Chapter Text
Today was a quiet and peaceful day! No pending cases, no rude and annoying clients, not even arguments with the Night Nurse and her irrational requirements. Yes, definitely, today was a good day. And everything was just fine… Or at least that is what Edwin had been telling himself since the beginning of this morning. But the truth was something quite different.
If you asked him, he would say that the only good thing was that Charles had not been around for the entire day. And don’t misunderstand him. He loves Charles. He loves being with Charles, and his company is always appreciated, but no matter how much Edwin wanted to think otherwise, today had been an awful day, and he didn’t need the other person asking questions and seeking answers that Edwin was not sure he is even ready to acknowledge. Besides, things are already awkward enough with his confession, and he does not wish to worsen the remaining relationship between him and the other boy.
But well, today he had done the best that he could. Had he? And now he was mentally prepared enough to confront the other person when he arrived. If he arrived.
Because lately, the other had been very busy spending time with a certain psychic. Apparently, busy enough to not even show his presence in the agency since the afternoon of the previous day. Almost 24 hours given the current time, but who is even counting them anyway? (Edwin was, and it had been 21 hours and 17 minutes).
It wasn’t until two hours later that Charles finally appeared, and Edwin genuinely thought that he was ready to wear a poker face and act normal as always. But it seems that after some minutes, that plan was not working very well.
-Hey mate, is everything alright?-Charles asked with a hint of worry in his voice, giving Edwin a smile that was meant to be reassuring. However, the concern was so obvious on his face that it was creating the opposite effect.
-Yes, Charles. I’m perfectly fine.-the other answered, gaze fixed on some old case files that he was organizing.
For a moment, he tried to think what he might have done for Charles to suspect, but Edwin had been acting like always... Maybe he was talking less and avoiding the other’s gaze more than necessary, but he didn’t have the energy to cover that. Not that it mattered anyway; Charles had always seemed to read him like an open book.
-As long as you are sure mate.-Thank God, Charles decided to drop it or believe him. In any case, that was good news, and slowly they went back to the little world of comfort that they had been creating for the past thirty years.
Remembering old cases and making little jokes, Charles talked about some new music that he discovered or some movie that he wanted the other to watch. Edwin even found himself forgetting his problems and talking about a book that he had recently read... In the end, it was just Charles and him enjoying each other's company as it had always been and always should be.
But of course, nothing is perfect and even if it is, it does not last forever. And their little bubble of happiness was broken when Crystal appeared at the door of their agency.
-Aghh, you are not going to believe this!-she said, raising his voice while entering the room, speaking to Charles, of course.
-I guess that the talk with your parents was not too good.-Charles said back, as if he already knew what this situation was about, as if it were a secret between them that Edwin had no idea about. Nothing surprising.
-They are the worst!-She answered in a louder voice, if that was even possible. God, that would really be giving Edwin a migraine if ghosts could have one.-They don't care for me in the least. Five-minute conversations over the telephone were all that I got with them.
-Damn, Crystal. I’m so sorry.-Charles said, standing up and getting closer to her to give her a hug as a form of support. And if Edwin focused really hard on the files in front of him, he could even pretend that his heart didn’t hurt because of that.-I’m sure that they must care for you, maybe they were just busy right now.
-They were too busy being incredibly famous and rich to have time for their daughter-the girl said in Charles’s embrace.-All I want is to have a proper conversation with them for once, but they didn't even notice that I was missing!
-Well, that really sucks, but you do not know that yet. Maybe they had a reason why…-the ghost tried to reason, but it was interrupted by the other person.
-Why the fuck are you defending him?-Crystal inquired angrily breaking the hug.-You are my friend, you are supposed to be on my side!
-And I am.-Charles quickly corrected, speaking slowly to calm the hysterical woman at his side.-I’m just saying that we don’t have the whole story yet, do we, Edwin?
Oh. Charles had included him in the conversation… Well fuck
-...Yes, of course.-he simply said, wanting to be unnoticed and not be involved more than necessary in that trivial and nonsensical discourse.
-He was not even listening to me!-Crystal snapped right away, surprising both of the boys in the process.-God, you are so fucking self-centered!
-As a matter of fact, I was.-Edwin replied dryly, raising his eyes from the desk. He really was not in the mood for this right now.
