Robert Calef
Nevermore
this is part of book of revelation!
Robert Calef
Mayor Robert slipped out of his gated community with nothing more than an umbrella to guard him from the pouring rain. Under any other circumstance, he'd utterly refuse to leave the house with such heavy downpour. Today's circumstances were urgent enough to force Robert's hand. The Mayor marched through the gates, down the winding roads of the somewhat well-off, his pace an urgent clip that Robert was determined to maintain. He approached the largest property in the area, nestled in a corner near the government offices like it was trying to hide in plain sight.
Robert had allowed the tiniest fraction of a smile to appear on his face as he looked at the iron arches that served as the gateway to his destination. Cracked stepping stones peppered the way into the cluster of trees that cloaked the property in soft shadows. Robert had suggested replacing them a few times, but Edgar...
The Mayor's face fell. The reason he'd marched his way down here in the torrential summer showers weighed on his heart. Something was wrong, deep within the heart of the man Robert loved.
It had started with his work in Salem's police force. One week, everything was as perfect as Edgar could manage. The next, or so it felt, Robert had learned that his love had taken his first day off practically ever, had been sacrificing his performance elsewhere to focus wholly on a single case, and all-but-ignoring anything else that came across his desk.
Concerning in its own right, but then came the ball. Edgar took the first opportunity to slip away from Robert's grasp, nearly abandoning him when some disgrace to the nobles sent the chandelier nearly crashing onto his head. They had reunited not long after that - Edgar had merely slipped into one of the side gardens of Martha's manor, leaving Robert alone with the murderous old bat.
Edgar took it far worse than Robert did, and soon he stopped visiting. The world seemed to grow colder, without the warmth Edgar brought to the Mayor's life. Worry grew to an anxious crescendo over the course of three months. It was well time now for Robert to roll up his sleeves and march his way to Edgar's house; the mayor was through with waiting for Edgar to come to him.
The Mayor pounded on his lover's door before he could overthink it any further. Usually Edgar was prompt in answering the door. This time, the unyielding pace of Robert's hand against the dark wooden door hung uncomfortably in the air for far longer than usual before he heard those familiar lumbering footsteps. The lock clicked as the knob turned at long last.
Edgar smelled like brandy and looked like he hadn't slept since that night at the ball. The Spy forced a smile on his face, wobbling as he clumsily leaned against the doorframe. "R-Robert, hello!" Edgar made his best attempt to sound warm through his slurred voice. "It's been ages...! Come in, I-I can get us some tea."
Robert gently took Edgar's hand and nearly flinched at the heat. The man was burning with fever. "How have you been...?" Robert asked softly, looking up at Edgar.
"I've been..." The mayor's love paused for far too long as he led Robert into the house. "I've been okay. Busy; sorry I-I haven't been able to make my way over."
Robert raised an eyebrow slightly. "Are you sure? You're burning up, my love..."
"It's not anything terrible, Robert." Edgar gave Robert a little chuckle. "I'm just a little under the weather; it's hardly life-threatening."
"You feel like you could catch fire any moment!" Robert insisted as gently as he could while keeping his tone firm. "Please, at least sit down..."
Edgar turned around and called for his hired help in that same slurred voice that greeted Mayor Robert at the door. A few of the servants that roamed the halls scampered into the room, quickly taking Robert's coat and umbrella before disappearing back into their duties.
The lovers walked in silence, gazing into each other's eyes. They climbed up the staircase of Edgar's lovely little home, and for a moment Robert could pretend he had not rushed here in the pouring rain out of desperation. After a few minutes, one of the servants came back into the room and set a tray with tea on the table before stepping away again.
Edgar gave Robert a tiny, brief, misshapen smile before his face fell again. "I love you," He said softly, taking a slow sip.
"I love you, too." Robert replied sadly, taking a sip from his own cup.
Nevermore
"How have things been at work?" It should have been an easy question, but the liquor and fog in Nevermore's mind made it an impossible task.
"Busy." Nevermore stumbled through his words. "Been dealing with a pretty serious case."
Robert raised his eyebrow again, and a fresh wave of despair crashed against Nevermore's soul. "Maybe talking about it would do you some good...?"
