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OMG Tera talking about the mask falling and the impact…I couldn’t help but wonder: is he talking about himself, falling for the boy?! Aaaaaah I love your way of storytelling…all those little details, puzzle pieces and the art on top of that, marvelous 🤩. I’m so in love with this and I finally found your patreon, every little cent is well spend here. Thank you.

Schokokrossi

BRO I JUST NOTICED SMTH!! I was re-reading these pages just now and I was really studying the stars because the boy mentions some constellations that he sees, and I noticed a little Tera mask in the bottom left corner!! And call me crazy, but I see a few more if you zoom out your focus a bit! Idk if it was intentional or if I'm seeing things because I want to :)

Ava

I love them so much!! They give me a reason to live.

the pretty boy

feeling seen is one of the most beautiful aspects of love and it's like a punch to the gut to see these two young adult lovebirds falling over each other deeper and deeper into something they've barely even had enough time to process lol it's only been weeks!

Cristina Águila

tera going on a warpath against the black death to live a peaceful life with the boy is a realistic outcome

Cristina Águila

Thank you for the reply, I love hearing from others as well. I feel it would make more sense that Tera could have flipped through the calendar or that the Boy may have marked the date on the small month boxes calendars will have of months prior and the months after on the same page as the larger current month. We only get a partial look at it, and only by itself, not Tera looking at, so either one is possible. I feel the Boy would be so excited he would mark the pages leading up to December and December’s page given who he is and how Tera said, “it was hard to miss.” I tend to go off the psychologist visits. Commonly, at least in my health system, therapy sessions happen once a week. I assumed the Boy would be on that because in chapter 7 his Uncle came in and told him it was Wednesday, as it made the Boy panic about getting ready in time for something he seems to do regularly. This matches with how he’s been going to the psychologist for seven years, the psychologist says, “when you arrived here seven years ago” in chapter 12. We had already known this as the Boy says he’s 17 in chapter 1, in chapter 8 the psychologist looks at the Boy’s past drawings and the earliest is from when he was age 10. He’s had a session in chapters 4, 8, and 12. Meaning it could be around three weeks, longer than has been in December, has passed. From my reading anyway, it felt it would make sense with the psychologist asking how the Boy has been doing lately, it implied to me at least a week between sessions. It could be more or less time, the transition of chapter 4 into 5 takes place within the same week as chapters 1, 2 and 3, then 5, 6, and 7 which all happen over a night. We know it may have been a week because in chapter 6 the Boy talks about everything that happened within it, “and yet in just one week I almost got kidnapped, broke my umbrella, then I’m chased by pizza deliverymen, get involved in a bank robbery…” However given how the Boy said “it’s Wednesday already?? What hour is it?!” to his Uncle in chapter 7 I feel the Boy may have lost track of time himself. The next day is included in chapters 8, 9 and 10. Starting chapter 11, going into chapters 12 and 13 feels like longer because of how Tera complains about the Boy not having messaged when he comes to the Boy’s room. Once Muta’s threat was dealt with in chapter 10 Tera didn’t have a reason beyond wanting to see the Boy to go back, and he may have been waiting to hear from him. Following chapter 12 I feel it could make sense that Tera stayed away for a while until the Boy’s birthday, as the Boy doesn’t see Tera after the shock of the past is talked about in chapter 11. I could see Tera needing space to freak out. In their world the Boy’s birthday is on a Thursday, the 14th of December was also on ours in 2023. Perhaps a full calendar year page being shown could be useful at some point. Time is difficult to keep track of. I marked the Boy’s birthday on my own, I write down all important details, I simply couldn’t remember them otherwise. The Boy’s wall calendar could look something like this: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lub-+xotL._AC_SL1500_.jpg A journal page could be similar to this: https://www.blankprintable.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2023-2024-Calendar-Printable.png (The year doesn’t have to be included.) ~ October 11, edited to add: I suddenly remembered and then checked chapter 11 and the Boy tells Joris that Tera came by again, “yesterday” so chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10 all happen over the same day and at least part of chapter 11 is the day after if the Boy is correct. The Boy may have meant “the other day” I suppose. I need to draw a time-line for myself I think, writing doesn’t seem to be enough. Until the Boy’s birthday we don’t see time specified so theoretically it could have been a number of days or over a week between when the Boy spoke to Joris in chapter 11, to when Tera and the Boy talk that chapter, transitioning between the Boy, Tera, and Joris in chapter 12 to 13. Joris’ gunshot wound to the foot healing implies to me at least a few weeks go by between when we see him in chapter 11 to when we see him in chapter 12. The Boy’s sweatshirt looks the same throughout chapter 11 but something like that doesn’t have to mean it’s the same day. He could be rewearing it or as it’s black and white it’s possible it wouldn’t be the same in their world with colors and he could have multiple versions. That would make sense because every time he’s slept he’s worn a similar sweatshirt. I might be over-fixated on time as a subject because I’m feeling November approaching here in the real world and it’s bothering me.

