{ AHT }

It's tempting to go buck naked.

"Don't crinkle the tie, Aht."

Alas, humans set this atrocious rule of being publicly clothed since they won't control themselves from committing sexual acts on almost everything.

"I'm trying, Ki."

I don't mind fashion. Respect them as art even.

"Oh don't pout, my fire."

"I don't pout!"

But I have to wear this nonsense suit! For Theo's wedding. I prefer robes and jackets. A stuffy suit, however? I'll bathe in sweat because we are at the end of summer. Still, I can't complain much, I have the honour of being his best man. Things I do for that kid.

"Yes, you are, baby." She grabs my chin and smacks sweet kisses on my lips... "There! Mmh. You look good enough to eat. Like a king."

She squeezes my butt through the pants and skips over to the dressing table. Taking deep breaths and tamping down my bubbling heat, I watch her carefully. Her hairdo is tied in a neat high bun, with stray locks here and there. Her blue dress is long and simple, with fluffy short sleeves. This doesn't help with my arousal at all.

"You are just exquisite," I breathe out.

She does that same scrunchy nose with a big ol' grin I love. I don't know why she loves my praises. I only speak truths and nothing more, but damn, I don't mind singing more praises of her.

Her grin falters when her gaze drops to a mascara box on her palm. My brows furrow and I go to her. She turns around and faces the mirror, and I stand behind her.

"What's wrong, Ki?"

"I... To this day, I don't know how to do them. I can apply lipstick but not others."

I plant a kiss on her temple and kneel beside her seat. She turns to me as I search for rouge— Here it is! And here we go.

She doesn't jest about cosmetics. She would put too much rouge on her cheeks, feeling it was not enough due to her skin tone. Frustrated with the lack of variable colours, and confused about how much is too much. A perfectionist at times, she'd repeat the same thing until it was up to her standard. It can be worrying... Don't get me started on eyeliner and mascara.

"Understandable fear, sweetheart. I dabbled with eyeliner before and got my eyes poked." I pat the brush on her nose. "Twice!" She giggles and sneezes to her side. Feeling a wide grin curving my lips, I trace the brush on her cheekbones. "Natural?"

She nods. "I don't look good in thick makeup."

"I beg to differ since you look good in everything, but alright, natural it is. I assume mascara is out of the—?"

She nods quicker. I laugh and let her apply a maroon lipstick herself. I know bright red is the current trend, albeit this tone is magnificent for her, and she knows. My hands move her shoulders and we watch our reflections.

She lifts her digits, weaving them into my hair. "Fishtail braid, my dear?"

"Please."

"Hopeless."

"I like your hands on my hair."

"Excuses."

Minutes later, we are ready and head out under the late afternoon sky. The wedding venue is beautiful and simple, no unnecessary decorations were thrown on every surface except for white tulips and silks. The couple's closest friends and Theo's family are enough in their tight-knit community of guests. Everything is going great.

The ceremony isn't far from the inn, considering it's held at a town square. That doesn't mean we will walk slowly. No, no... We pace, hoping that Angeline's parents won't crash it. The poor girl has no family or relatives who support her wedding and she doesn't need another issue. Nevertheless, my knuckles are always ready.

Ki and I reach in front of the square and straighten ourselves up. I exchange a smile with her and we go our separate ways. The couple borrowed their friend's rooms near the venue, so I jog towards Theo's room while Ki goes to Angeline's since she is the maid of honour.

I did question them on why they chose us. Because our heights will take away the attention from them. They won't mind if that happens, they just want us to be there with them. Angeline even offered jewellery to Ki for this occasion and my love declined. What a strange couple... I don't mind but they have other friends.

Normal friends.

I shake off the thought and knock on the door. It's all relatively smooth and quick, even though Theo burns the carpet from anxious tapping feet.

Later, we both stand near the archway until Ki stands at my left. My beloved and I are the last ones to walk in pairs towards the ceremonial platform, following the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Michael throws a lopsided smile over his shoulder.

