#ksensenweek

At least I had an excuse, is unsaid, hanging in the air, and Leonardo lets them tease him all they want. It’s hard to get any kind of bad mood with his two favorite normies in Hellsalem’s Lot (even if they haven’t ended up being that normal at all). And the boardwalk smells too good to complain.

“White, don’t be so harsh. You could visit a block a day and still not see everything there is to see in this city.”

She gives her brother a mock-scowl from around Leonardo’s front, turning a hopeful smile at the brunet. “Would you mind showing me around sometime? I know you wrote an article about it once.”

“Sure, I don’t mind.” Any time he can spend with either of them’s a relief from his otherwise odd life, as sporadic as it can be somedays. Black gives him a sidelong glance that very clearly says not to give into her demands so easily, but it’s easy to smile off. Especially when he knows the other’s just as eager to have some alone time to themselves too.

Dating two people at once was never something Leonardo thought could happen, much less twins. But Hellsalem’s Lot, as always, proves that anything can happen in the proclaimed City of Miracles (and Monsters).

There’s a few famous eateries that Black treats them to - he’s got the most money out of all them, since he’s out with Leonardo “Basic Rate” Watch and White - that’ve got historical value, even if they’re staffed by a mix of young teens that’ve seen better days and Beyondians just the same, and where the two men have no problems tearing into their delightful food, White savors hers like it’s the last treat she’ll get before she dies.

Wow, Leo, tasteless.

“We’ll come again sometime,” he tells her instead of voicing his thoughts. White’s face lights up and he catches Black’s similar smile from her other side, though she’s still in no rush to devour hers.

“I’m a lady,” she stresses, kicking her brother when he chuckles, “I can’t just throw away my manners in front of the guy I’m dating.”

“You’ve thrown away a lot more,” Black mutters under his breath, and winces as a second kick goes his way. Leonardo laughs and slows down his eating so White doesn’t feel too alone, enjoying the break.

And then the rides come up.

“I think we should try Cyclone. It’s like, historical.”

Black nods, helping to pull their very reluctant boyfriend through the crowded park. “It’s the oldest wooden roller coaster still functioning in America.”

“For how much longer?” Leonardo wonders out loud, dread shaking his voice. The twins shrug.

“Until something destroys it, I guess,” his girlfriend replies, unbothered by the chance. His boyfriend hums in agreement, squeezing Leonardo’s hand.

“I wouldn’t worry about it so much, Leo.” What a kind voice. Such a gentle tone. Leonardo loves Black so much sometimes, he’s really lucky to have such a good guy. Really lucky. Like, there’s no way this’d happen anywhere else.  “If you’ve survived this far, then an eighty-eight year old roller coaster made entirely of wood shouldn’t scare you.”

He blanches. And only gets paler when White joins in again. “I wonder if it moves in strong wind.”

He really, really hopes it doesn’t sway at all. Stays right where it is. Doesn’t rock or move or anything like that.

Its long line should be the perfect time to psyche himself up, but Leonardo can only think of the worst happenings. They get worse worse when they’re stepping closer, the shrill screams high above the rattling cart as it thunders past, and not even White and Black’s light banter about the Wonder Wheel (which they’re going on at night, apparently, to see all the lights) can stop his train of thought from spiraling into the depths of the Alterworld itself.

It’s even worse sitting in the seat. He’s seated next to Black, with White in front of them next to some guy who smiles when he sees her (nnnnnnn) and helps her tuck in her long hair (nnnnnnn), and they’re thankfully in the middle for this ride. Leonardo’s not sure he could handle being upfront.

The first dip comes immediately and he’s thinking that being in the middle was just putting off the inevitable scream as his whole world shakes, the rattling of the ride overpoweringly loud, though he can see White’s having fun of him just ahead and even Black’s grinning, as shaky as it is. They ride and swerve, moments of scenic peace let him see the crowded park from above, but every drop down throws his heart into the bottom of his gut where it hangs on tight for support. But surprisingly, all in all?

