of information. Things that, on their own, could easily be explained as Ilian simply keeping tabs on someone. A scarf. Hey... that's one of his that Vigil remembers going missing some time ago. It's been neatly folded and tucked away in a drawer as if to make sure that nothing happens to it. There could be pages that have been scribbled over or half-burned. Fragments of sentences. Attempts at different approaches. Possible solutions. Things Ilian apparently tried and discarded. And Vigil might not even understand what problem Ilian was trying to solve. Solution to what? That's when maybe he'd start digging deeper and eventually he finds the real material. A map. Not just of the town. Of everything. Names. Information. Connections.

Arrows drawn between different people and places. Lists of things that need to happen. Things that need to be acquired. People Ilian needs to speak to. People he needs to avoid. Materials he needs. Ways to make certain things happen. Ways to push certain people into doing something without them realizing they were being pushed. And there are pages upon pages of it. Some marked with dates. Some crossed out. Some rewritten. Some stained with old blood from where Ilian's hands had apparently pressed against the paper.

It looks less like a collection of notes and more like the remains of years of planning. And that's probably when Vigil could stop thinking of this as another one of Ilian's schemes. Because whatever this is... It's too big. Too organized. Too deliberate. And then he finally understands what he's looking at. The end goal.

And that is where everything changes... ...Ilian isn't planning some small act of revenge against one person. ...He's planning something that could affect the entire theatre. ...Something that could tear apart the system he's spent years hating. ...Something that could have consequences for everyone living inside it. ...Something that could destroy the place Vigil still considers home.

And suddenly all those little conversations they had about the theatre, Ilian's strange comments about its structure, the things he'd carefully avoided saying, the moments where his bitterness seemed almost too deep to explain... They all click into place. Vigil'd realize that Ilian wasn't just talking about how much he hated the theatre. He was planning what he was going to do to it. And whatever this plan is... there might not be a theatre left afterward.

===

God, now the worst part. Confrontation. No idea how to write this so sorry if its kinda lame haha I can imagine Vigil trying to process all that before finally confronting Ilian about it. Aaaa okay I remember one reference my brain made as I can't stop thinking about that one scene from Verity Mod Horror/ARG series from ThatMob from yt where Mob and Verity are arguing at the end in the lab and then theres this specific part: "You killed Twixxel." "He was trying to destroy me—" "He was my friend!" And then Verity snaps: "AND I'M NOT YOUR FRIEND?"

Obviously the situation is completely different here!! but. that emotional idea of "you're choosing this over me?" really stuck with me when thinking about Vigil and Ilian... Maybe Vigil would tell him that he can't do this. That there are people here who don't deserve to lose their home because of what happened to Ilian. That he doesn't deserve to lose it. And that's where I can see Ilian's composure finally crackinggg Because Ilian knows the theatre is Vigil's home. That's exactly why he's tried to keep Vigil away from his plans for so long. He doesn't want to hurt Vigil. He just genuinely believes that what Vigil is holding onto is killing him. them both really They've both been hurt by this place. (that's how Ilian would see it that is!)

Ilian would probably remind him of that. "They hurt you too.""Don't tell me you don't remember what they did to you.""What they made you become.""You'll carry that with you forever, and they'll still call it justice." And he wouldn't say it with hatred alone. There'd probably be desperation underneath it. Because Ilian wants Vigil to understand.

He wants him to see what he sees. "If there was justice here, you wouldn't have to run around pretending you can fix it.""You shouldn't have to spend your life trying to make a broken system love you.""It's already rotten, Vigil. It has been for longer than either of us." And Vigil might still insist that it can change.

That there is something worth saving. That it's his home. And that's probably where Ilian could finally snap. Not necessarily screaming at first. Maybe just this sharp, almost disbelieving: "Your home?" Because to Ilian, that word means something completely different. Then perhaps: "They hurt us."

"They took everything they could from us and called it order.""And you're asking me to leave it standing because you still want to call it home?" And if Vigil insists that Ilian is going to hurt everyone there, that's when the argument could turn into something from the Verity reference like- "You want to hurt everyone." "They hurt me." "It's my home!"

And Ilian, after everything they've shared, might finally throw back: "And I'm not yours?!" Because that's the real wound underneath the whole argument, this whole problem for them...

Ilian doesn't want to destroy Vigil's home. He wants to destroy the prison that he believes is keeping him and Vigil from ever being truly free. But Vigil probably hears: You're willing to destroy the place I love. And here Ilian hears: You would choose this place over me.

