Work Text:
The Funeral
The few weeks since getting freed of Safia’s mark Phyre had fallen into an easy rhythm, unlife in Seattle was considered safer than it once was.
Nights were alternated between Niko’s place and his, he’d even begun to decorate a little bit not big things but Niko’s portrait of him was hung on the wall, Fabien’s carved bear now sat on the nightstand, the alchemy set was gone and the eclectic wardrobe thinned out to his tastes, Dales old clothes now belonging to friends or the homeless.
Phyre had found Joey not too long after Fabien faded away it was mostly luck given the only information; they had a ghouled cat luckily there weren’t too many of those around most Kindred only ghouled humans or animals they could train something cats were notoriously difficult to. Walking an alley near where Fabien had once called home, he’d spotted the cat on the hunt ready to pounce on a large rat, the slight smell of Fabien’s blood in its veins a dead giveaway when Phyre had first approached Joey had hissed loudly rearing back defensively but Phyre waited unmoving until he drew close, smelling whatever trace of Fabien still lingered in him. Once that trust was established Joey had come willingly and now was a fixture of his home often sleeping by his side purring loudly.
Phyre kept their nights occupied, teaching Verona self-defence ghoul or not she needed to know how to protect herself, reading the history of what they had missed humanity had come so far on some ways and not progressed an inch in others, they listened to music that Tolly recommended to them, some of it was enjoyable but mostly he preferred the classics, Patience introduced him to films with sound and colour. He joined Amelia’s book club filling the role emptied by Safia, Silky and him had the same taste in literature, Niko and Amelia’s were more in line the compromise for now had been to alternate weekly which pair got to pick.
Outside of the mundane normal parts of unlife he had been instrumental in cementing Katsumi’s role as Baron, turning the remains of the court to her side had been less difficult than expected.
Onda no longer had blackmail held over that gratitude itself had her quick to change sides it wasn’t the first time after all, she still wanted a role in this new Barony.
Katsumi hardly needed protection a small army of anarchs and thin bloods willing to fight and die for her, still Onda kept watch essentially a glorified bouncer she still kept an eye out for potential breaches and sent them Phyre’s way.
Fletcher was surprisingly simple. Phyre made a point of being accompanied by a handsom.e red-haired orphan a gift as it were.
“Oh, who do we have here Phyre?”
Phyre whispered conspiratorially
“A gift for you... on the condition you support Katsumi.”
“Do I get to remain Elysium Keeper?”
“Of course.”
“The Brujah shall have my vote, but she’ll need a new wardrobe if she is to be respected.”
Fletcher turned his nose up in disgust.
“Blood stained scrubs tasteless.”
“Thank you, Fletcher, I’ll leave you to it.”
Phyre could hear Fletcher flirting with the man as he left.
A major benefit of Anarch rule was Katsumi allowing the use of modern-day technology, encrypted of course Phyre didn’t know exactly what it meant but Tolly explained it was safer similar to coded messages that required a cipher. Max had been in contact with members of the now defunct Schreknet who had made the move to establish Seattle as safe for kindred using phones and computers.
Phyre did not particularly enjoy these cell phones but it had made communication easier, he could now call Niko to let him know that he would be late or find out if he wanted dinner brought home, Niko jokingly called it takeout when Phyre would convince a poor thing to follow him home they would share them drinking until full but never too much and then carry the dazed human somewhere safe and warm away from either of their residences.
Patience introduced him to online shopping so far, he had only bought two things a custom engraved headstone and the largest bouquet of Sunflowers that he could fine, which lead to now. There was knocking on the apartment door.
Phyre was awake had been for a while, but he was enjoying the comfort of the bed his head resting on Niko’s chest. Joey stirred at his feet annoyed at being woken up as he got up to answer the door throwing on a pair of red briefs and the black dress, he’d thrown to the floor last night discarded in a moment of passion.
“Coming.”
The knocking stopped replaced by impatient foot tapping. Phyre opened the door, a tired looking delivery driver standing outside holding the bouquet. The headstone was absent.
“Are you Phyre Laguna?”
They had used Fabien’s surname on the order details when it insisted on one, he hadn’t discussed taking Niko’s surname at that point and Fabien wasn’t using it anymore Phyre could keep him close in a way by keeping it in use.
