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"So this is why I think skin care is important." Leonard’s eyes shone with a childish innocence, seemingly expecting a certain reaction from his conversation partner. If he had a tail, it would surely sweep excitedly from side to side.
Klein thought for a second before wisely choosing to ignore him. It was, in fact, none of his business and before he starts listening to the seemingly endless ramblings from his poet classmate and losing some precious brain cells in the process, he would rather count the imperfections on the walls surface. And if he thought just a tiny little bit that this poet's skin looked very soft, then it was only a fleeting thought, vanishing into thin air. Nothing that had been there at all.
"Y-you aren’t listening to me, are you? Hey, no, don’t go, wait-" Leonard once again got ignored. Nobody in this workplace seemed to share his sentiments about self-care or about anything at all. Ah, he truly was the protagonist of this era after all, great people stand alone with their unique minds and great ambitions.
Only the chirping of a lone bird could be heard.
"Please give those documents to Captain. Mission report, standard routine. Same stuff as always."
Their fingers unintentionally brushed as Klein took the papers from the Midnight Poet.
'Soft, indeed.‘
If they happened to more often than not to touch whenever documents and papers were exchanged, then it undoubtedly was only an occurrence, nothing more than an unlucky coincidence.
They were standing in front of Old Neil’s grave, breathing in the air that held an unusual heaviness. Everyone present was aware that this could be their own fate one day, that they could be next.
An unlucky smile, a heart full of helplessness. A curse and a blessing; naturally any powers beyond those of an ordinary human weren’t so simple as black an white. A fateful encounter would inevitably be met with some cruel downside at some point, revealing the ugly truth underneath. It would be pure ignorance to think otherwise. Before he could sink deeper into his thoughts, he felt a light pressure on his shoulders, warm and comforting.
"We won’t turn out like this. For us, there will be a better story ending." The voice was quiet, yet he could clearly hear the trembling and the uncertainty in it. A fake confidence, as if believing hard enough, it might turn out true.
‘What is destined to happen will happen.‘ Klein lips slightly turned upwards, although never quite reaching his eyes. ‘You can run but you can’t hide, fate will always get you.‘
“Alright."
"What are you thinking about?" Leonard asked, watching Klein sitting indifferently on the couch in the break room, staring absentmindedly into the air. The room was unusually quiet, nothing but the steady tick tick and the breathing of the two Beyonders could be heard. Klein only realized after some moments that he was being spoken to. He half turned his head, mumbling something inaudible. Leonard tilted his head before making up his mind, sitting down besides the seer, leaning in closer. "Say again..?"
Klein inconspicuously moved some inches to the side. "Captain, he..“ he mumbled, not knowing if he should tell him or not.
"Huh? What?" Before he could lean in any closer, Klein abruptly stood up.
'For goddess’ sake, does this guy have no sense of personal space!’ He quickly adjusted his facial expression before looking disapprovingly towards the Midnight Poet. Green eyes with a hint of tranquility stared back at him. Klein averted his gaze after maintaining eye contact for a second longer than necessary. "Forget it, doesn’t matter."
Turning away, a strange thought rose in his mind. 'A green hair ribbon would fit him quite nicely.‘
Leonard stared at the engravement on the stone plate in front of him in a daze, feeling an odd emptiness in his chest.
The best elder brother
The best younger brother
The best colleague
Another friend that he had lost. Another happy variable in his life that had turned to ash right before his eyes. He failed to protect. ‘Ah, how useless..’
Maybe..
Maybe there wasn’t a happy ending after all.
This is why when he looked at the photo of the detective, comparing it with the face that had haunted him for the longest time in his dreams, a memory that should have never been touched again, he couldn’t help wondering if he had finally lost it. After all, he had hallucinated him before. There was just no way, right? He saw the lifeless body of his friend with his own eyes. It looked stiff and cold, devoid of any life. No signs that a living person should have had. Still, once hope blooms, it might become a drug for those who have nothing left to lose. There was no fault in trying.
