Archive of Our Own

Despite the odds, Nominalgravy lived. 

It wasn’t easy. Nom had to fight tooth and nail to maintain his own mind, to ensure his body was not claimed by the King. He refused to be a puppet. Besides, Nom had some people to live for. He couldn’t disappoint them. Not again. 

When the heart was destroyed, Nom could feel his own heart and soul give way. The King warned him he would fall when he did. But he can’t. Nominal can’t stop fighting. Not yet. 

It was a blur what happened afterwards. He could recall the yells of his name, but Nom didn’t have a voice of his own to respond. Arms were around him, the touch of cold metal against his face. 

Get him back to the kingdom! 

Is he okay? Will he be okay? 

A cure… I think I know a cure! 

Next thing he knows, he’s awake in a bland room in the castle with Graecie sat anxiously at his bed side. The elder was ecstatic to see him alive, whispering words of reassurances that he was safe in the Kingdom while also lecturing him about his reckless behaviour. 

Despite it all, Nominalgravy felt cared for. Even when they thought he was a danger, those in his Kingdom fought to keep him alive and safe. When everything came crashing down, the Creaking King’s summons, they didn’t doubt Nom. And now, it seemed that they managed to keep him alive. To cure him. Gods, he owed these people his full devotion. 

“Where’s everybody else?” He asked the monarch after he was better adjusted. His throat felt very parched. Graecie hands him a glass of water.

“I sent them home to get some rest.” Graecie said calmly. She was nothing but measured. The only thing portraying a crack in her composure is the anxious up and down glances she throws at Nom, like she was afraid he was going to slip away again. “Katie, 4C and Scott were practically glued to your bedside. Scott nearly passed out. So, I sent them all away for a while.” 

“Is he okay?” The mage had a tendency to push himself too much. Nom hoped he didn’t put too much pressure on himself to save him. He didn’t think he could be saved. 

“Mae and Shan were looking after him. He’s in good hands.” 

Nom lets out a sigh of relief. “Katie and 4C?” 

“They’re back in Red, I believe. They did stay in Blue for a day, though.” Graecie steps out into the corridor for a few minutes, she returns with a bag. “I’ll send a dove for Cam to come over. One final check to make sure you’re okay.” 

“I feel…” What does he feel? Healthier doesn’t describe it fully. His lungs felt functional again. His mind was absent of the lingering presence of the King whispering in his ear. “I feel free.” 

“But are you, you?” She was giving him one of her stares. The one that could read people like an open book. It felt like a test that Nom needed to pass. 

“I don’t think I ever stopped being me.” 

The answer seemed to satisfy her as she gave him a warm smile that reminded him a lot of his mother. The memory of family made him ache for his siblings in the other Kingdom. 

“There’s clothes in the bag; Katie brought some over for when you awoke. Cam won’t take long.” 

“Thank you, Graecie.” Nom spoke. He placed emphasis on his words to show his gratitude. Graecie has watched and looked after him so much over the years, and despite the wrongs that Nom has done to her she still makes the effort to treat him with kindness and grace. 

The elf strided over, placing a gentle kiss on Nom’s forehead; a gesture she’s done to him and Katie ever since childhood. “Stop getting yourself into these situations.” 

Nom laughed, his chest hurted with the movement but he didn’t care. Despite all odds, he was alive. “I owe you.” 

“That you do.” 

He got a moment alone to survey the damage when he got changed. Standing up from the bed, his limbs were numb from underusage but besides that, he didn’t feel any major changes. That isn’t until he took a look at the mirror. 

The bark that was turning his skin into a hardened exterior all seemed to disappear. He was paler than usual, but that was expected he supposes. The white streak in his hair seemed to have stayed. He ruffled it a little, debating about whether the look suited him or not. Oh well, someone was bound to tell him later. A prominent feature that didn’t seem to change drastically was the colour of his eyes. They returned to resemble closer to human eyes, but his irises were no longer a deep brown, rather a dull orange. 

Of course he couldn't leave fully unscathed. Of course the Creaking King had to leave permanent reminders on Nom. He sighed. There was nothing he could do but live with it. 

Living. 

He really didn’t expect to survive. Nominal reassured many that he would live, or at least try to, but he knew deep down that he wasn’t lasting. His deal came with a cost and what other precious thing could the King have taken from him if it was not his own life? 

But there was no time for lurking in the past. Nominalgravy was alive. The war wasn’t over yet, as Graecie told him, but he was tired of fighting. Nom has been fighting for his whole life. He needed a break. 