When Theo sees Angeline walking to him, the widest grin I've ever seen erupts from the boy.

____________________

"Whhy you two haven't gone to the beach yet??"

"We were busy helping you with the wedding preparation—"

"Even beforrre the preparation happened!"

"We were helping you in planning the proposal."

Theodore opens his mouth to counter but pauses. I widen my eyes and lean my head a tad forward. He looks down at his glass of champagne, seemingly deep in guilt with that tipsy frown.

The rented hall we're in feels extra stuffy when I'm in this damned suit. The newly-married couple shouldn't have invited all of the town to this reception. Half of them were the ones who gossiped behind their backs! The couple knew and yet, they forgave them. I still don't understand their forgiving temperament.

"I'm sor—"

"Can't you stop saying sorry?" My hand motions at Ki, who is at the far table across the room and stuffs her mouth with orange chocolate cupcakes. "She's distracted with these duties. I was too. We didn't... remember about it much and it worked, despite you and Angeline didn't intend to."

His lips then curl into a tentative smile. From the corner of my eye, a man approaches Ki and stands too close to her. She smiles with a wince, slowly pushing the man's chest away with a spoon as he keeps—I presume—yapping about himself. Can't he see how uncomfortable she looks?

I clap Theo's shoulder and shove him towards his bride, metres away. "Don't get drunk on your wedding night," I remind him.

He scoffs, tipsier. "We will not do it tonight. We are both too tired." His arm wraps around Angeline's waist and he talks with other guests.

She enthusiastically waves at me and Ki, who I am now approaching. I throw a death glare at the yapping man and he scuttles away. He seems familiar...

"Is that the same prat you greeted in the market yesterday?"

Ki groans. "The very same."

"I thought he'd taken the hint when you refused to give him our number."

"He doesn't. I assume he took my usual greeting for the townspeople as an attraction when it comes to him."

Her look lowers to the floor, pensive. I hate whenever people misconstrue her. She can't even throw a smile at a stranger now? Before I can say anything, Ki asks, "Is Theo alright?"

"Felt guilty about us and the beach."

Her brows shoot up. "We'll have a day off in two days."

"Asked why we haven't gone to the beach yet."

"He helped us with distractions. Shouldn't he be happy today? Not worrying about us?"

"...He's like a parent to us, isn't he?" My fingers touch my lips, refraining from picking their skins.

Ki knows this is another bad habit of mine. Not good, but it lessens over the years. However, this urge comes back whenever I overthink big decisions I have to make.

Ki warily peers over me from my side. "Unfortunately. What are you deciding?" Trust that she reads me like a book.

"Maybe we should find jobs outside of the inn," I suggest. "Ease his hovering."

She pulls me down to sit at an empty table. "We can try. Theo will question, though."

His concern over us, ever since the Baked Alaska night, is smothering. Inquired our thoughts about our spirits' well-being every six hours. Checked whether we eat meals on time. Asked us where we would go whenever we went outside. Ki starts to lose patience with him, and this says a lot.

I understand him because I'd be a mother hen if my friends were lost in the world, but how will we ever learn to stand on our own?

"We both chose this life. He shouldn't burden himself with us anymore," I mutter. "He is married now."

"Will you talk to him?"

"I will."

{ KI }

I remove his fingers from his lips, tuck his loose locks behind his ear, and turn him away so I can re-braid his hair.

Noticing several women who are eyeing my fire from the banquet table, I scoot his chair closer to mine. I'm not jealous, never have and never will. Aht is too oblivious about his admirers, and when he does notice, he never once looks their way. I'm just being careful ever since Vivian's bullshit almost cost his freedom... And I can't read intentions well anymore.

The latest decision he makes. He's impulsive half of the time. On the other hand, he is thoughtful. Much more than me sometimes, which is concerning because if I'm an overthinker, his mind must be a black hole. It's difficult to get him out of it in certain periods. He is the kind to ensure his major decision happens to the very end no matter what, but thankfully, this spell seldom happens.