Oh, how Nevermore wished he could. "N-No thanks." He shook his head. "I wouldn't want to terrify you with the details." Nevermore considered, for a brief and horrible moment, crossing the line of no return, but he knew better than to tear their lives apart on impulse.
"I see..." Robert mumbled quietly, taking another sip of tea. "Has the team been helping you at all? It looks like it's been keeping you up."
"No, not really. It's not like all-nighters are a foreign concept with me, though. It's nothing to worry about." Nevermore let out a tired chuckle.
"Edgar." Robert's frustration flared into a sharp sigh that Nevermore saw coming a mile away. "You are sick and drunk and brushing off my every concern. Something is clearly wrong."
Nevermore froze, setting his tea on the table, fumbling with his hands as he tried to explain, desperately, just enough of the story to avoid putting Robert in grave danger. "I..."
Robert's tone softened just as quickly, and he looked up towards the ceiling. "I won't press, if you truly don't want me to know. I just..." the Mayor shook his head, looking at his lover with every ounce of sadness that he had buried under the cordial mask of his office. "I miss you, Edgar. I just wanted to help you somehow."
Nevermore's arms wrapped around Robert before his mind could catch up. How he longed to tell Robert everything. Deep within him burned a wish for someone he could share his own grief and terror with; someone he could confide in. That which cut his very soul though, was the fact he was forced to lie to the man he loved the most. So many people were endangered by this terrible secret stolen from the gods, and Nevermore could share the weight of it with none of them. The deity's chance to have everything he wanted drowned beneath the pouring rain long ago.
Through the spiral, the feeling of the Mayor's arms slowly wrapping around Nevermore felt like driftwood on pitch black waves, keeping Nevermore from being swept away. Nevermore's body trembled and lurched, holding onto Robert like it was the only thing that mattered as ugly, stuttering gasps and sobs left his body.
"I.." Nevermore's voice, hoarse from crying, still wavered with tears and drunkenness. "Robert."
"What is it...?" Robert asked softly, hands rubbing small circles into Nevermore's back.
"We should..." Nevermore gripped Robert tighter. "We should finally... get married."
Robert tensed. "Edgar, we..." He shook his head. "We can't, not yet."
Nevermore pulled back slightly, eyes widening in shock. "W-why not? Everyone knows we're dating. People would be excited we're finally tying the knot, you know?" Had Nevermore been so distant that even Robert no longer loved him...? No, that couldn't be right. Robert wouldn't have walked here alone if that were the case.
"Know I love you with my entire heart and soul." Robert reassured him gently, taking Nevermore's hands in his own. "But... Edgar, if I can be blunt; you're drunk. You look miserable. You're hardly in the proper headspace to make such a monumental decision."
"I..." Nevermore choked down another sob. "Will you at least stay?"
Robert paused a moment before nodding. "Of course I will." Robert's soft, reassuring touch eased the pain a little, but it also made things so, so much worse.
Nevermore had so many things to say, and yet no words remained on his tongue. The lovers drifted silently towards Nevermore's bed. For what couldn't have been longer than a few minutes but felt like 16 years all over again, the god watched his beloved drift off to sleep in his arms. Despite the liquor and fog in Nevermore's mind, he could only lie awake in bed. The love before him was the sweetest illusion he'd ever known, and Nevermore let himself take it in while he could.
--
Sunrise came in tiny slivers that dared to defy the storm clouds swirling from above. The dull throb in Nevermore's head was quieted, just a little, by the sensation of the Mayor's arm still wrapped around him. Nevermore fell asleep fully expecting his bed to be empty when he awoke. Yet Robert remained, pulling him closer to take in the warmth Nevermore thought would doom him. It meant the world to Nevermore, though he hardly deserved such a gesture. Robert had kept his promise, when Nevermore had broken his own time and time again. He wouldn't have held it against Robert if he gave up, too.
Every time Nevermore tried to move, Robert's arms tightened, tugging him closer and keeping him in bed just that much longer. The soft pitter-patter of rain outside settled heavy on Nevermore's bones, and filled the silence that stretched on between two lovers. As much as Nevermore wanted to stay in that bed forever, Robert's presence made one thing clear. Nevermore couldn't sustain this. He was going to unravel sooner rather than later.
