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Gallagher found you standing at the Nameless' graves, looking out from the railing and into the patterned moon that shone like a myriad of blue lights on the Watchmaker's monument.
"Your other companions have gone ahead," he told you. "They didn't seem to be looking for you, though."
"I know, but they don't." You kept your gaze in the distance. "I'd just like to stay here for a bit, if that's alright. It isn't often Penacony is this...peaceful."
"You don't think it dull?"
You chuckled. "I rather like this kind of vibe. It's as if I've lived here for years. It really gets one thinking."
He settled himself a few feet beside you, lighter in hand. "And what would those thoughts be?"
"Eh, you know, life and death in general." You smiled faintly, turning towards him. Your chest thumped so instinctively and loudly over the silence of Slumbertown, you swore he could've heard it.
"I heard all of that thinking can age you a lifetime." You watched as Gallagher flicked open his lighter. He swayed it gently, making the flame dance in a mezmerizing manner. "Everything will happen eventually. You'd best stop worrying about the future."
The corners of your lips tugged upwards. "I can say the same to you, old man." Gallagher looked at you incredulously. "But believe me when I say Penacony is in good hands. Mik--The Watchmaker couldn't have chosen better heroes. We will see the dawn."
Gallagher tilted his head. "You certainly sound so optimistic. All that Nameless energy finally rubbing off on ya?"
His remark made you laugh dryly for a few seconds, just enough for you to realize this would probably be your last conversation before the dust finally settles once and for all. Your heart squeezed painfully in your chest.
"Hey, you can rest easy." You tried to hide the break in your voice. "When all this is over, the rest of us will all come back here before our next stop. Maybe you can even visit the Express. How does that sound?"
The warm light in his amber eyes dimmed as he closed his lighter. "All my cards are on the table. As a Fiction...I don't have much time left. I doubt you'll remember what's left of me when you get back."
Despair clawed its way through your chest. "But it's not fair," you insisted. "All this time, this waiting, this effort, just for you to get nothing?"
"It isn't all for nothing." He steadied you with his gaze, resolved and determined with a lingering tiredness. "Like you said, I have faith in the Astral Express. It's just...I've waited too long, and I've done my part---the one I exist for. It's time to rest."
You hung your head, fists clenched on the railing. A part of you had known that Gallagher seemed too good to be true. Yes, you grieved his departure, yet you also couldn't help but wonder if somehow, just somehow, he could've stayed much longer.
"I know it's selfish of me," you continued, tears glimmering in your eyes. "But if you really will be gone, then at least leave me something to remember you by. I don't..."
He drew closer, carrying the faint scent of cigarettes. You hitched a breath, taking in the proximity between the two of you: just enough for you to reach out to him, ground him in reality.
"All this time..." He studies you for a few heartbeats, then chuckled to himself. "You weren't after the Watchmaker's legacy, were you?" he asked you softly.
A dry laugh escaped from you. "There was no need to," you confessed. "Because my sweet dream has always felt so real to me." Gazing at his soft, brown hair, amber eyes, his bewildered expression, you took your time in committing them to memory.
"And it has always been right here."
"Hey, Y/N! We're back!"
You almost jumped at the cheerful voice that sounded seemingly out of place, and it swept you back to the present.
You were alone in your room aboard the Astral Express, watching as it traversed the diamond of stars in an endless void of space. March and the rest of the crew had arrived from their last detour.
"How was your trip?" You asked her, your gaze fixed on the window.
"We had a few bumps here and there, but otherwise the crisis is resolved," Caelus replied for her.
Your mouth felt dry, remembering the sacrifices it took. Gallagher and Misha...they would've felt right at home in the Express. "Good," was all you could croak out.
"It's a long story," March agreed. "Anyway, I hope you weren't growing bored of having to be cooped up in here while we were away."
"I managed. Although I did sneak outside for a bit for myself." Before any of them could inquire further, you furiously wiped your face and stood.
"I'll meet you all up at the lobby. I'm sure you have a lot to tell us, yes?"