His Soul (Chapter 15)

His Soul (Chapter 15)

Restoration

Summary: After saving the abducted collectors, you were trusted with Curioso's box. What seems like a dangerous possession slowly turns into an opportunity to learn more about this creature and his curse. Can you earn his trust, and possibly, his affection?

Pairings: Curioso/Reader, Curioso/The Detective

--

The figurines found their way on the edge of your desk, facing you as you tackled your day-to-day work. It made a lovely decoration to your space, adding more color and giving you the proud opportunity to present yourself to your clients. If anyone asked, it was commissioned work you’d gotten from an artist, and if anyone implored about the tall clown next to it, you were willing to shrug it off and say that you found it somewhere online. 

…Sure, you’d be lying, but what else could you say? ‘My magical jester friend made it for me! You should meet him!’ …That was out of the question!

As you sat down and got to business, your eyes kept moving over to your newly-acquired gifts. At first, it was in awe, admiring the presents made for you and appreciating them as much as you did the night you’d gotten them. But after a week of staring at the statuettes, it was clear that Curioso’s small likeness was reminding you of a matter you’d been avoiding. 

It would be best if the both of you confronted it sooner rather than later. 

With a long breath, you stood from your desk and walked upstairs into your apartment, where you knew he would be sorting through folders of your pictures. You were going to arrange them in a better fashion, find any from your previous cases and move them into their proper dossiers. But that was something you were going to worry about later…what was on your mind now was much more important. 

You leaned in the doorway and watched as Curioso’s long fingers flipped through your carefully-laminated photographs. He was observing each of them, lingering on an individual picture before moving to the next. He must’ve been so absorbed in this process that he hadn’t noticed your arrival. You didn’t bother announcing yourself or even clearing your throat - the matter found its way out of your mouth before you could stop it. 

“We need to talk about something.” 

Your friend jumped a good foot in the air, whipping around to you in surprise. A weird feeling of satisfaction momentarily filled you, as you had never startled him like this. He was always the one stumbling upon you, producing himself out of thin air whenever he chose to teleport. He could be talkative when you got going in a conversation, but he was always so quiet about moving around your space. Usually, the tell-tale sign of him would be his bells, if he produced enough movement to stir them.

“About what?” He inquired, gently setting your folder down on the table. 

He sounded nervous. You felt so, too. You hadn’t rehearsed this conversation before having it. You felt worried you were going to say something stupid. How could you tread on such fragile ground without having any practice? 

“About…you.” Your shoulders slumped as you gestured to him. “Your, ah, situation.” At his confusion, you decided to be a bit more detailed. “I’m talking about your clothes. They’re a mess, and I want to change that.” 

He slowly rose to his feet, his gaze never leaving yours, even as you had to angle your head upwards when his taller stature towered over you. 

“And how do you intend on doing that ?” He asked curiously. You knew your cheeks were beet red right now. 

“Well…for starters, maybe I can wash that costume of yours. And, uh, Audrey can help me sew up any holes or…whatever else needs fixed with it.” 

“Why bother? I’m in control of what I look like. If I wanted a hole mended, I would do it myself. Without ever touching any of the fabric, mind you.” He was boasting, and something in you wanted to lower his ego. You couldn’t have him walking around in such a state and feeling fine with it. 

“Then why don’t you do it?” You challenged him. 

“Maybe because I don’t want to?” He cautiously took a step back from you. “Un-Unless you’ve suddenly come up with a strict dress code that I don’t know about..?” 

“No, but that would’ve been smart.” An airy chuckle left your throat. “I just don’t like it. You should be in better clothes; you don’t have to wear those anymore. Why haven’t you changed from them?”

“I-I can’t,” He responded weakly. You took a step forward. 

“Why not? Are they glued to you or something?” 

“No, but - well,” He huffed. He didn’t say anything, appearing to be at a loss for words, so you decided to head in a different direction with this conversation. 