anon

Listen to What was I Made for by Billie Eilish while reading this. It’s heart breaking 🥲

mam2775

The fact that Tera could see the Boy’s birthday written on the calendar the first time he came over means that the first time he was at the Boy’s apartment it was already December by then! Otherwise it wouldn’t have been visible :) not a huge indicator of when the story started but it at least shows that they’ve been spending kind of a lot of time together in a relatively short period of time As always I love reading your insights and questions

moose

The current details I picked up after my initial reaction: - I love seeing Tera looking into the Boy’s room, the rain making it seem the outside world is cut off. It contrasts with how Tera looked outside during chapter 12 last time. That he couldn’t face the truth, and then he couldn’t turn away. - The transition of chapter 11 showing the Boy turned away from Tera while he cries and here him doing it openly in front of him is beautiful. - I enjoyed seeing the faint glow from the paint throughout this chapter, but especially on the Boy’s face. - As a journal keeper, I love how you’re bringing that into the story. The panel of the brush and the paint next to his is lovely. Also it was a wonderful idea to use that to show his thoughts without needing to have him say anything, as his silence felt natural for this moment. It was a way for them to not be able to use words as a distraction or something to hide behind. - The Boy looking at the stars on his hand in bed while Tera looks at him makes it feel like they’re still observing each other. They don’t need direct contact, it’s as if they can sense without touch or sight. ~ Some more questions: It took me some time, but “pizza” connects to how the Boy called Muta’s gang pizza delivery guys. Then to chapter 12 in the car and those distributors. Will we be learning what they’re going to distribute? I’m intrigued now that I’m less a mess. Perhaps Dumont is an accomplice. I had focused on the possibility of Tera murdering because he’s no longer numb and he’d feel what he did. I’ve been wondering if he’d have to again since last December and it activated the concern. What the hell is Tera going to do about his mask? When Kain says “tomorrow” how early would that be? Would Tera have time to get a new mask? If he already had one he’d be wearing it. That implies to me he’s been blowing Black Death off for a while.(I just realized I assumed the person texting Tera is Kain, the contact wasn’t listed though. It felt like the natural answer, Kain is who Tera seems to spend the most time with.) In chapter 12 he told Kain to get him a new one, which Kain then pawned off on the unnamed character. Did they do that? Would Tera then meet Kain without his mask? Has Kain even seen Tera’s face recently? What would his reaction to the wound and then the scar have been? I feel we wouldn’t see Tera’s face until he and the Boy do that together, I do wonder if Kain may have not seen it since Tera met the Boy either. Tera actually seems to be messing up quite a lot, one wouldn’t want to be called “flake” by a hardened killer. I’m once again questioning how much time has passed. It’s currently December 14th, but when was the rest of the story? Did it start around November or September for them? The pumpkin spice latte from chapter 4 makes me assume fall. I checked that online for fun and they came out on August 22nd this year apparently, so theoretically they could have been within any of the months between August to November. I know the date is on the psychologist’s clipboard then too but I could never manage to decipher everything it said.(Obviously Joris working at “Starcups” means it’s not holding 100% to reality, nor do we know the exact year. They’re in a different version, I only find these possible guides.) The journal entries may be a way to tell us the date like the wall calendar did, I’m looking forward to seeing its use very much, they’re great for exposition. A little thing I find amusing, where did Tera put his jacket? Is he again going to lose something like he did with his shirt in chapter 7 and 10? The Boy cutting it has always been entertaining. My curiosity is raised after the emotional flood gates as always. If this chapter holds to the previous six months, six updates, October will be the end of chapter 13, meaning November would be the beginning of chapter 14. I’m spinning out with all those possibilities. ~ I loved hearing about the edit, I don’t feel anything was missing or made less for them not hugging here. It feels akin to negative space, what isn’t there is as important and meaningful as what is.

anon

TERA YOU BETTER KISS HOM SOON

Hufflefxck

Oh that's a really good choice!