-Oh yeah? You were?-Crystal clearly didn’t believe him.-And would you care to share your opinion if that was the case?
-I do not believe I have a say in this conversation.-the deadboy replied, clenching his teeth.-Beside, you don’t even care for my opinion, do you?
-Edwin! Easy mate. Crystal is going through something here-Charles warmed him, defending Crystal. Again, nothing surprising.
-Don’t bother Charles, “as a matter of fact” I do not care!-the girl said while giving a very poor and inaccurate imitation of Edwin’s accents.-I don’t even know why I’m asking you! You clearly weren’t listening, and you clearly left all of your compassion back in hell, if you even had any, to begin with.
-Wow! Okay, Crystal that maybe was a little too much.-Charles says while standing between them with his hand in the air.-How about if we take some time out, yeah?
-The only thing that I left in hell was my soul after it was sent over and over again-Edwin murmured before returning his focus to some documents. Maybe not the best thing to say, but he was too tired, and again, he had not been having a good day.
-Aaaand here we go! He’s doing it again.-the girl said while giving him a sardonic smile.-Mister “I have been in hell for over 70 years”, you have me fed up with that shit already.
-I beg your pardon?-the mentioned said, snapping his face back to the psychic. He was starting to feel his fists stiff under the table and, oh, this was not going to end well.
-You heard me! I know you had been in hell and that you suffered a lot, and whatever the fuck Edwin, but you are not the only one who had suffered!-Crystal practically screamed at him.-I know that it may seem a little strange to your big ego to catch up but people suffer too Edwin. You are not the only one with problems!
That was it.
Suddenly, Edwin stood from his chair, the action noisier and harsher than he would ever do, but the others words just simply broke all the self-control that was holding him together. For a brief moment, he recognized Charles' voice and vaguely intended to try to calm them both down, but it was a little too late for that.
-Do you know what my problem is, Crystal? Do you genuinely wish to know?-Edwin raised his voice at her, grabbing what seemed to be like a newspaper and walking until throw it on the little table in front of the two other people.
The headline: "BODY REMAINS OF 16-YEAR-OLD FOUND FROM THE EDWARDIAN ERA" was in large capital letters at the top of the page, and just below it: “Police Identify Him as Missing Boy Named Edwin Payne, Deceased in 1916"
-THEY FOUND MY FUCKING CORPSE, or at least what's left of it!-Edwin screamed at the two surprised faces in front of him.-I honestly don't mind how much I've suffered, for heaven's sake. I don't even care if it was fair or not. As you said, people have problems, people suffer too. But what you're doing right now is honestly so fucking ridiculous.
Taking a moment to catch his breath, the ghost waited, hoping Charles would say something, anything. God, or even Crystal. Yet, to his dismay, neither uttered a single word. They simply remained silent, their shocked eyes still fixed on the newspaper.
-You don't know how lucky and fortunate you are. You have both of your parents alive! Are they distant and neglectful? Certainly. But. they. are. alive.-he said those words really slowly trying to make the other understand.-You can still speak with them, you can still see them and mend things. It's not too late. Meanwhile, I've been trying since this morning to reach a family member of mine who is still alive, but you know what? They are all dead.
-Hey... Mate…-Charles tentatively reached out his hand, attempting to touch him. However, Edwin began to pace nervously, the situation feeling too much alike like their argument in Port Townsend just after meeting Crystal.
-AND FINALLY!-Edwin snapped again, agony and suffering clear in his voice-Finally, I found a distant relative, but when I was about to inform her about the newspaper, you know what? She already knew! And she truly didn’t care in the slightest! J-just…l-like when I was alive… God damn it. She was even… she was even considering claiming the body. MY BODY!
-Edwin, I…-Crytal tried to speak again but the ghost continued before she could even say another word.
-You're here lamenting your parents' lack of attention when you could simply take a flight and converse with them in person. While I….I-I Fuck -Edwin hid his face in his hands, feeling the tears welling up in his eyes. It wasn't until after a few deep breaths that he was able to speak again, this time whispering and fully crying.-...I can't even get my remains buried with theirs.
-E-edwin…-Charles called him but was interrupted by a sudden apparition in the room, surprising all the people in there.
-Can I know what in the heavens is happening here?-declared the night nurse with a serious tone.-I have been waiting all morning to receive this week's reports, finding myself obliged to come in person, only to discover an emotional mess when you should be working.
