The Day I Chose You

‘Futures were forged through the blood of past hands, though such a path was beyond mortal choice. Death awaited all, but only some could await death—and even then, only a madman would dare.’ The pages turned softly under the dim light. He read solemnly as the candle flickered from outside rain. All he could do was turn the pages as they ran short, encroaching upon a predictable end.

He didn't want to see something so beautiful end before its time. A heavy sigh escaped along with the book's soft close. He looked out the window, a slight regret clawing up his back. It was a shame, but all good things had to end— he knew that all too well.

He spoke to the silence, “Do you believe in destiny, or fate,” he paused for a moment, turning to the room's shadow before continuing, “darling?”

A soft silence passed, only the patter of a tearful sky could be heard. “I’m not your darling.” a figure stepped into the lamplight.

He chuckled weakly, “But you were… and you still can be.” He smiled softly at the visitor.

The figure balled their fist as they removed their hood and mask, revealing a slightly scrunched expression. He couldn't help but think that their eyes remained as beautiful as they day he left them.

“We both know that's not possible, Kazimir. Its too late for that.” The figure smiled bitterly as a look of grief passed over.

Kazimir pushed his chair out slightly from the table, moving to get up—and to the lone figure. He moved slowly, causing the moment to stretch longer in the silence. As he stood tall, about to move toward the other—their words halted him.

“Stop. We're not the same people from back then. Must I tell you your role now?” Their head bowed slightly, eyes fighting to keep stable as they met his—unwavering.

“Eumore, raise your head. I do not wish to intimidate you.”

“...As if you could… Why have you returned? Surely you know the state of the Kingdom— I wouldn't take you for a fool.”

“There's only one reason for my return.” He looked to Eumore directly, exploring the depth within such saddened eyes. Then he continued, “I’m sure you know why.” There was no malice behind his tender words.

Eumore didn't respond. They couldn't. Each thought—every word—was lost to the man before them. Kazimir took slow steps forward, approaching a silent lover. As he went to extend a hand to Eumore, wanting to hold them close—a dagger grazed his chest, serving as a warning but not hurting him.

“You know why I’ve come. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.” Eumore’s head was lowered, unable to maintain any eye contact as they continued, “I can kill you at a moment's notice. Don’t test my resolve.”

The man gently brought his chest to the dagger, uniting their wills. “I’d gladly accept anything you give me. Even death sounds too good of a gift from you.” He smiled softly with saddened eyes.

Anger overcame Eumore, throwing the dagger to the side and gripping Kazimir by the collar as their head lifted. “LEAVE!... Leave!” Eumore’s voice broke as their eyes held a deep pain as they spoke, “while he still lets you— before he changes his mind!”

Kazimir rose a hand to cradle Eumore’s face, “That’s the one thing I can’t do. I’m sorry.” He smiled solemnly.

“You left— so why now do you return?! “ a defeated voice emerged from Eumore, “…Why?” Their voice broke in response to Kazimir's longing touch. It had been years— Eumore had forgotten him… or at least they tried to.

“I betrayed you. I’m nothing more than your enemy now… so why does it feel like you still cherish me?” Eumore’s face twisted in sadness, a tear forming from their pain. Their hands weakened on the man's collar, about to slip away from his presence.

“I’d never lie to you. And whose side you're on doesn't matter, as long as you’re alive and well, that is all I could wish for.” Kazimir grasped both of Eumore’s hands, bringing them up to his lips, and planting a soft kiss to them.

“...Please. Do not give me comfort… because then it feels like— like you’ll stay this time.” Eumore tried retracting their hands, but Kazimir held firm.

“Would you like some tea? Indulge me just this once.” Kazimir used Eumore’s hands to cradle his face. Eumore could only lower their head.

