unsweeten: (mikhail's timeshare in sarasota)
simon keyes ([personal profile] unsweeten) wrote2023-07-30 09:54 pm
Entry tags:

memory: detention center

[ it's late at night and you've managed to sneak over to horace's cell in the detention center, with one of the big cages for the animal show in tow. despite his situation, he looks happy to see you, like he always does... dropping the macho act he shows to everyone else and looking at you with fondness.

it always gives you an uncomfortable mix of emotions you don't like to think about. ]


Hey, Simon! You're not supposed to be back here, are you?

Well, not really... but it's okay. If anyone asks, I'm here on circus business, setting stuff up for the Animal Show tomorrow morning. Pretty lucky timing, huh?

No kidding! You're really doing a show here?

The warden's really big on animal therapy, so she has the circus put on shows for the prisoners once a month. I'll actually be playing kind of a big part in this one.

Really!? I'll be able to see a circus show, even in prison?

[ there's a bright excitement in his eyes, like the little kid you just barely remember from all that time ago. ]

Heh. I enjoy playing chess with you, but I'm looking forward to your performance as well.

[ ......

you feel a little bit nauseated, but force a smile. ]


Yes. Please look forward to it.

Alright! You better drop by again. I'll be thinking about my next move!

[ your gaze drifts over to the pocket-sized chess set you brought him during your formal visit earlier in the day, still folded on the desk inside the cell, and you add— ]

Oh yeah. I've left something special inside that chessboard for you. You should check it out later.

Something special? [ there's a quizzical quirk of his eyebrow as he glances over at it too... but then he looks back to you with a grin. ] I'm not quite sure what you mean, but thanks. I owe you one, Simon.

[ he looks so damn sincere when he thanks you, and the smile freezes on your face. sometimes it almost feels as if the warmth he reserves for you might melt the ice in your veins if you're not careful. you can't have that, not when he's the one who froze your heart in the first place.

......if only you hadn't stopped me eighteen years ago... it wouldn't have had... to come to this.

... ]


Huh? Did you say something?

[ you shake your head. ]

Nope. Not a word.

[ you give him one long last look before turning away with a wave. ]

......Goodbye, Horace.