❥ POISONED HEART

Send me a “✦” and my muse will tell you

4 different things they should have said to your muse, but never managed to

First 3 things they ever noticed about your muse

2 things your muse does that pisses them off

1 thing they have always want to do with your muse

4 different things they should have said to your muse, but never managed to

He should have told her, before things went array, before she got kidnapped, before she took that pill, before she… died… he should have gave her more to live by, more to believe, more to hope for. He should have told her even further how much more she meant to him. How afraid he was with the possibility of losing her, of something happening to her, that despite his confidence, his heist persona showcasing years and years of keeping just the simplest things locked inside his heart, seemingly unaffected by anything, trying to be that proud, unafraid ‘leader’ that people look to for support, for a clear mind, for a fool-proof plan…

He never felt as if it was enough, never felt as if any words were enough to describe the adoration he had for her. He revealed enough already, this he knew, both with his theater antics and without, but it never felt like enough. Never will feel like enough with the knowledge that he lost her. Without her, he was Lupin, Gentleman Thief Extraordinaire, the only thing in his life to truly care for was his self-identity, self-worth, skills, fulfilling his mentor’s wish to stop Code: Realize.

With her, he was Arsène, much more than his occupation.

When he first saw her at the high school, in the room, even with the loud music blaring and the countless amount of people swarming her just one look at her figure, one look at her person caused his heartbeat to accelerate tremendously, his eyes to widen, his breath to be caught in his throat, the memories of his past life swarming in his eyes and the way his hand was shaking in both happiness that he’s been granted another chance to be with her again, to see her again, and both fear that he’ll screw this up as well, that he’ll watch her die in front of him, that something… anything… would happen to take her away from him again.

He wished to express all of these thoughts, these fears, these feelings to her, but instead all he greeted her with was a cliché. No matter how well his poker face was it did little to hide the growing warmth in his eyes as he gazed at her in his second life.

First 3 things they ever noticed about your muse

Having met Cardia in a series of non-stop events, with little chances for a chance of respite in steampunk London there were still so, so many firsts, what-if’s for Lupin to notice. In their reincarnated life, he saw so much more he couldn’t see previously, his heart tugging with more and more emotion as a result. The way she cheered when she beat him in a arcade game, when he secretly hid from her that he allowed her to beat him. The warmth of her hand in his for the first time without any fabric obstructing the way. The tears of joy in her eyes as she remembered her previous life, remembered him, the way his hand shook as he placed his hand on her cheek to wipe away the tears, whispering constant apologies for taking so long to let her feel the human touch of another. Her broken laughter.

Having lost her once, he would never allow himself to take her for granted, never forget even the littlest things - especially since he’s been given another chance to truly be with her and fulfill her wishes. He stores all of these memories in his heart.

2 things your muse does that pisses them off

Nothing about Cardia actually angers Lupin, but he does have childish pouts when that pesky Finis gets in between the two of them as they’re walking home together, grasping his sisters hand and giving Lupin a challenging look. He was a gentleman, but even Lupin can’t help giving him a stern look of his own, refusing to be cast aside due to her overprotective brother.

He pouts when he has her against the wall in a deserted hallway in the school, intent on showering her with kisses, the only thing preventing him from accomplishing his goal is her embarrassed self with the possibility of someone seeing them - not that he would care, of course.

All that he saw was her in his eyes.

1 thing they have always want to do with your muse

In their past lives, Lupin desired to show her the world after her poison has been removed - take her to other places in Europe, see the difference in culture, scenery, cuisine, arts, the list was endless. He wanted to show her everything else the world had to offer, as she spent the majority of her small lifespan in that mansion, awaiting the return of a father who was set on using her to accomplish his goals.

He never got that chance in the past, something that he never forgotten about - a constant reminder, etched in his skull, flashes of what-could-have-been with regret he felt when he saw objects in heist missions that reminded him of her and that warm smile.