That's what makes the confrontation so horrible... Neither of them is completely misunderstanding the other. They're just standing on opposite sides of something neither can compromise on. And I think Ilian would eventually try one last time to convince him. Not as the thief.

Not as the schemer that Vigil started hanging out with. Just as someone who loves him. "There's nothing here for you anymore.""You keep hoping it'll become something it never was.""Let it go." "Before it consumes you completely."

"You don't have to stay in this place just because they taught you to call it home." And maybe he'd look at Vigil for a moment before quietly adding: "Come with me." Because that's ultimately what Ilian wants... He doesn't just want Vigil to accept the destruction. He wants Vigil to leave with him.... To choose a life outside the theatre. To choose him.

And that's probably what makes the whole thing hurt even more, because I think Vigil may not be able to do that. Ilian has already decided that the theatre has to end. He just hasn't decided whether he can bear to lose Vigil along with it. ... Vigil please roll 20 on persuasion here and make Ilian see your perspective or something because I cant bear to write the last part

== Okay, so the last thing I keep thinking about is how horribly conflicted Vigil would be in this situation. Because at some point, he essentially has to choose. His home. Or his partner. And what the hell is he supposed to do with that choice?? Because realistically, there aren't many options if Ilian is genuinely determined to go through with this. He could try to convince him.

Which... honestly, power of yaoi, maybe it could work. Maybe Vigil could somehow get through to him and make him reconsider. But Ilian has spent years building this plan. It's basically the culmination of his entire life. Vigil can't just expect a heartfelt conversation to magically undo all of that. He could kill him. And I really don't think Vigil would want to do that. Not to Ilian. Not to the person he loves. So the other option is... Tell someone.

And oh god. Imagine how horrible Vigil would feel if he actually chose that. Especially if the person he ends up going to is Jestyn. Because he wouldn't be able to just walk up and say, "Hey, my boyfriend is planning to destroy the theatre." He'd probably have to scheme around it. Lie. Keep Ilian calm. Make him think everything is fine. Maybe he could even convince Ilian that he'll join him.

That he understands. That he's willing to leave the theatre behind. And maybe he'd do it because he needs time. Time to think. Time to figure out what the hell he's going to do. Time to find some way of stopping Ilian without killing him. And then... somehow, that plan could lead him to Jestyn. To the guards.

To setting up a way to neutralize Ilian before he can carry out everything he's planned. And oh god, he'd be selling him out. His own partner. The person who trusted him enough to show him things nobody else had seen. The person who had already been betrayed and controlled so many times before.

And Vigil would essentially be doing the exact thing Ilian has spent his entire life fearing. I keep imagining the moment it finally happens. Ilian might initially think Vigil is there to help. Maybe he even relaxes for a second because he trusts him. And then Jestyn appears. And everything just— stops.

I can imagine the horror on Ilian's face being almost worse than anger. That moment where he realizes what happened. Oh.You.You did this. And Vigil would probably see the realization hit him before Ilian even says anything. That look of absolute betrayal. The kind that makes Ilian seem almost paralyzed for a second because his brain is desperately trying to catch up with what he's seeing.

Jestyn. The guards. Vigil. All of them suddenly fitting together. And Ilian probably wouldn't even have enough time to properly react before he's being grabbed, restrained, dragged away or teleported somewhere he can't escape from. And oh god he did not come as his mirage this time. He really did trust this meet up would go fine-- And that's the part that I imagine would absolutely,, destroy Vigil... Because he'd know exactly what he's done.

He'd just watched the person he loves get sent into the same kind of confinement that Vigil himself once experienced. The same kind of helplessness. The same feeling of having the exits disappear. And he'd be standing there knowing that he caused it. He chose the theatre.

He chose all those puppets. He chose his home. And in doing so, he may have just condemned the person he loved to the very thing he spent so much of his life running from. God. That's such a horrible situation to imagine and I HAD TO WRITE IT ToT And I don't even want to get into what happens to Ilian afterward because that would basically spoil the whole answer I have in mind for the betrayal question— but yeah. If this is the route Vigil takes, I don't think either of them comes out of it the same.

