So Long and Goodnight

Ten

Gerard looked down at her and smiled sadly. He rested his head on top of hers and mumbled, “Can’t believe you’re gonna die soon.”

“It’s okay.”

“Helena?”

“Yeah?”

“Normally, five minutes pass before everything fades away.”

“Okay.”

“It’s been six minutes.” Her eyes widened. “Maybe I’m that close to death. Maybe I get to stay longer because I’m that close.”

“Maybe. We could hang out for a while, talk, cuddle-”

“Cuddle? Really?”

“It’s just an idea!” he said, laughing.

“Well, I like your ideas.” She smiled. “Cuddling and talking it is!” So, for an hour, they laid there, talking and cuddling. Gerard’s arms were around Helena’s waist, and she clasped her hands together and rested them on his hands. Her head was directly under his, in the crook of his neck. Their legs were tangled.

Gerard began to play with Helena’s hair. “You’re gonna have to leave soon.”

“What? No! I don’t wanna leave!” She flipped herself around so her stomach was on his. He kept his arms around her and sighed. “I don’t want you to leave, either, but you have to. It’s gonna fade eventually.” She sighed and rested her head on his chest. She didn’t hear a heartbeat. “I don’t understand. Are you dead?”

“Yeah. I died at the age of twenty, so I’m stuck at twenty. That’s how it works in the Black Parade.”

“So I’m falling in love with a dead man?”

“If that’s how you wanna put it, then yes.”

“Well, he’s a cute dead man, I’ll give you that.” She laughed slightly, and he smiled. “You know, you’re cute when you laugh.” He sat up, and she did the same. Their faces were only inches apart. “Really?”

“Really.” He leaned forward and closed the gap. Her lips felt smooth and soft, and his felt rough and chapped. He held her close, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. They eventually pulled apart, and he smiled at her. He kissed her one last time before fading away with everything else.

***
(Okay?ok.) -👽