Sam

Makes total sense! I guess I just want them to look at each other face to face and have the ✨moment✨

mam2775

Oh my god I'm sobbing everything I think I can't anyfall any further into this story, you do something more. And the facr you can do this with drawings and such small details and combine in all? I will never stop recommending this to everyone I meet.

Logan

For me, I listened to “je te laisserai des mots - Patrick Watson (slowed + reverb)”. That with this update got me good in the feels

awkwardlymatt

That was so tender! 🥹

Pat

Pico you absolutely gorgeous human, you. The way you play with my heart through this story is both cruel and beautiful. How dare you reach into my soul like that. I adore you.

Moods

So many emotions in these last few chapters. I just want to hug the boy and tell him it will be alright. Also the story of Black Death is taking shape and things are connecting and listen Joris needs a good day. I love this comic so much from the drawing style, to the story, to the characters. Thank you.

Kristin Burrows

I feel like the main reason would be him opening that door of liability to the boy. The boy can't identify Tera, meaning he also can't be held liable for Tera's facade or Tera's actions. Also, Tera may feel the most comfort with that mask on near the boy. Masks often symbolize a way for us to hide our flaws. Tera has a dark history there, that I feel like we've only seen a very tiny window into.

Erin

Yeahh I actually tried that out earlier too and it worked thankfully

IdkYouTellMe 101

I just read it while listening to "Fourth of July" by Sufjan Stevens and it might have been the best and the worst decision, it made me even more emotional! I'm always amazed by how well you're able to depict very intimate scene and how heart-wrenching their relationship feels. I remember that you said you wouldn't add kissing or nsfw scene in your comic and when I read updates like this I understand why. Everything just feels so natural just the way it is and I feel like the small gestures between them tell so much more than a rush kissing scene. It's been a long time since I found myself having a hard time untangling all the feelings I fell while reading your comic, on one end I love them more and more at each update, but on the other end I can't help being scared of the moment both of their realities will try to break them appart. As always, your work is awesome don't ever forget that and I hope you and everyone else in the comment have a very good evening <3

Sam

Yay!! You are my first and only patreon membership I’ve purchased ♥️ I believe in your art and your story. I want to see you strive. Thanks for all the hard work you put in. I’m here to support 🥰 Thank you for making Tera so yummy 😋

Jennifer Sina

༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽

Noah Elis Johnson

I’ve been specifically trying to avoid the drawings of Tera on Patreon because I want to wait to see his face until it’s revealed in the story. Of course I haven’t been very successful with that but I try to look away as soon as I realize what I’m seeing. Regardless of the accidental peeks of Tera’s face I’ve had, the moment where the Boy looks at Tera’s eyes while he’s painting on the Boy’s palms completely caught my breath in my throat. SO much impact on me in that moment.

moose

This update blew me away. Your work typically does so, as you're an insanely big inspiration for me, but something with this chapter really shines. You have captured such delicacy in your gestures that I felt my heart squeeze. Sincerely, such beautiful work, every time. I also felt my heart hurting at the past tense in which The Boy's thoughts were, but I will just have to see where that leads us... Thank you once again for all that you do. Your art breathes life back into me, as well as many other people. I am truly so honored to have been following this journey, watching everything unfold as the story goes on. I hope you're doing well and taking care of yourself!

Isa

Wuhhhhh😭

lill potato

I was not planning on crying this morning!! 😭

KW

Seriously, no one conveys the beauty in subtlety like you do. I’ve always been a sucker for a slow burn, but your art reads like poetry and I’m here for the long haul! I would love to see Tera holding the boy, but I know it’s worth the wait and all the small touches and brushes of contact are equally significant. Can’t get enough! 🩷

SammiiSpark

Very touching update 🥲💕 is there a reason Tera hasn’t shown his face to the boy yet?

mam2775

These pages are so beautiful. The symbolism of stars alone can be viewed in so many different manners, and in such a beautiful way. To read these pages just made me so happy. The boy is being seen, actually being seen. He is going to fall so hard for the wolf. Tera also showing how much he’s grown, that pizza man isn’t worth the deal. I said this prior and I’ll say it again…I’m so worried about what trouble Tera is going to go through to step away from the Black Death.