So when Robert finally stirred from the depths of sleep, Nevermore resisted the urge to pull away and bury himself in some menial task. He looked into Robert's eyes as the Mayor pushed in the one direction Nevermore really didn't want to go. "Edgar... We need to talk about..." Robert gestured loosely towards Nevermore. "This. I want to help you, but I can't, if you don't work with me on what can help you feel better."
Conflict bubbled within Nevermore's soul. It would be so easy to spin a tale convincing enough to tell Robert nothing while allowing him to...
Finishing that thought made Nevermore feel nauseous. He couldn't bear to lie, not to Robert; but then, what could Nevermore say? Even the barest breadcrumbs of the true story put Robert in more danger than he'd ever faced before.
Saying he was robbed and leaving it at that would only raise more questions than answers. If Robert asked what was taken that left Nevermore in this state, and why he didn't go to his own team of police officers to retrieve it, Nevermore would be back at square one. Admitting he was the one threatening that child in the case he'd fully absorbed might be even worse. Even if Nevermore explained that the dirt the kid had on him would make Salem society collapse if it ever came out... no. There was no way Nevermore could say "I'm intimidating a little boy to keep my secrets" and come away without those secrets pried out of him. Robert would die, and all of Salem would follow.
Conflict gave way to anxiety, Nevermore's hands clenched at his sides, trying his best to not visibly tremble - though, from the look Robert gave him, Nevermore wasn't doing a good job. No half-truth would suffice to satisfy his love without tearing their lives to shreds. What would happen if even a breath of what Nevermore was came out? The entire world would fall apart at the seams, he was sure of it. Robert would leave him, the town he built a life in would despise him, and Nevermore would have nothing left to do but --
"It has to do with your youth, doesn't it?" Robert gently placed his hand atop Nevermore's.
Nevermore paused, nodding slowly. His love was not the bumbling fool so many under them both had claimed. "Y-Yeah."
Robert's brow furrowed, like he was trying to put the puzzle together with half the pieces missing. "Is that why you've been so focused on...?"
Nevermore nodded again. "I... I worry the people I grew up with will come back for me."
If only Robert knew how little that told. Still, that little reassuring smile bloomed across the Mayor's face, giving Nevermore's hand the tiniest squeeze. "If they do... all of Salem would stand behind you in your time of need. You have my word on that." Robert whispered softly, pulling Nevermore close.
Nevermore found it hard to believe. If Robert knew the truth, would he so confidently say that? Would Robert want anything to do with Nevermore if he knew everything? Still, the words... the first kindness anyone had given Nevermore in ages... a smile crept across his face despite himself.
"There's that smile," Robert said softly, reaching up to steal a kiss on Nevermore's cheek. "Why must I fight so hard to see this handsome face...?" Robert joked quietly. Nevermore shook his head with a quiet chuckle.
"Things can get difficult sometimes, you know that." Nevermore sighed softly. "Having you here helps."
"I'm glad." Robert hummed, releasing Nevermore finally as he sat up. "I don't suppose you're hungry...?"
"Please," Nevermore let out a little laugh as he stretched, one hand on his temple as he lumbered out of bed. "I could probably eat half a cow if given the chance; anything specific you'd like?"
"How about some strawberries?" Robert suggested after a moment. "We both need something refreshing for the heat."
"That does sound good; better covered in chocolate, maybe?" Nevermore hummed. "Go ahead and get dressed while I find something to dull this headache a bit."
The two parted ways, for a brief moment. Nevermore made his way to the bathroom, splashing his face with cool water for a moment before sticking his head back out, seeing Robert standing practically in the closet, mostly obscured by the door. Nevermore caught brief glimpses of his love hopping about, managing to nearly be bested by whatever article of clothing he had in his hands - Nevermore couldn't catch a glimpse of it long enough to figure out what the Mayor was grabbing.
Robert stumbled a bit with a little laugh as he yanked his pants on, catching just enough of a glimpse of Nevermore's smile - a tiny, warm, genuine smile - to make his cheeks turn bright pink as he laughed sheepishly.
"I wonder if you do that on purpose sometimes." Nevermore laughed, stepping forward as his love shrugged on an uncharacteristically plain shirt.
