this whole post really tickled me
redstone has a tendency to build up in the body over time. this most noticeably manifests in progressive changes to the color of the eyes, eventually turning the sclera and iris entirely red
mumbo was, of course, unaware of this, and feels so silly for forgetting to develop symptoms that he has since refused multiple lucrative offers to participate in research studies
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hereās the very first scene in my rewrite of desert duoās time in third life because i do not have a completionist bone in my body and i may never end up posting or even finishing the whole thing
(first 700 words of guilty, not remorseful)
The explosion leaves behind remnants of fibre and vines, a sizable crater, and the sickly smell of singed skin.
A dreadful silence weighs heavy upon those who had witnessed it, had witnessed lively green eyes grow dull as Scarās body slumped amidst the upturned dirt and smoke. They all stare in shock at the aftermath, exchanging uncertain glances as Grian remains frozen, blinking rapidly, eyes unfocused.
A shocked laugh, almost winded, forces its way up from Grianās throat.
He has taken a life, lured a man to his death, and all he can do is laugh.
The air only remains still for a moment longer before everyone else finds themselves laughing too, unable to help themselves.
Itās an entirely absurd situation. One moment, Grian had a creeper hot on his tail, pressing a finger to his lips as he met Ethoās eye with a cheeky grin, and the next, Scarās body was laid burnt and lifeless in a ditch.
Grian watches Scarās fallen body flicker as it regenerates, vanishing from the crater and leaving nothing but a flattened patch of earth in its wake. Itās only then that the guilt rushes in, pushing aside any amusement as Grian realises the gravity of what exactly he has done.
He has stolen the life of a man who has offered him nothing but friendship and kindness. Torn it from his giving hands with a maniacal grin and the audacity to claim it as āa jokeā.
The chatter dulls down as Scar reappears at the village outskirts and it seems that no one knows quite what to expect from him: anger, possibly. Or a sense of betrayal or revenge. Grian would even understand tears, grieving the life that had been so cruelly taken from him.
And yet Scar does nothing but smile at Grian with wary eyes, eyes that now shine a striking golden colour.
āScar, Iām so sorry.ā The apology bubbles up from Grianās chest, voice softened with laughter as he takes a careful step towards Scar.
He makes no move to step away, a shocked laugh of his own escaping his lips, breathless yet forgiving, āI know you didnāt mean to.ā
Grianās smile drops at that, mouth falling agape as Scarās attention is almost immediately drawn away from him.
Because Scar doesnāt know that. He doesnāt know what Grianās intentions had been - good or bad - and yet he believes wholeheartedly in his innocence. Itās a level of trust that Grian truly does not think he deserves.
Conversation continues amidst the rest of the onlookers, Scar brushing off any implication of hard feelings, lighthearted jokes being made as the panic is pushed aside. Grian, however, has grown quiet, watching Scar laugh and jest as he always does, as though the guilt that has settled in Grianās stomach isnāt threatening to consume him from the inside out.
Scar catches his eye after an excruciating minute, his lips tugging into a frown as he approaches, āGrian, itās okay-ā
āLet me talk to you for a moment,ā Grian interrupts, his voice soft as he takes a gentle hold of Scarās forearm.
He begins to tug Scar away from the crowd, to which he is happy to comply, following after Grian as they reach a more secluded area where their conversation will be out of the prying eyes and ears of the others.
āScar, Iām so, so sorry.ā Grian whispers, carefully scanning Scarās face, his fingers still wrapped loosely around his arm.
āI already told you: itās fine.ā Scar chuckles, a well-meaning attempt to lighten the mood.
Grian takes in a long, calculated breath and in a spur-of-the-moment decision, entirely unplanned, he drops to one knee and bows his head in front of Scar, his next words altering the course of his time in this world forever.
āI took your first life, so I therefore owe you mine.ā
Scar blinks at him, bewildered, āWhat?ā
Grian lifts his gaze to look up at Scar, unsure of how else to prove his sincerity.
āI feel awful for what Iāve done, accidental or not, I killed you, Scarā¦ So I vow my first life to you. I am in your service and at your side, ā Thereās a momentary pause, āif youāll have me.ā
A slow, understanding smile paints itself on Scarās lips, āSo youāll dig the sandā¦ With me?ā
āIāll do anything you want me to do.ā
And so it begins.
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grian and scarās relationship is shaking hands with the business end of a blade, putting teeth under skin and ripping your partner open so you can build a home among his flesh, smearing soot on wounds to make sure they never heal right because to bleed is to remember and you donāt know if youāll have anything else to remember him by when this is all over. violence to prove yourself gentle. him hurting others as a promise to never hurt you, because you are different, special, and worthy (for now).
martyn and renās relationship is apologies that matter, bloodied fingers locking with yours after you swallow the key, giggling together at the end of the world while you still have the chance because you laughed yesterday and you laughed last week and dying hasnāt made him any less funny. gentleness despite the violence. him hurting others before they hurt you, because you are precious, beautiful, and worth fighting for.
for all these differences, everyone ends up in the same boat: you loved him too much, and it drove you to fucking ruin.
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