[SE] opinions I will try and rewrite

Liam

Are you the cure or disease?

Stormbreak didn't feel the same without the Family's influence, and Liam walked through the city with unease crawling up his spine. It was cold for Leafchange. Lightning flickered periodically, a storm threatening to move in, and the wind whipped through the streets to catch on his clothes. He'd come prepared, and moved along the cobblestones with minimal discomfort thanks to the warm coat and hat he'd been sure to bring with him. One could never be too prepared at this time of year.

He'd spent the better part of the season thus far in the Greatwood or in the Climb, and it was high time he paid a visit to Stormbreak. Besides, the city-region was likely to have better options for shopping than either of the other places he'd been spending his time, and it was shopping that he needed to get done today. Though still unsure of precisely how he was going to go about it, he needed to make a costume. A Ludo costume, which felt absurd, but here he was anyway, searching for some fabric.

He walked into Pacifist Plaza and into another gust of wind. Pulling up the collar of his coat, he stayed to the edges of the square and made his way over to a couple of shops that looked promising. The sooner he found what he was looking for, the sooner he could leave the memories of the Family - and the sadness that their absence brought - behind.

Do you still take as you please?

Thalassa

I worry this is how I’m always gonna feel.

Well, her morbid curiosity had been sated. The moment the Family was out of the picture, people had flocked to Stormbreak, doing their best to scrub every brick clean of their influence, seeming relieved that they'd left. Meanwhile, Thal was still clinging to the hollowness where she'd felt their connection almost as much as the blue and purple pendant dangling from her throat. They didn't get it. They hadn't felt what she had, that bond and understanding that she'd shared with the Family, with Pierce. She pitied them. They'd never get the chance. 

Twining her fingers in flames, Thal pursed her lips, finally turning her attention to her other reason for coming: this masquerade, the masquerade for Ludo, the masquerade held specifically for Ludo, Ludo's Masquerade. She hadn't really been in a partying mood lately, but she'd been searching for distractions, and this would probably be the easiest one to find. Who knows, she might even enjoy herself; but an outfit was required, and that meant shopping. Thal recalled a few shops that she'd perused with Asta in Stormbreak, remembering that she'd seen a particularly attractive black dress in one. That, paired with a long cloak should suffice for her costume - she couldn't be bothered to put in any more effort than that. 

So, with a certain level of confidence and direction in her steps, Thal made her way towards the shop, her fire flickering around the edge of her cloak, not bothering to look at the city that had been so ungrateful.

But nothing lasts. I know the deal.

Liam

Are you the cure or disease?

Liam found the shop he'd been looking for at about the time he spotted a familiar face across the square. He hadn't thought of Thalassa in some time, but the memory of their last meeting made him hesitant to reach out to her now. He'd kept her at arm's length then, if only because of what he knew from Maea. But now, with the Family gone, and so few Friends left...

The soldier was moving before he realized he was doing it, crossing the plaza until he was close enough to Thalassa to wave. "Thal, hey," he said as he neared. "How, uh... how have you been?" So much had happened since last they'd spoken, and while Liam's life was largely better now - Family's disappearance notwithstanding - he had to wonder how other Friends were faring.

Do you still take as you please?

Thalassa

I worry this is how I’m always gonna feel.

Not bothering with the city or people in the plaza, Thal only noticed Liam when she thought his waving hand was someone throwing something at her. Her dark hair tumbled over her shoulder when she whipped her head, expecting a projectile to fight off but finding a familiar face that she suddenly wished she could pretend not to notice. But it's too late now, he was walking towards her and it would be more of a pain to ignore him than just face the man.

She didn't give a greeting in return, the recognition in her narrowed eyes making it clear that she hadn't forgotten their last interaction or his noncommittal answers. "How do you think I've been?" The tone was almost as biting as the cold when a flash of lightning crackled in the clouds overhead, especially as she observed how happy he looked, as if the Family hadn't been forced to leave Caido and them. It kind of made her want to slap him, but she chose instead to level her icy blue gaze on him, daring him to say something 'positive' or 'optimistic' about recent events.

But nothing lasts. I know the deal.

Liam

Are you the cure or disease?

Even with the Family’s absence, Liam had been… fine. It was a shame that they were gone, of course, but he’d managed to find happiness even without their presence. Would it be better if they were here? Sure. But then again, if they were still here, he’d have been constantly trying to convince Maea to join them. With the Family gone, he and his partner were at peace, and he couldn’t bring himself to regret that.