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CHAPTER 8: ADDITIONAL STUFF FINALLY

My god I've been writing this for,,, few days for sure. Oh its so laggy when I'm writing but I'll manage

Nicknames the two would have for each other: Ilian -> Vigil: Vigil (classic), Hunter, Huntsman, Hero (sarcastic), Stray, Smartass, Idiot, Fool, Pup/Puppy eyes, Show-off, Bloody Mary (bc blood ability get it, probably bc he shows up covered in blood) Vigil -> Ilian: Ilian (also just a classic though maybe it coud sometimes sound more affectionate? or when meaning business but whatif he sometimes makes short nicknames of that that probably irk Ilian just a tiny bit lmao), Little thief, Thief, Grump/Grumpy cat, mr snarky (c's choice of words lmao), Shortstack, Your Thiefness (lmao idk feels silly but also kinda like what would Vigil say lowkey, his nicknames would be weird xD)

Could probably think of some more but too lazy to do that lmao Some could become more affectionate with time for sure! And now the grand reveal: IdentityTheft playlist!

And some explaination for the songs and why I put them there Also don't mind how the playlist is organised. I tried making a sort of timeline but its so hard considering things could go differently for them 1. Absolute territory (pov from Vigil about Ilian, kinda silly song but hey its a banger) 2. Lemon boy - Vigil about Ilian and how he gets surprised with how well they actually work, their rivals to friends arc basically 3. Curses - Ilian's pov and kinda him having dark thoughts and how Vigil kinda put colour into his life and makes him forget about it all for a while 4. Squaring Up - my favourite I think. Had it on a loop. About Ilian's denial about their relationship turning into something more than a factor in his plan and Vigil becoming someone important. Especially the last instrumental part I imagined that'd it'd be a moment where Ilian sort of realizes that there's no need to jump back and forth and he sort of accepts that Vigil is important to him. Gosh the dreamy eyes of realization as he looks at Vigil or sth-- 5. Soft Bitch - Also about Ilian becoming kinda softer around Vigil haha 6. Watermelon - them vs the world from Ilian's perspective!! 7. Intruso - idk the trend is nice and it reminds me of them being so alike 8. Jane! - doomed yaoi, about Ilian being a doomed guy but also Vigil falling for that doomed guy and also Ilian postponing working on his plans to spend more time with Vigil even if he knows it might end 9. Join Me in Death - Ilian wanting to convince Vigil about the plan and to join him obviously 10. Wicked Game - Ilian's pov and how this love conflicts with his goals and how he never felt this way before 11. Too Much not Enough - Vigil's pov focused song about how his love will not make Ilian change his mind. Probably after falling out with Ilian and kinda reminiscing stuff (a song I listened to when I was reading about the stuff under your IdentityTheft recent art </3) 12. Femme Fatale - about Ilian and how Vigil foolishly trusts Ilian not noticing how doomed they are ugh 13. La Femme Michelle (sadder ver of Michelle) - also from Vigil's pov kinda. Maybe about their falling out. Maybe about them realizing how different their end goals are 14. Feel Better - Ilian feeling bitter about Vigil not understanding and the whole thing going to hell and how hurt he feels because he finally felt loved and it just went to shit 15. Easy on You - Ilian's song kinda?? Kinda after the fall out when he finds out about Jestyn and Vigil and he starts avoiding Vigil, resenting him kinda 16. Remember My Name - Also Ilian's song. About his revenge and how he knows that no matter what, even if he tried to make the theatre feel like his home for Vigil, it won't work. He sees how rotten it is. That's why he's gotta push through. But also him clinging onto Vigil and how special he made him feel. And that he wants someone to remember him, to be special to someone like that. To remember him softly. 17. Bruno is Orange - very angsty song 18. Dear Arkansas Daughter - you with the dark curls, you with the watercolour eyessss... also falling out

19. House of Memories - From Ilian's pov, Ilian being a Villain kinda 20. Pork Soda - yes that one cuptoast Eddsworld animatic inspired me but they do fit this song a bit. Lowkey wanted to make the trend about the switch of a person in the middle and the eyes in the bg based on the animatic (c are you up for an art collab/hj) 21. Allies or Enemies - live laugh love crane wives. Vigil's pov. Very bittersweet angsty song for them </3 22. A Sadness Runs Through Him - VERY personal song for me, but also it fits Ilian so so much... just kind of tells his whole story growing up in the theatre and how unhappy it made him but also leaning into the perspective of Vigil on why he's so doomed... 23. I Bet on Loosing Dogs - ... Vigil pov... about Ilian... yeah..

I also wanted to add I'm Your Man by Mitski as it was kinda giving me vibes about the potential scene of Vigil betraying Ilian and ugh it's such an emotional song... </3 But not sure if it fits so let me know if I dhould add it haha I might add some more songs if I find them after this! ======

That's all.... oof... That. was a lot to write.

Power of doomed yaoi I guess haha