— next place.”

“Hah. ‘Under new service.’ That’s one way to look at it,” she commented with a laugh. “I have nothing else to look for here.”

Marlene lifted an arm and traced a circle; within that circle began to form another realm altogether. Stars twinkling in the darkness, beckoning them to enter. “Off to the —

Hmm….

— admit, I feel the same way. Maybe we did meet under different circumstances….” Silence took over for a brief moment before she inquired, “Should we get going now?”

“Tired and lost. Just like an old dog,” she said with a small laugh. She couldn’t help but make note of the similarities between Gallagher and a well-loved mutt.

Marlene tilted her head, a gleam of newfound curiosity glimmering in her eyes. “I’m glad you’re not lost anymore. Though, I have to —

— much of a ghost as I am. Do you need to get some rest before we leave? You look… tired.” Her smile shifted, the corners of her lips tugging downward. “It’s going to be a long journey.”

Marlene’s eyelids lowered, a relaxed smile sent his way. Her eyes shut, her vision plagued with darkness, with the only light she knew emitting from Gallagher’s soul. A warm light that felt like home after a walk in winter’s realm.

A sigh slipped past her lips before responding, “You’re as —

— know your worth in some places. Ahem. Name’s Marlene.”

She was quick to correct. “Not like you.” A lifted brow hid behind her fringe, curiosity piqued even further. “I guess the modern vampire is really making a breakthrough.”

There was a bit of a struggle with her laugh. Something cautious, something strange. “Keep yourself safe, Hugo. You don’t —

Supplemental art by burusukofafever and tokidoki_game, both on Twitter/X.

— since I’ve been here. Well, Gallagher, I just have one question to ask you.” Her hand reached for his, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. “Are you okay with never coming back? When I’m done here, I won’t be back. Neither will you.”

“I guess so,” she responded in kind, her voice faltering just a moment—a flutter like a newborn hummingbird, clumsy and inexperienced. His touch left her yearning; she leaned into him until the space between them was no more.

“I move around a lot, as you know… considering it’s been a hot minute —