"This is their wedding. We shouldn't mope around with heavy thoughts," I whisper.

In a blink, dear Aht jokes with stupid punchlines, successfully lightening up our moods. Pulling a laugh from me even.

"Baby, are you done or not?"

"Wait a sec." I tie up his braid and kiss his crown.

He stands up and offers his hand. "Come on, Ki! Let's dance."

A familiar rhythm dances through the air in this crowded hall. The guests are dancing, drinking, and eating. None of them I know except a small number of the couple's closed ones. The crowd is watching us, but my Aht here makes me feel safe.

"So impatient." I follow his action and smoothen my dress. Fluffing up my hair bun, I take his hand.

Blue Moon by Billie Holiday is a good song to dance to. Even though we have to dance with other guests in our proximity, I'm relieved that we aren't focused upon anymore.

Aht smirks with the usual cute charm. "You love me anyway."

"Be thankful for that." My eyes roll.

"I show it every night."

His naughty grin prompts a chuckle within me and I pinch his cheek. We dance and dance the night away—

"What's the next plan, Theo boy? Children?" A man's boisterous voice reaches our ears. My body stiffens against Aht's. His hand is gripping mine.

"Uh..." Angeline hesitates. "Mr. Kilton, we haven't planned anything yet."

"Bah! This war has been leaving dead bodies left and right! America needs repopulation—"

"It's none of your business, Mr. Kilton," Theo cuts in, sharp.

It's good that Snow White is capable of standing up for himself and others now, after months of progress. Aht had to teach him. But before we find other jobs, I want Theodore to teach us.

Teach us how to numb the pain of missed what-ifs in this limited world.

____________________

"Looks like a witch missing half of their head!"

"I take offense to that!" I retort.

"Pfft! If it were up to me—"

I kick Aht's perfect little sandcastle and run away—he grabs my legs and I trip onto the sand! Dragging me in and crawling above me on all fours, he grins devilishly and clutches the skirt of my white swimdress. I can't stop myself from giggling and beaming.

"You're going to pay, Ki."

He instantly carries me with arms under mine! I scream and hold onto him when we hit the crashing waves. He guffaws, readjusting his slipping black shorts. We bicker and have a ridiculous competition on who can hold their breath underwater longer.

Not surprised when I win.

Aht splashes water up to my face when we sit cross-legged on the shoreline. "Stop being so smug."

I cock an eyebrow. "Stop being a sore loser."

He threatens to splash again but I yank his hand towards me, causing us to roughhouse. I then leap on him and tickle!

"HAHAHA! STOP!" Aht gasps out.

"Hahaha! Stop what, baby?"

"Stop, pleeease?"

We're panting with grins plastered on our faces. My love embraces me tightly by the waist. Relaxing against his body, I sigh in contentment.

I love the beach. It's untouched, the water is clear and the sand is soft. The sky is wonderful in violet, just as the sun starts to set. The journey towards here was irritating, to say the least when a bunch of wild spirits tried to bother us. But this is worth it. Never in my long centuries have I thought I'd be able to enjoy this beauty.

I nuzzle the crook of his neck, listening to a random song, where it emanates from the portable radio near our picnic mat.

{ AHT }

The face she made when she reached here... Enough to make a creature myself cry with joy. I'm thankful that I was able to bring her here. She deserves to enjoy Their Highness' every creation.

After Theo taught us to deal with our... nuanced issues, we're slowly coping better, day by day. We focus on slivers of good during these times of war. During our grief. During our confusion in handling our human lives.

By The Highness, I thought the first two or three years of my banishment would provide a deeper insight, albeit it highlights that I don't really know much. My never-ending travels contributed to it, thus when I stay longer than I used to, the whole experience humbles me. And it's lessening my painful rests somehow. Maybe having Ki with me holds me together.

I watch the indigo waves when the sun dives under the horizon, playing with Ki's damp locks.

