dream & dream of being seen

However Jim was expecting this conversation to go, he never would have imagined it’d lead to a place where suddenly Eden appeared to have information they felt like Jim needed to hear. Especially information that seemed they were very hesitant to speak of in a public place such as the coffee shop they were both currently in. Brow furrowing into that of confusion, he listens carefully to Eden’s next words, hoping that they may give more clarity to the “memory” they saw, but instead Jim is met with only more questions. The fact that he’d experienced loss was no great secret in the office, he’d taken the majority of 1994 off because he’d been caring for Grace. Eden may not have been in the office then, but Jim is sure they’ve heard the story by now. 

But that still didn’t explain the “mistakes” Eden seems to think Jim made somewhere along the line. Taking a step forward Jim realizes he’s next in line, which gives the both of them an opportunity to continue the conversation elsewhere relatively soon if Eden was willing to talk about it any further. 

“How about we meet in the conference room when we get back?” He offers, hoping that would be enough privacy for whatever secret Eden seemed to be holding. “I don’t… I’m not sure what memory you could have seen. But maybe if you describe it to me in detail I’ll have a better idea why exactly you saw it. And in Scotland especially.” 

By the look Eden is given him, he’s not sure he even wants to hear the memory replayed back to him, but he figures there was no avoiding it now- whatever in the hell it was. Giving Eden a last nod of assurance, he goes ahead with his coffee order, figuring he was going to need it more than ever when they reached the office. 

.

They cannot help but watch him closely for a reaction to their words, expecting fear, or perhaps a flash of panic, but oddly enough he only seems to be confused. It makes them wonder if perhaps they have been looking at the memory all wrong, if perhaps it was something that he was compelled to do, either by imperius or so other outside influence. Or perhaps it is a memory he no longer has, someone else having taken it from him, or even he himself having gotten rid of it. The latter might make sense, considering they had noticed the vague ability to tell when a memory had been tampered with on the case with Miranda, even if not how. There is no way to know, though, of course, without hearing what Jim Norwood has to say on the matter, and his response gives them very little to enlighten them on what it all means.

His words, though, do seem to indicate that perhaps he genuinely does not remember, or that he is lying about knowing. Either way, he is right in thinking this is not the place to discuss things. They do not like the thought of going over all the details that they saw while they are at work, where people could be listening, everyone on edge already due to the mess the government was in at the moment––impressively even more of a mess than usual. There are ways around the intimate details, though. After all, it is the sort of memory that they are certain only the briefest of allusions to would recall if prodded correctly, dark as it is.

“Da, I will meet you in the conference room, back at the office,” they nod, with a slight frown, as Jim goes ahead to the counter and orders. They figure that the walk there will give them more time to form their approach here, more than the chance encounter outside of the office, anyway, even if neither are particularly ideal for the weight of the memory that still feels fresh in their mind. After a second, they head to the counter, perhaps taking more time than they need with the order, to give Jim a chance to leave ahead of them, the space of the short walk needed.

As pleasant as Hawk is to look at, Miranda can’t help but be a little let down about his story. From what she could tell, Hawk didn’t seem to be lying to them, which meant they were left with very little to run with here. If Hawk didn’t notice anything strange, then it was very likely none of the other dancers did either. He was the werewolf out of the group after all, someone whose senses she felt would likely be sharper than all of the other dancers at the club. 

When Eden turns to look at Glimmer, she’s taken aback when she sees what face Glimmer has fallen on. Don’t get her wrong, it was still a very good looking one, but much more “accountant” in nature than the sexpot they’d previously appeared as earlier on the club’s stage.

“I’m afraid so,” they sigh as they look between Eden and Miranda, “Both Doe 2 and 4 were mine, but no matter how much I think back to both of those nights, nothing seemed off about them.” 

Thinking back to the case file, Miranda recalls it’d been Glimmer that the Illinois aurors saw as the most likely suspect for this crime. But from what she can see, they seemed no more likely to do this than any of the other dancers. Even now, they seem like they’re being just as genuine as Hawk was when they claim to not remember anything. 

“Is there anything similar about the two nights, outside of the usual?” She asks them, grasping for straws. 

“Outside of the normal? Not really,” they reply as they slip a pair of glasses on, “both requested very different morphs, so my dance routine differed, but other than that, no. The only thing I can think of is that they both came into the private room at around 10:30.” 

“I think that was around the time mine came in too,” Hawk speaks up. 

It wasn’t much, but having a similar time the events occurred had to be of some significance, Miranda just wasn’t sure what. 

.

Glimmer’s appearance as they turn the questioning to them is something of a surprise. They are very attractive, indeed, but in a way utterly opposite of that which they had seen when they had first arrived. It would be easy to get distracted by this change, but they focus on the hunch they have instead. They know that Glimmer had been seen as the most likely suspect, which they could understand just from seeing their skill in action, how easy it would be to change their appearance to commit such a crime, but they do not get the feeling from them that they are a part of this, either, as they explain that they had a similar experience to Hawk. However, as Miranda continues to question them, and Eden focuses on trying to read their energy, to pick up on anything strange, they feel that same oddness around them as they had around Hawk, as they recall the night. 

It truly is unlike anything they can recall feeling, when trying to find the future, read into what lingers around other people to help them do so, but they do not feel wholly surprised that they have noticed something new. Their Sight has changed in ways they do not fully understand yet, even, but perhaps this is one of them. It would make sense, too, they think, considering the strange vision of a memory they had had in Scotland, that perhaps they are more attuned now to oddness of memories, too.

And even if there is not much in what Glimmer says, the mention of a time, which Hawk confirms, is helpful, they think, and will be all the more helpful if what they try gives them anything, too.

“I am noticing something strange, my friends. I am a seer, and I have a particular talent for reading energies left behind on objects to read futures usually, but I am sensing an oddity when you speak of these nights,” they explain looking between the others, before looking back to Hawk, closest to him. “Please bear with me, no pun intended. May I have your hand, Hawk?”

Hawk lets out a little breath of laughter. “If you’re interested, all you have to do is say,” he laughs, but offers his hand.

“Ah, I am, but I was planning to wait until we were wrapped our case to be so bold. I promise I have a purpose with this. Will you think about that night again, the dance in particular?” they prompt as they take his hand.

And they close their eyes, as he seems to do what was asked, and focus. It’s almost too easy to feel, too, now that they know to look, something oddly fuzzy about the energy attached to that dance. After a second they open their eyes again, give Hawk’s hand a pat, before asking and doing the same with Glimmer. And it feels certain to them, even if they do not know the how, and the why, but something is wrong with what they remember, almost like if they tried to call the future from the feelings surrounded those memories, the universe would give them nothing, not because of their own blockage any longer, but because those memories aren’t true.

“I hate to say it, but I believe someone has tampered with your memories, too,” Eden says, at last, frowning.

Something feels slightly off about Blue as they fall into line behind him. The moment Jim seems to make eye contact with the other auror they appear to tense up. Which all in all, he reminds himself, probably shouldn’t be too surprising. For all intents and purposes he was a superior to Blue, and running into each other in a line that meant they would be forced into small talk, could be annoying. It’s for that reason alone, he feels content to just leave the conversation at a simple hello before facing forward again, that is until Blue speaks up, and strangely seems to have more to say. 

He was usually last in line to hear any kind of office gossip, but he’d still heard about what happened in Tennessee on Blue’s and Vernier’s case. Tide had been absolutely furious with Eames after the two aurors had gotten back, and he didn’t blame them. Neither of the two were well equipped enough to handle a case like that, and forcing Vernier into a position that left them so vulnerable was incredibly irresponsible, even for Eames. None of that mattered now of course, especially with Langer officially stepping in as acting Chief after Eames’s exit, but Jim still hated that any of it even happened in the first place. 

“I don’t think any of us have had much of a chance to catch a breath after Scotland,” Jim confesses with a small sigh. He seemed to be have been thrown on one case after another, but maybe that was for the better considering everything else that was going on. “I’m glad to see you back in the office though, have you been holding up alright?” 

.

It feels impossible to imagine the man in front of them being the one who’s memory they had seen, as he goes on, so full of empathy and kindness. But they trust Cypress and his own abilities, and they also know full well how people can change so greatly. Or perhaps, not even change, but find ways to justify the things that they do, that might seen horrific to those on the outside. They had made a living for a long time, after all, helping people do just that. Never like this, though, never with a death. And there is something to Jim’s energy that feels familiar to the vision they had seen, even just distantly, almost as if to say the man in front of them is not exactly the same as the man whose eyes they had been looking through in their vision. All the more reason to try to help.

“Ah, that is very kind of you, thank you. I am adjusting well. It is good to keep busy, you know, now that I have recovered physically,” Eden nods. They consider how best to approach this without mentioning the fact that Jim Norwood is being haunted, to keep their word to Cypress, while also finding a way to help the man in front of it. They wish that they had not been so wrapped up in their recovery and adjustment, that they had spared a moment to think about things, remember that the world had kept turning even as everything had ground to a halt temporarily for them. But they think that here honesty and forthrightness may be the only approach, omitting only the evidence Cypress had provided to lead them to Jim.

