#extra day

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As Agent Phoenix stared at the gravestone, a moment of pure surrealism washing over them as their fingers felt the engraved name. They didn't know when they'd reached out.

It'd taken them a bit to convince their handler (anyone really) to let them see it. Their handler tried to get them to drop it, however, their stubbornness prevailed.

"Well, Agent, I suppose you had quite a lovely name."

They refused to answer their earpiece. Right. He's joining them from the distance, making sure they don't get into trouble while outside.

Part of them wished they could see him, but alas, they've barely knew each other. They didn't even know his name.

"... It's wrong."

"Pardon?"

"... Explaining would be too troublesome." They sighed, pouring over the detail. It was like an other ordinary grave, cold stone matching the coolness of the night. "But... I suppose it's good enough. I wouldn't be able to change anything anyway."

"Whatever do you mean by that?"

"Only a part of me died that day. But it's not all of me." They let out a cryptic smile, although they knew he thankfully wouldn't be able to see it.

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Reginald had no idea why he found himself here. The grave was empty, was it not?

Yet, he's right there, standing in front of 'their' grave.

He didn't miss the subtle invitation last time. He just pretended to not notice so he wouldn't be so attached.

Part of him regrets it now. He regrets it intensely.

He'd seen their picture. He'd seen how they act. But they were so full of life when the two of them finally met for the first time.

Maybe he shouldn't have met them.

But what good are regrets?

It doesn't matter anymore. They haven't found a body yet.

Maybe... just maybe... they're still alive.

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"For once, you agreed." Agent Phoenix turned to him as they approached their grave once again.

"Well, I am curious why you want to return to this place."

They barely held back their laugh. "It seems more like you're just trying to find an excuse so we can hang out."

"Very funny, Agent. I'm just making sure you wouldn't get into trouble."

"Well, you certainly tried a different way. I thought what you did after the Death Engine was enough. I didn't cause trouble back then, right?"

Reginald refused to respond.

"... I really thought you..."

"But I'm here now, right?"

He watched as their eyes shone bright as they turned to him, eyes soft with fondness as they walked backwards.

"And an elevator drop wouldn't take me down that easily."

"That elevator drop is easily one of the few moments my heart dropped, Phoenix."

"Ah. I suppose you didn't see the footage of me dropping down from space."

The tense silence enveloped the pair. "... I saw, Agent. But I watched it with the knowledge thst you made it. Not wondering if you... if I'll ever see you again."

"Sir..." They approached him and held his hand. "I'll always do my best to see you again as well."

"... That's reassuring."

The tense silence took hold, soon melting into something more comfortable.

They leaned onto their handler while they showed him their rare smile.

"I lived. And it if wasn't for the fact I knew you were there for me... I wouldn't have come to Babadag to meet you."

"... Is that so?"

"... You sounded so devastated. I don't want you to ever feel that much grief ever again."

"... We can't be sure of that."

"But we'll try. Like you said, if I'm here, you're here."

The pair took one more glance at the grave before leaving flowers.

Thoughts swirled in each of their heads. However, they both know it'll be alright.