Perhaps it was that he was a newer Friend of the Family, and that he hadn’t made any connections with any Family members in particular. Maybe Thalassa had known one of them more intimately than he, and maybe that was why she looked… dejected. Why her question sounded biting and cold, as though he were stupid for even asking. So rather than being offended, the soldier softened. ”I’m sorry,” he said. ”Is there anything I can do?”

Do you still take as you please?

Thalassa

I worry this is how I’m always gonna feel.

The cold blade of her gaze sharpened, picking up the pity that drew like condescension against her annoyance. Thal nearly sneered, her fangs peeking out from her lips at the sharpness of her sarcasm. "Sure, if you suddenly have the ability to bring the Family back." She didn't think anything else would work to alleviate the longing ache that still weighed in her mind like a broken compass; and without the Family, she didn't much care to deal with Liam's attitude.

Glancing at the shop she'd been about to enter, Thal gave him a withering glare. "I have some shopping to do." It was dismissive, a suggestion that he find somewhere else to be or someone else to pester. She'd rather not linger in the despicable city that somehow made laughter feel haunting and smiles feel condemning.

But nothing lasts. I know the deal.

Liam

Are you the cure or disease?

Alas, Liam didn't have the ability to bring back the Family, no more than Thalassa herself did. While he could understand that she missed them - didn't he feel their absence, too? - he wasn't sure what he'd done to draw such ire from her. In truth, her attitude was beginning to irk him. Still, she was a Friend, and he hated to leave her in such a state. If it would help her to sharpen her tongue on him, well, he supposed he could put up with it for a little while.

But then she was leveling a glare at him that could have peeled paint, and he frowned at the dismissive tone of her voice. "Right." He glanced at the shop before them, which just so happened to be the one that he'd been looking for, as well. "I... was doing some shopping of my own." He gestured towards the shop. "For Ludo's masquerade. Are you going?" Let it not be said that he didn't try to be friendly. Even if it was just as likely to get his head bitten off.

Do you still take as you please?

Thalassa

I worry this is how I’m always gonna feel.

Liam's apparent invincibility to her glaring charms was more than a little annoying, making her feel very much like a petulant child. So when he seemed intent on entering the same store, Thal clenched her teeth and settled for letting him follow her through the door. Stepping inside, she said stiffly, "I am." Not that she was excited for the party, but there was at least the hope that she might forget her problems for a few hours. Maybe she'd slip in unrecognized and have a chance to dance or laugh or pretend like she wasn't broken inside. 

She already knew what she was looking for, making the search process between the racks that much easier. Not bothering to encourage or discourage Liam, Thal strode through to the gowns, her eyes immediately locking on the black gossamer lace that she'd spotted when visiting the store with Asta. When she ran her fingers through the material, it felt as light as shadows and just as beautiful. The long sleeves and fitted bodice gave the dress an elegant, mystical robe shape while still being 'sexy.' The plan was to wear a cloak over the top, but she appreciated a dramatic reveal if the moment presented itself.

But nothing lasts. I know the deal.

Liam

Are you the cure or disease?

Liam followed Thalassa into the shop. A little bell above the door announced their presence, and the soldier nodded to the shopkeeper as they entered. That Thalassa was planning to go to the masquerade was a bit of a surprise, given her surly attitude, but then, he supposed that most people would attend the soiree. Just because the Family were gone didn't mean that life stopped, after all.

For his part, he left Thalassa to her shopping, making his way over to the suits. He was looking for an all-black ensemble, and it took him a few minutes to find all of the pieces that he'd envisioned. When he'd collected everything, he made his way to the shopkeeper to make his purchase. He might have left Thalassa then, but he still couldn't bring himself to desert her when she was clearly in a bad place, so he waited patiently until she'd gotten what she needed. "Do you need a mask, too? There's a shop down the street that might have some options."

Do you still take as you please?

Thalassa

I worry this is how I’m always gonna feel.

With the wistful black gown in hand, she didn't need to spend any more time in the shop. Thal strode to the register just as Liam was finishing, gliding silently in behind him while they finished his large purchase of multiple black suit pieces. She glanced approvingly at the choices but kept her mouth shut, paying for the dress with minimal words and walking to the door with shopping back in tow. 

His question made her pause, not having picked what her mask would be or where she might acquire it. Her eyes narrowed and she stepped out into the street, giving a begrudging "Fine" then waiting just long enough for him to lead the way. 