Erin

Hope this workes for you too

foxkitten

For me it worked to log into patreon on my Webbrowser and not the app

foxkitten

Me too and I keep trying to open it but I can't see the ne pages 🥹🥹

IdkYouTellMe 101

Same I'm stuck on August's update after opening and closing Google Drive and clearing the cache for Patreon 🥹 Edit: Just had to click the other link in the directory page (very bottom says 2018 for the year)

AMARYNTHIA

How did you get it to work I can't see it either :')

IdkYouTellMe 101

Swoon!!! SO Beautiful!!

LadyKya

Oooooh our wolfie realising that his so called family are just thugs and the boy is where he belongs

Jennifer

Put on some sad music to read this update after seeing you recommended doing it. Worth it. Possibly my favourite pages so far.

awkwardlymatt

if z.pico loves anything it’s purposeful character development, purposeful contact (this chapter has been insane w that), the slowest burn on the planet (romantic or not)🙏🏻 and I will sit here and eat it up every timeeeeeeeee in z.pico we TRUST🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡

Jack G

I love the details. For the first time the boy consciously sees what is under the mask. You can see Tera's eyelashes as he draws calmly. I feel that the boy is interested in what is underneath. It is no longer a broken mask with a comical and aggressive touch, but rather it is warm, close, comforting and safe... I don't know, it's beautiful.

🌿

This was so beautiful it genuinely had me tearing up a little… I’ve been following the boy and the wolf since the very beginning with the old art/character styles and yet this story continues to get more and more beautiful! Thank you Pico, your art and story has been such an inspiration to me as well! Have a wonderful week! 🫶🏻

kayla

Im not crying you are 😭😭😭

Julie

Got it fixe and nearly crying at work now. I love every Update and this story so much. My heart can't take it <3<3<3

foxkitten

Omg, i love you and them so much 😭😭💔💔💔

Andriana Smolen

yeah I ain't gonna lie, I might have cried a little, but this update made this beginning of the week a thousand times better **

Jelimel

*pokes* ... but... it's update-day, so this Monday can't be that bad, right? ;p Nailed it with your comment, just my thoughts/feelings upon reading!

Mellowcat

For some reason i can't see the new pages :( i got the notification but when i klick "lates pages only" or "chapter 13" i only see the until the Cracks in the Mask part (Page 25) :( any suggestions how i can read the new pages?

foxkitten

" I just had forgotten what it feels like to be seen" Never has my heart felt so full of both tenderness and sadness at the same time like after this update. Bravo Pico, you managed to make a sobbing mess of this insensitive bi on an already sad Monday morning lol Also, loving the fact that at the very end of the update, we're back on harsh reality, aka Tera being part of a very dangerous gang etc etc Can't wait for next update ♡

Jelimel

This is the most touching update since i have subscribed your patreon, and i’ve never been so glad of making the decision of contributing. Your talent leave me speechless every single time, more and more. Thank you so much 💛✨

Ggggiud

really no words for this. there's too much to process. the story is getting more and more beautiful <3

Joanne

Did what you suggested. Put sad instrumental music on and my god that update hit all the feelings. Even teared a little. Reread it after you said it was his diary entry and hit even harder. Can’t wait for the next update!!

Courtney

anon

Thank you Z.Pico, I'm waiting the new pages every month. And your ART it's so beautiful, I'm speechless. ♥️ ♥️ ♥️

LMBlyy

I would agree that reading this while my kitten plays with my dogs was setting a very different mood than intended 😂 I think I'll have to reread a little later to really try to look at Tera's reactions again. Looks like we might be questioning some morals here!

BlueInkPens

You captured the depth of the Boy’s grief and gratitude so exceptionally, my heart clenched like I was suffering with him. I didn’t even need sad music for immersion.

Dani H