“There is no simple way to say this, Inspector... I had a vision while we were in Scotland. It was unlike the visions I usually have. Instead of the future, I saw a memory,” they explain, keeping their voice quiet, searching his face for any indication that he might realize what they’re talking about. “I think perhaps it was a memory of yours. There is no need to go into detail now––I do not think a coffee shop is the right place to discuss such serious matters––but the universe wants me to help you. There has been pain in your life, mistakes made, perhaps, and I think something is coming that might threaten it all resurfacing, and that is why I was shown this memory. But I will help, when that happens.”

He thinks about his dreams. The repeated image of the Volcano, what it meant when it finally blew up, when all the world rushed in and the hot rush of lava rushed out. It was Eden. It was a dark omen as much as it was a promise, pain that would be followed by something wonderful, suffering that would clear away until a gift had been left in its place. It still shakes him to know that while he was dreaming about Eden, Eden was seeing him in turn. He existed in their mind before he had any right to be there, before they had really met, before they had decided he would be something important. He’s been considering the fate of it all, and they’ve both spoken about the universe wanting them to know each other, but the fact that they’ve both seen each other in visions is more proof still of it all. The sun. A volcano. The two of them together, with heat and warmth and care. He hums, softly, at the thought of it all. “The universe had to know what it was doing at some point, I suppose.” He says.

He means it to smoothe over the soft weight in the air, the sensation of there being more to the story that he doesn’t know yet. But that feeling is kind of exciting too –– the idea that they always had moreto share with each other, that their connection wasn’t done growing. Sol wanted to know each and every thing about Eden, wanted to know them down to their core, the heart of every atom in their body and in their mind. He wanted to know Eden like a well-loved book, to know every twist and every turn and to cherish every word that spilled from their pages. But he wanted to discover them slowly, too. He wanted to take his time with them, cherish it, savor the experience of getting to know them and revealing the most intimate parts of himself in turn. They were two conflicting instincts, but they were both powerful, tugging him in different directions so that he never knew if he was going to hold back or push for more. He almost wants to push, to ask why Eden seems so heavy about it sometimes, what the signifigance of the volcano was deep in their heart. He almost wants to push, but he feels like its worth taking his time, he feels like he can be patient here.

After all, they have all the time in the world. 

Sol feels even better about the decision when Eden smiles at him, that lovely smile, that perfect smile. It makes him feel bright and warm, happy and full of so much potential that it almost hurts. There’s a twinkle of potential in their eye, a distant want, and Sol feels the butterflies errupt in his stomach, feels the low and casual pull of a wanting in his gut. Half excitement, half anticipation, all so good that it makes him feel bright and warm. He doesn’t even notice the gentle flapping of the butterfly wings in reality, not until Eden points them out. He spares a glance down to watch them, to feel them move, and a startled laugh slips out of him, his smile growing softer. Oh. Well, that cleared things up even more than anything else could. 

Eden was thinking about kissing him. It made him feel flushed, made him feel even more excited. Made him feel wanted. He glances back up at Eden, and knows that his smile has turned to something teasing in it now. “We’re not dreamin’ this time.” He says, and arches an eyebrow as he considers it. He had wanted to kiss them then, as well. Had wanted to press close and feel the warmth of their lips against his own. Had wanted it in a dream, had wanted it in the club. But he’d wanted it to be different, as well. Something perfect and private, something real.

There was no moment more real than right now, with the solid confirmation that Eden wanted to kiss him, wanted to kiss him right now. “Which gets me thinkin. There’s been something I wanted to try.” He says, still soft and teasing, as he inches just a little closer to them. Like he had in the club, when they had almost gotten there. He takes the leap of faith and leans closer, presses his lips against Eden’s in a kiss that says far too much, that makes it clear just how deeply hes been wanting this, just how long he’s held this longing in his chest. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but he feels it like a fire in his stomach. Their lips are soft, and perfect, and all he wants to do is kiss them for hours. 

.

It is a new sensation to be able to look at someone and consider that there is time. They have never been someone who is patient, even if they always do try to wait until the right moment for things, and they think now that that had something rather big to do with their own inability to see a future for themself. In the absence of certainty, they had taken to living in the moment, not letting their thoughts stray to their future, to things they could not guarantee they would have. It made them probably seem rather a lot, to some people, the way they were so wholly in so quickly with other people, but it was that they wanted to take what they could for as long as they could, not one more moment of their life guaranteed. They have feared the future, and coveted the future for so long that they have not allowed themself to consider it might be there, for fear of what the future waiting might be. But now, now it feels like the future stretched wide in front of them, because Sol has seen them, has seen little pieces of their future, happy pieces, after so much pain. They do not even need to know anything about their future, for that to be revolutionary. And so it makes them want to take their time, enjoy each moment, and consider the next. 

It would be so simple to spill everything out for Sol here now, and they want to, they want him to know every little detail of their life, just like they want to know his. But there is something so nice about having the knowledge that there will be a next time, that there is more of this for both of them. Because the universe has shown them both that fact, the universe has shown them both each other, showed warm, soft futures on the horizon. And that is just as thrilling as laying everything out immediately, the thought that they have time, that they can wait until the perfect moment for everything that could come, and they will still have more time after that.

This is one of those moments, they realize as it stretches out before them. They’re not dreaming this time, and those words make them smile softly back at him, because it feels like a miracle, like something revolutionary that they are sitting here together, that they have found each other now. That they can stop running. He keeps going, and there’s a teasing lilt to his voice that makes their smile sharpen just a little, as they consider what they want, what they have been wanting to try, too. And he moves closer just slightly, the suggestion of more. Before they can take the moment, take what they’ve been thinking about for what feels like a small eternity––because this is the perfect moment, that they are certain of––Sol does so first, leaning forward and bringing their lips together in a kiss. And his lips feel even better than they had considered they might, fitting against theirs so well. The kiss itself says so much, they think, sends a jolt of electricity through them, twists the heat in the pit of their stomach. He’s wanted this, too, for as long as they have, they think. 

Eden doesn’t hesitate before responding in kind, hand moving to his neck, to let their thumb brush over the tattoo he had showed them, just like they had been thinking of, deepening the kiss. And he tastes good, sweet as honey, no, not honey, but something sugary and nice, and his skin is warm, and he feels just about perfect like this, kissing them. There’s a vague thought in their mind that they are glad they were interrupted, because this is exactly what it should have been, their first kiss together, something private, and meaningful, something just for the two of them to share, just like everything they’ve been speaking about. The kiss is more than just a casual thing, too, that they are certain of, because the way he kisses says as much, and they have a feeling he will be able to tell in their kiss, too, that they are thinking the same. This is someone they want to hold onto for a very long time.

They do not want to stop, but they pull back just slightly for a second, little out a small breathe of laughter, but staying close, thumb rubbing over the tattoo behind his ear. They look at him, at his long lashes, the beauty of his eyes, and they wish they could see him more fully, but then, it feels like they see him better than they’ve ever seen anyone else, especially in this moment. “Ah, you beat me to it. I have also been wanting to try that,” they hum, unable to keep the grin from their voice. They lick their lips, despite themself, tasting the sweetness there from Sol’s lips. “You taste sweet as sugar, zaichik. I cannot say I am surprised.”

When they reach the dressing room, Miranda is pleased to see the beauty of the club’s owner was only just a taste of what other visual delights there were to be found at the Sirens’ Lounge. Just by Belladonna’s description of Hawk alone, she assumed he’d be rather built- but “built” didn’t even quite describe the adonis currently lounging on the couch ahead of them. Glimmer too was a sight to behold, but for now she focuses her attention on the white-haired man in front of them, figuring she’d have plenty of time to take in Glimmer when they talked to them next. 

“Right you are, darling,” Miranda smiles, which soon turns into a smirk when Hawk steals a long look at both her and Eden. “I’m Officer Miranda Amaro-Bott, and this is my partner, Officer Eden Blue. We were hoping to ask you some questions about these missing memory episodes.” 

“Yeah, of course,” Hawk nods, sitting up a little as he does so, “I’ll warn you though, I doubt either of us will be much help for you. We’ve all been wracking our brains for weeks trying to figure out what’s going on in the club, and none of us have noticed anything out of the ordinary during the nights this all happened.” 

“That’s alright, anything will be of help, I assure you,” she replies, although it does worry her just how seemingly little the staff seemed to know of this crime. A strip club was an easy place for things to go unnoticed, what with the loud and dark atmosphere, as well as the crowd. She wouldn’t be all that surprised that they hadn’t seen anything, even though she hoped otherwise. 

“Do you think you could tell us a little about Doe #3? According to our case report you’re the only dancer they ever frequented.” She adds.

“Ah, “Doe #3″, right,” he lets out a small sigh, “I forgot they’re all still staying anonymous. Well your reports are right, Three comes in here about twice a week, although it can vary every now and then. Sometimes he’s here religiously, other times it can be up to a month before I see him again. My guess is he starts dating someone, then whenever that ends he’s back here.” 