The Cyclone wasn’t that bad.

Next is Black’s pick, a fast roller coaster called The Thunderbolt, and though it’s made of metal (thank God) it looks just as terrifying as The Cyclone did. Mostly because it has a loop. And the steepest drop Leonardo has ever seen (but not experienced, thanks every day of his life).

But it seats three people! That’s good. That’s really good, since the guy from before’s tagged along and White’s made a new friend out of him. Leonardo gives Black a half-pleading look and he shrugs, laughing it off softly.

“You should have some more confidence in yourself, Leo,” Black whispers, breath tickling his ear, “or if you’re bothered, do something.”

It reminds him of the Queen of Monomania’s advice - Push! Push! Push! - and he swallows, slipping his hand into White’s and smiling at her when she turns to see what’s up.

“It’s almost our turn.”

“Oh, great!” She grins at her new friend and waves the conversation goodbye, leaning into Leonardo and chatting up her brother instead. Leonardo looks back at him and smiles widely at the disgruntled man.

The Thunderbolt has the nicest incline Leonardo’s ever experienced. Very smooth. Moderately fast. Gives his mind enough time to go through everything that could go wrong on the ride, builds up his tension to the max, and though he’s so happy that the other two can’t shut up about how cool it’s gonna be he really wishes they would.

There’s the briefest moment that feels like forever to Leonardo. It’s at the highest point, just before the ride throws him around, and the wind blows at his face, bringing the sweet smell of the sea, the noise of the crowd, and his own heartbeat in his ears. Honestly, it’s a pretty nice view. He looks beside him and White’s got the same look of wonder, and from beside her Black seems worried about his glasses. It’s a really peaceful moment. Leonardo wants to say something, feels like he should, and opens his mouth to the loudest scream he’s had in a week as they suddenly drop down the steep hill, tears leaking from his eyes and stomach suspended in midair as they roll through the loop, hang a little painfully from the side, and reach a speed he feels like should be restricted only to cars.

And then it’s over.

“That was kind of disappointing,” White comments as they roll slowly back to the start. Black hums his agreement. “I was kinda hoping it’d last longer. What do you think, Leo?”

Leonardo whimpers.

The next one he sits out - the spoken reason being that since it seats two people, Black and White should ride it, and the real reason being that he needs to up his life insurance with Libra - and watches as his dates are flung into the air on the Slingshot, their screams going up and laughter coming down. Leonardo was always too focused on his own frightening ordeal to realize it, but--

The twin’s faces when they’re beaming, flushed and hair messed up, is definitely the kind of sight he wants to see every day.

“Leo, why don’t you choose the next one?” He’s amazed they’re both going for round two of Coney Island’s delightful food. White’s got chocolate smeared on her lips and she licks them before continuing with a prod. “You can even pick an easy ride if you want.”

“We can do bumper cars,” Black suggests, reaching over to wipe White’s mouth clean like it’s pure habit. And judging by her sour expression it is. “Those are fun, but I don’t think it’d be nice if you have an upset stomach...”

Bumper cars... Or an easy ride... Leonardo watches them dig into their funnel cakes and turns away, stomach gurgling ominously.

An easy ride it was.

“Why not The Tickler?”

They stare at him and Leonardo can see the twins in them now, eyes wide and in the same position of lifting a piece of their funnel cake to their mouths. The difference is that Black lowers his and White goes ahead and pops hers into her mouth, giving her brother a look Leonardo honestly can’t read. Twins.

“Are you sure about that, Leo?” Black’s tone is grave and that should ring his survival alarm bells, but they remain absolutely silent in his confusion.

“Uh, yeah. I hear it’s supposed to be kind of a kiddish ride or something like that... And come on, with a name like The Tickler, it can’t be that bad, right?”

Black returns the look to his sis and she’s barely suppressing a grin, nodding. “The Tickler it is! Let’s wait until it gets a little darker though, okay? I hear this place is supposed to be pretty at night.”