"I want to learn about sailing a boat. Sailing the sea," she speaks out of sudden.

"Daring."

"With you, you goof."

I kiss her temple. "Ever since Theo called us goof—"

"It sounds cute on you!" she gushes. Adorable.

"It means a fool."

She falls dramatically across my lap and moans, "Aren't we all?"

Unexpected that I get excited whenever she brings theatrics, and I don't know why. "Such a philosophical question. For sailing, we'll go to the library tomorrow," I laugh as my cheeks begin to warm.

She peppers kisses on my nose... and shoots up from her spot, drags me to our mat, and cranks up the radio's volume. Her hands gesture at the device in an erratic way.

Ki once said she likes to see my expressions, and I don't get it because I feel little to no difference. In her case, her body motions are very... responsive and I love it. Right now, she's doing it.

"Why you're flaying like this, sweetheart?"

Wet with sand sticking on our bodies, I lie down and face the sky while she lies on her stomach with her chin and folded arms resting on my outstretched arm. Her legs swing back and forth in the air.

"The host mentioned war. An announcement perhaps." She frowns at me. "Again, it's flailing, not flaying."

"Uuugh, English is hard."

She chuckles and kisses my arm as I watch her, waiting for the news. Then we hear it. When the host drops a bomb on us listeners.

World War Two has ended.

____________________

"Is this a good idea? You were mourning over your meadow," Theo asks in a small voice.

"I have to see it one last time before we get out of here. Who knows when we will ever come back?" Ki keeps marching on.

"What if... it's bad?" I caress her spine.

Her jaw tenses with a calculative look I'd normally adore, keeps looking forward as we trudge towards the meadow. I'd ogle her but not like this. Not when she is cold.

"I'll move on as usual," she answers.

I grab her hand and she grips mine back. The forest isn't as thick as before. The fall sets in early.

We doubt the war is over, despite the announcement last week blared loud and clear. The inn guests had to check out because Theo's family decided to sell the inn and move to Australia in a few months.

We were let go from our jobs because our former employers preferred their own people since they are able to generate more post-war income. Afford to pay more, they said.

Ms Sealine had gone. Aunt Jac travels. They had no desire to wait around any longer, even though colonisations remained running rampant. I understand, though. They parted from their families long enough. All of these bittersweet partings created a gaping pain for us... Ki couldn't rest due to chest pain.

Therefore, we busy ourselves by preparing for travel too. Have to move on. I thought I'd be used to the sting of time by now, but it's a difficult feat when changes come in too.

And for the last time, Ki seeks closure from her former home. Our former home.

"No..."

Goosebumps run on my skin. "What in the world."

We have reached the meadow. Or used to be.

God help us.

Ki drops to her knees and cries silently... I join her, pulling her into my arms as we mourn. This is too much.

"What's wrong!?" Theo panics.

I glance at him under my tears. "This happened."

"What happened??"

Ki and I look up to him. In my blurry view, his confusion is sincere.

"You don't see this?"

"I see a fine meadow and all. It's thriving?"

Ki sniffles and rests her head against mine. "He's a true human. Doesn't see past it."

My eyes scrunch shut. Damn it. "I forgot about this. Even though this place has no owner anymore, it retains a speck of Ki's essence."

"Forgot? Baby, what happened to your place?"

"I'll tell you soon."

Theo pushes the subject. "Essence? What do you mean?"

"What you see is an illusion." A despairing sigh tumbles out of her lips.

"...You—" The boy gulps. "You're serious? What is it supposed to be like?"

"Touch the grass."

He seems scared, his hand slowly descends to the ground.

I huff, "Don't be scared."

"I'm not! I'm... careful." Reaching out more, he furrows his brows. "It's hot."

He touches it. His astonishment becomes apparent when, I assume, his hand goes through the 'grass' perhaps. A mirage. He takes a handful of 'dirt'. "Feels like sand? It's supposed to be soil. Can you please give me a clearer picture?" he asks, letting it go to the wind.