So Leonard decided to try, his eyes regaining some sparks of a passion long since forgotten.
Shovel in hand, his gaze landed on an empty spot where a body should have been lying.
He couldn’t describe the feeling and he wasn’t brave enough to come up with a word. But he was ready to indulge in that unknown sensation. It wasn’t uncomfortable. He didn’t hate it.
When Klein saw his former colleague again in Saint Samuel Cathedral, he fell into thought. 'My poet classmate surely lives a good life, I wonder how much he’s changed? Although reading his poems, no, monstrosities, one probably would still want to gauge out their eyes.'
Lampooning in his mind, he settled into a seat, lips curled upwards, a feeling of serenity making itself comfortable in his heart.
If he visited the cathedral more often, it certainly was because it was necessary for his plans. If he then additionally looked over the crowd, hoping or not hoping to catch a glimpse of someone that might be there, it naturally had to do with checking out the surroundings, because one never knew. After all, a magician never performs unprepared.
One day, they both bumped into each other. It was a crowded space at the market square , so it was inevitable that they would accidentally run into other people from time to time, mumbling small apologies afterwards, without really acknowledging the other person.
So why was it that one particular touch felt different? Familiar, somehow. They looked back, only to oversee countless of people’s heads, not finding what they might have hoped to see. It wasn’t disappointment, just a small pang of unjustified emptiness in their chests.
Klein scribbled absentmindedly on a paper that was supposed to be a letter, sighing from time to time.
"This shot is for Leonard."
Leonard stared at the other man’s figure in a daze, tears staining his vision. Still, he somehow thought that he had never seen such a beautiful being before. Something about the other man’s movements, the air around him and the way he so confidently carried the situation. He saw hope, a beacon of light in the neverending darkness.
"This shot is for the destroyed Blackthorn Security Company."
“This shot is for all the Nighthawks."
“This shot is for me."
The feeling in his heart became alive again, burning with newfound vigor. The outline of an idea came to his mind, yet he was too scared to think about it for more than a fleeting moment. Scared of what it might imply.
"This shot is for Captain."
Seeing the dead body of the one who had taken away everything, it felt like a chapter of a story came to an ending, opening the possibility for a new beginning, although it might not be meant to be happy one. The gap between uprising and downfall in this world was small after all, similiar to show actors balancing on tight ropes, constantly in danger of falling and losing themselves. One wrong step and it might be over, only a few people would be desperate enough or willing to try. Striving for a chance to help themselves, only to better destroy themselves.
....
Klein carefully lowered the motionless body of Daly, smiling an empty smile. He couldn’t feel happy, even though his revenge had been completed sucessfully. There were too many sacrifices, too many lifes lost. It was just too unfortunate.
He heard small movements from a few meters away. Looking up, he met Leonard’s deep green eyes. The pain and yearning from a fate that he was never supposed to bear evident.Time started to move slower. Stepping forward, Klein never once broke eye contact, absorbing the twinkling and reflections of the lights in the poets eyes. His eyes felt wet. Facing the person he left behind, he felt guilty. A cold wind blew, messing up the poets hair even more. Bending down, Klein reached out his hand, only to withdraw it again after hesitating for a moment.
...
Leonard silently looked at his friend whom he thought he had lost. Somehow expectant, he watched the other reaching out, only for a touch to never actually come.
Something in his eyes must have betrayed his true feelings; for Klein to sigh softly and finally cupping his face with one hand. His thumb gently caressed his cheek, stroking away a tear that had threatened to fall. Leonard closed his eyes, relishing in the feeling of a well-craved warmth. His heart started to calm down, feeling a sense of peace and belonging.
...
Klein didn’t think, only following his body’s natural movements. For him, this felt like the only right thing to do now, a moment shared just between the two of them. A memory that no one else would remember or could take away from them. A silent apology for the past and the upcoming future. Moving his hand, he tucked some loose strands of hair behind the poets ear.
'So not only his skin, but also his hair is really soft..’
...