-Y-yes. They are already finished. I was just about to send them to you-Edwin said, his words catching in his throat as he reached for the mentioned files to hand them to her.
-Hmp! Very well.-the other said scanning the documents to find out if everything was in order.-I hope that this situation won’t happen again.
And just like that, she disappeared once again, leaving an uncomfortable tension to fill the room. After a few moments, the Edwardian boy broke the silence.
-I-I apologize. That was inappropriate of me.-Edwin said, wiping away some tears from his eyes.-I... I think I need some fresh air.
-Wait! Edwin, mate…-Charles grabbed his forearm to prevent his departure, his gaze momentarily diverting to the current state of the other girl, who seemed to be crying, her eyes still fixed on the newspaper.
-Let me go. You should be with Crystal. She is “going through something” , after all.-the ghost returned these words to his friend, breaking contact with the other.
And just like that, Charles let go without further insistence, a fact that Edwin didn’t know if he was grateful for or not. But he wasn’t going to stay to find out. So, without a clear destination in mind (something that in a normal situation would clearly be madness, but he just didn’t care right now), he entered the mirror. And that’s how he ended up in... Port Townsend, more specifically, in… her room. Needless to say that this fact didn't help with his current state at the moment. Thinking with clarity, it was normal to end up here. After all, if... she... If she were still alive, he would have come here to search for comfort and advice for the other girl...
A shame that it would not be possible anymore.
So, wanting only to escape the four walls that were starting to feel really narrow, Edwin began to wander the streets of the small city, just walking and walking, feeling like the lost soul of a suicide ghost trying to escape from all his life's problems. After some time, he realized that he was in the forest near the lighthouse of one of his first cases with Niko... For a moment, he thought about searching for some pieces of sea glass, but the thought of doing it alone was simply too painful. Instead, he decided to walk through the forest until he reached a small stone lookout... too familiar.
Unable to avoid remembering his encounter here with the Cat King, Edwin decided to sit and contemplate the panoramic view of the sea and mountains in front of him for a little while. And, as if the mere thought was enough to invoke the other's presence, Edwin heard a very familiar voice behind him.
-Ohh~~ Look what we have here! I really thought I wouldn’t be lucky enough to see my favorite detective again.-the Cat King said in a mischievous tone. And, although Edwin couldn't see him yet, he could imagine the smile on the other’s face.-So… What brings you here to old and cold Port Town? Wait, wait, let me guess. A visit to Tragic Mick? Research for a case?... Or perhaps you missed me so much that you can’t bear to be apart?
-As if…-Edwin murmured, still not facing the other person.
-Now, now, there’s no need to be ashamed. I know that I have that effect on people.-the other said in a sweet tone while getting closer.
-I-I am truly not in the mood for games at this moment.-Edwin answered, attempting to maintain a normal voice, but it seemed that his attempt wasn’t very credible, because the next thing he felt was a gentle contact on his shoulder that forced him to turn around and see the other's face.
-What happened?-The Cat King asked and Edwin didn’t even want to imagine how he might look, given the other’s current expression. Was that concern?
-Nothing…
-Bullshit-the other almost didn’t let him finish, as if he was already expecting his lies.-Look, don’t try to say that you are fine because you clearly aren't. Come on, Edwin... What’s wrong? Did the annoying psychic or the other ghost say or do something…?
-No…no, It's truly of no significance. It doesn't matter.
-It’s obvious that it matters enough for you to end in this state.-the Cat King said while sitting at his side, his hand on Edwin’s chin to look at his face better.-I didn’t know that ghost could cry.
-Well, we can. Pain, despair, sadness, loneliness… Apparently these chase you even after the death.-Edwin answered diverting his gaze from the feline golden eyes of the other.-Crying is one of the few “living” actions that we still can experiment too.
-Sounds awfully bad.
-No one ever said that being dead was good.-Edwin said, turning his face to see the view once more.-Many people believe that death is liberating, but that couldn't be further from the truth. All the things you did in life still affect you just the same, no matter if it's been 100 years or more.
-I guess that you are right.-the older one said with a complicated expression.-So…, can I assume that your problem had to do with something related to when you were alive?
-Quite perceptive of you.-Edwin replied rolling his eyes.
-What can I say? cats are known for being intelligent animals.-the Cat King said with a little smile.-Did you miss being alive? Is that?