And that’s the plan. They’ll walk around more and relax until the sun sets, then go on what Leonardo thinks might be the easiest sounding ride he wouldn’t be the tiniest bit ashamed to go on. When he brings out his camera White scrunches her nose at him.

“You’re not bringing work to our date, are you?”

Black joins in just as readily. “That’s very rude, Leo.”

“Ahhhh, no no, not at all!” He waves off their suspicions (though he can tell Black’s are more playful than serious) and grins cheekily, peering at the two through the lens. Coney Island might be pretty, but they’re the best view in the city. “I just want to make some memories with you two.”

Their reactions are instantaneous and adorable. Black‘s cheeks ruddy and he laughs loudly, while White slips behind her brother with a huff and a hand tightening on his arm. The tips of her ears give it all away though.

“Then a picture’s definitely the way to do it, isn’t it White?” Her brother teases, and White pushes him forward to leave Leonardo behind.

“Hurry up, Leo! There’s more food to try out and Black’s wallet to dry!”

“H-Hey!”

Leonardo’s been on a few dates in his time - just a few, when he got lucky - and while this feels more like hanging out than anything, he figures that might not be a bad thing. White wins them both prizes at Hot Shot, Black returns the favor when he wins their competition of Ice Ball (though she swears he’s using his psychic powers, despite his insistence that it’s all fair play), and even Leonardo gets to impress them in the Luna Arcade. The beach is where they take most of their shots, playing in the water and trying not to get too soaked in case of an early spring chill, and both of them laugh at Black’s blurred shots when he reluctantly shows them off.

“It’s just not for me,” he brushes off. “I’ll just leave it to you two.”

And White has the time of her life with the camera, cackling as she plays keep away in the knee-deep water and Leonardo grows more and more worried for the life of his camera. She finally returns it though in trade for a kiss - and he’s got no problems giving that at all, the world muted for a split second when she coyly leans in.

Even if he’s dating them both, it’s still embarrassing to hear Black cough from the beach side and give him an amused look.

“You really, really shouldn’t give into her so easily, Leo,” the advice neither of them will ever take. “White’s a monster when she’s spoiled.”

White sticks out her tongue in response, pecking Leonardo’s heated cheek and wading back. “You are too! Besides, if you’re jealous, just ask something from him yourself!”

“I’m not-- I’m not jealous. I’m just saying. Giving worthy advice. That’s all.” Black tries to say, dodging the incoming splash, but he’s got red across his nose that’s not from the sun. He wipes of his glasses after she’s done and looks uncertainly at Leonardo, the shyness making him feel the same as he did at the top of The Thunderbolt.

White looks at their boyfriend expectantly. He rubs his head, not sure what to do, and wades back to the beach himself. “Do you... wanna collect some shells? Or something?”

She groans. Why. Why. What did he do wrong.

“That sounds fun, Leo, but really, I’m fine. Let’s head back and get in line before it gets too long.” Black’s smile is plenty reassuring, but just like with White he can’t help but feel like he’s not getting all of the story... or what he’s supposed to say or do.

White’s no help either, but she trots a few feet ahead of them as she wrings out her hair.

“I guess it’s night enough,” she’s saying, but Leonardo’s only half listening as he stares at Black from the corner of his eye and tries to figure out what to do. “We can try The Tickler and maybe walk down the boardwalk again before we get to the Wonder Wheel. I bet it’ll look really pretty from way up high.”

“It will. Coney Island’s one of this city’s prettier sights at night, and the best view’s from the top of the Wonder Wheel.”

“Great! I hope they’ll seat all of us.”

Black stifles his snickers, hiding a grin behind his hand at her worried excitement. “I’m sure they will, White. Don’t worry.”

She leaves them for a moment to buy a hotdog - “They’re famous! And I didn’t get one when we were by The Cyclone.” - and the two’re left by the re-entrance back to the park, watching her wait tirelessly in line.

... Leonardo feels like he should say something. So he does. “She’s got a lot of energy pent up, huh.”

