#mhm

i guess you could say this is their first ‘official meeting’ after 7n7 got hired

(in this au they never knew each other in the past)

I'm thinking about Eva Stratt, her last name literally the beginning of the word Strategy- who is ruthlessly and strategically saving the world because they do not have the time for the tricky and complicated nature of human nature to deliberate and second guess.

A scientist with a special gene who, in her eyes, ends up being her literal saving grace. A scientist, a last resort, who in her eyes, she was giving the opportunity to do great things, because his saving grace would be his intellect and his investment in the pursuit of knowledge.

Ryland Grace, referred to mostly as Grace for what are obvious reasons, being the personification of his name. A teacher. A scientist. Professions where the idea of giving someone grace - as in allowing for mistakes, forgiveness, patience, showing mercy and compassion etc is not only important but necessary. Of extending that same grace to oneself as he would to others. A man who has fucked up. Pushed everyone away. Is a coward. Finding someone who displayed kindness and compassion towards him becoming someone that he'd do anything for.

Rocky being his saving grace. Figuratively. Literally.

Grace being Rocky's saving Grace. Literally. Figuratively.

The idea so heavily presented throughout the book, so much so that when the same context arises again, where Ryland Grace battles with turning away from his Earth knowing with certainty that he is going to die this time, he does so this time cognizant and of his own accord.

close ups under cut

edit: these designs here are outdated. my newer ones have so much more sauce 🫠

skateboard's skin tone is inaccurate here. she is now darker. refer to his current design