“And those doll prosthetics you have…they’re damaged and dirty. The least I can do is clean them and find a way to patch them up. Nothing is really impossible-”

“Why are you giving me all this attention?” He was flustered and uncomfortable, shifting away from you until he was practically backed against the wall. “I don’t need anything..!” 

“Maybe you don’t. But I want to help you clean up.” 

“I’m sure my appearance doesn’t get in the way of what I do for you-” 

“Curioso, stop arguing and let me help you!” 

“And what if I don’t WANT your help?” 

“Why would you want to live with this damage? Do you really want to look like this for the rest of your days?” 

Your tone was exasperated and you certainly felt like it. This particular comment got the jester to sag on the wall and look away from you. He crossed his arms. 

“I’m nothing,” He reminded you. “Under these clothes are nothing. Do you know what it’s like to be an empty space? It’s not fulfilling. I like to know and feel that I am wearing something. It gives me a good sense of what and where I am. Without that, I…” He seemed to lose his voice for a moment. His mask turned back to you. “...I feel exposed.” 

Your eyes widened. “You don’t have an artificial torso or anything?” When he shook his head ‘no’, your eyes traveled over the rest of his form. “What’s under your pants?” 

“Detective..! You could treat me to dinner before asking such questions-” 

“--You can’t even eat!” 

“What a pity! I guess you’ll never see what’s there, then.”

Was he play-flirting with you right now? You had no time to think about what he meant by that. “That doesn’t answer my question on why you don’t just fix your clothes yourself? If you can manipulate what you look like-” 

“-It’s hard , alright!?” He exclaimed, alarming you with his raised tone. “When I am out of that box, I feel less like I’m in control. It’s incredibly easy to fix myself in there, but out here , I…I can hardly keep my top hat on, sometimes.” His posture deflated as he lowered his mask in defeat. “I don’t know what’s causing it. I used to be much better than this.” 

You moved closer and patted him on the shoulder. You were getting more comfortable with physically comforting him now. “Maybe your magic weakened after how much that enchantress took you out?” 

“That’s not a bad theory…” He seemed to think about it. “When I’m outside, I think of myself ‘as is’ . Because..it’s what I am. I’m broken and my costume is in shambles, no matter how hard I try to fix it.”

He raised his head and met your gaze. He was finally succumbing to your request. “If you helped me, and I had a better ‘as is’ , it might make things…easier…” You gestured for him to go on, and he finished his thought with a grumble. “...So, fine , you can do it if it doesn’t bother you.”

“Why would it bother me?”

“Would having a floating mask and a mouth of sharp teeth unsettle you?” His grin appeared sinister. 

“I mean. It is you .”

“And you wouldn’t be afraid? What if I touched you with no hand? Would you be scared, then?”

“I think anyone would if you did that without their permission!” You recoiled. “I want to give you something nice in return for what you do for me.”

“My kindness is not something to be repaid, but I will be grateful all the same.” 

You smiled at him appreciatively, hoping that this was a step in the right direction, and you could help restore him to how he once was.

Curioso was extremely tense when the time came for his cleaning. But as he stood there, looking so badly damaged and torn apart from head-to-toe, you knew this was the right thing to do. He handed you his top hat first, unclasped the small belt around his waist, and then hesitated when it came to do anything more. Your eyes had been studying the part of his mask that was usually hidden from you. You were snapped back to reality when he shifted on his feet uncomfortably. 

“I - If you don’t want to, uh, undress in front of me, you can…just use the bathroom..” You suggested timidly. 

“Can I stay in there until you’re done?” He implored. You nodded, the concern still finding its way on your face.

“You know, you’re free to be around while I’m doing this…You don’t have to hide away just because you’re not-” 

“-Come, now, Detective, I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to see you walking around your place naked..!” 

He practically sprinted to the bathroom and slammed the door behind him. You followed his path and waited outside, trying not to listen to the sounds from within, but recognizing the noises of fabric rustling and bells jingling. You attempted to picture what it looked like behind that door, if he was truly invisible or not, but you quickly shook those thoughts from your mind. You placed a hand over your mouth as you realized how improper that line of imagery had been. 