“I am.”
“The rest of it’s downstairs.”
She thrust the sunflowers towards him he rested them on the table beside the door.
“Lift’s broken and I am not hauling a slab of marble up three flights of stairs. Is there someone who can help you?”
Scrawny little thing looks like a strong breeze would blow him over.
Her thoughts bled into his mind unbidden he was getting better at stopping them, but the stronger ones still broke through.
“I’m stronger than I look.”
Still there was no sense in being reckless just to prove a point.
“Niko wake up love.”
Phyre called an annoyed noise coming from the bedroom in response followed by the sounds of him getting up.
“Put on some clothes, there’s a delivery.”
“Mhmm Da.”
Was the sleepy reply but he heard him grab jeans from off the floor. Niko came into the living room clad in only his jeans they hung low on his hips.
Phyre turned to admire his lovers form the sharp angle of his hips, the soft brown hair that adorned his chest and stomach, the hard planes of his abs, the curve of pectoral.
He would have stared longer Niko’s body was a treasure he’d never tire of. The delivery driver was still waiting, and it felt crude to ogle him so with an audience.
Niko came over to stand beside him, slinging an arm around their shoulders.
“How may I help?”
He slipped into his customer service voice despite not being at work.
‘Headstones too heavy to be brought up.”
“She needs a hand; I don’t think I’d be able to carry it up by myself.”
Phyre could tell Niko was trying desperately not to laugh at that. Niko nodded the pair heading downstairs outside it was raining the snow had finally stopped a couple of weeks ago.
They both made a fake a show of shivering in the cold neither dressed for the elements, pretending to struggle to lift the marble slab between them, Phyre acting the weak feeble thing this woman assumed they were. Giving their thanks to her immediately dropping the act once back in doors.
Niko finally let himself laugh. His chest moving rhythmically.
“She thought you the frail maiden. Oh, that is most humorous. You’re a fearsome warrior.”
“Appearances can be deceiving. Careful with that. I do not want it broken because you dropped it laughing at the naive human.”
“Da, Da I know.”
Back in Phyre’s apartment, Fabien’s headstone was placed with care against the wall.
“I’ll call people tell them; we’re having a small service for Fabien in two hours. You get ready.”
Niko placed a gentle hand on to Phyre’s shoulder giving a fond squeeze before placing a kiss to their forehead almost as an afterthought.
Phyre stood on tiptoe to kiss his companion before leaving. Katsumi still paid him a wage, Tolly had the bankers transfer the accounts to her name will less hassle than one would expect. Phyre had bought an outfit for this occasion something fitting.
Phyre elected to do makeup before getting dressed, Rain had introduced them to waterproof mascara it worked on human tears, but would it work on Kindred tears that would remain to be seen. Chances are the small group of kindred would blush to blend in regardless.
Today's makeup was subdued he shaved rather than wearing the thick foundation that he usually did, simple mascara and cat eyeliner, a glossy nude lip. He braided his hair and tied it up in a spiral afterwards he pulled out the suit that he had bought for the occasion changing into it his button up the shirt was a deep wine red made of silk, the suit was expensive dark black linen with the lapels in a burgundy velvet it matched his shirt near perfectly. Phyre accessorised with a mixture of black silver and red rings, bracelets and necklaces.
Outside Niko was finishing up the last of the phone calls he had to make, Phyre could hear him returning to the bedroom.
“Everyone’s coming. Even those that did not enjoy Fabien’s company are attending for my sake. It still feels wrong being dishonest.”
Phyre went to speak to reiterate things they had already discussed.
“I understand the reasons, Phyre.”
Niko spoke before they had the chance to.
“Are there no alternatives a half-truth at least?”
Phyre hated doing this to Niko the lying was eating him up from the inside, he could be transparent about the effects of the mark there was a chance that someone outside of just the two of the may already know, Safia had kept notes on tape and paper in the aftermath of her reign of terror the Justicars had combed through everything aside from a slap on the wrist for diablery nothing was said, they seemed to be too grateful that this catastrophe was avoided to actually see it fit to punish him.
“What would you suggest?”
“Tell them what you first told me?”