This whole thing only lasted for a few seconds before it ended. Separating himself from Leonard, Klein stood up, preparing to leave. After some steps, Leonard’s lips quivered as he suddenly asked, “A-aren’t you returning to the Church?"
Klein didn’t turn around as he headed for another exit of the square. He then paused, his back facing him. “I can’t return anymore.. I’m sorry" he whispered.
'Can’t return anymore…' Leonard stared in a daze as the familiar figure gradually distanced himself and vanished.
He was left alone once again, still feeling the burning sensation on his skin. Without even having stabilized himself on the rope, he already was on the verge of falling. Even after the official Beyonders arrived, he still couldn’t forget the soft touches and the other man’s face.
Leonard stared at the Tarot Card lying front of him.
'The Star..‘ he absentmindedly thought.
After collecting his former poet classmate and scam making him into a member of the Tarot Club, Klein couldn’t help but feel happy with a hint of excitement. Finally they had a chance to get into contact more, catching up with each other. The warmth in his chest blossomed once again. He didn’t want to lose that feeling, and he would make sure he wouldn’t. Making it one of his most important anchors was a very reasonable developement.
The following happened when they were talking above the gray fog in Sefirah Castle while Klein was in the Forsaken Lands of Gods, spreading the faith of his Lord, or rather, himself. Whenever Klein felt his mental state dwindling, he would send a prayer to himself, throwing it into Leonard’s star to ask him for a meeting. There wasn’t a time where the poet didn’t immediately agree, just like this time.
"They opened a new cafe a few streets down and they actually put some different sorts of sweet ice tea into their menu. Ah, and the cake is also supposed to taste first-class while being very affordable."
Klein abruptly raised his head. 'Poet classmate, I didn’t invite you here to make me feel worse! If it wasn’t for this pleasant-to-look-at face of yours, I would really want to throw you down the gray fog right now!‘
Leonard seemed to somehow understand his thoughts and laughed lightheartedly, his eyes crinkling into crescents. "You know, what about we go together some time after everything is over and you return here?"
Klein watched the fake poet resting his cheek on his hand, looking at him expectantly. His lips twitched imperceptibly. "Sure. You pay."
Leonard’s smile widened, his face beaming with joy. "Deal then!"
Klein almost felt blended by this view.‘T-too bright! Who are you trying to impress?!’ But he couldn’t help looking forward to this date hang-out with his friend, and, of course, the sweets and cake. He really hadn’t good food in a long time, Frank's mushrooms could only do this much. And the food from the historical void wasn’t even real to begin with.
They chatted about trivial things, time ticking by. Before parting ways, Leonard hesitated for a brief moment before averting his gaze, looking at some undefined point in the gray fog. "Hey.. I know it isn’t easy for you right now, but just know that you are always welcome to talk to me whenever you feel like it. I’ll always make time for you. You’re my friend."
Klein was slightly taken aback and sighed.'Why is he so talkative today..‘ This poet classmate of his always seemed to sincere, so reliable. He seemed to know what Klein most needed to hear. After giving the poet an affirmitive answer and sending him away, the Fool sat back down in his chair, eyes closed, replaying their meeting today. The warm feeling in his chest burned stronger with each passing day, today it seemed especially strong.
'Is this some kind of medical condition?‘
But deep within his heart, he might have already known the truth.
"One coin, one wish."
Klein, donning the identity of a wandering magician, stared deadpan at the Red Glove facing him.
"You really take money from your friends? You’re so heartless!" Leonard complaints fell on deaf ears.
"I won’t repeat myself. One coin, one wish, no exceptions.“
Leonard finally gave in. "Fine. Fine! Be as stingy as you want, I don’t care!"
But he felt endearment that his friend still was the same, even after all the tragedy he went through. After becoming an angel, always at the risk of losing their humanity, drifting into madness.
Leonard fished a coin out of his pocket and handed it over to Klein.
"Your wish?"
Leonard thought for a moment. "Everything is fine?"
Klein nodded. "Yes, up to three wishes.“ He pondered for a moment before he added, "Don’t wish for anything weird."