“Do you know him very well?” She asks, thinking it may help to get a better idea of just the kind of people these Does were. 

“Not really,” Hawk shrugs, “he’s an executive type, keeps to himself pretty well when he’s in here. He never spends any time out in the main floor of the club. Usually when he comes in he pays for a private dance up front, then one of the bartenders or waitresses will go fetch me.” 

.

It takes a moment longer than it should to compose themself on this one, silently grateful all over again for the gift that this case is, to help solve something so strange and uphold the reputation the club has, while also having plenty of beauty to look at, too. They do not need two working eyes to admire Hawk and Glimmer, and it seems that Hawk is admiring Miranda and them in turn, which makes them grin a little. Even if this is all that comes from the case, along with a solution, it is a nice feeling to be admired, especially given how painful things have been lately. This makes them feel almost normal.

They listen closely, though, focusing on the dancer’s words as Miranda questions them, and they are not surprised to hear that he seems to have no better idea than Belladonna of what could have been going on. The description of the Doe, at least, gives a better picture. Rich, no surprise, certainly the type full of shame for something that need not be seen as shameful. A very good target, for someone who would want a great deal of money, without the risk of someone publicly admitting it was him that it was stolen from. A smart move, by whoever it is who was doing this, they think. It does not help them much, though.

“Did you notice anything strange on that night about him, or about what happened before or after the dance?” they ask, with a slight frown.

“I know it’s not helpful, but nothing seemed off. It was just like any other night with him,” Hawk says, shaking his head slightly. “Happened just like it always does, he came in, went to the back, one of the servers came and got me, he was already there waiting when I made it to the back. We talked for a few minutes, then I gave him his dance like usual, and he left the room.”

They believe that he believes all of that. The thing is, though, that something feels wrong, almost as if Hawk’s energy is just a little off as he’s talking about that night and what he remembers. It is a strange feeling, one that they are not quite sure how to take. It does not seem to be that he is lying––they do not think that’s something that they could tell––but just that there’s something not quite right about what he is saying, but they do not know why.

“You do not remember anything odd about that dance?”

“No, just the normal sort of routine I do for him, nothing special, nothing weird. I keep going over it in my head, but I can’t come up with anything. He seemed fine the whole time, and nothing out of the ordinary went on throughout the night,” Hawk explains.

The beginning of an idea is forming. They wish they had a deck of tarot cards with them, but in the absence of some physical anchor for energy, they think they might have another way, as odd as it might sound. But before they show their hand, figuratively and literally, they want to know if Glimmer’s story is any different.

“Was it much of the same for you, Glimmer? Two of the Does often requested dances with you, da?”

It isn’t difficult to believe Eden when they say it –– when they offer a belief that they can find each other anywhere in the universe, in the waking world and inside their own dreams. They say it with such an easy fondness, with something earnest behind the words, as if they really do believe it. It’s a nice idea, that they could continue their night time meetings and settle in to that perfect space once again, that they are so connected they could make it happen whenever they wished. Sol isn’t sure that’s how it worked, but he would do anything to find them like that again, to settle in to the warmth and capture that peace inside their joined dreams. He would find a softness there that couldn’t be compared to anything else, he would find the best rest he could ever hope for. “So much faith,” He says, soft, with a smile. “But I think I believe you, when you say it like that.” 

And Eden keeps looking at him, so softly, as if they feel the exact same way that he does. This connection, whatever it is, is mutual. They both know how powerful it is, the both feel the pull deep inside them that wants them to be together, in the same space, breathing the same air. Sol feels that sense of rightness, something clicking in to place, when Eden reaches out and takes his hand. Their own hand is bigger than his, and they seem so strong and so sure, it makes Sol want them more than he already did. Their palms and fingers fit so nicely against his own, as if they were made to hold each other, as if they were made to touch each other. He tries not to be a romantic like that, to believe that someone could be made for another person, but Eden makes it hard to ignore that instinct. It just feels right. It feels proper, like something he should chase after. He almost loses track of what Eden is saying, but his smile turns even more gentle, because he believes it to be true. They tell him that they might understand the world and the future better when they are with each other, and Sol lets out a soft breath, almost a laugh. 

“You probably have a lot to teach me too,” He allows, voice slow and soft, as he gives their hand a soft squeeze in return, as he enjoys the warmth of Eden’s hand pressed against his own. He never wants to let go, he never wants to pull away. “We can teach each other, how about that?” And its a nice idea. He likes the concept of coming here again and again and again, learning everything about how their gift works, about how they see the future through their own personal modes amd means. Their different vantage points might show them different things, but together the world might become a clearer place, might become something more beautiful and easier to control. Sol has never wanted to know his own future, not when it so often gave him bad omens and terrifying visions of his own untimely death. But he wants to see more of Eden’s, suddenly. Wants to tell them of every happiness that’s coming for them, to describe the long and happy life that Sol is sure they will lead. He lets out a soft huff of a laugh, when Eden replies to his own teasing, and gives them a shyer smile. “You’ll always be my favourite, don’t you worry, darlin.” 

He watches as something changes on their face, just a little. A moment of realisation. And their words stop Sol in his tracks, almost. Something amazed and soft unfurls in his stomach, something that makes him feel special. Eden, seeing him in their visions. Seeing him as the warmth of the sun, as a comfort that came to him in the darkest of times. He lets out the softest of breaths, and looks back at them with the warm awe that must be evident in his face. “You saw me.” He says, and he sounds baffled at the concept of it, sounds warm and amazed and so soft that it almost aches. “I’m the sun. Well…” He shakes his head, because he doesn’t know what to say, because it seems far too gentle and far more kind than anything the universe has shown him about himself. “Hey,” he teases, instead of admitting again how cruel the universe can be to him. “I liked my volcano. I knew it meant something big was coming.” He reaches up, grazing his knuckles against Eden’s cheek, just for a second. “And the universe didn’t disappoint.” 

.

Sol makes it feel easy to have that much faith in the future, that much faith in what is possible. They had woken from so much pain, from horrors that they never could have imagined experiencing, and they had seen him, and he had looked at them, and told them that they had a future. He makes everything feel possible, even if they do not know quite how to make it all happen. Because the universe may have had these plans for them both all along, but they would not have happened if he were not himself, if Sol had not fought through so much, too, if he had not been able to find hope in the pain, enough to be able to spread it to them, too. So they do have faith in themselves together, because already he has shown them more than they ever expected to find again, a future that had seemed impossible. And they feel like they are learning more about their own sight, too, sitting here with him, hearing about his own experiences, how they are the same, how they differ, the core of it all so familiar it makes their heart ache to know that they have found someone who understands it all so fully.

There have been several instances in their life where they have been with someone and known almost immediately that the person was meant to be in their life, like a puzzle piece slotting into place as soon as they were breathing the same air. All of these instances have felt wholly unique, special in their own ways, but somehow still none have seemed to touch what it feels to sit with Sol, to hold his hand and talk with him. It feels right, it feels like this is where they are both supposed to be just now, that they were supposed to find each other when they did, and not a moment sooner or later. And they are glad that they are sharing this time with Sol now, because it feels like everything that has happened in the past two and a half years prepared them to fit perfectly in this space with him. Their change in career had brought them more openness and honesty, meeting Hadrian had brought them a softness they had not realized they were allowed to take and give freely before, and all of the pain, it had made them realize how important the good is. This is just how it should be. And his little smile, shy and teasing, the way he calls them darling makes them agree. “Da, I would like that. We can learn together. Perhaps later I can show you my tea leaves,” Eden says, giving his hand another squeeze.

There is something warm and awe inspiring in the air, as the realization hits. They’ve seen him, and he’s seen them, and here they are now, together. “The universe knows what it is doing, it seems. The sun. Your volcano,” they repeat, voice soft. They consider telling him why exactly he had seen them as a volcano, why those words send a pleasant chill down their spine, hearing him say that he liked his volcano, after leaving behind Volkan for Eden a decade and a half ago, out of fear. Sol makes it sound like something not to fear, but to love. My volcano he says, and he touches their cheek so gently, and warmth seems to radiate from the spot where his knuckles graze. The volcano, for both of them, had been something explosive, violent in their visions, but Sol is right, too, that it had meant something big was coming. For both of them. It seems now, looking back, that Sol had seen it not to prevent it––no, they were always going to end up a volcano, one way or another, it seems––but to prepare him for finding them. Prepare him for something big. And he is right, the universe did not disappoint. If this pain is what it took them to finally be able to see and be seen so wholly, they cannot fault the universe for its ways, when it’s given them so much in return.