“Three years will do that to you,” Black replies softly, turning his eyes away from her. “... I’m happy she gets to go out more now. It’s all thanks to you, Leo. You saved us both.”

“-- No, definitely not, I didn’t really do anything...” It’d all been Libra, after all. Leonardo scratches his cheek, and when the other doesn’t reply he awkwardly grabs his hand, squeezing it tight. “If anything... you and White are the ones who kinda saved me. In your own way. It was really nice having friends who weren’t weird or scary.”

Black chuckles, looking over at him with a sorry smile. “So much for not being weird, huh?”

“Haha, yeah...” He returns the smile, watching the island begin to light up as the sky darkens. “But, you know... it’s not that bad. Honestly, even if you two are pretty odd, it feels like there’s a lot more to the city that’s way worse than a pair of unfortunate siblings.”

Like him and Michella, too. Their problems are just a small part in the vast world that Hellsalem’s Lot had to offer now, and even if Black and White had almost torn that world to shreds it wasn’t like they didn’t have reason for it. That’s the part that Leonardo understands the most - it’s the whole reason he’s even in his city in the first place, for his sister. So there’s way worse things.

“And besides. I got to meet you two, so what’s really so bad about it?”

Black faces him, unable to hide his surprise at the simple words, and slowly a smile pulls at his lips. He ducks it away with another laugh, clearing his throat after a moment. It doesn’t hide the redness of his ears (aw, just like White) or his neck though. “... I guess you’re right about that, Leo. You really are weirder than you look.”

Leonardo doesn’t know if he wants to laugh or what at the apparently obvious statement, but awkwardly grabs Black’s chin and kisses him square on the lips anyway, heat blooming in his face. It’s tense for a second, but relaxes into the nicest kiss they’ve ever had, since every other time was painful and messy, and Black moves away first with a stuttering giggle. He looks like he wants to say something, eyes clear behind his lens, and flinches when a corndog’s pressed into his cheek, mustard catching the edge of his glasses.

“Lovebirds,” White wonders out loud, “right at the beginning of spring. I thought I’d see you in a later season.”

“They’re year round as pets,” her brother grumbles, wiping his face off and turning away from her teasing grin. Leonardo laughs nervously, accepting the corndog.

He would regret this immensely very soon.

The Tickler does, thankfully, look like a more kiddish ride. There’s a lot of grown ups and teens without kids though. It worries him a little. And the way his dates keep giving him sly, worried looks (they switch up from time to time) doesn’t make him any less uneasy the further they get ahead in waiting.

Leonardo realizes why when they get in - he's stuck in the middle this time, thankfully without any guest appearances trying to flirt with the twins - and there's no straps unlike the others. Just the railing, which a helper lowers like it's perfectly normal for such an unsafe ride, and his hands clutch to it as dread throws nauseous waves his way.

I shouldn't have accepted the corndog, he thinks to himself. The last meal of my life, and it's a corndog.

"You know, this ride pays homage to the first one that was built over a century ago." Black's full of interesting knowledge as usual, though he's gripping onto Leonardo's hand tightly and trying to keep his voice from shaking. "It was different back then - more like a barrel going over rapids - but it had the same design and purpose."

"Oh? That's, uh, that's-- interesting," he manages, hearing White laugh from his other side.

"Don't tell me you two are scared." Both young men stay quiet, the easy curve coming to the chain lift up, and she turns her head to stare at them with an unsurprised look. She sighs, smiling and patting Leonardo's arm gently. "It'll be fun. I promise. And we'll go on something actually pleasant for you after this, okay?"

Leonardo swallows his heart and nods, catching sight of a car that's already gone and is... spinning...... as it rolls the track. Oh no. Oh no, it's like Teacups mashed with a pinball machine, if he was looking at the map right. His stomach gurgles like it's laughing at his bad decision and only proves him right when he's jolted and thrown into his dates during the ride, every small hill throwing his gut up and slamming it back down painfully.