Sure, he might be invisible, but…that didn’t make it right. Maybe he had a point. He was maintaining his propriety by waiting in there until you were done. 

You knocked a knuckle against the door. “If it helps, you can wash up in there while I work on your clothes. Your arms and legs can wait, if that makes you comfortable.” 

“Great!” The door opened just a smidge and his costume was shoved in your hands. “Have fun!” 

It closed again and you heard the sound of the lock being set in place. You looked at the wood strangely before climbing downstairs and neatly unfolding the fabric in your hands. You’d cleared off your desk completely to make room for what you had to work on. On it was a borrowed sewing machine and a few supplies, needles, thread and the sort. Sitting in a chair was your friend Audrey, who smiled at you when you entered her sight. Her attention moved to what was in your hands and she cringed. 

“Oh, dear. How did they get that bad?”

“I imagine it’s had at least thirty or even forty years of wear,” You sucked in a breath through your teeth as you sat down. “But with a little love, anything is possible.” 

“I’ll say,” She mumbled as she inspected the top hat next. 

You weren’t sure what she thought of the costume, but you were glad she hadn’t made any comments yet. You were thrilled when she agreed to head over and help you with some mending today. She had more experience with repairs like this. Your sewing skills were pretty limited, having only taken a home economics class back in high school. She’d made some alterations to your coats and gloves before, so you had complete faith that she will do justice with Curioso’s ensemble. 

While she was patching the holes in the top hat, and you were practicing your sewing skills on his pants, your friend’s voice startled you and caused you to prick your finger with the end of the needle. Audrey was immediately apologetic - but she made sure to give you a proper scolding. 

“Detective! Do you think the thimbles are here for decoration?” 

“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” You rolled your eyes, sucking on the end of your finger to numb the pain. “What did you say?” 

“I was asking if these belonged to your…jester friend. What was his name again?” 

“Curioso.”

“It’s actually a pretty name,” Her eyes were focused on her work rather than you. “It’s so nice of you to want to do this for him. You’ve always been a selfless person. It’s why you do what you do, isn’t it?” 

“Of course. And I’m so happy you wanted to help me with this. I mean it, Audrey, I don’t know how to make it up to you.” 

“Just don’t forget your promise to visit me and tell me all about your cases. I’m afraid Curioso will take you away from me completely..!” 

“Come on, that’s not going to happen. He’s my best friend.” It was the first time you’d said it aloud and your eyes widened at the honesty. You worried it would’ve upset her, but Audrey said nothing to that. She looked to be nearly smiling. 

“You two must get along well if you spend so much time together.” 

“He’s - more like a roommate in that way, really…”

 “If you say so~,” she replied in a singsong way. You glared at her for her teasing, but her lips were stretched to her cheeks, relishing in your embarrassment. You had a feeling her words would be repeating in your mind in the near future. 

You didn’t want to read into anything right now - you had to focus on getting these clothes mended..! 

It took you a couple of hours, but soon, Curioso’s attire was patched and sewn back together. It looked much better than it did, and you felt proud of the work you two had accomplished. He was going to be so happy with it, you just knew it..! And you only had Audrey to thank for it all. You made your gratitude clear as you embraced her by the front door, squeezing your friend in a moment of excitement. 

“Make sure you remember to wash it,” She dutifully reminded you as you pulled back. “And for those other things…I grabbed you some special glue and some wax. Remember to soften the material so you can reshape those areas.” 

You blinked in surprise. “So you’ve done some research on this.”

“Of course. Anything for you.” She patted your arm affectionately. “Good luck.” 

“Get home safely. And save me a doughnut for tomorrow morning, will you? You make the best chocolate twists.” 

She gave you her promise and left your office. You spun around to gather the clothes from the desk and prepare them for washing. Your work wasn’t done yet - you needed these cleaned and dried before Curioso could wear them again. You wouldn’t have him looking at these again until they were pristine. You were determined to make that happen. 

You climbed upstairs and noticed the bathroom door was still closed. You knocked on it to check if Curioso was still in there, and the sound of water slightly sloshing caught your attention. 

