[fuck]

[he never wanted to be a tragedy. he never wanted to be a hero, either. he just wanted that happy ending. he wanted this to end, he wanted everyone to go home, and he wanted all of that without anyone having to compromise their ideals or their morals]

[would his dad be disappointed in him now, for failing to find a third option? for giving in so easily when he learned the truth?]

H. . . ha. . .

[he lifts his arm to his face, covers his eyes, and rubs at them tiredly]

This isn't a damn tragedy, Andersen.

[he says, forcing more firmness into his words than he feels at the moment]

I won't let it be. God damn it, we won't. Okay?

[he drops his arm again and looks up, and this time-- he's smiling]

We'll steal back every single life the Unclean has taken, no matter what the cost.