"Never once have I wanted to fall on my face on purpose, Edgar." Robert shook his head with a chuckle, blush growing deeper as Nevermore leaned down, gently taking the two sides of his shirt in each hand. "Wh-what are you–?"
"I'm making sure you don't fall over again, Robert." Nevermore joked, gently kissing his lover's forehead. He smiled against the Mayor's soft, warm skin as his hands worked upwards, buttoning Robert's shirt for him. "But do I need an excuse to be close to you?"
"Then why be distant before, when you knew the rest of us would...?" Robert's gaze followed Nevermore as he rose, disappearing into the closet to grab fresh - and equally relaxed - clothing.
"It still haunts me, worse than ever now it feels like. It's... difficult to talk about just on its face." Even half-truths pained Nevermore; still, it was safer than the alternative. He dressed himself quietly, stepping out with a forced flourish. "What do you think? Hardly a ballgown, but..."
Robert smiled warmly, taking Nevermore's hand and resting against his arm as the two walked out of the bedroom, gazing adoringly into each other's eyes once again as they navigated the endless labyrinth that Robert had gifted to his lover.
It had been a while since they'd been able to properly enjoy a morning together. That, like everything else that had happened in the past year, weighed on Nevermore's soul. Each straw threatened to finally break his back, but Nevermore shook them off for another second of gazing into Robert's eyes.
Robert's eyes were always warm and inviting when their focus was on Nevermore. They always made his heart flutter; even if he didn't deserve it. Those eyes looked like brilliant shining gems, glittering on the stolen sunbeams that sparkled through the storm clouds as Robert allowed his head to rest on Nevermore's shoulder. Like... emeralds.
Emerald eyes. Just like the kid.
The god averted his gaze faster than he'd meant to. Nevermore knew Robert could see through any false smile he tried to force, so he opted to pretend he was giving a distant stare at the falling rain, as if willing it to disappear. The lovers descended the grand staircase leading down to the third story, then the second. The deep red of the mahogany stairs bled into the bright red carpet at the end of the last step as Nevermore glanced back down at Robert with a tiny smile that finally felt real.
The few steps between the stairs and dining room felt like miles as Nevermore led the way. Their smiles only grew as Robert took one of the seats furthest from the doorway. The enormous window just over his shoulder served as a living mural of Salem. Right outside, the lovers saw the way the weather above shifted and swirled. They gazed from above as a few members of Nevermore's small staff floated across the yard like diligent worker bees.
Beyond the reaches of a god's courtyard, townsfolk roamed the streets and went about their own tasks, as if there were no witches haunting the citizenry with their foul magic. Neighbors smiled and waved at each other as if two, or maybe three, Horsemen of the Apocalypse were not inches away from learning where War had absconded off to after nearly three decades of running because of one night at this very window. People shared gossip and gawked at Nevermore's enormous manor with mischievous giggles, as if the mere presence of the god watching over them did not put them all in mortal peril.
"I'll be right back," Nevermore said softly, ducking out of the room. As soon as he was out of the Mayor's sight, Nevermore pressed himself against the wall; taking slow and deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself. Now was not the time to dwell on this; worrying himself sick with Robert here would only prompt Robert to prod deeper - the last thing Nevermore wanted right now.
He could self-soothe in isolation. Right now, Nevermore's focus honed in on being with his undeserved soulmate. A younger-looking woman skipped by, one hand carrying a basket of chocolate-covered strawberries as the other held a tray of freshly-baked croissants. Nevermore smiled, pushing himself off of the wall and tapping her shoulder, motioning for her to follow him to the dining room.
"Sorry about that," Nevermore hummed in a voice that still managed to sound rehearsed. "You hungry still...?" He asked, tilting his head in a way he hoped looked cute as the maid set the tray and basket on the table before smiling and disappearing from the room. Taking his own seat once more, Nevermore popped a strawberry into his mouth. The sweetness of the chocolate blended with the tartness of the strawberry, and his eyes fluttered closed with a thoughtful sigh.
"You know, you're rather cute when you smile like that," Robert hummed, one hand propping his head up as the other took a bite of the croissant he'd picked up. "If this was all you needed to bloom again... I should've come over sooner," he muttered softly once he'd finished the croissant. The Mayor took a moment to chuckle, then grabbed a strawberry and bit into it.
