Work Text:
August 18th is just a day.
August 18th is just a day, because he is just a monster. The Man in Gray has no birthday, and if he did, it would surely be the day the child beloved by God died. The human named Antonio Salieri is dead and remains dead.
So today is just a day like any other day, and Salieri is currently attempting not to perceive the wrapped box sitting in his room.
He could destroy it. He should destroy it. But to tear apart a gift given out of kindness would be cruel. But that is all the more reason why he should destroy such a thing, to not give the illusion of being a person who can be grateful for gifts.
Indecision paralyzes him, until Hessian comes to pay a visit.
Hessian angles his body towards the box, then draws a question mark in the air. What is the problem, exactly?
“This is… intended to be a birthday gift.” Even acknowledging such out loud grates at Salieri, the screech of nails down a chalkboard. “For that man’s birthday. But I am not that man, and I can never be.”
Hessian drums his fingers on the gift, taking a moment to think it over, before picking up the box.
“What are you - that isn’t yours.” Just because he hasn’t opened it yet doesn’t mean Hessian has permission to open it? Rude.
Hessian braces the present against his chest and points at Salieri, followed by another question mark. Is it his? If it’s not, then there’s no problem if he takes it instead, right?
No, it’s not his, and yet there still is a problem. Salieri bites his lip for a second before snatching the box out of Hessian’s grasp.
Hessian signs a smile. Damn helpful bastard.