“Decided to take a bath, have you?” You grinned coyly. 

“Your advice was good. I’ve cleaned myself up as best as I could.” Some more sounds came - he must be getting out of the tub. “Do you need my limbs now?” 

“If you don’t mind. Your clothes should be ready in an hour or so. Is that alright?” 

A dissatisfied groan met your ear through the wood. “I’d rather not be left like this for so long, but…whatever it takes.” 

“Couldn’t you just go back in the box for a bit? I’m sure your dolls won’t judge you for being naked.” 

“ Hilarious .” Curioso’s annoyed voice made you bite your lip. The door abruptly opened again and four appendages were handed to you. “Here. Try not to break them if you can.”

“You know…” You took them in your arms and held them delicately. It was a little weird, but that was fine. “...You could always just take some new ones off of those puppets you have. I don’t have to fix these up if you’d rather replace them.” 

“They’re my favorite. Not all dolls are made to be so flexible. If you wouldn’t mind…please be careful with them.” 

“Okay…do you want anything? Are you all good?” 

“I want this to be over with. Please hurry up.” 

“Fine, fine.” You waved him off as you trudged away. You’d make this quick, but you weren’t going to force your process. “I’ll be done before you know it.” 

If that meant you’d be wrapping up by dinner time, then you did a good job on being timely. You felt guilty, having cooped your friend up in the bathroom for so long, but at least you were proud of what you did. It wasn’t something quick and sloppy - you took your time and paid attention to every detail, just like he did making that figurine of you. If he took the utmost care of your gifts, then you’d do the same for him.

..Even if his nagging about how long it took was a little annoying. You hoped Curioso knew how much you were willing to do for him. 

He swiped the material from your hands the second the door was open. Then it was shut - and you idled patiently until he emerged from the bathroom. It was a wonderful sight…he looked nearly like he did in that box, except without all the fancy glitter and shimmering from the golden parts of his hat and bells. It wasn’t perfect, it looked much better under his own altering, but it was definitely an improvement from before. 

Your eyes lit up as you drank in the sight of him. “You look incredible!” 

“It’s nice not wearing something that’s been so badly abused,” He twirled on his heel for effect. “You did a great job, Detective. Thank you.” 

Your smile only grew wider as you observed him enjoying his fixed clothes. But when you faced his mask, your lips fell as it dawned on you. The one part you hadn’t fixed was his face. Parts of his mask were still torn and cut. How could you have forgotten the most vital part? Without warning, you stepped forward and reached for it. As your fingers grazed the cheeks of his visage, Curioso made a nose and stumbled backwards. 

You stiffened and automatically reached for him. “I-I’m sorry! Did I hurt you?” 

“No, no, it’s..” He looked to be catching a breath that he didn’t really need. “Why were you touching my mask?” 

“It’s still damaged. I forgot to ask for it. I should’ve fixed it, too, I’m sorry-” 

“-Don’t worry about it. Let’s, uh, leave that part alone for now, shall we?” 

You dropped your arm. “Are you sure? The mask is kind of important-” 

“Absolutely!” His tone sounded too stressed for your liking. “You’ve already done so much for me…let’s get some food in your belly and send you off to bed, hmm?” 

“Ah…alright. If you say so.” 

He had a skip to his step as he headed towards your kitchen. You followed after him with a slower pace, rubbing your fingertips together as you recalled the texture of his mask. The feeling it brought to your fingers - they were still buzzing from the contact. You’d never actually touched him there before, and the experience felt a bit more...intense. 

You wanted more of it.

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Hey my good friend in hidden-object-games love :D you'll always have a special place in my mutual list for reminding me of so many of my favorite hidden object games from my childhood.

So, on the topic of one of my more recent posts: obviously, since I can't program, I can't literally -make- my own original hidden object game, but what I -can- do is draw and write.

