T h r o u g h t h e b r o k e n Ｃｏｄｅ [RQ fanfic]

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 8

(Word count: 2016)

A/N: The more I listen to "Against the tide" and "Tale of the shadow" by Sail North, the more motivation I get to continue writing this

Oh whoops was that a spoiler? :]
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[Time Steve's POV]

"Is he alright now?" Blue asked after it appeared like Sabre had calmed down and fallen asleep (which he really had not, but at least he was trying to).

"...Being corrupted by Darkness must not be quite like how Steves experience it for him. That and he had to go through a lot of mental torture and instability in order to even become corrupted like this in the first place. He must feel devastated and ashamed by it... We need to help him, in all ways we can. He is in a desperate need for a friend currently."

Blue hummed quietly with a tone of agreement. "So, what should we do now?"

"Let us come up with a plan. A plan in case that... Shadow of his.. comes back."

"Hm. We likely need to warn other Steve populations so they don't mistake it for the real Sabre.." Blue nodded in agreement and commented. "I wonder if the Violet Leader would be up for that task..?"

"You have raised a good point.." I hummed, "but something tells me that we will not have to worry about warning the majority... Perhaps all we need to do is help out."

"What makes you think that?"

That is.. also a good point, yet again. How did I know this? It is not like I can sense everything that is going on in the world.. Only the flow of time. "I am not entirely sure actually."

"Hmm," he hummed, "Fair enough.. I just really hope that gut feeling's right."

"...The what?"

"What?"

"A "gut" feeling, did you say?"

"Yeah?"

"Uhmm.." I fiddled with my fingers. "What exactly do you mean by that if I may so shyly and humbly ask..?" He stared at me blankly for a moment, looking like he was processing my question. "I.. do not seem to have heard that.. saying, if it is one, before... Therefore I cannot be certain of its meaning-"

"Okay, okay- I got that- Wow, you sure speak formally even in very, very everyday or awkward situations."

"Pardon?" I tilted my head in further confusion.

"L-Like-" He shied way a bit. "You always say full forms of words out loud, "do not" instead of "don't", "need not" instead of "needn't" and "you have" instead of "you've" etcetera... I'm not saying it's a bad thing though!" He explained while trying not to offend me by the looks of it. If anything, I was anything but offended. I still consider myself a rather newly created Steve, so all new information is what I am continuously looking for. "I guess it's just.. confusing? Since I haven't heard any other Steves always speak like that even in their free time... I guess the Leaders would communicate like that, at least during formal events and meetings, but not all the time." He looked at me hesitantly, uncertain of how I would react.

I was processing his words. It had never occurred to me that my way of speech was different. And never have I even thought to shorten my phrases. Yes, I understood the practicality of it during times where quick thinking and communication is needed, but I haven't needed to use contractions yet- Oh, I just used "haven't"- I twitched at the sound of it in my head. Yeah no.. I do not like it, therefore I will not use them.

"Time Steve?"

"Huh- Oh, my apologies. I must have zoned out while considering your words."

"Are you okay..?" He asked with worry and a frown on his face, ready to stand up and do something.