But, now, in the modern era, where travel took much less time, technology much more advanced, he had that opportunity to show her everything he’s failed to before. His hometown, home country France. Take plenty of pictures of the scenery, her, and both of them together as mementos, not having the chance to in their past lives.

tw: alcohol + drugs

This is like one of the only reasons why I even bought a psvita to begin with

He is somewhat concerned, despite the serenity in appearance, by what may come of this. Stepping into the unknown was something new to him; he’s been around to see the rise and fall of kingdoms and eras, so though this was utterly fascinating as a discovery, there was something unnerving about it. Not everyone seemed to take notice of the pillar’s presence–was it a phenomena meant only for them? Or for a set number of people? A trap? Or a beacon of hope–that he truly wishes it could be, at least. 

Her words make him smile. He senses the deeper meaning to the words–reading people is not difficult after thousands of years of practice, but even so he will refrain from commenting on it. Refrain from letting her know. Because if they don’t get out of this loop–if the threat on her life doesn’t disappear, it is him who will have to take it. He will have to lose her, without hesitation, without any other choice. But, he’ll wait as long as he can for that moment. Delaying it will perhaps only hurt him more, but she deserves to take in all of life–to enjoy it as much as she can before the end is upon her. Upon them. 

“I’m honoured.” he laughs softly, “but you shouldn’t worry about me, after travelling a lot I have somewhat gotten used to traversing new terrain without getting too lost.” 

Her comment when they progress once again encourages him to chuckle, almost naturally; the sound light and amused. “Yes, something like that.” he confirms. Though there’s certainly a lack of upward in this instance, his worries are cast aside by the infectiousness of her own lighthearted attitude towards the situation. It pays to be cautious, perhaps, but not so much so that it could dampen a good mood, and an interesting adventure. The light is almost blinding when they step into it, but it soon becomes apparent they are not the only ones experiencing this. 

They stand in an area filled with so many various pillars of these lights; people walking to and fro, some with determination, and some with a confusion similar to Saint’s. “I… am not certain.” he states, “but this does appear to be some kind of crossroad.” Beneath them isn’t even ground–it’s as though they’re walking among the stars he’s always watched and admired from afar in their unchanging beauty. “…Standing around won’t produce any answers,” he gives her hand a gentle tug, “let’s take a look around; it should be interesting, no?” 

     Cardia doesn’t feel fear, barely recognizes caution, wonder had set in and captured her heart and Saint-Germain soothed her soul. They understood each other in ways that they could not voice for while Cardia was deprived of touch upon her skin, knowing the thoughts he masked behind the smiles he bore, she still caught glimpses of who he was, with her and with anyone who threatened her. She showed him everything since speaking about her past yet had given away her emotions with ease from the start. The two balanced each other. Cardia’s heart feels light now, not just because of the possibilities before them, the very ones twinkling in the stars that shone when they let the bright light bathe them and show them a whole other world. 

     “I always worry.” The words are an afterthought, a mutter under her breath, because while perhaps she shouldn’t, it has become an emotion she cannot control. He mattered. But anything further falls silent on her lips, the way the walked through the night sky robbing her of words for a while. What a sight to behold, something she never would have imagined, even after everything she had been shown in their own world.

     Though she had been rendered speechless for fleeting moments, an amazed “it’s beautiful” escapes her lips. They would walk among the things of wonder once she nodded her had and she was quick to after that reverent moment. “Please, let’s.”

If thereis anyone Lupin is more proud of than himself, it’s Cardia. In every instance,she has grown into a human being, oneshe is meant to be, deserves to be. Lupin believes in and supports every choiceshe makes, holding onto the shreds and hopes that it will only make her hay. Heis her right-hand man, the measly knight to the enticing princess. The phrasehe mutters, his utter correspondence to follow it to the last effort, it’sreflected in multiple ways. He is hergentleman thief, forever, always, in any course of passage.

“Forreasons I cannot disclose, I have come to steal your heart.”

She isbeautiful, worthy of pure bliss, safety, unending and genuine love – given andreturned. Lupin tells himself that he will always be there for her, to steal her heart, to always grant herwishes, to love her.

