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"Sigh..."
Kanon sprayed detergent over the window, climbing the small stool he brought with him, rubbing the rug against the upper part of the window.
It was another one of these days. He was moody, impatient, and all he wanted was to get over with work and get some rest. He did know, however, that he would get scolded if Natsuhi were to catch him slacking off, which only made him more irritated with his own tasks.
Kanon looked at the window, his own reflection greeting him back. There was no trace of beauty in them... the beauty they had where they were their other self. However, for some reason, it was less painful to deal with their own reflection as Kanon.
After all, Kanon could make this resenting expression.
Kanon could look tired, bitter, and honest.
The reflection didn't rob their dreams away when they were Kanon.
They were simply just Kanon.
"What pityful face," they muttered to the reflection, before hearing a small 'oh-' to his left, making him abruptly turn to where the noise came from.
Jessica stood with a wry smile, moving her weight from leg to leg. Her makeup seemed a little different from usual, as well.
"Ah-hahaha, yeah, this brand really doesn't fit my face after all," she laughed a bit, looking embarrassed.
"N-no- that's not-" Kanon quickly got off the stool, which made him just a little shorter than her, "please don't say it. My words were not directed at you."
"Oh- really? That's a relief- still, don't be afraid to tell me it looks weird. It's better than my classmates laughing at me," she put both arms on the back of her head. It wasn't very feminine, but it was so much... her. It was the small traits the made Jessica herself, that would make Kanon's- no, not just Kanon's, it would make their heart ache a little.
Kanon glanced at her face. Of course, he couldn't admit they had more experience in makeup than Jessica could imagine, but it was definitely not bad.
"I think your face is very pretty, milady. That makeup looks very good to my eyes, however, I would suggest you to ask someone else. After all, my opinion does not weight any value."
"Oh- nononono it definitely does! Thank you Kanon-kun!!" Jessica beamed, her smile shining through. She was shining so much, just being by her side was blinding. When she was there, sometimes he could forget, even for one single moment.
"I'm grateful you find my insight helpful," he said, bowing his head a little. Remember your place. Have Shannon flatter her makeup next time. This me is the pitiful me. A me that shouldn't be loved-
"Wait, so if it wasn't about me, whose face were you talking about?" Jessica frowned, "I sure hope it wasn't on yourself."
"...My face is nothing but average. There's nothing appealing about it."
"Ugh--! Stop stop! No bad talking about your face! I won't allow it!" She announced, "have you seen your face? It's so small and elegant, and you have those cheekbones that can be seen- here- let me see-"
"Milady-"
Without a warning, Jessica got close, almost too close, examining his fave, "hehe, don't you think our noses are a bit similar?" She giggled, but Kanon squirmed at her words. After all that would be because of... that.
"-still, your face is so pretty. It's something between a man and a woman- I mean... not in a bad way!" She said quickly, "I think it's very beautiful. I think your face will be beautiful no matter what makeup you put on it."
"...." Kanon was quiet. His- no, their body was almost shaking. "Do you think makeup is a mask?"
"Mm... not really. It lets you examine yourself from different angles," Jessica pouted, "as long as someone loves you without it," she hesitantly reached both her hands to his cheeks, "a-after all, makeup or not... it's still you, right?"
Her words echoed within them.
Makeup or not, it's still them.
It was such a scary thought. After all, they didn't want to be "them". They wanted anything but that.
And still, Jessica could look at "them"... and the outcast part of themselves, and love it.
Out of everything they had to offer, Jessica loved the ugliest, rawest...
"Kanon-kun...?" Jessica asked softly, when they could feel their eyes were glossy.
They weren't 'Kanon' that moment. For this short moment, Jessica's hands were gently cupping "their" face. Breaching their barriers with her gentleness. With her soft, yet blinding sunrays.
"I'm-" They spoke, realizing they used 'watashi' instead of 'boku', averting their gaze, tears going down their eyes.
"I'll be waiting, okay? For 'you' to feel like showing me," she said, still smiling, "not matter what Kanon-kun is, I'll accept you."
They couldn't help but sniff, "I need to return to the servant room," they muttered, before hurrying away, leaving the stool behind.
Jessica glanced at their back, before lowering her eyes to the stool.
She'll return it to the servant room later.