The sounds of rain seemed to fade beneath the lovers' voices and thick curtains. Nevermore smiled, watching as Robert's round little nose crinkled at the bridge as he smiled in reply.
"I missed you too," Nevermore laughed softly. "Maybe I should've spoken up before you had to..." He admitted somewhat sheepishly. It was a painful half-truth; Robert's presence was helping far more than Nevermore had thought, but if the Mayor had visited earlier...
As if he didn't already look pathetic yesterday. Nevermore's face faltered slightly, before he took a slow breath and forced his focus on the present. Robert had kept his promise to stay, so far; even for all his missteps Nevermore had no reason to suspect he would spontaneously abandon him. For now. The two enjoyed their luxurious meal - and the space they shared with each other - in silence for a moment longer.
"Seems like the rain's finally starting to clear up," Robert chirped, head turning toward the window once again. More sunlight shone through the clouds. Ribbons of light spread into thin rainbows that lit the table in bright colors. "I have been meaning to ask if you'd like to go to the beach sometime. Perhaps when the rain's fully cleared, we'll take a walk there?" the Mayor asked, turning his gaze back to his lover.
"That..." Nevermore let himself smile even wider. "That sounds lovely, actually."
"There's that smile again." Robert's face lit up at the sight. He reached forward to wipe some chocolate off of Nevermore's cheek, and both lovers' hearts fluttered once more.
"A sight for your eyes only." Nevermore let out a little sigh, laughing softly as Robert's hands finally left his face. He picked up another strawberry, gesturing idly with it. "You were right, these really were a good idea." Nevermore playfully popped the strawberry into his mouth.
--
The heat of summer had finally returned. The sun shone bright, as if it hadn't just been pouring rain. Two lovers walked hand-in-hand. Robert's head rested on Nevermore's shoulder, earning smiles from passersby.
Nevermore's eyes flicked around slowly, taking in every mannerism of everyone who glanced their way. Nothing new for Nevermore, or so he'd claim. It had become a compulsion at this point, though whether he was more afraid to find the people he abandoned or the people he hurt he couldn't tell. The beach sounded lovely, Nevermore had said earlier, forgetting that every step felt like miles and every stranger's gaze into his own eyes - intentional or not - sent a bolt of chills down his spine.
Robert gave Nevermore's hand a little squeeze. Nevermore took a deep breath. "Seems like the fresh air is helping," Robert mused, "You're doing better already."
How Nevermore wished he could feel what Robert saw. He tried to focus on the warmth of the sun, the salty sea breeze, but every sound or sight nearby pulled his concentration again. By now Robert had left Nevermore's side to venture into the waves, motioning for Nevermore to join him. The water felt freezing, only further escalating Nevermore's anxieties. He stepped back after a moment, content to watch Robert do his best to not frolic about. "Presentation hardly matters out here, y'know." Nevermore snickered, finding himself sitting in the sand just outside of the water's reach.
"Ah, but - a man my age frolicking in the water?" Robert looked over and laughed, "I look rather absurd on my own."
"Shame the water's cold." Nevermore laughed in reply, glancing over. "Hm. Go grab that stick for me." He said rather suddenly, pointing to a branch that rested in the water. Robert practically skipped over, bringing the stick and setting it by Nevermore's leg.
Nevermore fought back the urge to praise his lover like one would praise a puppy as he laughed, standing up and taking the stick. "I think I'm the only person you'll ever meet who would willingly say the sand is the better part of the beach..." He mused, dragging the stick along the sand, watching as Robert followed close behind.
"Drawing shapes in the sand, leaving footprints..." Robert smiled warmly as Nevermore stopped for a moment to assess his work. "It's like being a young boy all over again."
"Hah. Would you believe it's my first time getting to truly experience it?" Nevermore laughed and connected the two lines fully; leaving Robert standing in the center of a heart.
"Then let me -" Robert looked around for a moment. The Mayor noticed Nevermore leaning against the stick proudly, before Robert realized the shape he'd found himself within. "Oh...! You..." He blushed bright, his hand barely covering the huge, goofy grin on his face.
"Right where you belong," Nevermore hummed.