But,that didn’t always work out how he planned. Feelings are fluid, untraceable.Lupin treads at the surface, difference timelines afflicting only the deepestof the subconscious, déjà vu, gloved fingers, covered frames, back-to-back; nomatter the wait, he would make it. So long as she revels in joy, he can try to convincehimself to feel the same. Her smile, just her breathing, feeling, knowing, isthe greatest gift the world can bestow. He ranks her above himself, above allelse. She’s that precious to him, to the others, to the world. How can anyonethreaten a human such as herself – attempt to strike her down? So what ifpoison courses through her veins? The only thing Cardia has done to him iscause him to fall (the window, for her, had been one time) head-over-heels for her.

“We both changed so much.”

“That’s right. I’m proudof you, Cardia.”

He watchesher fall for the alchemist, saves her, only to see her heart melt for Fran. Turmoiltakes the nation, the deep end, a grey area, a wavy line whose border is thinbetween victory and defeat – death to one, death to all, or death to none.Lupin jokes, teases, the gentle but stubborn souls click. Her smile, at leasthe could see it before he leaves her, with the promise of coming in to steal their attention later.

Van courtsher heart, terrors dispelled, London saved. The hero of the Vampire War becomesthe hero of her, a moonlight dance for two, Van is smiling, that old, stubbornteammate of his, and the girl who’s so precious, look handsome, shining, natural alongside each other. Lupin ismerely glad she didn’t become the next victim of the series of killingovertaking London.

Impeywins her, a narrow escape from the city being crushed or blown up, a journey toAmerica on their horizon. Love at first sight.The words whined all remind Lupin of the first days of Cardia’s presence. Impey is a big goofball, but he can keepher safe, antics and all. Lupin can see the love, the seriousness, and nice change in Impey.

Trustdissolves, pain ensues as the unconscious stings the most from Saint’sdeception, leaving. Lupin has to repeat to himself that Cardia’s choice is theright one… that it’s okay to continue believing in Saint… that she’ll be safe,but eyes narrow and the threads slip away. Lupin wants Cardia to be safe, forher heart to remain intact, for her to feel free. Bonds shatter, desperation,but Lupin can’t do a thing. He wants to, so badly, to prove his worst fearswrong, but the truth is something Lupin hesitates with, betrayal, Cardia –Saint, dangerous?

He seesher, hand-in-hand with Sholmes, laughing, learning, he turns away, unable tostand the sight of the smug detective. He whispers for the best for her andtakes flight. Sholmes would probably, annoyingly, know where to find him. Andher, playing with Delly, beaming, innocence, energy, Lupin laughs. Thank you,world, for giving him that sight.

But nomatter what, Cardia changes into a person of her own. Walking dreams, Lupin can’thelp but wish for a treasure that can sometimes be unattainable, the one thatcan sometimes be considered both his greatest victory, and his greatest evader.The one he rescued from the Royal Guard, from Twilight.

Hisforehead presses to hers as she beams at him. Leonhart’s voice bellows over anintercom, Saint’s Zero Temp smile is on him, but he adores her too much to lether go. Saint gives in and his fingers begin to lightly scale his piano’s keys,allowing Lupin to quietly ask Cardia for a dance, slow, careful, but they aretoo busy laughing at each other to take it all seriously, especially with astorming vice-principal. Cardia warns Lupin to try to behave himself, but hemerely twirls her in response. A world, generous, free from the binds ofsuffering, but far from the reality of themselves.

It’sfunny how the universe has to keep moving in order to give chances to everyone,to play out all the realms of possibility. Sorrow, hope, glee, all the forcesunite for, against, granting the truest struggle to every outcome. He neverremembers the results of each one, but the building is there – perhaps it’ssimilar for the others? Path after endless path, never-ending, eternal,trapping, desiring but never fulfilling.

All thetimes time cycles to death, of him, of her, of the one she loves (even if it’snot him), fate works in mysterious ways, unexplainable even to those who reallyput effort into understanding its dodgy ways. Stains of crimson dawdle anddisrupt the flow, the memories, the speed, but it all maps to them.

