In a world where soulmates wear tattoos that mark their biggest life events, 15-year-old Nico's ink tells a tragic story. After a car accident takes his mom and sister, Bianca, his dad spirals into darkness, using violence as a way to cope. To escape the pain, Nico turns to damaging his own body to cope, using anything he can find to numb the hurt. He tries to be strong for his little sister, Hazel, but as the chaos at home escalates, he feels himself slipping further away. Then there's Will, 16 and a light in the darkness. His tattoo shines with hope, and he feels an unexplainable connection to Nico. Will sees the signs of Nico's struggles and wants to help, but Nico is terrified of letting anyone in after everything he's been through. When a moment of desperation leads Nico to confront his father in a deadly struggle, he's left free but drowning in guilt and isolation. Hazel moves to California to escape the pain, and Nico is left to navigate the mess of his life alone. As Nico and Will begin to forge a connection, Nico realizes that healing is possible-even when it feels like the world is against him. TRIGGER WARNING: Self Harm, Addiction, Abuse, Depression, Su!cidal thoughts and actions. Read at your own risk.

Don't stray from the path. Travis's life was already planned for him. Whether he liked it or not. it was set in stone. Destiny couldn't be changed...Or can it? After a certain conversation in a bathroom with a blue-haired boy, Travis's life turns upside down, for better or for worse. Struggling with accepting his crush and soon learning of old family secrets that were hidden for a reason, Travis tries to survive. Cross-posted on Ao3!