Cassiopeia

At the brink of death

Sunday, 9th November 1958

Two nights have passed, and nothing more came up regarding their case except that Louis had cracked the cypher, it would have been more exciting were it not for Louis's disappointed expression, they needed more time he said for him to be certain that what he decoded was correct. Off and his team still patrolled for suspicious activity and yet nothing came up, the killer looked like they just vanished into thin air, it could have been a one-time thing and some of his colleagues wanted to drop the case with only dead ends present. But Earth was sure that the killer will strike again, there must be a pattern to what they do and how they choose to act.

The problem is that with just one victim it's hard to figure out a pattern and Earth has gone through the case multiple times now with two days of actual rest on him. He couldn't help but smile as he remembered the library, Mix's soft look and warm smile easing his worries. He hated to admit it but he had missed him these past two days especially when crossing the flower shop on the way to the station, by now he couldn't think or see a daisy without thinking of a certain flower enthusiast no matter how hard he tried. He should keep things professional between them, it would be easier down the road but it's hard to do so when you have Mix Sahaphap himself in front of you with his cheeky smile and his teasing eyes. Earth wasn't born yesterday; he recognises a playful gaze when he sees one especially when it comes from someone as expressive and animated as Mix. He's afraid but he can't stay away, besides the day this morning was too beautiful to not go out.

It was the right mix of sunny weather but with a cool breeze, perfect for walking or staying outside. Even though it was nearing the end of the year, the weather was holding, not exceedingly cold, perfect for trousers and dress shirts without the need for coats. Earth wouldn't admit it, but he did in fact wear his most expensive shirt this morning, he knew black suited him, especially on his skin so if he saw Mix gaze at him from time to time and looking at him when he thought he wasn't taking notice then it was just a plus and not intentional.

Earth had come to find out that Mix was very punctual, finding him already there at the café dressed in another dark red shirt again, this time long sleeved and open from the chest revealing a gold necklace on his neck, he must know that red suited him judging by the look in his eyes. And Earth can admit that Mix had taste, the café they were at had chairs and tables at the back, and it was decorated like a dainty garden, with flowers and plants and small lights surrounding every space.

The chairs and tables were white in contrast to the bright green lawn and purple flowers lined every table along with a candle in the middle. Not quite the place for two grown men to be seeing that most of the customers there consisted of women, all giggling and trying not to look at the both of them as they sat down.

Earth could see though why Mix loved this place, the table they were sitting at was already filled with various cakes and other pastries along with a teapot and cups. Earth had never seen so many different types of sweets in his life, staring mesmerized at the artful display. "I love coming here, their sweets are divine" Mix said, happy at Earth's mesmerised expression "But I have to say that my favourite is their cheesecake, it's to die for".

Looking at all the cakes and pastries Earth took up his fork but couldn't decide "And which one would be the cheesecake?" He asked. Mix smiled in response taking Earth's fork from his hand, before taking a piece from one of the cakes, the cheesecake had strawberries and other pieces of fruit cut on it, in Earth's defence it was hidden by a quite large Danish pastry on the side.

"Here" Mix whispered holding the fork up close to Earth's face only to put it out of reach when Earth's arm reached for it. Instead, he again brought it up near Earth's face his eyes twinkling as he waved it in the air for Earth to take it. Earth scoffed at his antics "Mix, as far as I know, friends don't feed each other pieces of cake do they?".