Do something for yourself.  

Maybe he should. There was a dream locked in a box inside his mind; a dream of a life of adventuring on the seas. Maybe it was time to pursue it. He couldn’t do it alone though. 

---------------

Graecie allowed him to leave quickly after the healer’s visit. He was rambling a bunch about how much of a miracle it was that Nom survived, the difficulty of keeping him alive and a bunch of other things. His mind tuned out a lot of it as he pondered up a solid plan for the new life on the sea. 

This time, Nom made sure to consult Graecie immediately about it. The monarch had no qualms of letting the knight take a break. She said he deserved one, not only to recuperate but also to prevent him from doing further dumb things. He told her that he didn’t need to be a knight to be stupid. It ended with Nom having to swear, not an oath but a promise, to be good or else the older knight would not hesitate to keep him trapped in the jail below. It wasn’t difficult for Nominal to agree. 

It wasn’t difficult for him to walk out of the castle, feeling about five times better once the cool air of the spring brushes against his face. He was alive and so was nature. 

There was also a particular nature mage that he would like to make sure is also alive. Nominal should probably go check up on his siblings, too. He reasoned with himself, Scott was first because he was the closest. Besides, Nom was already half way up the floating flower path. Too late to turn back. 

Nom giddily rushed past the flower beds and up the stairs towards the cottage door. Knocking briskly three times, the knight bounces on the ball of his heels, waiting. Quick footsteps could be heard on the other side of the door and it didn’t take long for him to be greeted by the sight of blonde locks dressed in blue. 

“Well, well, well.” Nom greeted him with a grin. Scott stared out, mouth open for a second before the mage lunges out to pull him into an embrace. Nom chuckles, but he hugs the mage back just as furiously. His arms wrap around the other’s torso and the knight spins the mage in the air, eliciting a fit of giggles. Scott comes to cradle his face within the palm of his hands. 

“You’re here.” He breathes out like he couldn’t believe it. His touch was light, like Nom was fragile. 

Nom leans further into his soft palms, smiling all the while. “I’m here.” He leans his forehead against Scott’s own. “And I really mean it this time when I say I’m not leaving.”

A laugh was let out. Scott pulls him ever so closer and presses a firm kiss on Nominal’s lips. This was a reminder of why he needed to stay alive. Joy and fire flowed through his veins, Nom spins Scott around once again, causing the blonde to bury his face in Nom’s shoulder. 

“We almost lost you,” his words were muffled against his shoulder. “We were so close to losing you.” 

“Well, I’m here now aren’t I?” Nom mutters back into his ear. “What’s the use of lingering in the past?” 

“You’re right.” Scott sighs, pulling his head back up to look at the knight. “I’m glad you’re okay. I was so scared of losing you…” 

“Hey,” It was his turn now to touch the other’s face gently. Nom runs his hand through the long curls and rubs his thumb against his cheek. “I made a promise to try to stay alive. I don’t break my promises.” 

He laughs. “Well that’s a lie.” 

Nom chuckles along with him. “I don’t break my promises to you.” He says softly. 

The way his eyes softened told Nom that Scott understood. They’ve fought previously in the past over communication issues. The promise they made from it, to be honest with one another, was one of the things that Nom held closest to his heart. He made sure to not mess it up. 

“Thanks, Scott.” He whispers once more. Nom has lost track on the amount of times he’s said it. “Thanks for not giving up on me.” 

Scott presses another soft kiss on his lips, the gentle smile he gives takes Nom’s hearts away. “You’re the best thing that happened to me.” 

“It’s the other way around really.” 

“Oh?” 

“Oh,” And this time it was Nom who kissed him. Now that was enough emotions for one time. “Do you like the new look by the way?” 

Scott lets go of him, but he doesn’t stray further than arms length, to take a better look at Nom. He gives his kind compliments about his dashing appearance making the knight blush profusely before dragging him into the cottage for tea. 

There was more to be said between them that will be said later, when they’re laying intertwined with one another in bed. But for now they savoured the moment of peace of returning back in one another’s lives. 

Laying in bed with Scott in his arms, Nom almost forgot his main reason for coming over. “Hey Scott?” 

The blonde hums in response. His back pressed against Nom’s chest, he turned his head to look up at the brunette. 

“You remember when you asked me what I would do, if I wasn't a knight?” 

“You wanted to sail,” Scott responded immediately. Of course he remembered. “To go out exploring.” 

