Love: The Greatest Mystery (Ranpo x Poe)

The Weirdest Dream

Warning:
This chapter mentions suicide attempts
Read at your own risk

"Wake up..."
I shoot up from where I was laying. That voice... "Edgar?!" I blurted out to the complete darkness surrounding me. When I heard myself speak his name, hands quickly found their way to my mouth.
My voice... It's changed.
Slowly, I removed my shaking hand away from my face, "W-what?" The darkness cleared up a little to where I can now see my hands. They are smaller, more dainty looking. The skin was white as snow.

I stare at my hands for almost felt like an eternity, but it was actually a few seconds before I notice something else; my hair. I ran my fingers through this long rose-gold colored hair that was soft to the touch. All at once I recognize the color and length, along with the pale skin and dainty hands.
I am Lenore.

I sat there in shock. How could I be Lenore? One second ago I was Ranpo Edogawa! Now I'm Lenore Poe. This has to be a dream, right?

My head moves on its own, shooting up to where it is facing towards the door.

The door opens slowly, a dim flickering light illuminates the face in the darkness. It was Poe. He looks worried. His eyebrows are knitted together, his corner of his lips were making a frown, and his eyes were full of concern.

"Lenore, did you call for me?" Poe slowly makes his way in to the room, gently closing the door behind him and blowing out the candle in his hand.

I couldn't find the words to say. I'm Ranpo... Not Lenore... But I'm in her body somehow.

Suddenly, I began to speak against my will, "Yes... But I'm ok. I had a nightmare, that's all."

Wait... I'm still who I am, but Lenore is in control!
I thought to myself. It makes perfect sense; however, what doesn't make sense is how am I in a dead woman's memory? This has to be a dream. I do remember falling asleep at Poe's house. But I didn't fall asleep in his house from America.

Poe makes his way up to the bed and sits down on the edge of it beside me. "My darling... What was this nightmare about? Do you want to talk about it?" He takes my hand.

I desperately wanted to say something, but Lenore kept me from talking. Instead this body I'm stuck in adjusts herself so she can get closer to Poe. "No... It's just a silly nightmare. Nothing more." Her voice rings out again through my mouth. Then again, I involuntarily move again, laying my head upon Poe's shoulder.

This is all so confusing to me. If I'm dreaming, then why won't I wake up? Why am I Lenore? If it's a dream, why can't I change it? Perhaps it's my conscious trying to tell me something?

Poe's loving arms wrap around my slender body to hold me in an embrace. He deeply loved this woman. So much so I can feel his love for her through this mirage of being in this sickly woman's body. Without thinking I had a desire to get closer to him than I already was. I slowly crawl up on Poe's lap, sitting sideways with one arm around his neck so I wouldn't fall off. I couldn't tell if this was Lenore moving, or if it was me at this moment. All that made sense to me now was we both wanted to be closer to Poe.

I rest my forehead against his and close my eyes with a sad smile. Even for a dream, this felt real. I might as well relish it for a moment. Give in to this game and pretend this body was mine and be in Poe's presence.