I don't know why I decided to come with him.
I didn't want to; at least, I don't think I wanted to.
Did I do it for BJ?
That's one part of it.
I did love him at one point.
Then again, I have loved many men.
Including Stein.
My silver-haired angel.
That's another part of my reason for coming.
I know Stein didn't do it.
He may be prone to insanity, but he would never take the life of a fellow comrade.
Despite what the evidence says and how far his insanity has progressed, I know he didn't do it.
He isn't that type of man.
Was never that type of man.
Why do I feel so sad?
Stein places his hand on my head and looks far out into the darkness.
I draw some comfort from it, because at least there's some part of the old him in there.
It brings back so many memories of those hands running through my hair.
Touching my lips, slowly going down…
He never saw me as something to be dissected.
He told me himself, which I guess for Stein could translate into "I love you."
He turns back to me, a hard look of determination in his eyes.
More of the old Stein showing through.
I wipe the tears from my eyes.
This is about avenging BJ, but it's also something more.
Nygus said that Stein has no love in his heart, that he's always alone.
I don't want him to be alone anymore.
And I know, hidden deeper than even the old Stein cared to dig,
There is love.
I know, because he's shown it to me once before.
The greatest meister to ever graduate Shibusen takes my hand.
"Let's go," he says.
In those two simple words, there is enough confidence to move mountains.
Despite my sadness, I give him a small smile and slip out of my uncomfortable high heels
We will find the killers.
We will avenge BJ.
But most of all, we will find the old Stein and free him.
We begin to run into the dark night.
--
AN: Yes, more Stein/Marie. What can I say? I like them as a couple. Expect more drabbles soon.