Robert giggled, motioning for Nevermore to join him in the heart as he sat down. Nevermore walked towards him, careful to not disturb the lines he'd drawn, and sat next to his love. The pair laid back, watching the last few clouds that remained drift across the sky.
Nevermore's mind drifted back through time, to laying on the roof of the mill in the dead of night. Protecting it from ghosts, half the time. The cool breeze felt almost nostalgic; like at any moment he'd hear Rye's voice calling to him, or the crunch of grains that sounded like sand on beaches that were always so far away.
That sort of relaxation was always painfully brief, though. Before long, Rye's voice distorted in Nevermore's mind, twisting and deepening until it became Father's snarl, ringing insults and epithets like the old man had so many times before. It came in tandem with the instincts that had kept Nevermore dead to his family for as long as it had; warnings that had shrieked in his ears and -
Crunching sand just over his head forced his eyes open. Just someone Nevermore recognized from town. Like it always had been. The odds of Father - of any of his family - finding him now was impossibly low. Still, Nevermore was compelled to search the souls of everyone he met just in case that coin did manage to land on its edge. Each one he saw was no different than the others; a glittering golden light close to their heart.
A soul a bit further away caught Nevermore's eye as he rose. The outer shell was bathed in glowing golden light, just like the rest of Salem's faithful. On this soul alone, the inner core swirled with threads of deep violet. It was uncommon to see, but not so rare as to be suspect. One of the less formal investigators Salem had at its disposal, Nevermore figured. They weren't from home. No one here was.
The god walked towards the water again, kneeling close enough to catch his reflection in the waves. Everyone else saw Nevermore's eyes as they used to be, the same color as the waves that crashed at his feet. He alone saw the terrible truth. Precious few souls in Salem burned with the awful crimson glare that stared back at War in his reflection. Plain as the day in the presence of anyone who'd know how to look for them.
He had been taught from practically the moment he stepped into the mill to remember what he was working towards. Being a god meant so many things to the boy who hadn't yet known himself as Nevermore. Power beyond his wildest dreams, riches above what he'd ever known, truer devotion than he'd imagined was possible...
The ability to strike terror into the hearts of anyone who dared to cross him.
Those promises laid before a desperate child had all come true a thousand fold. Power brought with it devotion, and devotion brought him wealth. Wealth had brought the worst of those promises to Nevermore's doorstep on a terrible winter's night. He was exactly where he had fought so hard to be, and now the fruits of War's labor were sour on his tongue. What a wretched thing to promise someone who could never understand what he'd eventually come to collect. The thought of it nearly made him laugh, but even that dull glint of humor felt wrong to Nevermore now.
When Nevermore turned his head, he saw that Robert had also gotten up and waded a little further into the waves. He seemed to be enjoying himself, giving Nevermore a cute little smile before taking a few more careful steps into the deeper waters where the god would not venture. Nevermore waved and let his attention shift toward people on the surrounding sands.
One of them caught Nevermore's eye without the need to look into his soul. Red hair caught the sun; it seemed like the Hathornes were enjoying the summer sun as well. The Hathornes, and...
Nevermore's head quickly turned, scouting the beach as far as his eyes could reach. No sign of the kids. His brow furrowed; why wouldn't John have taken them...? As he approached, he noticed the three bags at John's side. All different colors, one larger than the rest. The kids were here, after all... but where? Regardless, Nevermore refused to let this opportunity to check in slip away. John surely had the children under control.
The man tried to suppress his shiver when he finally noticed Nevermore approaching. "Afternoon, officer." John's voice was as tense as Nevermore felt.
"Oh, apologies if I startled you," Nevermore gave John a little wave and smiled apologetically. "Hopefully you didn't get caught in the morning rain?"
"Not at all; we've been enjoying the weather for a good couple hours now." John replied with a nod. "The kids needed a chance to play outside after all that rain, you know?"
"I'm glad they're enjoying it," Nevermore hummed. "Have they been doing okay?"
"J.J.'s rowdier than ever," John chuckled a little. "But the kids are thick as thieves now. Eddie's been adjusting better than I could have hoped."