They look at him, smile softly at him, looking over his face, taking in every little detail. He is so beautiful, and he’s here. His hand is still in theirs, and the air feels warm and soft. The space feels like home in a way that is new, a little thrilling. And they think about leaning forward, kissing him, tasting the sparkling cider on his tongue, maybe, doing just what they had been considering for a while, now, what they had nearly done at the club, before the interruption. It feels like the right time, to do it, in this private space, talking about so much that is theirs, understanding each other wholly. They’re thinking about it, wondering if it’s something he still wants, too, wondering if he wouldn’t mind if they moved a hand to his waist, felt the soft silk of his beautiful midnight blue shirt, or moved a hand to his neck, let their thumb brush over that tattoo again. Before they move, though, they feel the brush of something against their finger, where their hand is intertwined with Sol’s, and they glance down, and oh, it’s his ring. A little butterfly, the wings flapping. “Your ring,” they say, a little laugh in their voice as they grin back at him softly. “It reminds me of the butterflies in our dream.”

Sol doesn’t really know how Eden does it, how they manage to make simply listening feel so powerful, how they manage to make it so easy to talk about all of this stuff that has weighed so heavily on Sol for all of his life. He doesn’t understand how they can feel like this already, so utterly connected now, when this is only like the third real conversation that they’ve ever had. It just feels good, it just feels right, and Sol feels settled here in a way that he rarely does. It feels like he was made to sit on Eden’s couch and talk too much, to let the words flow out of him with no way of stopping them, high on that thrill of getting to talk to someone who really understands him, who really understands how it all feels. Eden frowns in just the right places, says just the right things, because they feel it all just the same way that Sol does. Because they’re kindred spirits, because they’ve suffered in identically different ways. 

Eden smiles in just the right places too, and Sol can’t help smiling back at them, warm and bright. “I’d like that.” He says, with a breath. Because he would. Their dream had been the best one Sol has had in years, had been perfect and peaceful and the best nights sleep he could imagine for himself. If he could meet Eden every night in that in-between space, he would be happy. They wouldn’t evem have to talk to him. They could just sit and look up at the stars that they imagined for themselves, they could just sit there and feel warm together, feel the buzz of connection. “More dreams like that.” And he finds himself shivering just a little when Eden reaches out and skims fingers over that tattoo, the little line of markings that anchor him in his dreams. He wonders if the tattoo had helped them in building that space together, if it had made it easier to spend that night with Eden in his sleep. 

He just feels a little breathless with all the ways they’re alike –– even if so much of their lives are different from each other, even if they grew up in different ways and surrounded by different places, even if their visions came in different forms. Some of those experiences were just so universal, were just something that could tie you together no matter what. His heart aches a little bit, when Eden tells him that it took a long time to accept their own visions. His heart aches as he imagines Eden working with the small visions, trying to help people who they believed had been victims of an injust system. That’s kind of dreamy, Sol thinks. Kind of beautiful. They’re kind of a beautiful person. “Small and big.” He says, kind of thoughtful. “That’s the best way I’ve heard of putting it.” And with a small sigh, he gives Eden a gentle look, something warm and caring that stretches out between them. “I’m sorry you had to see all that.” He says, after a moment. Because he is. Because he wishes that their visions would give them something softer, something kinder thna the pain. “Even if you don’t quite remember it when it happens. I’m sorry you had to see it at all. Nashville, everything else.” Sol shakes his head, and lets out a sigh. “But if It helps, I don’t think the future is all bad. You have good things on the horizon, Eden Blue. They’re just waiting for you to come take them.” 

He feels warm with the way that Eden teases him, with the look on their face when they it. It feels so right, sitting here together. It feels like the best first date that Sol has ever been on –– even though it isn’t a date, not really. They’re not doing the dating thing. Sol isn’t even sure that Eden would want that, not in the same way that Sol has the potential to. But he knows that it will be good, whatever this is, whatever it develops in to. Even if Eden just wants to spend mindless time with him, just wants to talk. Sol will sit here wanting to kiss them anyway, wondering what it would be like to lean forward and press against them, and his eyes flick down to their lips just for a second when the thought occurs to them. “Well, it was about time that the Universe started being nice to us. It owes me like, six dreamy seers to make up for all the rest of what it’s thrown at me.” He wrinkles his nose up in a smile, warm and fond. “But you’ll do for now.” 

.

Looking at Sol, listening to him talk, it feels like seeing another version of themself, in a way. There are difference, of course, and they think that as they learn more of those differences, they will only like him all the more for them, but they have also never met someone who seems to be such a reflection of so much that they have felt before. They feel parallel in a way, like the world has been waiting for this moment, where those two lines would finally cross, and they would meet here, in just the right place, at just the right time. Because it all just feels so simple and easy, sitting here in the living room with him, talking about things they’ve never been able to talk about in such depth, with so much understanding reflected back at them, because Sol knows how all of it feels, he’s felt it all, too. 

This is something they want to hold onto, something they want to get used to, if Sol will allow them the privilege. Sitting here in their living room, with each other, Kosmos nearby, everything feeling so warm and right. It is all just so incredibly comfortable, like this isn’t the first time they’ve been here together, but the hundredth, warm in its familiarity. And that makes it all the more astonishing, they think, knowing that it’s not the hundredth time, but only the first that he’s been here in their home, making it feel so much more like that word just from his energy filling up the space. But then, maybe it is not so much a surprise, when from the first moment they had seen him, they had felt like they knew him already, and he knew them; when their meeting in their dreams had felt like seeing an old friend, well loved, and comfortable. “Perhaps we can figure out a way to guarantee more dreams like that, between the two of us. I think we may be able to find each other anywhere in the universe, waking or asleep, if we tried,” they say, voice soft, full of fondness, because they genuinely do think that’s true. They are certain that all this time, the universe was leading them to each other in one way or another.

This gift of theirs has brought both of them so much pain, but it has also brought them this, and from what they can tell, it is one of the most beautiful things that they have ever been given, seeing someone so wholly, and being seen so wholly in turn. Being understood and accepted on a level that only someone who knows the future as intimately as them could. They are more certain than they have ever been, with Sol sitting here, that both of them have more good on the horizon. They set their glass down for a moment, so they can reach over and take one of Sol’s hands, intertwine their fingers, squeeze gently, grateful. And it fills them with warms, their palms pressed together, the way his hand fits so perfectly in theirs. “There has been too much pain for both of us, but I think you are right, Sol, I think there is a lot of beauty on the horizon. And I think perhaps we might both find better understanding of the futures we hold in our minds, together. You have a lot to teach me, zaichik,” Eden says, with a nod.

He looks rather adorable as they tease, and they like the way he wrinkles his nose a little, the smile he gives. “I am glad I can tide you over until you find five others. I hope they will be willing to share your time, though,” they tease a little, but they mean the words. Now that he is here, they do not think they could let go. He is too bright, and warm, it feels so much like stepping outside and breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sun’s rays on their face, to bask in his presence. The sun’s rays. Sol. Eden lets out a little astonished laugh, despite themself, as the realization hits, looking back at him in awe. They do not know how they had not realized immediately, once they learned his name, how it took so long to realize. “I have seen you,” they breathe, smiling back at him. “I have seen you before, in my visions. The sun’s rays warming my face, offering comfort in the darkest moments. Twice, I have seen it. The sun. You. Sol. I do not know how I did not realize sooner. Moyo solntse. It was a much nicer vision than your volcano and me.”

The more Miranda listens to Belladonna speak, the more she seems certain that whatever was going on here wasn’t due to a dancer or the club owner herself. The witch was right, pulling off such a crime no matter how seamlessly it seemed to have been done, still put the club at risk. The money stolen during the various crimes was extraordinary, but was it enough for one of the dancers to throw away everything for such a risky move? 

They were going to have to speak to some of the dancers to get a better idea of just how someone could have pulled this off, even if she didn’t quite like the idea of leaving Belladonna’s company yet. 

Looking over to Eden, she gives them the chance to ask any other questions they may have before she turns back to the club owner. 

“Could you tell us where we could find Hawk and some of the other dancers connected to the J. Does?” She asks, hoping that by this time of day most of them were already in the club, or at the very least not too far away. 

“Hawk and Glimmer should be backstage,” she replies, “and then of course Angel and Coral, our two resident sirens, are probably in the swimming pool out back. They usually spend the day out there before using a portkey in the swimming pool that links back to their tank in the club.” 

As much as she’d love to check out the sirens first, she knows Hawk is the most logical direction to head to next. After giving Eden another moment to speak to Belladonna she thanks the witch with a wide grin and a handshake before leading Eden towards backstage. 

“Well that was rather illuminating, darling, wasn’t it,” she smiles, arm still looped around Eden’s as they make their way through the club. “I must say I don’t think I like any of the dancers for this little caper, but I suppose we’ll find out soon enough.” 

.

They would be glad to stay and talk with Belladonna for the rest of the evening, but they are fairly certain there is not much more they can get from her on the case just now, until they can speak to the dancers themselves. Everything she has said, though, makes them feel that this crime wasn’t committed by any of the dancers, or even Belladonna. Her devastation at the news seems to be wholly genuine, and somehow they think they would have a feeling if she was lying to them about any of what she has said. 