Nom doesn’t know why he was anxious to admit it. “Since I’m technically not a knight for a bit… I thought I’d give it a try.” 

The smile Scott gives him eases the anxieties. He can hear the pride in his voice as Scott says, “I’m proud of you, Nom.” 

His own heart skips a beat. “There’s more to it.” 

Scott turns himself around so he can easily look at Nom. His hands lands back on Nom’s cheek, caressing it gently. “You want me to come with you.” 

He flushed. Was he that predictable? “If you want.” 

“I’ll follow you anywhere, Nominalgravy.” 

He couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. Nom gives the other a peck on the lips, promising that he will make sure he gets a mini greenhouse on board. Scott tells him that he’d be content with anything, as long as he gets to hold him close. 

They chat more of what’s to come. Not only about their trip, but what might happen when they arrive home. Nom’s sure they’ll be within each other’s lives for a long time. Scott doesn’t dispute him, so he assumes he wants the same. 

It was surprising how much he wanted that, a future, with him. He could picture living in the cottage and waking up to the sound of the kettle brewing and the smell of pollen. For the first time in a while, Nom felt like he had something to look forward to. 

He will hold onto that hope for as long as he can. 

---------------

Nominalgravy leaves the cottage the next morning in a good mood. Scott offered to come along with him, but Nom reassured him that he’ll behave and will not die. With another kiss and a hug, he was allowed to leave without issues. 

It was strange. The Kingdom felt different now. Maybe it was because his mind was cleared of the corruption, but everything around him felt brighter. The birds chirped louder, the grass greener and the roads he walked down were comfortable. He followed the path towards the house buried into the mountains. 

There was one more person in Blue that Nom wanted to come with him. For the second time in a week, Nom stands in front of another door knocking. Similar to Scott, he braces himself for the reaction that is to come. 

None of the rogues were particularly morning people. So it was not shocking to see the redhead open the door, yawning and rubbing her eyes tiredly. Her eyes widened, and Nom could see the gears turn in her head. 

“NOMINALGRAVY!” The tiredness leaves her as she jumps furiously into Nom’s arms. 

“Hi, Mae Maezes.” He strokes her wild curls down, as the girl squeals in excitement. He spots tears forming at the corner of her eyes which he wipes away quickly.“I’ve missed you, too.” 

She begins to ramble on at a hundred miles per minute, and Nom with his ADHD brain very much struggles to keep up. 

“I was so worried! We were underground and then we lost you and then we found you! But you were passing out and wouldn't wake up- And all of the mages were there trying to keep you alive casting spell after spell- I thought you were going to leave me and die-” 

He wraps his arms tighter around her. “I would never leave you, Mae.” 

All the fight went out of her as she sinks in further to his embrace. “I'm glad you're okay.”She mutters into his shoulder. 

“Me too. And hey,” Nom tilts her face to meet his. Her green eyes still shown with speck of tears. Some older sibling's urge overcame him. “It's never goodbye forever. We'll always see each other again soon.” 

“This sounds like you're leaving.” Mae whispers, her voice cracking. The pained expression was enough to crack Nom's own heart. 

“I'll be leaving Blue for a bit,” her face drops and he tries to give a reassuring smile. “But I'm not going to leave it without you, Mae.” 

He steps back from her and gives a dramatic bow, “Mae Maezes, would you like to go sailing on the seas with me?” 

Mae shifts, hesitantly. Her gaze flickers towards the cottage and then to the other side wall. 

“If it helps, Scott's coming. And I'm going to be asking Katie and 4C to come along.” 

At the mention of all of them, Mae perks up once more. “Really?!”

“Really.” 

“Then it's a yes!” She comes and throws her arms around his neck once more and Nom simply holds her. He's come to adore the rogue and her energy. There's something about her that made him feel protective. 

“Thanks, Nom.” Mae whispers into his neck. He could sense the weight behind those words. It wasn't simply a thank you for the invitation, it was a thank you for living and not leaving. 

This is why he needed to stay alive. To stay for the people who relied on him, who cares for him and who he cares for in return. 

He's messed up a few relationships, yes. The whole mess with Katie, he's literally murdered 4C, he's lied to Scott and made Mae cry. But despite all that, they don't hate him. They all gave him another chance to make things right. And he has with some, but he knows there's more to go with others. 

And now Nominal will have the chance to spend his time with the people he cared about most. Because he lived. 

---------------

Nominalgravy was a little hesitant to make his way across no man's land towards the other side. The last time he was there, a certain moon knight was very eager to have his head on a platter. It pained him a little too. He might be alive and walking about right now, but words on the grapevine whispers that Sausage is still unresponsive. 