"That's good; I was afraid it'd take longer," Nevermore stepped to the side to keep going when his foot brushed against the smallest of the bags John was guarding. Peeking from the edge, nestled within other objects that surrounded it, was a tattered page, red thread along the torn left side -
And handwriting Nevermore knew like the back of his hand. Plain as day, "January 1659." He couldn't quite make out the words that were underneath... It couldn't be... Why would Eddie have risked the journal getting wet or damaged on the beach?
And yet, it was. Nevermore's journal was right there.
It took considerable effort for Nevermore not to let his expression change. His heart skipped - he could end this, here and now, keep the secret contained and his home safe from the affairs of the gods. But the man in front of him was watching closely, raising an eyebrow as he noticed Nevermore staring a bit too long. Nevermore had to get John out of the area before he could make a move.
"Can I help you?" John asked slowly, tugging the bag slightly closer to himself.
"Oh, it's nothing." Nevermore waved, "I thought I felt something on my foot."
"I... see." John said, pausing for a moment as a flicker of recognition passed through his eyes. "Officer, what did you say your name was...?"
"I suppose I hadn't actually introduced myself, have I?" Nevermore laughed softly, holding out his hand. "Mr. Nevermore."
The flicker of recognition grew into a flash that seemed to brighten his very soul. "Ah, then you're...!" John leaned in slightly and took Nevermore's hand. "Could I ask you something about Eddie...?" He asked, voice dropping to a slightly embarrassed whisper.
"What is it?" Nevermore's voice quieted in turn.
"He's been..." John paused for a moment, struggling with his words. "Ever since it got warm, Eddie's become more gloomy and distant, and... I want to help him, but I don't know how," John sighed. "You've known Eddie longer than I have... How can I get through to him?"
Nevermore stood there for a moment, a pit slowly forming in his stomach. If only he knew how to get through to the boy himself, Nevermore wouldn't be in such a difficult position... He forced the gnawing feeling out of his mind and returned his focus to the mission. Once John wandered off, it would all be over. Nevermore just had to play the part for a little while longer.
"That boy can be tricky to reach. He's spent his whole life convinced that adults have ulterior motives. If he sees you're trying to chip at his defenses, Eddie will just shy away more." Nevermore's chest grew uncomfortably tight as he spoke; why couldn't he have figured this before it was too late...? "Start with little things and keep a light hand." It sounded wise to anyone who wasn't paying too close attention, but sounded wrong to Nevermore himself.
"I see..." There was a long pause as John considered this, before he looked up again and nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Nevermore. I'll keep it in mind."
"My pleasure, Mr. Hathorne." Nevermore gave John a practiced smile. "Better watch out, though - if those kids are anything like I was at their age, they can be little rascals," he laughed.
"Ah -" John looked around, brow furrowing. "Where did they...?" He turned to look at Nevermore. "I should go." John turned away, looking around uneasily as he walked along the beach at an uncomfortably brisk pace.
Nevermore looked down again at the trio of bags; Eddie's was on the bottom, the journal slightly more obscured now that John had pulled it back. More of Eddie's belongings surrounded the journal. A wooden crown framed the bottom of the bag. A slingshot marked Jr. was nestled inside. A change of clothes wrapped around a rusted foreign coin. Nevermore placed all these objects carefully on the sand, digging through the bag where the secrets of the gods were held.
Nevermore pulled the bag further open, just enough to see the torn papers that made up his past. The journal was wrapped in the arms of a doll, the white fabric of its robes obscuring the rest of the page. The doll... Nevermore raised an eyebrow. It looked just like Esther, save for the bright red buttons that formed her eyes. Three small lights flickered along the doll's body; one gold and two red. The second red one, much smaller than the rest, kept a cautious distance away while the larger two chased each other around in a way that seemed almost playful. A strange unease settled in Nevermore's heart. These little soul fragments told a story Nevermore hadn't expected...
It wasn't relevant. The doll was clutching the thing Nevermore was actually here for - the remnants of a past that threatened to swallow him whole. Slowly, he moved the doll's arms and reached for the journal he'd sought for far too long.
January 1659
Rye managed to make me a little cake. I don't know how she's gonna
explain the missing ingredients to Father, but... it was nice sharing that
with her. Rye said she didn't really "get it" when I had explained it. I
guess it makes sense, since she was raised by Father from birth, but
it's still kind of sad.