But really, other than that, other than feeling like he's going to fall out - or that one of them will fall out - it's really scenic. Coney Island's lights play brilliant across the twins's hair and makes his heart stick itself readily into his throat. When Leonardo's recovering from the shakes and tumbles, the "sweet spins" as White calls them when they get pulled from side to side and backwards, he keeps his beating heart calm by watching them instead of the front like he should: Black's mildly terrified expression every time he's slung harmlessly the opposite of Leonardo, White howling with laughter and waving at the crowd that's below - and feels oddly at peace.

Like, if he was going to die with his last meal being a corndog, there's no two people he'd be rather be with.

It's a fast ride, but White claims it's been her favorite of the day because of how dangerous it felt, so insecure and swinging, and has both her boys promise her they'll come back to it next time too. Leonardo gives Black a look - Don't give into her demands so easy, huh? - and the bespectacled boy shrugs with a sheepish chuckle. He especially can't help but give into the whims of his sister, huh... At least Leonardo can understand that too.

"And, last but not least," White's tugging them both down the street, the Wonder Wheel flashing in the distance, "our grand finale! It's the only thing Black and I really planned for this visit."

"We thought it'd be nice as our last thing for Coney Island too, since we probably won't come again for a while."

Leonardo returns their beams with a startlingly less sick smile than before and lets them drag him along, wondering why they were in such a hurry to get on.

Especially since it's a pretty quiet ride up, Leonardo and White sharing a seat and Black on the other side, with each of them looking out the windows as they slowly swing up. It's kind of funny: Black and White look out the same side, despite being on opposite seats. He props his cheek in his palm and smiles, turning back to watch the slow rise.

It's very discreet, very quiet, but he finds himself being pressed into the metal by White as she lays against him, looking out at his view now, and his lap warm with Black's crossed arms as he's on his knees doing the same. He's pretty sure that's not safe. But they're stopping at the top soon, so it's fine right?

With the first sizzle in the air, Leonardo understands why. Colors pop in front of them from the beach, crackling and sprayed around, from the regular showers and fountains to the big blooming flowers - and even some he recognizes as Beyondian based, the smoke dancing with lightning-like sparkles as they parade around the sky. White squeezes his arm and he habitually turns to look at her, sounding in surprise when she kisses him softly and draws away with a smile, hued by the fireworks outside. He's about to say something when Black tugs him down next, a little harder than his sister because of the force and just as pleasing.

"We wanted to make some memories with you too, Leo," White murmurs, nuzzling in close to him. Black squeezes into his other side, right by the window, and does the same, using him as a recliner. "To thank you."

"I hope it's been fun." Her brother tips his head back to smile at him too, fireworks reflected in the lens of his glasses as his eyes slide shut in an apologetic grin. "Even with all of the near death incidents you look like you've been having."

Leonardo feels his throat tighten and the Wonder Wheel cranks them down a level, swinging the carriage as the booms and bams continue on the beach. His heart mimics them perfectly, every beat a slam in his chest, and the only thing he's missing is the smoke that fills the air with the sweet scent of summer memories; every crackling, sparkling light is his happiness put on display, raining down on the populace, and they don't even realize it.

"... Yeah," he finally replies breathlessly, voice cracking. "Yeah, I've had a lot of fun."

His immediate response is to laugh, which doesn’t seem to help the other too much in feeling like he’s not asking something stupid. Black presses his lips together to stifle it and fails miserably.

“Leo, if I could, do you really think I’d let you and White get so close?” He lets it sink in and watches Leonardo’s cheeks edge on pink at the top, a smile tugging at his lips at the sight. He’s really too easy. “I’m only joking, Leo, don’t look so guilty!”

A pause.

“Unless you think you have something you think you should feel guilty about,” Black teases, quelling his laughter at the other’s sheepish look. But he shakes his head. “No, I can’t. But I do know you’re about to ask another question.”

“Deduction, huh?” Leonardo gets it. A journalist has to have some skills like that too, probably. “You’re right... I was wondering if you could see the future.”

“Another no. Honestly, I’m kind of glad I can’t...”

Leonardo tilts his head questioningly, voicing it a moment later. “Why not?”

