The concept of death itself has a meaning that has a different effect on everyone. People tend to take loss differently and for most people it just takes time and self reflection to come to terms with loss or maybe that is just the general preconception people have about the idea.

Some people though. They obsess over their loss. They go and try to find meaning in the death of others and that is where the inherent desire is to have their loved one back and fulfill some sort of last action with them. Whether it be to live out their life or maybe it’s the one event they couldn’t even go to.

This obsession and selfishness though is something that tends to cause something strange to happen in this world. Intertwining the fates of others.

Edward had a blank stare at the seat in front of him. The hum of the car was the only thing registering in his ear despite the fact that there was someone next to him talking. The hum of the engine keeping him grounded and away from any other thoughts. His hands tightly clasped on his lap. He was focused.

He was just trying not to think. He couldn’t think. Not today.

“Ed, you listening?”

His green eyes shot over to the man next to him. A toothy grin on the other man’s face as he put his hand on Edward. Firm but gentle. A hint of concern in his eyes perhaps thinking about what to say next. Wondering if the next words out of his mouth would be wise or not?

“I know today’s gonna be hard but… do you think you can least get through this meeting?” he asked carefully.

There was a long silence as Edward stared at the other man almost blankly. Desperately focused on trying to keep the quiet thoughts in his head from bubbling up and taking him over. He needed to focus. 

In an attempt to bring some light to his own eyes the blonde adjusted his black framed glasses carefully though his expression did not change in the slightest but he spoke with what seemed to be unwavering confidence. 

“I am fine. Let’s just get this over with,” he said firmly.

A slight smile. A twinkle in the other man’s eyes before his hand retracted and once again they were both left in silence. Just the car. Engine humming. 

As the car comes to a halt the door falls open as two men emerge. Edward let’s out a breath as he leaves the car adjusting his green tie around his neck. One may assume it’s too tight. It looked like it was clinging desperately to his neck. His movements were stiff as he moved out of the way as his companion joined him out of the car. 

Unlike Edward who was completely put together you were more likely to assume this man here was a delinquent. Clothing more open and untidy. Sleeves rolled up. One hand in his pockets he pushed his orange hair back out of his face briefly. 

There was a momentary pause between the two men before without even a second glance at each other then started up the steps of the building in front of them. 

It was simple and elegant. A few large windows adorned the front of the building along with a large door made of dark wood. The doors creaked as they opened and the inside of the building itself was more extravagant.

Bright red carpets. Gold accents adorning the walls going up the railings. A contrast from the outside of the building. In fact it was almost blinding to look at. 

Edward’s eyes squint as he looks up to the ceiling towards the crystal chandeliers. Clear crystal being the only tasteful thing in this building so far. 

Steps muffled by the carpet approached the pair of men as the door behind them closed. In front of them was a dainty figure. Sunken eyes hidden by a thin layer of makeup. Though not even make up could change the dull look in their eyes.

A slight bow they carefully moved their gloved hand out in a specific direction.

“Welcome, Mister Jameson. Wilbur Appleby.” Dull and monotone voice came out of them. Almost like a doll.

“My employer is waiting for you this way.”

They didn’t even wait for a response before turning and leading both men further in the building. It was clear that there was no interest in small talk then again Edward was unfamiliar with this person specifically.

While it wasn’t Edward’s first time here it was his first time meeting this particular person. Normally he was met by overconfidence and haughty laughter but not today. 

It was almost insulting but it was better not to read into something like this. Showing annoyance was bound to feed into the ego of the employer but in his honest opinion it was rather rude to just ignore someone you invited to talk but then again Edward was never sure exactly what went through that man’s mind. Nor did he have a specific interest in figuring out.

He let out a slow breath as they walked and he felt a firm pat on his back. He took a moment to glance over and noticed his companion smiling at him. 

It was small but the reassurance was welcomed. He just wanted to get this over with after all he wasn’t even informed as to why he had to come over for this sudden meeting today.

It wasn’t like these two were even friendly toward each other in fact it was quite the opposite. There was some sort of one sided hatred but Edward had never been able to figure out what it was. Just chalking it up to the positions the two of them had.

Their guide opened a door at the end of a hallway. Accented with the gold crest above the door frame. They gestured for them to walk but pressed their hand on Wilbur’s chest when he tried to enter after Edward.

“I do apologize, Mister Appleby,” they said dully, bowing their head. Their blond hair covering their eyes for just a moment.

“My employer wishes to only have Mister Jameson in the room at the moment so I am going to have to ask for you to please wait in the hallway with me.”

It was quiet as Wilbur looked over at Edward for confirmation. It was not the first time he had a meeting on his own with this man and it wasn’t like Wilbur wasn’t just a stone’s throw away.

“It’s fine, I can handle it.” Edward said simply.

A nod from his companion before he watched the door close behind him. Edward turned his head to the room. Papers all over the office, even the small coffee table meant for guests. Books on the floor falling off the shelf. Edward doubted they were ever read or put to good use.

Across the room was a large arc window, a desk, and a man sitting in a chair. Both feet on top the table. On top of those papers Edward assumes to be important.

This man’s subordinates must work extremely hard to make sure nothing is lost in the chaos.

A toothy grin appears on his face as it seemed he noticed Edward enter the room.

“Hello there Ed,” the man said in a haughty tone.

“Edward,” he said, walking over to the couch pushing the papers off the piece of furniture as he sat down.

The man adjusted his glasses before crossing his arms over his chest. A stern look on his face as he turned his head to the man to speak again.

“We are not friends, Zeus. I would appreciate it if you stopped trying to give me a nickname,” he continued with a sigh.

“You’re right my mistake, my mistake,” he said with a laugh, “I mean we’ve known eachother so long it just feels like we’re friends you know.”

“No. I don’t. Please don’t tell me you called me here just to taunt me with your playful words.”

Another sigh left Edward as he leaned his head back, some of his hair resting on the top edge of the couch.

“I’m not in the mood to entertain your boredom.”

“But isn’t it fun?”

“No.”

The two were silent for a moment. It was almost deafening. Edward even considered just getting up and leaving right away before a sound behind the desk caught his attention.

They were supposed to be the only ones in the room. He assumed they were alone after all both their subordinates were outside that door so he assumed no one else was in the room.

Not only that but Zeus wouldn’t be foolish enough to try something so bold.

Edward glared at the man and watched him carefully. The smile on his face widening. One could see the scar on his face that would upon first glance seem invisible become more prominent.

“Oh right I almost forgot.”

Edward watched him reach down behind the desk. Zeus’s dark eyes locking with Edward’s green ones.

“I found this wandering around my property and thought you would like to reclaim it.”

To his utter shock and surprise what appeared from behind the desk was a person. They struggled. Swung their legs wildly showing off the bottom of their scabbed over feet. Scratches going up and down their legs and arms. Long Black hair going wildly in the air covering their face for a moment.

It was clear they were trying to loosen something from their body. Maybe just trying to get the upper hand to escape.

They pause for a moment in Zeus’s hand as their eyes met Edwards.

His eyes widen seeing the amber eyes under the black hair. There was an immediate sense of familiarity when seeing them.

Complete recognition of who this is but… 

That wasn’t possible. 

That couldn’t be possible.

There was no way.

His thoughts were racing. His heart rate was elevating. He was trying to keep his breath even. 

Silence.

Stillness.

It was deafening.

“.....”

“Bay?”