"It is a barren desert," Ki chokes out.

He blinks. Fast breathing. "What...? WHAT IN FORSAKEN WORLD!?"

It's too much for him! I raise my palms and say, "Theo, calm down."

She becomes apprehensive, rubbing his shoulders frantically. "Theodore—"

"I thought I'd get used to the-these things! Ghosts are different because they are... stupid spirits! These mystical, unfathomable events—" Clapping his ears shut, he shakes his head. "I to experience them first-hand rather than through stories?? Oh God, I need a breather." In an instant, he runs to a tree and sits under it with knees up to his chest, staring at nothing.

Silence for a tad until Ki asks, "Do you want something to ease your nerves?"

"I should be asking you that. It's okay, go finish your business. I'm only... re-questioning my reality and limited senses. God forgive me."

She looks over the horizon, taking in the view. Her fingers grip my arm and her eyes shut, resigned.

Loud squawks. Patter and thumps are coming from the opposite side of the desert. The animals and bugs, who were under her care, step into our view.

Ki's face scrunches up, holding in her cries. "I'm sorry." They're eerily quiet. "I'm so sorry! I wish—!"

They create a lot of noise. But... Huh. I think they're singing a song. Such dearies!

Ki is confused at first. Soon, she grins and laughs in her tears.

"A parting gift," I utter in awe.

"They don't take it by heart?" The boy gapes at their singing.

A shuddering breath escapes from her. "For eternity, they knew how restless I was in this place."

Those creatures then head back to the forest and leave us alone. Theo seems to be getting better. A cold wind drifts behind me and Ki's smile falls.

"The coward is here."

The three of us whirl around and there they are. Fomu looks solemn while Taq shoots an icy glare at Theo. But obvious hurt is scattered across her features.

I look over my beloved. Her eyes are downcast from guilt. I don't like this one bit. She is braver than any being I've ever known. How could they? Knowing my Ki felt trapped all these years?

"She is not a coward," I snap.

"Oh really?" Taq mutters through her teeth. "Why in the heavens didn't she tell us that she's banished? We had to hear it from bunnies and ravens!"

Spirits still learn animal languages? Maybe this practice has returned to the spirit world. "How could she tell? You travel all the time and she has to move on. Doesn't include how hard it is for humans to contact spirits."

"She must've had some signs before banishment. You couldn't tell us then, Ki?" Fomu's brow wrinkles up and the lips curl downward, looking betrayed.

Is he serious? Ki told me about how he took light of her longings for YEARS. "If she did tell you two, what would you do? Chastise her like you always do? Create jokes out of her genuine curiosities again?"

"You wanted her to be banished??" Taq scolds.

I see red. "No! I even showed her what happened to me. She wouldn't budge. You'd probably lecture her about how naive she is!"

"Because she is!"

"SILENCE!" Ki snaps.

We are all quiet for her sake. She kisses me... and sighs.

{ KI }

I love Aht. Adore him with my every atom. Here he is, defending me without a shred of doubt. But I don't blame my friends.

"Taq. Fomu," I utter slowly. Taq glowers while Fomu becomes more upset by the second. "I am sorry. I should've told you two. No excuses."

"Ki..." Aht interjects.

"It's okay, my Aht. They didn't know any better. Like your former friend, Muhl."

He blinks and averts his haunted look, troubled by the memories I assume. He understands too well how lonely it was.

So, so, so damn lonely.

Taq inquires, "Are we not your friends?"

"You both are..." I don't know how to word this thought out.

"But what?"

Weed out the weeds. "You kept dismissing my feelings about this for as long as I can remember. I know you meant well, Taq, but eventu—"

"What about me? Am I dismissing you??" Fomu yelps.

"Not about Aht. You reassured me about him."

Taq gasps, "Fomu, you did no—!?"

"Err th-that's for another time." He grimaces.

I continue on. "You understood about being unhappy with where you are. I was stuck while you can't land permanently, though you did say suck it up. I can't. I restrained too much before Aht."