It wasn’t really his concern though. He had more pressing matters to deal with. 

His skin pricked as he walked through their large looming stone gates. Gods, something about being on the other side of the Kingdom unnerved him. Especially after everything. 

“Nominalgravy!” A familiar voice calls out. He turns to find a princess in red running towards him with a smile. Her loyal knight followed behind her, warily. 

Like everyone else has, she envelops him in a hug which he readily accepts. “Cherrifire!” 

“Its good to see you alive,” she laughs. “I see you’ve gone for a new look.” 

Nom snorts. “It was not a very voluntary change, but I'm getting used to it.” 

His eye sight draws towards the knight glaring at him from behind Cherri’s shoulders. Apo never enjoyed many of the knights from the opposing side, least of all Nom and Owain. 

“Princess.” She lets out in a low tone. “I think we have some business to attend to.” 

Cherri scoffs. “We still have some time, Apo.” 

Nom tilts his head curiously, observing how Apo softens when Cherri places her hand on her arm. Seems like they’ve finally sorted out their feelings with each other. Nom shifts on his feet. “Nice to see you both again… but might you know where I could find my siblings?” 

“Oh right!” It didn’t seem alarming to her that he said siblings instead of sister. “Last I saw Katie she was at her place.” 

Where Katie was, 4C would be close by. Nom gives Cherri one more hug. “Alright, thank you Cherri!” 

“Hey Nom!” Cherri shouts at him as he walks away. He turned and raised an eyebrow questioningly. “We should play farkle some time!” 

The knight chuckles and grins in response. “Of course! Of course!” 

The fears he felt dissipated when he caught the princess’ smile. Red and Blue may dislike each other but there’s always people on the other side who are ready to be friendly with him. War may still continue, but it does not mean Nom had to be hostile. He was tired of it anyway. 

Walking through the courtyard of Red, it struck once again the smallness of their kingdom compared to the other. It didn’t take him long to find his sister’s home, he’s been there previously of course. Walking over, he notices the door was surprisingly left ajar; Nom will have to have a talk to her about safety. 

Sounds of laughter and shifting furniture alerted him that there were people inside. Nom lets himself smile at hearing Katie’s high pitched shriek and and 4C’s taunting laugh. He peers inside to find the two at the other end of the house in the kitchen. Katie held a bowl close to her chest, spinning in circles, seemingly to avoid the slime who held out a battered covered spatula, waving it in the air aimlessly.

Nom yearned to insert himself within the scene. This is what he could’ve had. This is what he can still build. 

On light steps, it was a lot easier to sneak without the weight and noise of his armour, Nominal creeps over towards their small dining table within the middle space between the living room and kitchen. Pulling out a chair, he throws himself in the seat, popping his feet up on the table as he waits for them to notice. Neither of them do, and Nom continues to observe the domestic scene. 

“You little-” Katie half yells when the slime swipes a line of batter on her face. “That’s it. You’re getting it.” 

Katie places the bowl down on a countertop and runs towards 4C whose bright smile betrays the fake fear he puts on. “Noooo!!” 

She wrestles him into a headlock which he swiftly melts out of. The redhead groans as she moves to swipe at him again. He dodges that too. “Oh my gods, stop moving!” 

“Have you tried throwing sand in his eyes? I heard it’s very effective at stunning people.” 

Nom was bored of staying quiet. They both were also oblivious, he was sure it was going to take another hour or two if he didn’t declare himself. 

Both Red members froze in place. It was almost comical; the way both of their heads whipped around to stare at him in unison. They didn’t seem to be breathing. 

The knight at the table flashes them a wide smile. He’s sure it was weird seeing him. Disregarding the physical changes to his hair and eyes, Nom, no longer within his knight duties, took on wearing a regular set of clothes for once. The jacket was one of his father’s, black and golden with a lining of both red and blue. After another beat of silence passed, Nom tilted his head and spoke once more. “Well, well, well. You both just stand there or…” 

Katie was the first one to move. His sister came over faster than Nom’s ability to stand up. He was almost knocked over by her weight as she threw herself onto him. He catches her. Because he’ll always catch her. 

“Oh my gods, oh my gods, oh my gods!” She repeats over and over as she tugs him closer and constantly glances him up and down with a look of disbelief. “Oh. My. Gods.” 

“Hi Katie,” He chuckles. “Good to know I was missed.” 