-Not really.
-Edwin…
-No, that’s the true.-the ghost quickly said.-As surprising as it may seem, I... just don’t really long for it, not as much as others may think, at least.
- Oh. -asked confused the other.
-Being alive in my era was particularly challenging for individuals like me. Well... living through the Great War is no easy feat for anyone, as you can well imagine.
-Yeah, I can get an idea.
-I don’t even regret dying. I regret what happened afterward, but my life hadn’t been much better. I might have enlisted for the war or succumbed to typhus, pneumonia, or...
-Edwin, Edwin sweetie…-the other interrupted him grabbing his shoulder.-As depressing and fucked up as this topic is, which we should revisit in the future, don’t think that I don't know what you are trying to do.
-Tch-Edwin clicked his tongue avoiding the other’s eyes.-Intelligent indeed.
-Flattering is not going to work either sweetheart.-the other said, a little amused while grabbing the other’s hand-Now, can you please tell me what is bothering that big and beautiful brain of yours?
-It’s quite a long history…
-Edwin, darling, believe me when I say that I have plenty of time.-the other answered, giving a reassuring squeeze to Edwin's hand.-Reigning over cats is not a very complicated task after all.
-I would have never imagined it.-the ghost boy said with a little smile, before giving up and sighing.-Today…, they found my… body, or at least what's left of it.
-What?!-the other exclaimed visibly confused and surprised.-They never found it… until now?!
-I’m afraid so…
-Damn… Just when I thought that nothing could be more depressing than our last topic of conversation.-the other said, starting to rub his thumb in the other hand in small movements.
-I-I don’t really wish to trouble or distress you with this...
-Nonsense! As if that would even be possible.-the other said, intertwining their fingers.- Please, continue.
-O-okay... so, I suppose I should tell you how I died... or, rather, how I was murdered. It's just that…
-Hey, hey, Edwin. I completely get it. You don’t have to tell me the whole story, at least not now if you don’t want to. Just like you would say, “another cup of tea”, yeah?-the other reassured him immediately, before becoming serious once more.-You were saying that they found your... body.
-I suppose it’s more accurate to call them 'bones' at this point, but yeah... I-I was looking for a family member to inform them of the news, and after a long, long search, I finally found a distant relative...
-It doesn’t surprise me. You are a great detective after all.-the other said, trying to ease the tension.
-The problem was that she, she already knew and... she was complaining about having to claim my r-remains.-Edwin said, feeling the burning sensation in his eyes once again. God, he was so stupid. Why couldn't he get over this?-In the end, the police found her as well, so I suppose she had no other option now, b-but...
-Fuck, I’m so sorry Edwin.
-She said that they could b-bury me whenever they wished, and T-they, they decided…. F-fuck!…-now full tears were falling down his cheeks as the ghost bit his lips in a poor attempt to silence his sobs.-T-they are going to bury me in that s-school! I swear! I swear that I-I would never go… there again, and now, now…
-Shhhh, it’s okay, it’s okay. I got you.-the Cat King said, hugging him immediately while gently rubbing his back to relieve some of the other’s pain.-You are here with me, aren’t you? And I’m not letting anyone take you away from me. You are fine, love.
-I-I know that… Is just that… My p-parents had a family crypt. I-I wanted to be with them! I don't want my bones to be in that school!-Edwin practically screamed in the other chest, now not even making an effort to control his tears or sobs.-M-my fucking soul is still in hell, I will never be able to go to an afterlife, I will never see them again, so, so I just thought... I wanted at least to be with them, here …
-It’s going to be okay, love. Everything is going to be fine.-the Cat King kept his sweet words, now whispering in the other’s ear while gently rubbing his hair in confident movements, very contrary to the panicked state that he was in, but damn, why on earth did this kind and lovely soul have to suffer so much? Can't the damn universe see that this boy had already suffered enough for more than nine lives?
-I... a-apologize. I know that my existence now is not linked with my body. It doesn’t matter where it is, but I just... I don't know. Sorry, It is stupid.
-Of course it’s not! Don’t you dare apologize for something like that, because I can assure you that this certainly is not something stupid. And even if it was, you don’t have to say sorry, never to me.-the other said seriously while tracing his fingers around the younger one’s cheek.-what I was saying before was true, okay? I promise you, now and here, that everything is going to be fine. We are going to fix this, together.