I feel my fire becoming angrier beside me because I didn't tell him about what Fomu had said before. My hand links with Aht's and my thumb rubs his knuckles. Then, Fomu and Taq share a look of... sagging gloom. Swallowing down a sob, I say, "It's not an excuse for being a co—"

"Look, I get it," Taq interrupts. "I'm sorry we didn't show how much we care for you. We should have remembered our nature isn't the same as yours. We tried our best, remember?"

God... This is horrible. My eyes prickle with fresh tears, and Aht hugs me by the shoulder.

Fomu hesitates to speak. "Do you consider us your real friends? Be honest because I know your standard is the utmost understanding."

"...Friends."

He exhales through pursed lips. Taq frowns on the ground. He tells, "We knew and made light of it. I don't blame you."

"I wish I could but I don't," Taq murmurs.

I burst out a chuckle, creating smiles around me.

"This is a goodbye then?" He smiles weakly.

"You two can't contact her after this?" Theo pipes up.

Taq raises an eyebrow at him. "This time is a very lenient chance from Their Highness. You, however, should not know about all of this."

"That—!" Aht answers. "I take responsibility."

"Why do you trust him?"

"You can read intentions, right?"

"He doesn't have any malevolence, but intentions are easily swayed. How can you trust him in the first place?"

"Not... trust."

"You wound me," Theo quips.

Aht shushes him. They're anticipating his answer and I know my Aht already. My smile emerges on its own.

"I have faith in him."

"Just that?" Taq scowls.

He nods. "I don't have any grand answers for this."

She seems unsatisfied by the way she fidgets. Theo scoffs knowingly. "Theodore, do you think his answer was funny?" she yells at the kid.

"No. I mean..." Theo hums. "Yes, in some way."

Fomu coaxes. "Meaning?

"I wonder why spirits aren't satisfied with faith only. You all know more about the grand scheme of things than humans. Ironic."

Taq turns up her nose. This is dangerous for her. "Lack of knowledge is a sweet gift, hm?"

"I can admit I am." Theo shakes his head, bemused. "Can you? You can't possibly know everything and yet, you act like you do."

Her eyes roll. Fomu is quiet from contemplation. Theo clears his throat and walks away to sit under a tree again.

"Taq, if you keep doing this, you know what will happen," I warn.

"He is frustrating! As if he can talk back to us."

"We are all equal in Their eyes." Aht tries to make her see his point.

"Humans act like they're above everything! Their wars are the proof."

"It doesn't mean they are all the same." I rub my nape. "What you've seen during this time must have been horrifying, but you can't erase the good ones."

Aht's a little awkward with the silence after, so he flashes a reluctant smile and joins Theo.

Fomu massages his temple. "Are you happy?"

I answer with my whole heart, "I am."

"I wish you a happy life with him."

"Thank you very much."

He turns to Taq and she murmurs, "As long as you're happy. If people out there prey on you, you will—"

I huff, amused. "No doubt I'll give them pain. Maybe a couple of bruises. Have a little faith in me, yeah?"

...

For the first time ever in my whole existence, her tears fall. Fomu blinks his away... They need to be comfortable with emotions first, and I truly wish I'd be able to hug them one day.

"I'll try," she sobs.

He sniffles. "Me too."

Pressure forms in my chest. "Thank you. Both of you. I will miss you."

"We'll look over you from time to time, even when you can't see us anymore. In a little breeze or strong gust."

"I prefer the breeze."

She erupts a small laughter. "I will ruin your hair with every chance I get."

We wipe away our tears and exchange nods... They give me their sincerest smiles.

And they're gone.

...

My chest hurts tremendously from the pressure as my tears keep falling. My trembling lips let out a small wail. Aht sees it. He knows it. He runs to me and gives me an all-encompassing hug. I realize mine isn't the same as Aht's. This is my main lesson.

Because when I part ways with them forever, only then do I feel they are my close friends. I took them for granted.