She pulls back with a sombre expression. “Of course I missed you.” Her energy returns quickly. She hits his arm with force. “You idiot! You almost died on us!” 

“Yeah, yeah, yeah…” Nom tugs her back close to his chest. He’s heard enough lectures about his recklessness; one from his monarch, another from his favourite blue kingdom rogue and- well, he doesn’t really know what Scott is to him. “I’m alive, though.” 

“Just barely!” She huffs, tears forming. His heart breaks at the sight. He’s made her cry enough. Her whisper and whimper was barely audible, “I almost lost you…” 

As his sister buries herself closer, Nom’s gaze falls over her shoulder to 4C who stood awkwardly off towards the side. The slime seemed to be relieved to see him, yet there was still a tenseness in his frame. It was warranted, considering Nom has already harmed him once. However, he wanted to hold him as close as he held Katie currently, as he has held everyone else he cared for. 

“4C,” he calls. “Get over here.” 

That was all the rogue needed to come over and join the pair of siblings in their hug. Katie makes room for him to claim Nom’s other side. They were never physically affectionate with one another. Him and 4C both showed their love through actions rather than touches and words. 4C’s touch was cold, a little unexpected but Nom welcomed it anyway. 

Nom lets out a content sigh. “I’ve missed you both.” he admits. 

They both echo the phrase back in low mutters, snuggling closer. Nom lays his head on top of 4C’s as Katie pulls away to wipe her eyes properly. The slime doesn’t dislodge from him immediately, seemingly content to stay by Nom a little longer. He didn’t mind it. 

After Katie fans the tears away from her eyes, she takes a proper long look at her older brother. Her brow furrows in the same way he does. “Do you… look like that permanently now?” 

“I don’t think the white streak suits you.” 4C chimes in. Nom hits him playfully, 

“And the orange eyes?” Katie continues on. “Not really your colour.”

They all laugh softly. 4C finally makes his way out of Nom’s arms. The absence of them made Nom shiver against the cool air. “Hey, it could be worse. I could be a tree right now.” 

Both of them gave him an unimpressed stare as they stood side by side with their arms crossed. “Too soon?” 

“Too soon.” 4C agrees, a frown appearing. “You really gave us a heart attack.” 

“Yeah,” Katie agrees as she leans against the other. “We stayed with you as long as we could but Graecie told us to leave.” 

“She told me.” Nom informs. “You can’t really say no to Graecie.” 

“What happened to your armour?” 4C questioned. 

“Oh right,” Nom gives them a spin. “I’ve settled into more casual clothes for now, considering I am currently no longer a knight.” 

“WHAT?!” 

“Only temporary,” he reassures his sister. “I agreed willingly but Graecie was going to remove me from my post for a while to recover. And to stop me from being stupid.” 

4C stifles a laugh. “She knows you get in trouble naturally anyway, right?” 

“Oh she definitely knows.” 

Katie stands there silently, chewing on her bottom lip. “What does that mean for you?” 

“Who knows.” Nom takes a seat back at the table again. He urges both of them to join him and they do, taking a seat each directly in front of him. “I kind of have a little plan but it’s not particularly solid.” 

4C tilts his head curiously while Katie leans forwards. He’s forgotten, when was the last time they did this? Just sit and chat? He had their attention, Nom wasn’t going to lose it again. 

“I told you, Katie, about wanting to go sailing. And I thought that now I have time, I might as well pursue the dream. Y’know, do something for me. For once.” 

He watches as a range of emotions cross both of their faces. Happiness, care, sadness, worry. Neither of them verbalise their thoughts so Nom continues on, hoping their words will ease their worries. 

“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. Hopefully I’ll be back before the war tears the Kingdoms down once again. But…” He pauses and takes a breath. “I’m so used to do things for others. I know I’ve failed you both-” 

Katie rises in objection but Nom talks over her. “I wasn’t the best brother to you, Katie. Not always.” His eyes meet 4C’s. “And I’ve hurt you more than anyone.” The slime grabs his hand reassuringly. Forgiveness. Understanding. “I want a break. But I don’t want to go alone. I want to make sure I don’t forget the people who gave me a reason to stay.” Nom pins them both down with his eyes, hoping they understood how important they both were to him. “Even if they don’t want me in their lives anymore.” 

“This is a selfish ask, I know. But I want you both by my side, on the seas. You don’t have to agree, I understand if you don’t. I’ll… I’ll be grateful if you did.” 