They are still not exactly sure how much has changed with their Sight, having been cautious since returning, after such a terrible prophecy coming to fruition so horribly, to try to use their Sight casually to fully understand what has changed, but this case seems the chance. And something in their gut tells them that if something were wrong with her story, they might get the feeling of it, in the same way that before they have been able to get a feeling by touching something their subject touched.

Either way, though, they are glad that Miranda seems to be thinking the same way, as she asks Belladonna where the dancers might be at this moment. And with that, it seems that their next step is clear. Eden thanks Belladonna along with Miranda, giving her a brilliant smile, promising to speak again, later, before they let Miranda start to lead them backstage. 

“Da, I agree. I do not think that a dancer would try something so risky. Good, and bad, I think; it creates the problem of our culprit potentially not even being in the club. But I would rather that, than see these dancers’ reputations hit,” they nod, as they head backstage.

It only takes a second to find the dressing room, following the sound of voices down the hall. The door is open, but they knock anyway, before peeking in, and they find themself speechless for the second time since stepping foot in the club. Because both of the dancers inside, Glimmer, sitting in front of a mirror, playing with their appearance, and the other, likely Hawk, lounging on a plush couch in the corner, are both gorgeous. Before they can remember themself, Hawk notices them, and stops mid-sentence, frowning at them for a second, before recognition dawns on his face.

“You two must be the aurors, right? I’m Hawk, this is Glimmer. You can come in, if you want. I promise it’s more comfortable than the doorway,” he says, a hint of teasing in his voice.

Sol has to stop and wonder for a second, if he will always feel a spark of something thrilling when he learns something about Eden, when another peice of the puzzle clicks in to place. He doesn’t think it will stop. He can’t imagine the sensation of getting to know Eden being anything other than amazing, groundbreaking. With every moment it feels like he can see Eden clearer, like he can look into the past and see them there too, the way they move and the tools they use to look into the future. Eden with a crystal ball, Eden brewing endless cups of tea in the hopes that it will reveal the necessary truths. And it’s a thrill to be talking about it at all, talking about the sight with someone who understands it as intimately as Sol does, with someone who its hurt as much as its helped. Most people don’t understand, not really. They can’t even imagine what it feels like to have the future pumped into your mind, even when you didn’t want it there, even when you would rather not see it. Eden knew how much pain the sight could cause, and Eden had kept it hidden for so long. For decades. For longer than Sol has even been alive. It didn’t even let them have that much, didn’t let them have their secrets. It came to them during the worst possible moment, so that they couldn’t deny it.

It was simmilar to what had happened to Sol, too, so long ago. He had clearly been older when his sight made itself known, but it had been a dramatic entrance to his life. It had knocked him off his feet, quite literally. “Not so many crystal balls in my life.” He says, with a slightly thoughtful tone to his voice. “And I like tarot cards, but I don’t think I actually get more from them than anybody else could. My sight doesn’t help much, with that. It likes my dreams the best.” A small smile, at that, a little shiver at the thought. He’s had some good dreams lately, but for most of his life the nightmares that bore the future inside them were unpleasent things. Even when they had been good, they had left Sol shaking with fear, with the idea that his sleep did not belong to him and would never be a restful thing, would never give him what he wanted, would never offer him any real peace from the waking world. “I only have real prophecies when I’m asleep. It’s kind of inconvenient, but I always remember it, more or less. Give or take a few hazy details. My mom got me this pendant? I would set it working when I went to sleep and it would record my voice when I started talking in my sleep. But I think the charms on it started to fade, so it’s just a necklace right now.”  

He shrugs his shoulders, and considers it more. What helped him? What did he use to make his gifts more powerful. He smiles a little wider, and tilts his head to run a finger over the little line of tattoos behind his ear, so that Eden can see the finely detailed little symbols that rest there. “I gave myself these, though. To focus the visions. Make them clearer, once I finally accepted that they were part of me. Which…was a hard thing to accept, for a long time.” He glances at Eden again, and his eyes are soft things. He feels like he might be talking too much, like he might be saying too much. But he’s caught up in the thrill of someone else being here, someone else really understanding him. He’s thrilled with the concept of sharing these things with Eden, with sharing his life with Eden. It’s a wonderful thing, after all. To be known. To be seen. For someone to listen to you when you speak, to genuinely want to hear your story. “Mine hit me like yours did, that day it outed you. I had my first vision in class, when I was at school. I have…it’s like, there are different levels? Most of my visions wait until I go to sleep on my own? They’re slow, and they’re patient, and they don’t mind lingering on the edges until I fall asleep. But there are ruder ones, more impatient. They don’t wait, they just…knock me out, so that they can come into the light. It wasn’t a very pleasent way to find out I could see the future.” 

He remembers, belatedly, that he has a glass in his hand now. Sparkling cider, a nice touch for the evening. Eden really thought of everything, when they set this up. And even with the heaviness that comes sometimes, with the topic at hand, Sol feels light and breezy. It feels a little romantic, sitting here and sharing all of these details of his life, holding a glass of sparkling cider. He reaches out, clinks their glasses together before he takes a little sip. “I think I like the way you show you care, Blue.” He says, finally. “And I really like talking to you about this stuff. It’s not often I meet people who really understand what I’m talking about.” 

.

The night already feels unlike any they have had before, which is a thought that nearly takes their breath from them, because it is so seemingly ordinary. But listening to Sol talk, having him sitting here close to them on their couch, with Kosmos lying down on the floor at their feet, it all feels so warm, and magical. it feels just like the dream, where they had sat under the stars together, talking to each other as if they had known all their lives, but a dozen times stronger, somehow, all enveloping in its beauty because this time it is reality, they are both awake and they are both here, together. And to know that he understands them so wholly, can see them so clearly, and they can see him so clearly, too, it makes it all feel the more meaningful.They listen closely as he starts telling the story of his own Sight, how it comes to him, what works best to try to focus it. They cannot imagine what it would be like for their prophecies to come mostly in their dreams. It feels so beyond their control already, not knowing until a moment’s notice when the universe is suddenly going to use them as a vessel to convey the future, but to not even have his rest be his own, and to also have to worry about waking moments, too, it makes their heart ache for him. 

They frown slightly as he talks about the inconvenience of the prophecies, something they know well themself. “That cannot be easy, to have your rest taken from you by the future, too. I wish that I could give you more dreams like the one we shared, safe and wholly yours. I am sorry that you have to know that feeling of losing control so well. But it is a comfort to know you understand,” they say, giving him a soft, understanding smile. They wish they could give him peace, because they know intimately well how the future can plague your thoughts, can consume you. It is not easy to deal with it alone. But they are here now, and they are not going to let Sol deal with it alone, any longer, because they understand, they know what it’s like. He explains the pendant, and the tattoo, and they find themself fascinated, looking at both in gentle awe. He is lightyears beyond them in his understanding of his own gift, and it is inspiring, it makes them want to try, too, especially knowing that their own Sight had changed, with their injury. They reach out and very gently run their fingers over the tattoo that Sol points out, the one to help make his visions clearer. “Your tattoos are beautiful, powerful. I know how difficult it is to accept it all. I regret how long it took me to accept it.”

The similarities are striking to them, to know that he too experiences certain levels to his prophecies. They have never known if that was normal or not, or if there was even a normal for seers. “It is interesting to know that is how your visions are, that they can take over at a moment’s notice, too. That is how mine are, as well. I have always thought of them as small prophecies, and big prophecies. They did not teach Divination at Koldovstoretz, so I do not know if there is a proper term for these levels of visions, but mine are much the same. The small ones are a gentle push, and I can remember the details, they are something I can even call forth, with the right focus; I used those for years to win cases in court, to free people who I believed were victims of the broken system we work within. The big ones, they––ah, what is the saying––hit like a freight train, da? I rarely remember them. But they are always bad, from what I have been told. I saw what happened in Nashville in a big prophecy. I saw the terrible future that made me run to America in one.”

The pain their shared skill has caused both of them is heavy, and will likely never easy completely, but it does not feel hard to talk about with Sol. It all feels comfortable, and good, like this is exactly where the universe wants both of them. Eden smiles back at him as he clinks their glasses together, and they take a sip. “So do I. In fact, before you, I have never spoken with another who fully understands what it is like to have the future forced on them. It means a great deal to have you here. Not to be cliche, but I think the universe wanted us to find each other,” they grin, a little teasing, but they mean it.

Belladonna Monroe is everything Miranda could ever aspire to be in life and more, she thinks to herself, completely enamored with the force of a woman standing before them. Her white suit almost seems to glow as she stands there in the darkly lit club, but then again, as Miranda takes another look at it, it is glowing, a soft halo forming around it as the woman looks between the two of them, leaning on a cane that looked more for show than purpose as she does so. 

“You two can ask me anything you like, personal or case related,” she hums with a smile, and for the first time in Miranda’s life she’s found herself speechless, her arm still wrapped around Eden’s as she looks up in awe at Belladonna. 

“We can save the personal questions for later, darling,” she manages to reply, hopefully without any waver to her usual confidence as she does so. “Sticking to the dreadfully boring business questions first though, do you think you could tell us a little bit about the nights that these missing memory events occurred?” 