Niko cupped his chin looking at him pleadingly big sorrowful blue eyes staring into purple pools. Phyre had no choice but to concede defeat, he hoped that the Kindred who came knew him well enough to know he was no threat to them. Phyre could do that say he cared and mourned because Fabien’s death was his fault they would he hoped at least accept that. Neither would say anything of Campbells fate the Camarilla no longer ruled but it was pure foolishness to admit to the death of a Prince.
“I will tell them my love. Not everything they don’t get to know what we shared; but they will know that his death was my fault and I grieve his loss due to my actions.”
“Thank you...Do you not feel lighter for telling the truth?”
“Naí, I suppose I do.”
“See it is good to be honest.”
Niko placed a kiss to his lips letting go of his chin.
“You look handsome by the way.”
Niko admired the suit and accessories, Phyre looked sombre fitting for the occasion but unashamedly themself.
“I must return home and get ready myself. Will I meet you back here before hand?”
“Certainly, we can walk together.”
With that Niko turned to leave and Phyre was alone once more.
Phyre still dreamed not every night but more often than not he was in that flower field once more, he always anticipated Fabien’s voice or expected to see him there smiling happy to see them, but it never occurred or if it did it wasn’t the real him only memories of strong hands holding them close, of soft lips on theirs kissing so tenderly full of desire though almost afraid that he would disappear if he pressed too hard.
In the empty apartment Phyre thought of the man who had so quickly become his friend his partner his lover for however briefly it had been, if Fabien had told them that he was dying sooner then maybe there was something that could have been done to save him.
Fabien knew what ends Phyre would have gone for him perchance that was why he had kept it a secret until he no longer could. If it meant saving what was left of Fabien could Phyre have done as Safia had to him put his soul into another, morality the answer was clear he could never do that but if the reality was there then it was much less clear cut.
Joey rubbed against his calf purring loudly snapping them out of their sad musings. Phyre picked up the large, long haired black cat who mrred at the indignity before immediately settling into his arms comfortably.
“You miss him too huh?”
The cat didn’t respond just stared at him with large green eyes silently. Fabien seemed to speak cat, Phyre did not.
“I’m sorry you lost him due to me.”
Moving to the bed Phyre sat the cat taking up residence on his lap Phyre stroked along his back, he had not had a pet in some time it was strangely human to him something domestic just another reminder that he had actually managed to build a life a home for himself here.
“Are you hungry?”
Phyre had made a point of keeping Joey a ghoul, without Fabien around to feed him blood anymore he would have grown weak and aged rapidly, Fabien had sired sure but he had no relationship with Misty and Phyre had not seen her outside of his memories, this cat was essentially his legacy and Phyre would keep him as long as he could.
He idled away the time until Niko returned later, letting himself in Phyre had tasked Verona with getting keys cut her and Niko possessed them along with a spare, he could break in certainly but why deal with the hassle when this was an easier option.
“I’m home lyubov.”
Niko stood seeming even taller than he usually did he wore a form fitting blue button up shirt that almost matched his hair, a dark black jacket with a brocade pattern adorning it on his right shoulder there were several small spikes significantly less than his battle jacket but it moved the outfit from purely formal into something more suiting his usual style though somehow elevated. Chains dangled from his breast pocket as well as the black tie he wore Doc martens over skinny slacks completed the look.
Phyre found he quite enjoyed the sight of his Sýzygos dressed this way, perhaps they could find a middle ground more form fitting clothes in the punk style that he adored.
Niko’s hair was brushed to the side devoid of any products to make it stand up. Phyre knew how soft those blue strands would feel between his fingers and if the situation were different, he’d relish in pulling on his hair tipping his face down to their level and kissing him until he begged for more. That thought went on the back burner to be explored at a later date.
“You look wonderful Niko...I quite like this style on you.”
Phyre put down the book he had been reading the latest book club choice and stood up from his position on the sofa crossing the room to wrap his arms around his lover placing his head against his chest, bereft of shoes he always marvelled at how much taller Niko was in comparison to him 6ft2 to his 5ft5. Niko’s arms held him in return, briefly before pulling away.
“I shall purchase more if you enjoy me dressed as so... How is the book?”
“It is enjoyable but too simple for my tastes. We should go; I would like to arrive before the others.”