Silence follows as Nom sits rigidly in his chair, waiting for their answer. 4C glances at Katie who was busy staring into the eyes of her brother like she was searching for something. She seems to be unable to find what she's looking for as she bawls and unbawls her hands. The slime takes hold of one of her hands, squeezing it as reassurance. 

Nominal doesn't know what to expect. He takes a few deep breaths in and out to stop himself from panicking and acting irrationally. He wasn't a crier, but he had other means of reaction to rejection. 

“First of all,” Katie says evenly, despite the way her body shakes in her seat. Her eyes remained glued to Nom's own. “You're wrong when you said you weren't a great brother. You're a great brother. The best brother I could ever have.” She takes a shaky breath and squeezes 4C's hand further. “Second of all, it isn't selfish of you to ask. You are an idiot though if you think my answer to going travelling with you would be anything but a yes.” 

Letting out a breath he didn't realise he was holding, Nom lets the sparks of excitement course through him. He could feel himself involuntarily smiling, but it does not matter. “Really? You'll come?” 

“Of course.” Katie reassures, taking her own deep breath. “I… I lost you once and almost lost you again. I want to stay with you. At least for a while.” 

Nom turns to 4C. The slime stayed quiet as he fiddled with a loose thread on the cuff of his sleeve. “4C?” 

“I don't know, Nom…” He admits. “I just… I just found a home again. I don't want to…” 

“Home isn't a place, it's the people.” He echoes the words Scott said to him once. “I know we haven't been on the best of terms but you're still my brother and my best friend. I want you there, 4C.” 

“I do, too.” Katie chimes in. “We can be siblings on the sea together.” 

“And we're not leaving Bannerfall permanently. Just for a short while. Everything will still be here when we're back?” 

“What if it's not?” He whispers quietly. 

“Then we bounce back.” Katie says definitively. 4C glances up to see her reassuring smile. Her eyes were as red as hair due to all the tears, but they still shined with generosity and comfort. 

“If it helps,” Nom adds, “I asked Scott and Mae if they'd want to come along too. They both said yes as well. I think they'd both, especially Mae, woukd like you to be there too.” 

At the sound of his previous rogue partner's name, 4C's shoulders relaxes. The two rogues cared for each other deeply, there was a time where they were inseperable. He takes a few more moments to ponder before sighing. “Alright. Why not?” 

Nom lets out a cheer as Katie gives the slime a shoulder hug before joining her brother in celebration. 

Nominalgravy couldn't be more ecstatic. He was alive. He was taking a break. And he will be able to spend his time with the people he loved most. 

The brunette pulls Katie and 4C back into another group hug which is accepted happily by the redhead and with little resistance from the other. “I love you guys.” Nom whispers, pressing a small kiss to the top of their heads. They both look up with surprise in their eyes. In turn, Nom diverts his. “I know I don't tell you enough. But I love you and I care about you.” 

Katie opens and closes her mouth a few times. “Who are you and what have you done to my brother?” It gets a giggle out of 4C and a scoff from Nom. 

“I can be emotionally mature and express my feelings.” 

“Hardly.” The slime mutters, earning him a half shove and a high five. “... but yeah. I know, Nom. And for what it's worth, I love and care about you, too.” 

“You're the reason I am who I am today.” Katie begins. “I owe everything to you, Nom. You can never call yourself a bad brother because you were never bad.” 4C moves away from Nom's grip to allow Katie to have him to herself. “I’ll always care and love you, Nom. No matter what.” 

Deep down he knew those words were true, but it was different to know and to hear them outloud. A light feathered feeling rises in his chest, that causes Nom to chuckle. Just a few weeks ago, he was at his lowest point with no one to rely on, and to have this now? It was all he could ask for. 

“Right!” Nom claps his hands, his grin still ever present. “That’s enough feelings for this month. I’ll see you guys next month.” 

“Now that’s the Nominalgravy I know.” 4C mutters to Katie, who laughs. Her laugh was loud, it was happy. 

“Come on,” she drags both boys by the sleeve back into the kitchen. “We’ve got muffins to finish.” 

That's how Nom spent the rest of his day, surrounded by the family that he once lost and found once again. They danced in the kitchen while Katie sang her ballards, 4C and him played several rounds of farkle. They shared muffins on the rooftop while gazing at the sky above. The setting sun was a beautiful sight. 

Katie lays her head on his shoulder, it wasn't long for 4C to copy the action. Silence laid between them. 

Nominal lived. Despite everything, all the losses, the attempts on his life, the horrible deal he shouldn't have taken; Nominalgravy was alive.