The Blade in the Stars (Swiss x Female OC)

13: Smile

Fenris' POV:

Copia was gone by the time I woke up, the sun seeping in through the barely open curtains. My fingertips ran lazily over the rat that was still in my lap, my other hand coming up to rub the sleep out of my eyes. I stretched my neck to the side, my muscles loosening nicely after they were somewhat stiff.

After a dreamless night, my mind was blank of thoughts as I saw the note on the desk before me. I lazily scanned over it, having to go over it a few times for the words to process properly:

"Had to run, thanks for the work last night. Hopefully the chair wasn't too uncomfortable. Have a good day :)
-From,
Copia"

    I acknowledged the note briefly before tossing it into a nearby trash can, my eyes mindlessly washing over the room for a few moments. Eventually, I scooped Reggie off my lap and stood up, making my way across the room towards the cage. I was greeted my a couple of quick squeaks as I opened the door and gently placed Reggie among the others. I was definitely more tired than usual, the urge to go flop back into the chair and go back to sleep very tempting.

Once I closed the cage door, I stood their for a long moment in hopes that I could gather at least some of my bearings. I pressed my fingers to my eyelids, discovering a dull ache behind my eyes. I groaned internally, hoping it wouldn't bother me throughout the day. I moved to the side slightly, brushing my fingers against the bookshelf as I reached it. It had many books and candles scattered across it, accompanied by the occasional clock or plant.

I was suddenly completely aware as I reached eye level with a clock with unusually reflective glass.

I froze in place upon seeing what was being reflected. Secondo stood there, though this time it was different. I didn't dare turn to look, but he didn't have his papal face paints on as the other times.

I stood there for a long while in contemplation. Well, maybe that's what I hoped I was doing. Maybe I just couldn't bring myself to take the steps needed to get out of there. When I saw him shift slightly, I forced myself to turn around and face him. Now, I could clearly see what was really different this time around.

Secondo kept his distance. His eyes weren't glossed over with some emotion that was unlike him. He looked almost normal, save for the wary look he wore. He held a leather bound book tucked underneath his arm, the object holding my gaze for a moment before I looked back towards him.

He was speaking now. Well, no, he wasn't. His mouth was running, and the movements of his throat almost had me convinced he was saying something. I wasn't as scared as I had been, but I knew my face still had to be as pale as a ghoul's face could possibly be. He was now gesturing to the book, which he now was holding out in front of him. He looked to be speaking faster, his fingers tracing the symbol that was plastered on the cover of the book.

I stared at Secondo for a long while before taking a long, shaky breath. "I can't hear you," I voiced hesitantly. He paused right away, a grave look overcoming his features. The thought of him being a phantasm came up, but that made no sense. It was just wishful thinking. No, he was a figment of my imagination, completely vivid and almost real.

He went on trying to explain something with his eyes, his hands wildly gesturing to the book in his grasp. When he took a single step towards me, even from across the room, I couldn't help but take the distance back. I instinctively backed into the bookshelf, hitting my head only slightly on one of the shelves. I think this told Secondo something, because upon seeing my reaction, he froze in place. The next expression that faded onto his face had me questioning everything.