Niko took a hold of the sunflowers carrying the bouquet delicately, Phyre hoisted the headstone the two making their way to the cemetery any human who saw them would assume it was a prop no mere mortal could carry it with such ease.
St. Stephens stood empty at this hour, most humans did not feel the need to attend church at night outside of special occasions none of which were happening in early January. Phyre looked around cautiously before placing the headstone into the earth above Fabien’s last resting place, pushing it in deep enough to be secure they didn’t have to wait long for their friends to arrive.
Onda was the first there given she lived in the church though the priest had returned now that Lou was gone she kept watch on him and waited should Misty materialise again if she hadn’t take residence there he doubted she’d have come, Amelia and Silky came together she had her arm on his ever the image of the sweet old Grandma being escorted by her doting son, to those in the know it was hilarious, Patience, Verona and Rain arrived as a group, Phyre suspected that Verona and Rain may be seeing each other but nothing had been said to him and he did not pry into Verona’s private life, Katsumi, Tolly and Max arrived in short succession likely coming from a meeting, Damsel had returned to Santa Monica by now, Fletcher was the last to arrive unsurprisingly him and Fabien had never been close though none here truly had been, he also wasn’t as close to Phyre and Niko as some of the others were though Phyre hoped that would change over time the same went for Onda.
The rain continued to come down around them lending itself to the sombre atmosphere. Niko still held the flowers waiting until the last kindred had arrived to pass them to Phyre to hold, he stood behind Fabien’s grave hands on the headstone as though it were a pulpit, their friends gathered around standing behind Phyre who stood at the foot of his grave holding the sunflowers. When Niko spoke, everyone was silent.
“Thank you for coming, I know it is unusual of our kind to mark the passing of one another, we live long enough to see who from our mortal lives succumb to death and when we are turned, we think it will never happen to us.”
Niko took a moment looking out across the small sea of faces most silent and stoic or baring unreadable expressions, only Phyre seemed openly torn up about this.
“Fabien Laguna was a good man, he was my closest friend in unlife, for a Malkavian he was surprisingly sane...”
A small amount of laughter occured before Niko continued.
“Most of the time. He held humanity and truth in high regard a quality we both share... shared. When he wasn’t puzzling over mysteries to solve, for the SPD he sought out conspiracy theories to prove or disprove, he would spend hours figuring out the answers to puzzle boxes he once told me of how he had worked on one for two days without blood or sleep before he finished it then slept for just as long.”
Niko wiped a tear that began to fall Phyre hadn’t noticed that they were also crying until they heard one tear bounce off of a flower petal a small red stain on it.
“Many of you wouldn’t know that Fabien loved animals, those of you who have recently visited my Sŭprug Phyre may have noticed their cat Joey, who once belonged to Fabien as his ghoul.”
Fletcher made a mocking sound Phyre turned to glare at him eyes full of rage he muttered an apology.
“A mantle that Phyre has taken up. Fabien was not the youngest of us here but one hundred is far too short of a lifetime when we are promised eternity. I shall miss you my dear friend.”
Niko pressed a kiss to his fingers then placed them to the headstone before stepping aside, Phyre placed the sunflowers on to the grave, thankfully most were unmarked by tears. They took the place Niko had now vacated.
“Thank you for that Nikolai, most of you will no doubt be confused as to why I seem so effected by the death of a man that I never knew. In truth.”
It wasn’t the truth he would let that tumble out one day to his close friends but not here and now where anyone could be listening.
“I only knew Fabien in the last moments of his life; I mourn for him as much as I mourn for the actions that lead to his death... I was not in my right mind freshly out of torpor though I did not control myself at that time I will always regret that I was responsible for his death.”
A litany of murmurs came from the small crowd.
“I understand what I did is inexcusable and will take whatever punishment the Barony sees fit for me, but I will not allow that to mar what is meant to be a ceremony to remember a good man who is no longer here because of what I did.”
Phyre did not try to stop the tears that now flowed freely could feel the cold wet streaks of them lining his cheeks to drip and fall to the ground at their feet. Grief and guilt consuming them washing over them in waves. None of the spectators reacted to what he had revealed aside from the quiet murmurings earlier. Phyre felt Niko place an arm around their shoulders walking him away from where they stood.