“Certainly,” Belladonna replies, “well J.Doe #1 as they like to call themself, was attacked about a month and a half back. Hawk was the one to actually have found them. He goes back in that alley for his smoke breaks and came across the poor thing passed out on a heap of trash bags. It was after close, around 3am I would say.” 

“Oh, that is dreadful,” Miranda replies, face twisting into a cringe as she pictures the scene. Knowing Hawk was the dancer that found Doe #1 was certainly a new piece of information, which wasn’t too surprising given how little information the Does had given MACUSA in the first place. “What happened after Hawk found them?” 

“Oh, well Hawk picked them up, and brought them back in here. They came-to soon after- I mean who wouldn’t, I’ve been carried around by Hawk on more than one occasion and I can tell you, those arms would pull anyone out of the deepest of comas.” 

As much as Miranda would love to inquire more about Hawk, his arms, and the events leading up to him carrying Belladonna not once- but multiple times, she knows she has to keep her focus. 

“And when Doe #1 woke up, what did they say they remembered about that night?”  

.

It would be very, very easy to get distracted here, especially as Belladonna goes on, and there’s the offer of personal questions. They may not have known Miranda for long, but they like to think that she is a friend they know fairly well, especially after recent endeavors, and Eden cannot recall once seeing her something like starstruck, anything other than commanding in her own way. Between Belladonna herself, and the clear affect that she was having on both of them, Eden cannot help the probably too wide grin on their lips, considering the dozens of ways all of this could go for them, once they had solved the case, of course.

Luckily, though, Miranda is able to concentrate better than them, and leads her down the path of questioning expertly, with new information coming up almost immediately hearing that one of the dancers is who found the first Doe in question. They do not think that necessarily incriminates Hawk, but it does make them more keen to speak with him, to see if he noticed anything himself when he discovered their J. Doe #1.

And maybe they are also more interested in speaking with him because of the stories that Belladonna tease about Hawk’s famous arms. Now that is another possibility they would like to explore. For now, though, they focus as Belladonna goes on. 

“Not all that much, unfortunately. They all had about the same story; remembered coming in, going and getting their money exchanged, nothing seemed odd about it, even remembers going into the back for a dance, no problem, then nothing,” she explains with a wave of her free hand. “Now, I know that sounds awfully suspicious, but it’s happened no matter who the various Does have gone to for a private dance, and I trust each of my dancers with my life, and my money. None of them would do anything like that, when they’re already making fortunes as it is.”

Even without having spoken to any of the dancers, they are inclined to believe her on that, too. It seems like a needlessly risky scam to run when any one of them could be see as the prime suspect given their connections to the Does. But only time well tell if that instinct is correct.

“That is very strange indeed. Have any of the dancers mentioned noticing anything strange during these dances that happened before the apparent thefts and missing memories?” Eden asks.

If Hadrian did not already like Sol for having saved them in Scotland, during the heat of the battle, they think they would be starting to love him now in this moment. He had seemed very brave, like one of those undeniably magnetic souls. And Hadrian had seen the way that Eden looked at him since then, the almost-longing in their eyes. Hadrian knew Eden well, Hadrian knew that when Eden connected with someone, they really connected with someone. They’re always out there, making friends, making powerful connections and sharing all of their warmth and affection with everyone they deem worthy. It’s a beautiful thing, the way that they love and love so freely. But the way they look at Sol, the way they speak of Sol now, makes it all seem so big and so important, like something has clicked in to place in their mind. Hadrian hopes that Sol doesn’t disappoint them, that Sol is as kind to Eden as they deserve. They don’t think that they could abide anyone coming close and hurting Eden somehow, disappointing them or making their life worse again. But somehow, they don’t think that will happen. Eden said it best themself, when they had curled up together after the mission in Nashville, they both had bright futures coming to them, well deserved and hard earned. 

They like the idea of it. Their happy future. Unfolding in front of the two of them. This is the first day in these weeks where Hadrian has felt like it will really happen. They have tried their very best to take Eden at face value, to believe every promise that Eden has handed to them. The world was dark, the world was a scary place, and it had hurt them so badly not that long ago. For a long time, Hadrian has felt like nothing could be right again, that the only thing keeping them afloat was Eden, was their strong hands and their strong arms and the kisses they pressed against Hadrian’s forehead, the way they let Hadrian care for them and cared for them in return. But ever since Tavi came in to their life, they’ve started to feel brighter again, the combined effort of these two amazing people has helped to tape their broken peices back together. Hadrian knows that someday, even without Tavi, they will be as happy as Eden tells them. They think its closer for Eden, somehow, with these new brilliant things that are coming in to their life and brightening it up like the sun on the horizon. “If he did not want to be your friend, I would have to let him go.” They tease, “We are stuck together now, after all. No getting rid of me, even after my prince arrives to steal me away, whenever that may happen.” 

They are certain, too, that Kosmos will feature heavily in Eden’s path to recovery. They think it will be nice for them to have something so strong and wonderful to make them feel safe, to keep them company when Hadrian cannot be there to warm their bed. It will help them both recover in different ways, get back to the point in their lives where they won’t crumble the moment they’re apart. There’s no rule that says Eden and Hadrian can’t keep holding on tightly, and of course they will. But it is probably healthier for them if they are able to spend more than a night apart from one another. Healthier, but harder than Hadrian can imagine. At least they have the cat and their new little hedgehog friend to fill up their time when they are alone. And now Eden will have this, now Eden will have Kosmos. 

It feels perfect to Hadrian. It feels right to be here, looking at this precious dog, as big and dark and wonderful and soft as it is. Kosmos. The stars. They smile so softly when Eden tells them about their visions, about what they saw in those times of great pain. It is destiny that they came here today, that Eden found this particular dog. The universe wanted this for them, and it makes Hadrian feel soft. Because it means that the universe has nice things in store for them, it means that there is still care and softness in the world, that they are worthy of it. They have suffered enough, they deserve something as beautiful as this to make up for their pain. “I think that Marie will adore him. Oh, oui. Vous respecterez votre reine, n'est-ce pas? Et elle t'aimera. Yes, they will get along very well. You will have a sister, Kosmos, I hope you will be kind to her.” They smile up at Eden, after a moment. “I am glad that you found him, mon amour. I think he is beautiful.” 

.

Everything feels so very happy and warm, closer to the before than it has the whole time. But that is not exactly it. They are well aware that neither of their lives will ever be exactly as they had been before their case, but they do not think that that is a bad thing, actually. The pain and cruelty they both endured is unfair, and a deeply changing thing, but it does not have to breed only pain in its wake. No, beauty can be borne of it all, they’re realizing, because to see Hadrian smile, look at them so fondly as they both talk of the new bright spots in their lives, to know that happiness is still possible, despite so much, that is one of the most beautiful things in the world, they think. And it truly feels like the universe is proving their feelings right, offering both of them these hints of brightness in the dark, dark night, when they were both so close to being convinced that it might never be possibly to stitch themselves back up wholly. They like the thought that they both may have the beginnings happy, soft futures at the same time. It only feels fair, of the universe to offer it. And Eden feels so hopeful, standing here with Hadrian, with Kosmos, talking about Sol, and Tavi, everything feeling so light and warm. They feel like everything truly will be alright.

They meant every word that they had said to Hadrian in the time when they had been recovering together in their apartment, all of the words of hope, of bright and soft futures for both of them, and experiencing them all together. But only now is it truly beginning to feel like those futures are closer than they could have guessed. Softness and gentleness, besides the little bubble they shared, had seemed like a far off concept, after the world had been so cruel to both of them, when they had both been open and trusting. They did not want to let that broken trust bleed into their lives, infect the good they both had; they did not want Hadrian to be convinced they could not trust the world any longer, that there was no softness waiting in the unknown. So this all makes them infinitely grateful, to see that now it is possible for both of them to believe that it is all true, and that there is still beauty and softness in the world, even outside of each other.

It is a scary thing, to face the world that seems unchanged, when so much has changed for both of them. It has been difficult, stepping away, taking and giving more space, after clinging so wholly to Hadrian for support and comfort since returning from Nashville, but they know that they are both on the right path here. They want things to be as they were, just even brighter and more beautiful, and that feels close on the horizon, especially now with Kosmos, knowing that they will have him to lean on for comfort on their nights alone. It is hard to be strong, and they know that Hadrian understands better than most that that is the case, but they also know with certainty that they can both be strong, because no matter what they have this deep connection, and Hadrian is right, even in their teasing, there is no getting rid of them, never would be, with their souls having found another piece of themselves in each other. “Ah, it is true. We are a package deal, now and always,” they grin back at Hadrian. “You would have a difficult time, indeed, to try to get rid of me. Good thing you will never have to, since we are in agreement.”

