JULIUS'S POV

My clock angrily rips at my chest, struggling to go and seek out the clearly distraught woman. The tools slip from my trembling fingers after dozens of attempts to continue my fine work. My mind whirls around the delicate, fragile subject as I clasp my hands, begging my own body to succumb to my will and forget the subject of avoidance.

She loves me.

Jackie told me that she loves me. Even just hearing her admit that she has the tiniest thought, even for a fleeting moment, of affection for me sent my nerves on fire. My teeth madly ache as my fingers cramp up, screaming with the horrendous desire to clasp and hold her soft skin, doing unto her neck as what I've done before. This terrible, never ending thought tortured me the whole night until morning. Why can't I seem to shake off this feeling of desire? Even after sending her away I cannot help but want to ...

... No, it's not possible now. I heavily sigh and remove myself from the chair, heading towards the shower. I've done away with that possibility of having her. She does not deserve to be stuck here in this tower. She deserves more than I can give her.

I shakily exhale allowing the pounding water to massage my aching head. Her tearing face, her crumpling voice, her biting her lip in an attempt to not go insane at that moment ... all sent sensual chills down my spine. All I wanted to do was go and comfort her after such cruel and misplaced words. I was so shocked that I didn't know what to say and my natural barriers came on up with fiery tongues. How can I possibly say 'I love you' when she needs to have her concentrations elsewhere? I cannot be that selfish.

Calm; I've gotten rid of that option now. She will not come back and therefore the temptation will leave soon enough. Besides, isn't she going back home someday? Creating attachments will only make her resolve waver. She deserves to be free in her world, not trapped here in this confining space.

My head snaps up as I deafly hear the heavy front door shut. Could it be ... ? I quickly get dressed making sure to finely groom my wet hair. Her sense of responsibility is this strong? That she will come even after all that I've said to her? If so then I have truly underestimated her. Will she be livid? Dead? Or will she be her usual sarcastic self? Her smiling face as she holds an actually decent cup of coffee flashes through my head as I whip out of the restroom finding a very solemn Gowland leaning against the wall.

Ah; of course. My clock ticks a little slower as reality sets in. Of course she's not here. Why would she be after all that I've said? I cough, adjusting myself to the situation at hand. It seems that she's gone and asked Gowland to come, has she?

"Welcome, Gowland." I stride right by him refusing to meet his judging gaze. No doubt he's come to speak to me concerning Jackie. Even her mere name sends a deep throbbing through my chest. Tch ... how troublesome.

"Julius." Gowland nods, casually following me as I go right back to work. I begin my work, patiently waiting for him to crack. I know why he's here and he knows that I know. So, the question presents itself as to who will break the silence first. The clocks tick harmoniously as we sat in silence, only the occasional click of a slip of the tool against the metal. I grit my teeth watching as my trembling fingers hardly can hold the clock and tools. I can't even work properly with her on the mind.

"Julius." Ah, and so it begins. My eyes narrow waiting to the inevitable fight to take place. He knows what happened. Why else would he be here?

"Yes?"

"I do not appreciate having my workers so distraught that they can't even pick up a wrench." He begins struggling to keep his temper in check.

"Yes?" I say, encouraging him to continue. Is that all he has to say? I know what I did; my trembling fingers alone are a testimony to that awful deed.

"Julius, I consider you a very close friend of mine. Can you at least explain to me why one of my workers broke down in the middle of the street?" My eyes inevitably dash to his face, trying to verify the truth.

"Broke down?" I ask trying to get him to clarify. Does that include tears?

"Crying, wailing, bawling, sobbing, heaving, blubbering ... take your pick, Julius." He callously delivers watching my still and quiet reaction. Jackie, did I truly have such a devastating effect on you? I struggle to mask my shock, busying myself with my work.

"Did she now...," I mutter unable to say anything else.

"So, what happened Julius?"

"Jackie did not tell you?"

"Not a peep. She kept saying, 'sorry, I just have something in my eye'." A reluctant chuckle quietly bubbles from my lips. I can see her saying that.

"...She said she thinks she loves me." I admit refusing to meet his gaze."

"EH?! She admitted it?!" Gowland cries, his cool and uncaring facade shattering from those few words.

"You knew?" I ask glowering over the Park Owner. If he knew she loved me then why didn't he tell me?

"Ah, well, it was more of a hunch you see." He poorly excuses himself. He waits for a moment, waiting for the rest of the story. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"What did you then say?" My chest immediately constricts as I pause in my work.

"I think you've overstayed your visit, Gowland."

"Oh no, Julius. I'm not leaving until you tell me."

"...I told her that it was nothing but a childish fantasy and that she will soon get over it."

"Seriously?! Julius, that's - !"

"Cruel? Inhumane? Brutal? Wicked? Vicious? Harsh? Take your pick, Gowland." I callously respond. My word ... I'm just digging the pit deeper for myself aren't I? Gowland heavily sighs as he looks at me with bagged eyes. Oh? He wasn't able to sleep last night, just as I?

"Julius ... your skills are beyond hopeless in the aspect of women."

"Goodbye Gowland." I growl. I've had enough of this. I need to concentrate and work. That's all.

That's the only thing the mortician can do right, after all.

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Aw, Gowland's so cute caring for Jackie like that! 10 REVIEWS for the next~ yes, I realize this was pretty short but I'll have another chapter up by tomorrow or Saturday...or soon :3