He addressed the crowd once more briefly.
“Does anyone else want to say a few words?”
Niko led them to the fence where they leant against it Phyre still tucked into his side. Patience was the first to speak.
“I was never close to Fabien; I found him an unusual sort though he always complimented my art even when he clearly didn’t understand what I was actually going for. He was the first person to introduce me to Niko, and I will always be grateful for that. Without him I don’t know if Seattle would be where I call home. So, thank you Fabien.”
They stepped away, Fletcher was the next in line to speak.
“Those of you gathered here will not be surprised to know that Fabien and I never did get along.”
Phyre clenched their fists involuntarily Niko’s fingers digged into their shoulder clearly feeling the same anger at that statement.
“Still, I remember when Gideon first introduced him to the court as his childe. I didn’t think much of him at the time, but he proved himself over the years to be someone that we could turn to in times of crisis. It pains me in a way that I did not expect it would that I am the only one who still, remains from back then. Fabien you were a staple here for many years and Seattle will be worse without you.”
Fletcher moved away seeming sadder than either of them had anticipated. Katsumi moved to take the place of speaker next.
“Fabien was one of the good ones. He was an ally and asset to the Anarch cause whether he realised it or not, he stood up for us when we were first prosecuted and continued to lend us aid when we were in need. What little I knew of Fabien I knew him to be kind to those who were most often put down by our kind. I think that our world may be a little bit crueller without you in it hun.”
One by one the remaining Kindred took their turns sharing short stories or a few words about the deceased detective. It was bittersweet for Phyre, in Fabien’s memories it seemed as though none of them had cared if someone besides Niko and Safia had reached out maybe he would have been less reckless and still alive. He would never know. As the last speech ended Phyre waited to be dragged aside and given whatever punishment they deserved but it didn’t happen.
Fletcher spoke a final time.
“You are all welcome in the Makom Bar, I’m sure that I have something fitting for your various tastes to enjoy on this sad occasion.”
It was tactful of him a courtesy extended as Elysium keeper to allow people somewhere to go to cool their heads after what Phyre revealed it was a professional courtesy as much as it was a kindness to protect Phyre from attack.
“Thank you Fletcher.”
Was Niko’s simple reply he kept his arm tight around Phyre’s shoulders they did not need his protection, but the gesture was comforting all the same, the Makom bar was not far the bouncer letting them in immediately. Situated in a booth Phyre finally spoke.
“How bad do I look?”
If he was of any other bloodline he would check in the bathroom mirror but that wasn’t an option for him.
“Still handsome, though that mascara couldn’t hold up against blood and rain.”
Niko removed tissues from his pocket and dabbed at their still wet cheeks cleaning up the tear tracks as best as he could. Katsumi and Tolly entered the booth and sat opposite them.
“That was quite the confession Sheriff. Diablery, I assume?”
Phyre nodded solemnly in answer to Katsumi's question
“A dark deed even for us, Court would have you killed you know.”
“I know my Baron.”
“You’re lucky that we are not the Court. Tell me how this came to be?”
Phyre recounted the events of Fabien’s death how he was forced from Torpor by cold kindred blood placed to his lips how he drank too deep after sleeping for so long and how after he ran rampant through the city killing Kine and he had been trying to atone for it since.
Niko, Katsumi and Tolly remained silent throughout it, though Niko grasped their knee under the table reassuringly, rubbing small circles into it through the wet fabric of their suit pants. Phyre expected Katsumi to speak first to dole out some judgement, but it was Tolly who broke the silence.
“C’mon Katsumi. You know Phyre he’s been nothing but helpful for you, they already got punished by Ryong for the Masquerade breach. It sounds as though Fabien used them as a means to an end...we can’t blame him for that.”
That stung Phyre hadn’t thought about that he knew the truth as did his beloved but to the rest of them this could be misconstrued as them being the vehicle for Fabien’s suicide it was only a partial truth he’d have died regardless.
“Tolly does have a point. I saw Fabien the night before you showed up, he seemed rash, looking for Campbell but he never said why.”
There was a conclusion to be drawn here that Fabien killed Campbell then used Phyre to die to escape justice it was not true and Phyre cared about him and his memory far too much to let them think that lie was what happened.