Fade,he shouts her name as his hand clasps around hers, pulling her close.

“I’m all right, Lupin… We’reall right.”

Shebreathes, relieved. Full dissolution, poison drifts away. Freedom, liberation,figures in the darkness turn, gloved fingers intertwine, mask off, cape and hat are discarded, all he does, forever and ever more, is for her.

I canalways… in another lifetime.

Thoughtsrattle, breathing softens as he confirms it – this girl, the one he wantsnothing more than to settle down with, the beautiful and dear princess of hisheart.

This isthat lifetime.

Thecircle, the hand, lands upon him. The most important person, her smile, forhim, secure before him, love, bliss, warmth – as long as she’s happy, as longas she feels positive progression as happened… they have both grown up, fine,dandy, alongside one another.

“Lupin, we both changedso much.”

Finished Cardia and Lupin! I actually really like how this one came out, and after the crapshoot of a first day back to college I seriously needed this stress-drawing time. Sometime tomorrow I’ll scan it and then do a traditional and digital coloring. Can’t decide if Cardia’s hair should be brown or white, though…

Approximate time: 4-ish hours. Sketched in pencil and inked with Copic 01 and 05 multiliners.

    Since her arrival in the kingdom of light, Kamui had been treated with nothing but kindness. Hoshido’s citizens were overjoyed to see their princess once more, and one as cordial as she got along with them splendidly. Many of them greeted her with peaceful words and offerings, a vast contrast to what she knew of Nohr. Yet not all those who spotted her approached immediately, and to those, Kamui took it upon herself to introduce herself. One such young woman stood apart from the others, and she seemed not to want to be near them at all. Kamui thought perhaps she could provide assistance.

He could feel himself relax, a encouraging smile on his face, as he saw how willing she was to visit the town. Ah, he shouldn’t have been so concerned – when it all came down to it, Cardia was a strong woman, grew so strong back from he first met her –

He could feel his pride in her merely growing by the second.

Lupin merely chuckled at her question once he heard it, her yawn, the way she looked exhausted, such a contrast from the lost and afraid look she had in front of the villagers. This, these expressions of Cardia were ones he preferred. He remembered the way her hands held his own just moments before, intertwining their fingers, and he found himself staring down at her hands instead of immediately answering her.

He found himself directing his body to completely face her own head on, both hands clasping her own, his long fingers intertwining with her own as he simply held them, eyes gazing down at them thoughtfully. He wasn’t aware of her reasoning for doing this intimate action beforehand, but as he initiated it himself, he could feel his own emotions pertaining to it –

It, it was a rather nice feeling. Safe, secure. He rubbed his thumb gently against her red leather gloves, a encouraging grin on his face as he gave her hands a squeeze, eyes looking up to meet her very own with a glint in his eyes.

“But of course, Mademoiselle. Anything for you.” He said it in a lighthearted tone, but he knew deep down he was fully serious of that statement - the glint in his eyes merely softening the longer he stared at the woman. His promise to grant her wish, after all, was one of his top priorities. He slowly let go of one of her hands, the other one lingering in place as he debated with himself.

After reassuring himself holding her hand merely made it easier to guide her around, and to tell if her body expresses anything of concern, Lupin decided to keep holding onto it, giving her hand a slight squeeze. He gave her a confident smile before facing away, presuming their walking.

“I am unfamiliar with the village settled nearby, but I sure hope they have food for mere travelers.” He said that with a teasing tone in his voice, putting the pace back to their regular banter, a small comfort for Cardia and to reassure her things have not changed for the worse after their recent events. Money was not a concern to him, being a Master Thief did have it’s privileges, for justice or not, but a part of him did hope for a inn reputable enough for decent beds to sleep on. Both for Cardia’s sake and  his own.