This feels a lot like everything coming together all at once, and it makes them wonder at the third part of their prophecy, when they will see that. Soon, they think, now that they have Kosmos, and Hadrian has Tavi, the third piece will fit into place, too, soon, and then everything will be even more beautiful for all of them. They laugh as Hadrian talks to Kosmos in French. “Stop it, stop it! Kosmos will learn Russian, you are going to confuse him!” they tease, reaching out to cover the dog’s ears, jokingly. “I know he will love and respect his sister, though. And I have a sneaking suspicion that she will like him more than me. I am glad that I found him with you. This feels right, like the universe is smiling down on us. Let’s go pick out some toys for you, Kosmos. And a collar. Oh! A bandana, he must be stylish, too, to fit into this family.”

Sol shouldn’t be surprised by how soft and warm he feels here, how safe and comfortable he already is as he stands in Eden’s space. In their apartment, slightly utaltiarian and still so warm. It feels like them, as if every inch of it has soaked up their spirit and their warmth, as become perfect just because it has been in close proximity to them for however long. Kosmos is soft and bright too, as if he was made to be here, as if they were made to be together. Sol feels at home instantly, in a way that should be strange but isn’t. Eden has always felt like home, after all, has always felt like something important and undeniable, like something that Sol needed to hold on to. 

He feels charmed and wooed somehow, by the way that Eden has clearly prepared for him, for this night that they’re supposed to spend together, the talk that they promised each other when they danced at the club. It had been all Sol thought of since they made the plan, all he had wanted to do was be close to them again, to wrap himself up in the same space as Eden. He wants them, he’s wanted them since the first time that he saw them in Scotland, when the universe had seemed to spark and catch fire in subtle yet undeniable ways. Eden has put care in to this, with food laid out and…sparkling cider, and it’s all so sweet that Sol almost aches with it. It makes Sol want to kiss them, but there willl be time for that later, when they’ve done all the talking that they wanted to do, when they’ve grown to know each other even more than they feel that they already do.  

He lets out a soft laugh, glances back at Eden, and smiles. “Eh, it was the right call. They’d ruin the flow of the room.” And he moves then, clearly meant to sit on that couch next to the little table with all of Eden’s offerings laid out. He gets to glance around the room more when he moves to sit there, and he feels perfectly settled among the clean lines of Eden’s design, everything feels simple and clean and good here, unburdened with the past in a way that Sol wishes his own apartment was. Maybe he should move, but he doesn’t think he has the heart to do that yet either. But he feels soft and hopeful, because he’ll get to spend an evening here at the very least, enjoying the clean and perfect space that Eden is offering them. Sol takes a seat on the couch, and he can’t manage to dim his smile at all. It feels bright on his face, it feels like one of those things that’s going to ache after a little while. But it’s nice. It feels good to smile, it feels good to be here. “Do you get a lot out of that stuff? Cyrtsal balls and all the works? Or is it something you just break out for show?” 

And Sol can’t help but glance down at the table again, as he really starts to settle in. He’s still charmed by it, he’s still warm and he can’t deny the fact that it makes him feel somehow cared for. “You know, you didn’t have to go to such an effort. I’m a pretty damn easy date too.” 

.

It is a beautiful thing to watch Sol look around their apartment. Despite the friends that they have found here on the Central Squad, and the friends they still have left from their time before, they have not actually had many people over to their apartment. Hadrian, of course, but even then those visits were not nearly as frequent as their own visits to Hadrian’s apartment; even so, though, their apartment always feels so much warmer with Hadrian inside, and it had felt magical then, too, to see them looking around it for the first time. This is a little different, though. It feels like Sol stepping into their space, looking around, so clearly relaxed and comfortable, it feels like it’s suddenly much more of a home than it ever really has been before. They do love their apartment, but it gets lonely. Kosmos was helping to fix that, especially now, after so much, when the thought of turning off all the lights, when they are already living in half darkness now, and trying to sleep without anyone by their side makes their chest feel tight, panic threatening to come up. And they think that Sol is the other piece here, they think that he was meant to come in at just this moment, and make it all feel whole.

They’re already thinking about having Sol over again, and again, and he hasn’t even been here for five minutes. But they have been longing for quiet moments with Sol where they can have that same open honesty they had had in the dream, and in the hospital room, even in the club, but to a different extent. It feels as if things are finally beginning to settle into a new version of normal, even if the pain lingers and will for a long time, and they want their new normal to feature Sol heavily, they want him to know that. They want to pull every secret from him lips, and then maybe kiss them, too, if that’s something Sol still wants tonight. The air feels heavy with promises, but in such a pleasant way, like a warm hug, like the hug they had given Sol. It makes them even more excited to see what comes from tonight. It makes them even more excited for the future they now know they are allowed to look towards, because of Sol.

Eden follows just behind Sol as he looks around, and moves to the couch, Kosmos at their feet, always near, always ready to offer his own comfort and strength. They cannot stop the smile on their lips, even as they sit down on the couch next to him, and Kosmos finds at spot at their feet. They want to be close, want to shift so that their legs are pressed together, so that they might wrap an arm around him, but the night is young, and there is so much for them. Like his first question. They are thrilled to be able to speak with someone who understands, who has Sight, too, when they’ve never been able to. They want to know everything about Sol’s Sight, learn from him. “I get more from tarot and tea leaves, than crystal ball, but it is more for the energy that I feel if someone else is holding those things first in a reading, concentrating on the future they want to see. My solo attempts to use those aids, well, I think they would be more successful if I tried now that my Inner Eye has been open forcibly. It has only been recent that my Sight has become public knowledge; I kept it hidden for three decades, until an unexpected prophecy took over in the middle of a meeting, two years ago, and outed me,” they admit, with a little shrug. They try not to hold onto the shame for that, but it is hard. “What about you, zaichik, do you use any aids for your Sight in waking?”

They lean over and take the bottle, opening it, and pouring both of them a glass of the sparkling cider, before handing one to Sol with a warm smile. “It is no extra effort, I wanted to do this for you. You will find that cooking, and caring for someone is one of my favorite ways to show my affection, so you best get used to it,” they nod, putting the bottle back down.

Eden smiles, as they look at him. A wide and happy grin, as if it’s a gift to have Sol on their doorstep. It feels like a gift. The universe has allowed them the privilage of finally finding each other, wading through the crowd of every other person on earth until they got to one another. Eden smiles, and the entire world feels better, feels brighter and safer. And Sol moves forward at almost the exact second that they do, amazed at the feeling of Eden’s arms wrapping around him, their strong arms and their warm body, the joy that it all holds. It curls up inside him, seems to spread out in happy little sparks. Ever since that dream, he has been longing to do something like this, to be held by Eden Blue. The touches at the club had felt so good, and he had known that something like this would be even better, a tease of almost full body contact, the promise of safety and warmth an dthe fact that they even want to do something like this with him. Hug him. Because they’re happy to see him. 

He lets out a soft laugh as they pull away. “You should have told me you were such a cheap date. I would have worried about it a lot less on the way over here.” He jokes, voice soft and bright as he smiles up at them again, with all the warmth that he’s always wanted to show them, ever since that first moment. He wants Eden to know that he feels happy, that he feels soft and full of joy just because he gets to be here, because he gets to step forward and walk into Eden’s apartment. 

He’s about to cast his eyes around, examine the space with a small and unique kind of curiosity. This is where Eden lives, after all. This is their space and their domain, the place that they built for themself when they came here, the place where they were supposed to be at their safest and most comfortable. It’s something that Sol has been longing to see, somehwere he has been longing to walk into. The most intimate place in Eden’s life. He fully intends to examine every single inch of the place, but he gets distacted by the dog. The dog, wagging his tail and coming forward to greet him. Sol lets out another soft laugh, something that he cannot hold back because he feels so damn bright and warm, because he feels genuinely happy to be here, that they have invited him in to this room. He crouches down without thinking, letting Kosmos sniff his hand before petting him, digging fingers into his fur and smiling at him. “Oh, hi, buddy. Hi Kosmos. Wow, you’re a real sweetie, aren’t ya? Eden picked the best doggie, yes they did. They have impeccable taste, don’t they buddy?”

Kosmos responds brightly to his words, wiggling into his touch and licking at his face. It makes Sol laugh again, and he stands back to to get away from the onslaught of affection. He smiles over at Eden, warm and bright. “I think I already love him too. He’s a real sweetheart, huh?” They ask, bright and soft, before they cast their eyes around the room. Minimalistic. Yet perfectly homey to his eyes. Perfectly Eden, at the very least. Sol feels soft and warm and at home here, with everything clean and in its proper place. “Hey, nice place. I like the whole minimalism thing.” 

.

As they had suspected, Sol fits perfectly in their arms, just the right height to fit against them. They do not want to let go, it feels so nice to hug him after wanting that sort of close, gentle contact since they had seen him in the dream. They feel safe, holding onto him, and like they could easily keep him safe, too, chase nightmares away by the warmth alone. But they want to look at him, so they do let go, for now, resolving to hug him as much as he might let them, from now, now that they’re finally getting a chance at something a little more normal. And it is a treat to look at him, gorgeous as ever in the midnight blue shirt that hangs open just right, soft as he is. Sol’s smile is as bright as the sun, and makes them feel just as warm. It is clear that he is just as happy to be here as they are to have him, and that makes them feel both warmed and a little bit thrilled.