“I never met Campbell, I don’t know if Fabien saw him that night either I woke up in a building with only him and I occupying it.”
Niko spoke after Phyre finished.
“Fabien saw me that night he was worried about something, jumpy even said it was to do with an old case, he needed evidence to prove it. I regret that he did not tell me more though he was more scared than I had seen him before.”
Phyre was grateful for Niko’s intervention he steered them towards the correct answer now one spoke for a moment, but Tolly suddenly spoke angrily.
“I fucking knew Campbell was dirty, bastard must have compelled him or something.”
“If it was anyone else, I’d say not to speak ill of the dead, but I have him to thank for this.”
She indicated the brand on her face a memento from Campbell kicking her out. The Tremere had been working on a way to heal the brand the thinbloods who had elected to go through with it were happy with the results Katsumi kept hers as a reminder, but it did not mean she enjoyed having it.
“Phyre, I can’t let this go unpunished it would make me appear weak, but I will inform the Barony that you are not at fault for this you were essentially a forced assassin.”
“How am I to atone?”
“Consider your role as Sheriff extended until I deem fit, you are not to leave Seattle without express permission, and you will be monitored while you are away.”
She was clearly letting him off easily knowing that he had no desire to leave Seattle and to his own surprise he had found that he enjoyed the work of Sheriff the quote unquote house arrest would seem sufficient for anyone who felt strongly about what was done it was essentially a tighter leash but Katsumi wouldn’t have any thaumaturgy placed on him to compel him to stay as Safia once had, he could leave but that would open himself up to being hunted after finding peace it wasn’t worth that risk.
“Thank you, Katsumi, for this kindness.”
“Don’t thank me yet I’ll announce it here unofficially and officially tomorrow.”
Katsumi exited the booth going up to tell the rest of the funeral goers of her decision, Phyre slumped against the back of his seat a weight lifted from his shoulder a shuddering breath leaving him.
“Ya alright there, fossil?”
Tolly spoke before Niko could, but he slung an arm across the back of the seat opening himself up if Phyre needed him. It had been so long since they’d had a friend Phyre was grateful for the younger Kindred who had grown to be an important part of their life over the last month.
“Nai, I will be Tolly. Thank you for...”
What you said, for being my friend, for defending me. He had done so much for them already. They settled on one word.
“Everything.”
“Don’t mention it. Can’t have the boss getting rid of my best Gal.”
He laughed to himself a joking wink to Phyre, purely platonic in its meaning a sign of affection nothing more.
“Besides I’ve been planning that whole wedding thing, wouldn’t make sense with only one groom there, don’t think Katsumi would reimburse me for that either.”
Despite the sad circumstances Phyre’s heart felt full, they moved into Niko’s side his arm curling around him comfortably.
“Thank you again for all of the planning Tolly. Phyre has been looking forward to it more than they let on.”
“He’s not as subtle as he thinks he is.”
Phyre couldn’t deny that he had been thinking of colours, decor, clothes, it felt foolish, but he was allowing himself to be happy to dream of the things his sister got the chance to when they were children one that he wasn’t supposed to think about.
A waitress came around offering glasses of blood they took them thanking her, Katsumi had finally managed to get the microphone and now spoke.
“We all heard Phyre’s shocking confession at Fabien’s funeral. After hearing the full story, it seems as though Fabien may have been compelled to feed Phyre, as such he is not to blame for the actions that occurred.”
She let the hushed whispers subside before speaking with authority once more.
“That said, such transgressions regardless of the reasons behind them cannot go unpunished. Phyre will retain in their role of Sherriff so that we can monitor him. If he leaves Seattle without prior permission and his where abouts known to the Barony... I will be forced to enact a bloodhunt.”
A silence fell over the room, Phyre knew that was coming but it still sucked all of the warmth out the room leaving his veins feeling icy.
“Now you are all aware of how loathe I am to have this happen.”
She turned to address Phyre directly.
“Especially not after all he has done for this city, and its Kindred. If any of you do not think this is a fitting punishment, may I remind you that this person ended the Sabbat coup less than a month ago. This is all I have to say on the matter tonight.”
She moved back to addressing those in attendance dropping to a more casual tone.