“... For all the good it can do you,” Black finally says, leaning against the windowsill and looking out into the city below, “there’s just some things that, once seen, can’t be unseen, don’t you think? Like someone’s death... or your own,” he finishes, stomach churning.

Not that you have to worry about that, the second voice in his mind replies. I’ll make sure you live long enough.

He grimaces, hiding it against the glass. “It just doesn’t feel that useful to me in an every day situation.”

“... No, I get that.” That’s a surprise. Black turns, blinking, and it’s a second surprise to see the other so thoughtful about it. Leonardo continues after a moment. “I mean, life wouldn’t be too fun if you knew what was happening next, huh? Unless it was like one of those preview things. Like, next in so-and-so’s life, they get the surprise of a lifetime!”

Hand gestures to go with it, though Black’s not entirely sure if the surprise is good or bad, and Leonardo lets them fall with an awkward laugh. “I mean. Something like that. Like on a TV show.”

Black stares at him for a good few seconds, imagining it, and his silence quickly falls into laughter as he lays his head against the pane.

“I... I don’t think I’d mind it that much if it was like that,” he admits through his snickers. “It sounds kind of fun.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too.”

It returns to a comfortable sort of silence and Black keeps his eyes on the other, smiling easily. Leonardo is a good guy. Really good. Pretty straightforward and honest, doesn’t turn away to lie, full of stupid questions that aren’t harmful to anyone but his own pride...

A good friend for White, he thinks. I’m happy for her.

“Anything else? I mean, you know I can hold stuff in the air, so... What else is there?”

Leonardo rubs his chin, resting against the table. “... Can you pick things up in the first place with it? Or teleport?”

“Oh, yes to both.” He holds up a hand to stop the other’s excited look. “But the second’s really tiring. I can’t do it that far either, since I’m not very good, so...”

But it’s only natural that Leonardo wants a demonstration - of the first, since the second sounds pretty hard - and Black gives it, lifting White’s book from her bed and holding it it in the air for a bit before lowering it again. He gets a round of applause and laughs it off, shaking his head.

“It really isn’t that impressive, Leo... But thanks.”

“To me, it definitely is. I’m too normal for what I do.”

That catches Black’s interest and he takes a seat across the table, leaning against it. “Oh? What do you do?”

Leonardo’s less than thrilled, looking mildly uncomfortable and laughing instead of answering at first. Clears his throat and rubs the back of his neck, nesting his chin with his arms on the table. “Ah, well, nothing that cool... I work with a lot of interesting people for one of my main jobs, I run pizza deliveries part-time, and I review places in the city for a tourist guide too. Kinda keeping them in the know of places to go or keep away from.”

“That sounds cool to me.” Black studies him, trying to remember if he’s seen Leonardo’s name anywhere, and the other jumps a little when he snaps his fingers. “You did the article about some nice dines for newcomers, didn’t you? The food looked really good. Your photography made me so hungry I went out and got some myself.”

Leonardo’s face reddens again, but he’s grinning smugly this time. “Heheh, thanks. That’s a pretty big compliment.”

“I guess you have your own special power, Leo.” Black smiles, shoulders slumping as he reclines in the chair. “Your pictures make people feel things. White’s always telling me how happy she is when she gets to see the city through your eyes too.”

It seems like it’s never crossed Leonardo’s mind. He sits up, fishing his camera out of his hoodie, and Black sees the lens poke out as he turns it on.

“I knew she was happy about that, but... really? You think so?”

“I know so. I work with a lot of interesting people too, and I think the kind of power you’ve got - the power to inspire others - is a lot better than what my family passed down to me.”

Leonardo doesn’t seem entirely sure of that comparison, but he nods and clicks through the album, pausing at one in particular. Not that Black can see, but it’s apparently a pretty happy memory judging from his smile.

“Well, I don’t think it’s too useful, but... thanks. It sounds pretty cool when you put it like that.” He leans back, the camera hiding beneath the table. “The power to inspire others...”