-...How?
-Well... for example, I can pretend to be one of your descendants who would never allow that, or... you can write a letter about your last will to be buried with your parents, and I can give it to her! As for what you said, she sounds like a real bitch, but I bet she wouldn't dare to ignore a deceased's last wish.
-T-that actually is quite brilliant.-the younger boy answered with a little sob.-Except for the part where you pretend to be my descendant, you are far too old for that.
-Ouch! That is how you are thanking me? Rude.-the Cat King said, and despite these words, there was a big smile on his face for seeing the other one a little better.
-Y-you truly would?-Edwin whispered after some moments of silence.
-What’s that again, love?
-You would that for me?-the ghost said a little louder this time separating enough of the embrace to see the other’s eyes.
-Edwin, you really aren’t aware of the things that I would do for you. I would literally plan your funeral if you want.- the Cat King answered with a little laugh.-I don’t know if you had noticed, but I’m quite fascinated by you.
-I had no idea. You just repeat it every time you see me.-Edwin teased back, a smile playing on his lips.
-Very funny.-the Cat King said back, holding the younger boy in a hug once again.-Can I ask you something?
-What is it?-the other murmured melted in the embrace.
-Was this everything that was bothering you?
-I-I told you that was stupid.-Edwin quickly said, feeling his body tense, but the older one didn’t let him go too far with his words.
-I already told you that stupid is... when you actually counted ALL the cats of Port Town, not wanting to be remembered with your family, so that is already settled.-the Cat King remarked with a pointed finger.-What I mean is... Look, I know you. Are you sure that is nothing more that bothers you? Because I’m pretty sure that you wouldn’t come to the other part of the world with your friends in London. I’m not complaining tho.
-I may or may not…
-So you definitely did. Go on.-the older one interrupted to make that clarification.
-I may have had an argument with Crystal…, and hence, I suppose with Charles too.-Edwin murmured, fidgeting with his other hand.
-I knew it had been those two fucking idiots's fault!-the Cat King exclaimed as he got up as if he was planning to go confront the others.
-The issue isn't entirely their fault; perhaps they... she wasn't particularly helpful, but I also acted too defensively. I shouldn’t… She was hurt too-Edwin quickly explained, grabbing the other wrist to prevent him from leaving.
-You more.
-It is not a competition.-Edwin answered, Charles's words still burning in his mind.
-Sweety, when someone has suffered as much as you have, yes, it may indeed feel like a competition where you, unfortunately, will take first prize…But hey, I will listen.-the Cat King replied sitting back and grabbing once again the other’s hands with his owns.-Do you want to tell me what happened?
Did Edwin want to tell him how she had screamed at a teenage girl because he was not mature enough to stay quiet and not react to her provocations? Did Edwin want to tell him how his best friend of 30 years had defended that girl more than him? Did Edwin want to tell him how now he felt that he had messed up everything by confessing his love to that mentioned best friend? Did Edwin want to tell him how indeed he had been so damn lonely these months?
No, the answer to all these questions was No.
And not because the other would judge him or think any less of him. Edwin knew that he would never do that. But he was not prepared to put all of that suffering into words because in that case, it would be too real to endure.
So, just shaking his head in small movements, Edwin offered a little apology when he felt the tears running down his face again.
-That’s perfectly fine too. We have time, haven’t we?-the Cat King said while tightening his hug.-Besides, I think that was enough emotions for our little repressed Edwardian boy for the day, don’t you think?
-They were faaaar too many.-Edwin replied with a little sigh
-Yep, definitely enough upsetting shit for the day. Now, would you let me distract you with the most recent conflict that occurred in my kingdom? A truly cat-street-fight tale like you've never heard before.
-I'm trembling with excitement.-the ghost said smiling against the other shoulder.
And so, they both became immersed in a comfortable little world, where Edwin happily listened to the other's words while a phantom warm sensation enveloped his chest, still lingering from their embrace. It wasn't until minutes later that he decided to interrupt the other.
-Thank you.-he murmured, truly grateful for the other's presence at his side.
-For nothing.-the other murmured back, a warm contact always present around him.-We will figure this out, okay?
-Okay.-Edwin simply accepted, closing his tired eyes and returning to listen to the story that the other person was telling.
To be continue…