He was shot a dirty look for this comment. "Oh, as in?"
Klein raised his eyebrow but stayed silent. There was just no way he would lower himself to a discussion at this poets level. No, may his brain cells have a long life! May they be blessed with harmony and peace!
"Then I wish for us to stay friends 'til we’re old and wrinkly!"
Klein almost choked on air. 'I told you to wish for nothing weird, are you deaf? Do you have to problems with cognitive thinking? You should rather wish for a brain!‘ He lampooned inwardly before stating with an expressionless face, "Declined, there isn’t even a guarantee that we will see the next sunrise."
Leonard made a 'hmpf‘ sound before trying again, "Then I wish for us to stay friends. That should be doable, right?"
His eyelid twichted involuntarily. 'Why do you sound so proud!‘ Klein decided to not try to understand the thinking of this pitiful attempt at a poet.
"Your wish has been granted" he said, snapping his fingers.
"What’s your second wish?"
Still happy about the fulfillment of his previous wish, Leonard didn’t have to think long. Klein had a bad premonition.
"I wish for Klein Moretti to always be able to comsume as much Desi Pie and sweet ice tea as he wants, at anytime, anywhere."
Klein had to suppress the urge to facepalm. 'Why can’t this guy be normal for once? Goddess, I don’t think I can continue like this, I just, I can’t-'
Trying to sound as unimpressed as one can be, "Your wish has been granted."
Leonard looked very happy, like some domestic dog getting approval by their owner. Beaming, he fished out another coin. "Then I will tell you my third wish. I wi-"
"Nothing weird, please, for once!" Klein interrupted, fully believing in the warning of his spiritual intuition, droplets of imaginery sweat forming on his forehead.
A noise of surprise, then, "Fine. Then, why don’t you decide for me? I wish for Klein Moretti to decide and say my third wish." Leonard gave him a triumphant smile.
Klein lost it. 'Screw this, I’m not doing this anymore. I didn’t sign up for this! I’m underpaid, do you hear me? Underpaid! Let me retire, right here, right now!‘
He wanted to outright put an end to this ridiculous situation and decline the 'wish‘ of this one-braincelled individual, only to see the big puppy eyes looking straight at him. Kleins lips twitched. This poet now really resembled an abadoned puppy. He knew that Leonard wouldn’t be truly mad if he declined, but he was sure he would be disappointed and he could already see drooping wolf ears on his friend. And who knows, if he came up with another wish instead, how possibly absurd would that one be? So Klein logically decided to just go with it.
Snapping his fingers, he once more said, "Your wish has been granted."
The next moment, he made a hand movement and fished something out of thin air.
"Close your eyes."
Leonard didn’t know what to expect but obediently followed the order. He heard Klein taking a breath before taking a step forward, closing the distance. For some reason, he felt his heart beat speeding up, his ears feeling hot all of a sudden. He felt a warm hand brush his cheek for a fleeting moment before finally settling in his hair. Another hand swooped the other half of his hair over his shoulders to one side, gathering both halves together. Leonard’s breath hitched. Then, after a moment and some more hand movements, he heard his friends soft voice.
"You can open your eyes now. Look."
The red glove could hear his heart beat echoing in his ears and the feeling of the heat on his face. Klein had been so close to him just a moment ago. Also, his physical touches. He didn’t know how much he’d missed them, even if they mostly had been just accidental before.
He finally opened his eyes, seeing Klein holding a small mirror from god knows where in front of him, clearly reflecting Leonard.
He took a look and..
"Oh."
Tied into his hair into a low ponytail, there was a green ribbon. It wasn’t anything special, just a green ribbon similar to his eye color, but the feeling he so often had facing his best friend returned in a strenght that had never been there before.
Ah. I see. So that is how it is. Leonard felt a wave of calmness sweeping over his heart. He finally couldn’t deny it any longer as a term for this sensation that has accompanied him for quite some time came into his mind.
"How is it?" For some reason, Kleins voice held a hint of uncertainty.