“I am the cheapest date, zaichik. You never need to worry around me, all I ever need is the pleasure of your company,” they grin, as they watch him laugh, kneel down to greet Kosmos. And that is a sight they want to commit to memory. Kosmos immediately seems to love Sol, and vice versa. The way that he talks to him makes their heart soar a little, and it all just feels so right, and easy, like he is meant to be just here, this is one of the things the universe always had planned for them. They like how Sol looks here in their apartment, petting Kosmos. It feels a lot like both of them have been here for a lot longer than either of them have, for how well they slot in, how easy it feels to have them here, now.

They reach down and give Kosmos a fond scratch behind the ears, as Sol gets up, smiling at them. They grin back, easy and warm, and they can tell already that their face is going to be sore from smiling so much with Sol here. “Good, I do not know what I would do if you did not love him as much as I do. But I am not surprised, you said it yourself, I have impeccable taste. It is why you are both here, after all,” Eden grins, teasing. But it is the truth; they are grateful for Kosmos, and for Sol, for two new bright spots in their life, here now together. They cannot wait to see what the night holds in store, just how Sol fits into every spot of their apartment.

“Spasibo, Sol, that is very kind of you to say. I know it is not to everyone’s tastes, but I grew up on utility, it brings me comfort, in its own way. Once a Soviet, always a Soviet,” they say with a little laugh, gesturing for him to follow them into the living room. It is minimalist, but they like the muted colors and clean lines of everything they’ve chosen, perfectly matched. They’ve set everything they made out on the coffee table, with plates and glasses, and the bottle of sparkling cider. It feels more comfortable, in the living room, the right place for them to talk about anything and everything. “You will not find my crystal balls sitting out, I am afraid to say. They did not match my design vision.”

eden’s pup: kosmos blue!

It is strange to Hadrian, how well that they know Eden now. It feels like they have been living in each others pockets for years instead of only months, like they have known each other since the universe first sparked itself into existence. Their souls have always been waiting for each other, their souls were always meant to meet. They were creatures who were made to love each other, who were made to support each other in every way that really mattered. Eden was their family, already, in more ways that Hadrian could even understand. They were someone Hadrian hoped would be there in many years to come. They knew that Eden would be there, actually. They had promised each other as much, and Hadrian was excited to grow old together in their own special way. They know Eden so well, and they can almost tell that they’re holding something back. There is something on their mind, on the tip of their tongue, but they do not let it out. It makes Hadrian curious, but Eden will tell them when the time is right if it is something important. 

So they roll their eyes, and they look back at Eden fondly. And then they smile, wide and easy and bright. It is the kind of smile they are reclaiming even in the face of their own fears, a smile that feels only slightly delcate now, in Eden’s safe company and with the promise of more warmth and joy on the horizon. The darkness will creep back in later, they know that much, but for now they let themself feel safe and warm and perfectly content. Surrounded by Eden’s bright aura, by the look on their face, by the soft little animal noises and whines for attention that surround them. Eden laughed along with their words, the offer of a dinner all together. That might be nice, Hadrian thinks. Tavi and Eden all in one place, so that Hadrian can bask in both of their warmth at once, so that Hadrian can see if Eden will love Tavi as much as they are starting to. They could all be friends, that would be nice. Perhaps it would make Hadrian feel a little less hopeful about the romance, perhaps they would be able to let that fledgling thing go. 

“Oh,” They say, with a wide grin and an arched eyebrow. “Oh, yes. The little one. Sol.” They had known already, they had been able to pin point that connection from the first time that it happened. Eden was easy to read, and Sol was not that far behind them in that regard. Open books. Bright eyed and wonderous about each other, as far as Hadrian could tell. It seemed that they would be a lot more than friends. “I am sure he was charmed by you, even if you did act like a fool.” They say, far too fond for their own good. “And if all else fails, he does seem like the type who would respond well to your more brutish behaviour. Picking him up and kissing him senseless may go a long way toward winning that friendship.” 

They shake their head, and flush again with warmth when the conversation circles back toward Tavi, the two of them batting back and forth about each other’s hopeful feelings and new friendships in the making. “Maybe, maybe. We will see. I do so love to share with you,” They nudge Eden’s shoulder, “But I think I will be selfish for a little while longer. You would only steal him away from me.” It is a joke, and that much is clear. But they do, a little bit, want to be selfish. For now, they want to be something special and singular in Tavi’s eyes, to make sure that they are something that cannot be forgotten or pushed aside. They want to keep him, as scary as that is. And more terrifying still, they want to be kept by him. Hadrian feels frantically posessive of it, the way that it felt when they were alone together, the intimate anticipation that always seemed to creep in now when they were alone. And they feel breathless with it now, the way that they want Tavi far too much for comfort. “But I will still bring him for dinner, even if we do not descend on him like wolves. I think he could use more friends, sans double entendre.”

Their attention is drawn to the dog that Eden points out, and they brighten at the same moment that Eden does. Because the joy and excitement in them is undeniable, because Eden has already decided with a glance that this will be it. This will be their dog. They laugh, as Eden tugs them down to meet the beautiful creature that waits for them, and they feel themself fall a little in love after only a moment. They crouch down to get a better look at him, reaching to pet its head with warm hands. “Bonjour. Comment ça va, Kosmos? Would you like to come home with us today? Oh, oui, yes, I think you would.” 

.

Teasing and joking about things that feel so normal is a nice change from how things have been lately. They are so grateful that they have had Hadrian to cling onto in the pain and healing, to take care of them, and be taken care of by them has been the thing to get them through. But they are even more grateful that they are both stepping into the light again, out of the pain and into the world again, together. They have missed seeing Hadrian smile like this, bright and easy, the sort of smile that fills their chest with warmth and lights up the whole room. And they have missed the easy, fond teasing between them, missed them calling them a brute, and the like with such fondness in their voice. It makes them feel even better about the futures laid before them, that they both have so much happiness and gentleness on the horizon, that it draws nearer with every passing moment. The future is something to look forward to, for the first time in a long, long time, instead of something to fear. 

“You read me too easily. Perhaps I will be a little brutish, if it comes down to it. I think I would very much like that sort of friendship with him,” they grin back at Hadrian. It’s clear that they already knew who they were talking about, even before mentioning Sol by name, and they can see in Hadrian’s own smile just how much else they can see, too. Just as Hadrian spoke of friendship with Tavi, so was their idea of friendship with Sol. But then, they had less boundaries of criteria for any given relationship, Hadrian was proof of that, and they had had countless other friendships that proved it, too. They share their physical affection with those they care for, and those they like spending time with, it has never been something reserved only for romantic relationships. They are not quite sure what they expect to blossom with Sol, but they do know that being around him feels beautiful, and bright, and full of safety and warmth. They know that he is another piece of the soul, perhaps in the same way that Hadrian is another piece of their soul, and that they want to show him all the ways they can care for him. If that includes picking him up and kissing him senseless, well, they would not mind that one bit.

Everything feels so bright, as they talk of these two friendships, makes them certain that these two handsome new spots in their lives are only going to help bring all the softness they’ve seen. “I will allow you to be selfish, moya lyubov. I think you deserve a bit of selfishness with something so special,” they say with a grin. That is even more confirmation for how much they must be feeling for Tavi, to want to keep him to themself for a while. They are happy for Hadrian already, even if they are not sure yet what Tavi is feeling himself, to have found something so strong so soon after all of the pain, after being so convinced someone else may have been their prince charming, only to be so betrayed, trust broken along with so much else. And that is why they hesitate to make the connection out loud, because they do not want to put pressure on this new thing that Hadrian has found, they want it to stay happy and bright, without worry, perhaps until they are both certain that it is more than just a good friendship, with some very good physical affection attached, too. Because Eden knows that they will both get there, after all, they have seen it with the bee and the bird. “We will have a dinner very soon, and he will have to be my friend, whether he realizes it yet or not.”

They get to the dog, to Kosmos, and they are all the more certain that this is the dog for them. He is big, and strong, but seems to have such a gentle aura about him, something comforting and certain in the way that they think they need just now. And he seems like he could protect them, and lead them, as they learn to navigate the world suddenly half in darkness. They lean down with Hadrian, and let Kosmos sniff their hand, lick lightly. They feel a little emotional with it all, as they pet his soft fur, as he nudges lightly for more pets from them and Hadrian, as if to say yes quietly to Hadrian’s question.

“One of the visions I had, in Scotland when I was hit with the Cruciatus, and in Nashville, during that pain, it was of the stars. The stars and planets in night’s sky shining down brightly, bringing comfort and warmth. Kosmos, it means space in Russian. You are my new dog, aren’t you, Kosmos? We have been waiting for each other, and we have finally found it,” they grin, scratching behind his ears. “Do you think Marie will like him, moya lyubov?”