As he became distracted with his own thoughts the closer they arrived to the village, he found himself unconsciously swaying their entwined hands. He found mid amusement from this gesture, purposely increasing the swaying as a means to tease Cardia, grin on his face as he stifled a sound of laughter. He did this both for his own amusement, and also a small way of letting Cardia feel comfortable – despite how strong she was, how willing she was to enter the town, Lupin’s protective nature wanted to help brighten the mood as much as he was able.

“Mademoiselle, we’ve arrived.” He whispered the last part gently, his hand finally letting go of her own as he looked around the village to gather their surroundings. From his quick scan he noticed plenty of places to eat, huts, buildings, a marketplace not too far away, but for now a sign of a inn escaped his vision.

Ah, but that marketplace – that seemed like it held some edge of promise. He made a note to himself to remember that landmark in particular, unsure if Cardia has ever visited a lively market due to her past with that… despicable village and due to her condition.

     It almost felt like a dream.

     The way he held her heads though, brought them face to face and bore that look of reassurance, his signature smile, it was all far too vivid to be anything but reality. The two of them were together and facing the future and so easy was it to fall into that thought, the hope for a bright future reflective of this moment to become the whole of their reality. Cardia smiled in turn, not letting the conflicts they would face tear her away from a time like this, and nodded her head in acknowledgement.

     He was, just as he proclaimed, a gentleman thief. She would be telling nothing but tall tales if she said it didn’t quicken her pulse when he offered her gestures, however grand or small. He made so many efforts to ensure her well-being, her happiness, and she still had to wonder how he saw so much in her, even when facts dictated she was but a reflection of a what a woman ought to be, a creation.

     Arsene Lupin was not the kind of man to let his emotions be quelled by such revelations, however, and he ad abundantly made as much clear to her.

     Torn from such thoughts of his gracious will as he turned away to lead them on their journey once more, her stomach rumbled and Cardia laughed melodiously. “I’m certain they will have something amazing to eat, especially after being on the road.”

     The rest of their walk was calming, peaceful, as serenity befell them. Silence set the tone for the short journey but it was comfortable, punctuated by the soft sounds of their breathing and the gently noises of nature shifting around them. Cardia was simply at ease, one hand still tucked in one of his, the two simply playing with each others touch as led them back into their simple routine with each other. He always seemed to know how to lift her spirits, not let her thoughts wander too far into dangerous territory. 

     When he announced their arrival, the town coming into view and the air slowly being punctuated by the noises of townspeople going about their lives, Cardia filled with the same thrill she had known as when she had first been shown Steel London. Now, however, there was a greater hope within her, a strength she had become acquainted with, and the man accompanying her was to thank for so much of it.

     ”It’s amazing.” Breathtaking, as notated by the way she almost didn’t even register his inquiry. Shortly ago, her life was under fire, her will to live almost drained, and now was it revived within her. She made the choice to keep on living now, knew that she had every reason, every right, to keep seeing the world. One day, she would return all the goodness and love that Lupin had shown her.

     She giggled then, noting he had teased her once more, and shook her head. “No, maybe later. I think I smell pork and I haven’t eaten in a while...” She didn’t even need to, really, her heart made of crystal and her veins coursing with poison, but that human instinct had become real and her love for every little part of life shone in her eyes.

There’s a little apprehension, as he walks alongside Cardia. It’s rather silent; their footsteps the only real sound between them, as Saint spends much of the time in his own thoughts. Though he doesn’t neglect to respond to Cardia any time she raises her voice with a curious question, or a quiet comment about something. But, those are the only times he speaks for now. He should probably try to make this journey far more entertaining, he knows; but there is much to consider, spiriting her away like this–not that she really knows that’s what is happening. It had only been perhaps twenty or thirty minutes but, the silence had certainly made it feel longer.

“Hmm…” The hum is small, and for a moment his expression is entirely serious; he hadn’t exactly planned for them to come out over Tower Bridge initially, since it was perhaps too close for comfort to Idea’s territory. Of course, he would notice if the temporal location shifted and the area became desolate and thankfully it hadn’t happened. But instead the pair were faced with a rather odd pillar of light. Now Saint was curious, but had to remember he had Cardia in tow as well. Though one glance to her expression was enough for him to know that she, too, was quite fascinated–as she always was with new things. 

