𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ

⠀⠀⠀‧ ⠀I have seen the city turn to f l a m e , ⠀
⠀⠀⠀watched it 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍 , and was left to 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒍⠀
⠀⠀⠀through its ( 𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 ). ⠀‧
⠀⠀

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

ㅤ
ㅤ‧ 𝐲𝐨𝐮 call it ( 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚙𝚘𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 ) ⸻
ㅤ𝘐 call it ‘ noticing what they weren’t careful enough to keep ’ . ‧
ㅤ

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

thumbing through an old journal , he nearly dropped it upon hearing the familiar voice , clutching it tightly into his hands as he immediately stood.

"N-no. Sorry , am I late for something?"

[‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‧ ‍𝓜𝘖𝘙ᴵ𝘈𝘙͟𝘛͟𝘠 、. @viscallida]

coming to a halt amidst the doorway
leading into @vicusumbra’s room, a wooden doorframe was soon to be leaned on ; arms folded across his chest.

“ you busy ? ” , a rhetorical question, really ; simper against lips.

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

He should ask what that meant – of course he should – ( before ) taking the hand offered out to him , yet his logical thoughts mattered little , movements founded by his ( heart ) as he took his hand , grip firm , and shook it.

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

Confusion lingered – and despite his attempts to keep the uncertainty from showing on his visage , that clearly remained , as well. When the other stood and his smile grew , he pushed the chair back a bit , under the assumption he was meant to stand , ⸻

[‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‧ ‍𝓜𝘖𝘙ᴵ𝘈𝘙͟𝘛͟𝘠 、. @viscallida]

“ then i consider myself a fortunate
soul to have been granted your .̲.̲.̲ 𝓈ympathy. ” , albeit a polite rebuttal in its overall execution, a tinge of challenging intent, deeply———rooted amusement, was not entirely preventable ; ›

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

as well , but was hit with the realization of the gloved hand extending out to him to seal the deal. His brows knit at his words , eyes softening at the ( bow ) , the curious nature in his stare and overall demeanor never fading. ⸻

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

I need guarantee it will go directly to them – not the greedy bastards running the place.”

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

“Meager.” He repeated . the word clearly sounding vile on his tongue , the insult causing fingers to dig into table cloth , which he was nearly promptly distracted by given the fabric of it – what it might be worth. ⸻

[‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‧ ‍𝓜𝘖𝘙ᴵ𝘈𝘙͟𝘛͟𝘠 、. @viscallida]

short———tempered. james had
already come to witness it first———hand mere days ago. and yet, a question was merely answered with a placid smile ; as if nothing in the world could disrupt the earl’s so poised and tranquil ›

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

genuinity behind his words he could not deny even if they were hidden behind a carefully crafted facade that was intended to make him difficult to read. “I say yes . . . and you will help the boys – 𝑛𝑜𝑡 the orphanage? Any aid they receive does not go to their charges. ⸻

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

The thief inhaled sharply, “I highly doubt I can be of much use to someone of your … nobility.”

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

“Hmm.” Was all he could muster for a moment , trying to will himself to not take offense to the subtle denial of his once presence there – albeit it was not said out loud. “Have you?” He asked , quietly , though there was somewhat of a clipped edge to his tone. ⸻

[‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‧ ‍𝓜𝘖𝘙ᴵ𝘈𝘙͟𝘛͟𝘠 、. @viscallida]

𝑘indness. a foolish quality amidst
a life such as the thief’s, for it was one to easily be exploited or act as finishing force. .̲.̲.̲ how many kind souls have found their death to starvation solely to feed another’s ›

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

question, as it was very clear that his experience – his (years) being trapped there – had been far different.

His gaze settled on the plate in front of him as the offer had made itself known , eyes slowly lifting to meet his. “What would you ask of me?” ⸻

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

“You know as well as I do young men should not have to fight over meals with one another.” His stomach growled at the visible feast before him – and yet , all he could think was how it could feed three of them in that cramped , hellish hall.

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

His statement made him twitch ever so slightly , looking down as he finally reached forward to grab one of the forks , pushing it along the edge of the white of an egg. He didn’t remember him – and why would he? He shouldn’t take offense to it , ⸻

[‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‧ ‍𝓜𝘖𝘙ᴵ𝘈𝘙͟𝘛͟𝘠 、. @viscallida]

there was something about the
other that elicited 𝑓amiliarity ; like a fleeting face you’d spot amidst the crowd before it would disappear again. .̲.̲.̲ james had met artemis somewhere before, of that he was sure, and yet ›

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

His eyes met his , briefly, wondering if there would be any inkling of recognition behind his own – or if he had simply erased that time from his life ; he wouldn’t blame him , of course , considering where he sat now.

Again – why would he remember someone like ( him )? ⸻

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

perhaps it would entice you to better your security.” He sat back, “ Wouldn’t want something to happen to you , after all.”

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

Artemis watched him with great interest , despite (attempting) to be subtle about it , taking in his motions , what cutlery he chose , the manners as to which he simply . . . moved. So different from what he remembered , but not . . . unpleasant – though on anyone else , ⸻

[‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‧ ‍𝓜𝘖𝘙ᴵ𝘈𝘙͟𝘛͟𝘠 、. @viscallida]

in actuality, james understood.
he could still remember the day he’s found himself in the arms of a new family. and albeit crude in their behaviour, hateful towards their adopted child, he had discovered a world beyond a normal ›

[𝕬𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂 ᐟ @vicusumbra]

it would be earning a lip curl in distaste. Envy , perhaps. Words spoken brought a smirk to form on his mouth , a brow arching for a moment , head tilting. “ Clearly. ” Quipping in response , he shrugged , “It’s not as though I’d be unsuccessful – and , ⸻