“This night is about our dearly departed Fabien. Have a drink in his memory.”
Phyre drank from their glass the donor had clearly been in an altered state the taste of phlegmatic blood on his tongue one that had become an acquired taste from Fabien’s memories, it was not his favourite vintage, but he savoured the heady flavour swallowing slowly.
The couple mingled for several hours talking with their friends Niko sharing his memories of Fabien, Phyre couldn’t do the same, but he would at home where he didn’t have to hide what they’d shared. Katsumi’s final words had done a great deal to lessen the hurt of what he had done; there was an expectation of coldness even of hatred but if anyone felt that way no one made it obvious. Phyre did not pry into anyone’s thoughts afraid of what he might hear. It was a depressing blessing in disguise that people hadn’t loved Fabien for who he was, Niko had wanted to kill him for what he’d done the other Kindred barely batted an eye.
Back inside Phyre’s apartment the pair stripped out of their by now damp clothing showing to remove the last of the chill from their bones. Snuggled in bed hair mostly dry skin barely damp anymore and their cat laying on their chest Phyre felt at peace.
“It was a nice inscription you wrote for him.”
Niko spoke softly stroking their pet. Phyre had chosen the words.
1923-2024
Fabien Laguna
Detective, confidant, friend
You have solved your final mystery, rest now.
“Thank you love. How do you feel?”
“Strangely at ease I didn’t expect today to feel so cathartic. I am glad for what we did for him.”
“As am I.”
Phyre could elaborate further but he didn’t letting the sentence hang in the air unfinished.
“Katsumi’s punishment was positively benign.”
“It was. I am glad she was benevolent. Such a hardship forced to stay here with my beloved Companion.”
Niko kissed him gentle and sweet.
“Talk to me of Fabien, you couldn’t reminisce at the bar when I did.”
Phyre accepted the offer grateful for the chance to share in good memories with someone else who had felt for Fabien, the pair talked long into the night succumbing to sleep many hours later. As Phyre slept, he dreamt.
Their flower field remained unchanged from the first time that he had laid eyes upon it. Fabien stood bent over a patch of flowers seeming to puzzle over them.
“Oh Phyre you are here.”
Phyre moved to his side sorrow a mask on their features as Fabien stood up to look down at him.
“Hello Fabien.”
Phyre cupped their chin peering down into sad violet eyes, placing a chaste kiss to their lips.
“What troubles you my dear?”
“Today was your funeral Fabien.”
“You knew this was coming Phyre.”
It was something they had discussed with this dream version of the friend they’d lost.
“It does not make it any less tragic knowing the tragedy is coming.”
“Poetic words but no more mourning. We’re here together in this moment.”
Dream Fabien spoke just the same as the one who once shared their head. He felt the same when Phyre touched them though that gossamer layer was gone in their dream space a painful reminder that this was not his Fabien anymore just the dream of him.
Phyre didn’t know what to say to that; he could enjoy these sleeping hours forget for a little while the reality that his loved one was dead; talk about his Funeral how it had been a beautiful ceremony with friends sharing memories how it rained how him and Niko cried so; he couldn’t do both though there wasn’t enough time that was always the crux of it him and Fabien had never had enough time not in life, not in their shared reality and now not even in dreams.
The sun would set, the moon would rise, Phyre would wake, Fabien would fade.
Phyre chose to be somewhat selfish, laying on the warm grass at the base of their tree Fabien laid beside them clasping their hand in his.
“I told the Barony of what befell you, Katsumi deigned me fit to live...in a gilded cage.”
“You deserve to live Phyre; we’ve discussed this before. What happened wasn’t your fault.”
“I know Fabien. Campbell is to blame, Safia is to blame.”
I am to blame.
This Fabien did not share his thoughts did not know how much Phyre still loathed himself for what he saw as his crime. Dream Fabien moved to rest his head against their chest.
“Stop thinking. Be with me here and now.”
Phyre relented, Fabien’s words snapping him out of the dark turn his thoughts had taken. Fabien’s fingers gripped his hand tightly securely, Phyre had so much he still wanted to say but that would wait for another dream. Fabien was here as real as could be.
In the evening the sun would set, for now he would enjoy this moment while it lasted.