***

The hot steam wafted from both teacups, Kazimir filling his after Eumore’s. It was nothing fancy, each teacup was battered and chipped in different ways, but something about how they stood tall made Eumore reminisce. When they had tea together— before everything, the teacups were always pristine porcelain, costing more than necessary. Eumore swirled the tea slowly in a circular motion, allowing the smell to cause a dreadful memory.

“You remembered.” Eumore said softly.

Kazimir finished pouring his cup, lifting it slowly to his mouth with a smile, “how could I not? You always loved chamomile.”

The rain provided a soft ambience, no longer a harsh downfall, but never truly stopping. The candle was growing short as melted wax flooded the base. Neither of them spoke, because no words were needed. Both of them recalled a shared past, knowing that it was nothing more than a past memory.

“How’s Lucian? I bet he outgrew you in the time I was away.” Kazimir put the cup down, resuming a relaxed posture on the couch they shared.

“He misses you… But yes, he did outgrow me. He started to call me pika, just like you did…” Eumore let a small smile out as Kazimir chuckled. Eumore added, “He’s almost your height now…”

“I miss the boy too, he was better than any of my brothers— that's for sure.” Kazimir smiled happily, a slight remorse hidden beneath.

Before Kazimir could think about it any longer, Eumrore interjected, “Your brothers are assholes.”

“Tell me about it.” Kazimir sighed, pinching his temple with an exasperated smile then a genuine laugh.

Eumore smiled along with Kazimir. Eumore loved these moments, sitting with Kazimir as if nothing else mattered. It was a happy moment. It surely was— so why did Eumore’s eyes start to tear up?

Eumore put their teacup down as they brought their other hand up to wipe the now forming tear— hoping Kazimir wouldn't notice. Though, that was wishful thinking, because nothing escaped Kazimir's vision.

Kazimir shuffled closer to Eumore, starting cautiously, but eventually enveloping them into a hug. Eumore covered their face with both hands, unmoving from Kazimir's embrace.

Eumore didn't know why they started crying, nor why their heart ached so painfully. “Can you not leave? Someone will end that wretched snake in due time… so why do you give your life to one that will forsake you? I don't understand…”

“But not before he rids you first. I can't wait for something so uncertain if it means you suffer in return.” Kazimir continued to hug Eumore, his chest starting to throb dully due to Eumore’s tears.

“That… you don't get to decide that. He knows what you're planning— why do you think I came? So please… leave. While you still have your life.” Eumore buried their head further into Kazimir's shoulder, still holding their head with a broken voice.

“...I don't know why I’m crying. Sorry.”

“Don’t…” Kazimir's voice weakened, “Don’t apologize.”

All he could do was continue to hold them, unable to respond further. Both of them knew what would happen. Neither wanted to face it.

Eumore continued to cry, the rain eventually letting up. The candle flickered slowly, trying to survive longer, but there was no more wax for its flame. Light arose from the window to reveal a new dawn, softly illuminating Kazimir and a sleeping Eumore.

As they sat together on the couch, Kazimir noticed the tear-stricken face Eumore adopted, looking peaceful now, unlike that earlier night. Eumore was all he wanted, but nothing good was forever. He hated that fact.

Kazimir gave one last squeeze to Eumore along with a gentle caress to their cheek. He didn't want to get up— but he had to. The day waited for none. Kazimir brought a blanket to the sleeping Eumore, gently adorning them. Oh how he’d love to stay with Eumore, but he couldn’t linger.

He couldn’t even leave a note, for there was no pen there. So he moved to the window, gently opening it to allow the sunlight in. As he moved away, he noticed the book he read, closed on the table. The edges were withered, a few pages missing within— but none mattered.

He took the book to Eumore, placing it beside their sleeping figure with one last kiss to the forehead. His lips stung as he pulled away, the pain overtaking his thoughts. He whispered bitterly, “Pika… don't forget me.”

One last wistful smile, and he headed on his way, leaving behind an unaware Eumore. The book was his last gift, the only thing keeping Eumore company. The sun soon shone upon the book, illuminating the title, "The Day I Chose You.”