The world was a backdrop of white. Haseo breathed deeply, Cubia's bizarre voice reverberating in his head, slowly dying, replaced by a calm, steady note. Before him was Ovan, but somehow, he wasn't surprised. He belonged there.
"You always belonged there." he found himself saying out loud.
A gentle smile washed across his face, making him look younger and lighter. His eyes were soft and for what seemed like the first time, infinitely honest. There was pain, Haseo thought. There was always pain. His hand unconsciously found the wedding ring on his finger.
Ovan stepped closer.
"You said you couldn't marry me." he whispered, his tone unreadable, and before Haseo could even think to reply, he continued, "I'd make an awful husband, I know." There was a teasing air to him, sweet and right. "I lied you. I ruined you. So. . .so selfish. . ."
His hand found Haseo's cheek, yet all he felt was a chill. His breath caught in his throat. "Are you real?" he asked dimly. Ovan's eyes flickered strangely.
"I'm here." he said. "I see you, Haseo." Haseo could almost feel his breath during the quiet air. He closed his eyes briefly, a mix of feelings rising up into him. When he opened them again, Ovan's red glasses seemed suddenly transparent, and his blue eyes took over his mind.
". . .I love you, you bastard." Haseo whispered, his voice breaking.
Ovan kissed him, and it was like kissing a ghost, so cold and unreal, but he leaned into it, knowing he might never get to do it again. When they broke away, his face felt warm, blushing in a way he had never experienced before – without the slightest bit of shame.
And then turned away slowly hazily, his tall frame seeming to be enveloped in a fog. Haseo stepped forward, and yet the distance between them seemed to stretch on forever. His hand extended, fingers stretched, and for a moment it felt as if someone had clenched a fist around his heart. Ovan, he wanted to scream, Matato.
And in the last moment, he turned his face back toward him, a whirl of black feathers beginning to fade over his body.
"You know. . ." Ovan breathed, "and ending. . .is really like a new beginning. Don't you think that's true?"