"It looks beautiful." And for another reason, Leonard neither looked at his reflection nor his new hair band any longer but instead, he looked straight into the seers face, locking eyes with him.
"Very beautiful. Extraordinarily, to be honest. I didn’t know I needed this before, but my heart just told me. I like it very much. Thank you."
Kleins cheeks were instantly dusted with a pink hue, not exactly knowing why. 'A-awkward! What are you looking at like this, producing those words with such sincerity, I didn’t do anything! He feels and sounds so gay!‘
"Good to know then." Why did he sound so embarrassed and unsure! He might really just bury himself right here! He focused his gaze on a pebble not far from them, admiring its unique shape and color, his soul leaving him.
Leonard touched the ribbon absentmindedly and smiled gently, his eyes soft. Ah, he really fell too deep, didn’t he? How could he have failed to notice sooner when it was this obvious? That he, in fact…
That he, in fact, was in love.
'Ah, Mr. Star wears a hair ribbon? That’s new, did something happen?'
'Mr. Star seems to be quite happy recently, I wonder if he had some fateful encounter?'
'The aura around Mr. Star has changed somehow? Did he advance? No, that certainly isn’t it..'
'Mr. Star sometimes stares dreamingly into the gray fog, playing with his hair accessory that he definitely didnt’t have before.. Could he..? I- I need to write a story about this!'
'Ah, Mr. World also seems quite distracted sometimes..'
'Doesn’t Mr. World kinda seem embarrassed when Mr. Star looks at him? He tries to cover it up very well though..'
'..Huh?'
'Could they-?'
'A-A new story! Write that down, write that down!'
...
..
Tying the ribbon into his hair was part of his new routine every morning. It didn’t matter how it matched his eyes perfectly or how he would match the air of a poet just a little bit more. It was the thing Klein gifted him apart from his emotions, so he would treasure it unconditionally. It was what Klein had personally chosen for him, this was all that mattered. If he was aware of the glances and the whispering from the people around him, he decided to ignore them.
What he couldn’t ignore was the slight regret that he hadn’t made another wish on that fateful day that the seer would tie his hair for him more often. So he would never forget how his touch felt; engraving a fragment of the body heat radiating from the other into his own body.
Some regrets never let you go.
In the serene environment of the prayer hall, Leonard watched Klein leaving the cathedral, vanishing without a goodbye.
'Find a chance to get that gold coin.‘
...
Receiving the judgement of fate, bidding farewell to the past. He felt like he lost the only one he could befriend in this world.
“My Blessed, The World, has entered a deep slumber. It’s unknown when he will wake up."
Cruel. A tasteless joke. Hell.
Leonard sat there, the cold seeping into his bones, staring at the empty seat of the one that should have been sitting there, only roughly taking note of the words that were being spoken.
“Remember one sentence: The awakening of The World spells The Fool’s return."
...
...
...
I shall devote me and every fiber of myself to you, the one who showed me warmth and teached me gratitude and love. The one in whom I found home, a place I could return to. The one my heart cherishes the most, my blessing and my curse.
I shall accompany you in your dream and pass you a helping hand, until you awaken once again. Thus the star won’t be separated from his world ever again. If no salvation awaits at the end of this journey, every step being in vain, I shall forever wander in the mournful darkness in the land forsaken by the gods, out of reach of the embrace of the goddess and the warmth of human touch. To never return again, burdened by sins and agony. Crumbling into dust, unremembered.
...
So if there is just the slightest possibility that you will remember, I shall wear this ribbon ‘til the end of days.
For us, to fulfill the promise of going out together, eating cake and drinking sweet ice tea. Yearning to say the words that have yet to be spoken, sharing the most upright sincerity.
For us, to find solace in each other as abandoned childs that we are, travelling aimlessly in a world where the flowers stopped blooming and humans hearts wither. Where the sun is rising but its warmth only encounters a vast expanse of greed and madness.
For us, to finally reach something akin to a happy ending in a story full of tragedy.
..
..