Silence didn't usually bother Thal, but something was on her mind - a curiosity she couldn't push aside. Her jaw clenched as she debated asking the words, not sure whether he'd even answer after their last discussion and the seeming lack of discussion this time around. Still, the words came out, flat with veiled disinterest, "Are you going with Maea?"

But nothing lasts. I know the deal.

Liam

Are you the cure or disease?

Well, at least Thalassa seemed content to spend time with him, even if he wasn't the person or people she wanted to be with. It was clear to Liam that she'd rather be with the Family, but given that that was no longer an option, he was trying to be a friend to her - even if he was failing miserably in the attempt. It occurred to him that he knew nothing about Thal except that she was a Friend of the Family, and that she'd once been Maea's friend, too. He didn't know what kind of small talk she might tolerate, and so he kept a silent, respectful distance.

At least until she asked if he was going to the masquerade with Maea. Then he glanced at the Ancient and said, "Yes. We'll be there together." What else was he supposed to say, given Thal's apparent disinterest? Was he supposed to gush about how happy he was when she was clearly quite miserable? He couldn't bring himself to throw his joy in her face like that. "Do you know anyone else who's going?" he asked instead, trying to turn the conversation to her and, somehow, learn something new that he might could use to carry on a conversation.

Do you still take as you please?

Thalassa

I worry this is how I’m always gonna feel.

His answer didn't give her much to go by, but there was a cruel bit of satisfaction to hear they'd be going together. Because there was something telling about two people attending a party together, and that meant she'd been right even if he hadn't bothered to admit it last time: he liked Maea. And even more obvious: Maea liked Liam.

Thal couldn't say she still wanted the best for her fellow Ancient after everything they'd been through - hell, she'd infected Liam just to be petty - but she liked knowing that she'd predicted the pair, that she'd seen it before the stubborn woman was willing to admit it. And some dark, sinister part of her couldn't wait to see it fall apart. 

She didn't let the emotions show, staring straight ahead towards the store advertising masks and other accessories. Her voice was flat and her tail carefully still as she stated, "Good."

As for his other attempted topic of conversation, the question wouldn't get him anywhere. She hadn't spoken with many people about the event, and she didn't have many people she'd care to ask. So she shrugged her shoulders, opening the door to the shop. "No."

But nothing lasts. I know the deal.

Liam

Are you the cure or disease?

Perhaps if Thalassa had been in a better mood, if she had asked a different question, then Liam would have indulged her. And after their last conversation, he might have offered more, if he had known what to say without it feeling like throwing his happiness in her face. But as it was, he merely nodded, accepting her terse good at face value. Perhaps after procuring their masks, he would simply bid her good day and go about his business. Even he, with all his good intentions, could only take so much awkward silence before he gave up.

They entered the shop in silence, and once again, Liam left Thal to hunt for her own mask. For his part, he knew what he was looking for: a simple white mask that would cover the majority of his face. It would be a stark contrast to the all-black ensemble he'd put together at the last shop, but this was about channeling Ludo, not about Liam's own preferred style. Once he'd made his purchase, he once more lingered to see if Thalassa needed anything further that he could give. After she'd concluded her business, he opened the door for her politely. "I hope to see you at the masquerade," he offered. "Although I suppose I might not know it's you, so..."

Do you still take as you please?

Thalassa

I worry this is how I’m always gonna feel.

If Thal had been in a better mood, she might have cared to grill him more about Maea, but as it was, she wasn't. The idea of hearing about her frenemy and her maybe-boyfriend wasn't exactly high on the captain's list after losing her own... whatever Pierce had been. It made the slip into silence a welcome presence as they entered the store, bell chiming quietly above them. 

It was like a beacon had been lit just for her, directing Thal immediately to a mask that sat on display, silver and whirling in its elegant design. Small black filigree entwined the curves like smoke and ash, delicate with hints of violence. She quietly secured the piece, not even hesitating in her choice when she tossed the clerk a bag of coins. 

Stepping through the doorway that Liam held open, her tone landed with a lack of shared interest. "Don't hope too hard." Glancing up at him, she added, "If we do it right, no one should recognize us." And more importantly, no one should recognize her.

With her own items secured and her desire to be rid of Liam increasing again, Thal gave him a sharp flick of her hand as she turned down the street. "Good luck with your date." Little did he know how closely she'd be watching. 

[FIN]

But nothing lasts. I know the deal.