The Count turns to take her hand into his own. “I don’t quite know what to expect, so I hope you don’t mind us holding hands for the moment. I wouldn’t want you to get lost before we can escape.” Yes, escape, or so he had told her. Twilight had fallen apart already, but Saint had to keep up the act if he wanted her to follow. What difference did it make to a sinner to lie more, and more, and more? In the end, he was only going to kill the woman–the thought causes his hand to unconsciously tighten it’s grip. Yes… he has to. He has to–nobody else should carry that burden, nobody else should be allowed to hurt this kind and gentle girl who would never intentionally harm a soul. One person, yet again, born to circumstances completely unfavourable.

Rather than allow himself to be distracted any longer by the warmth of her hand, or the curious look in her eyes, he plasters his natural smile back onto his face again. “Let’s go, shall we?” he says, slowly walking toward the light–the Stargate, as he would soon learn–keeping a firm hold on her hand as he did so. He’s never heard of a phenomena like this before (meaning it likely had nothing to do with Idea), and perhaps wherever it may lead would be their…  her ticket to freedom. Of course, that was only if there didn’t linger danger on the other end; but he is accompanying her, and won’t hesitate to protect her. Because he’s already vowed that if she has to die, it’ll be by his own hand.

     A state of near-serenity had befallen Cardia since they departed. Though she left with guilt weighing upon her heart, clearly etched across her features, there was a great curiosity sparked within her. The quiet of nightfall, the way the stars twinkled above, she was pleased to be in Saint-Germain’s company as he led her away from those she fretted over burdening.

     As they tread the streets of Steel London, the soft glow of the street lamps addling the view of the stars, tower bridge came into view and a bright pillaring light stole the focus. Cardia was poised to ask plenty of questions before her companion indicated that he too knew nothing of this strange appearance, an unpredictable addition to their city. When he reached for her hand, she was quick to give a simple nod, a soft “yes” preceeding the warm smile that erased any inklings of worry from her features. “I don’t want to lose you either.” And surely he could hear the greater depth within her words, the true meaning of the sentiment they held, but for now? Let them just be what they were. She longed not for the difficulty of any drawn out discussion in this moment. Rather, Cardia sought to sate her curiosity just as well as the Count’s.

     Oblivious to the war in his mind, the guilt he himself carried, Cardia did not hesitate in returning his squeeze, happy to feel the firm grip of his hand around hers, the warmth of touch, even kept apart by layers of clothing, protection from the poison that coursed through her body. It was a worthy moment, one that smiled upon her even in her moments of guilt and doubt. This was not meant to be a grievous time, she felt as much in her heart.

     “Onward and upward! I think they say that..” Her moment of whimsy, the will to continue forward as he urged, is still met with that naivete that she still carried, no matter how much she had learned. Yet it means she is ready to walk into the light, follow his lead, and when they meet the other side of the light, they walk among the stars. Cardia, for all her wonder, wants to wander, absolutely breath-taken by the possibilities that might await them here. 

Lupin’s eyelids slowly fluttered open, drowsy eyes greeting Cardia’s bright and energetic face. Oh, did he fall asleep? He knew he was pulling more all-nighters than he has before lately, wanting to make sure their next heist mission was successful with no mishaps, but he thought too highly of himself to of fell asleep on the spot.

Well, apparently he just did so, and he wanted to scold himself under his breath but the tides of sleep was gradually pulling him in once more. He fell asleep on his heist plans out of all things, head resting on his crossed arms on the table, and a part of him hoped he didn’t mess anything up in the process. He was too fatigued to really think any further than that, lazily observing Cardia, feeling a small pressure on his shoulders - was he covered by a blanket? Who put that there, he wondered?

In response to what woken him up from his slumber, he made a funny face - exaggerated as much as possible to try and stem a laugh. Success, he mused to himself, features softening as he gave her a smile. That look on her face, that was one of his favorites.

“… Mademoiselle…”