And a little strange, to be honest. I never used to like birthdays, but I was always told they were supposed to be special. Every birthday I've had before I left was enormous, with guest lists full of people I barely knew and presents neatly stacked up to the ceiling. Perfectly coordinated, perfectly designed, perfectly manufactured to give off the appearance of a perfect family to strangers.
And yet, the one time I actually felt happy is here. Eating a
tiny, simple cake made with stolen ingredients by the best sister
in the world. a sister that actually cares.
I feel closer to War, too, after what happened last night. Maybe things will turn around? Probably not. I can't imagine why Father would suddenly decide he doesn't have to push me so hard; but that's never been a good sign.
Nevermore froze. What the hell was he doing...? Quickly, he moved in reverse, shoving the array of objects at his feet back into Eddie's bag. First the crown, then the slingshot, then the clothes and medallion. Last of all... Nevermore gazed at the journal again, bright red eyes boring into the writings of his sixteen year old self. Finally he realized why Eddie would risk the journal getting damaged out here. Leaving it at home, with the monster lurking just over his shoulder, was a far greater risk in the boy's mind.
Thomas's words rang in Nevermore's ears. The journal was, to Nevermore, the security of his darkest secrets. To Eddie, it was his only hope of staying alive. If Nevermore took the journal, it would improve his own situation; but only insofar that he had the proof of his divinity stashed away. The child's shattered mind would make everything else that much worse. War slowly closed the pages of his past, wrapped the doll's arms around the journal, and placed them back inside Eddie's bag as if he hadn't been there.
Nevermore would get his journal back from Eddie's own hands or not at all. He rose to his feet, glancing around as inconspicuously as he could manage. Not a soul was watching him now. He looked down at the bags once last time; all three were right where John had left them.
The god let out a deep sigh and turned tail, retracing his steps towards the heart he'd drawn in the sand. Perhaps reuniting with his other half would wash away the gnawing feeling in Nevermore's mind. He scanned the beach one last time, bright red eyes searching through a wave of souls for the one that shined brighter than the rest.
Soon, the god found his soulmate, a short distance from the heart he had drawn before. Robert had left the waves, and sat beyond the water's reach to let the sun dry himself as best it could. The Mayor looked over, smiling adoringly at Nevermore as he stood and made his way towards his approaching lover.
"The beach has been nice, but..." Nevermore laughed softly, "Maybe we could head home...?"
"Are you sure?" Robert looked up at Nevermore inquisitively. "You looked like you were really enjoying yourself, Edgar..."
Nevermore smiled; it was true that this outing with Robert had helped, but with the risk... "I was, I mean -" Nevermore fumbled with his words, waving his hand in the hopes of fanning the unasked layer of Robert's question out of the air. "- I just think, maybe, the heat's starting to get to me."
"I see..." Robert hummed, rising to his feet and taking Nevermore's hand. "I think that's all right, then. We'll get you cooled off, and then... so many choices for such a lovely evening!" the Mayor chirped, gently taking the lead as they walked back towards town.
Nevermore laughed a little, following close behind before catching up, humming as Robert leaned against him. Birds chirped overhead as the Mayor's face softened with adoration, and Nevermore's face faintly turned pink as he caught a glimpse of his lover's eyes.
"Stick to the shade," Robert hummed softly as Nevermore drifted towards the brightly-lit part of the road. "Won't melt nearly as much."
"Smart idea," Nevermore hummed in reply, stepping back towards the shade. Under the cover of leaves and between stolen glances, the pair weaved their way through the winding roads just beneath the walled garden that made the lovers' homes feel like they were miles apart. "If only the street wasn't so bright, we could take the extra time to go to your home instead." He chuckled playfully.
"The sole downside to sunshine and rainbows..." Robert sighed dramatically before breaking into a tiny laugh.
"At least we thrive in the shade," Nevermore laughed and stole a kiss.
For the briefest of moments, two souls forgot who they were. By the time the lovers arrived at the little wooded path leading to Nevermore's home, they had broken into a sprint, galloping about like carefree foals through the vast streets of Salem. The Mayor and the god ignored the stares of passersby to gaze for another second into each other's eyes, and enjoy another second by each other's side.