So on the side, I think I'm going to work on a fully original horror story via said art and writings. I'm mostly telling you this cause A: I figured you'd like to know, and B: I'd want somebody I think who'd enjoy it to be able to see it, and hopefully have other people of like-minds that follow both of us see it as well.

I can't help but feel a bit silly writing this, cause by making a hidden object game story in this style, I'm basically removing the two key points of the genre, IE 'hidden object' and 'game' XD. But there's no other way I can pull this off so *shrug*. This'll probably take a while to happen also, since as you've probably noticed I've been doing a lot of RP blogging lately, so I'm a tad busy, but now that I'm starting to get back into my hidden-object grove I wanna see if I can cook something up.

Hey!! If it helps, you can call me 'Rainbow'!

YES!! Honestly, horror and creepy-themed HOPAs are my guilty pleasure, and I seek those out the most when I'm trying to find new games. I can't wait to see a fan project like that come to life! I honestly think fan-made-ideas of HOPA games should be a Thing - I know one would never come to full fruition unless it was a full programed "game" with "hidden object" scenes, but the concept alone should be fun to work with, I think!

Would love to see this! Please send me any updates if you can!

His Soul (Chapter 14)

Me And You

Summary: After saving the abducted collectors, you were trusted with Curioso's box. What seems like a dangerous possession slowly turns into an opportunity to learn more about this creature and his curse. Can you earn his trust, and possibly, his affection?

Pairings: Curioso/Reader, Curioso/The Detective

--

Your eyes were narrowed as you focused on your breathing - trying to utilize your nose as much as possible while you jogged on the uneven terrain. You hadn’t gone on a run like this in awhile. The cool air felt good as it hit your face and roughly blew through the strands of your hair. You grinned when you made it to your desired location - the top of a small mountain overlooking your town below. You remember coming here in your early days, making use of your healthy bones while you adapted to the new work you were overtaking. 

You shrugged off the backpack from your shoulders. Bringing the box with you was a testament of your agility, and you decided it was not something you were going to do so often. You felt more tired than you used to…it must be because you were aging , and not because extraneous exercise was more difficult than it used to be.

“We’re here,” You announced. You set Curioso’s box on the lone bench overlooking the edge and placed your fists on your hips proudly. 

“Am I allowed to come out now?” Came your friend’s voice. 

You grinned and dipped your head in permission. “Go ahead.”

You were expecting the bright flash that came with his entrances, so you had your eyes closed before it even happened. When you blinked them back open, you found the tall jester staring out into the vast sight before you. He seemed to be frozen in place. You took this opportunity to sit down and get some rest. You took a swig from your wattle bottle while dabbing the sweat from your forehead. 

“It’s wonderful,” He sounded amazed. 

Your own eyes flitted to the stars and satellites in the sky. Light pollution made it a bit more difficult to find constellations nowadays, but it was still a lovely sight, nonetheless. One you’d been hoping to share with somebody else. It was fortunate not many people knew about this area, and you had purposefully left later in the night so less people would be out and about. Sure, it was a little darker and colder than you were used to, but…as long as you had some company, you didn’t feel as uneasy about it. 

Curioso was soaking it all in, and you couldn’t help smiling while you watched him. 

It had been a couple weeks since you learned of his past and read the infamous book Andrew handed to you. The two of you had been settling into a routine, and now you could easily recite the days you spent with Curioso. Your mornings were filled with companionship as the jester would always greet you from your bedroom and watch you make your breakfast. Then he’d keep conversation with you while you read the paper, and follow you down into your office to see what work you had for the day. What happened after that varied - sometimes you got calls, visits from interested clients, or nothing would happen at all. Either way, your friend was more than satisfied by simply watching you write and work, or would help you pass your time by organizing things and tidying up for you. 

He hadn’t lied - he was happy to fulfill the duties you asked of him, which was to upkeep your office and apartment. You sought out his help to sort your paperwork and work out a better system for your desk. He did all of these things and went above and beyond - becoming your faithful assistant in the hopes that you would make him your partner in return. 

You’d only gotten a call to visit the police department and investigate something small. Despite promising him he would only be bored out of his mind, Curiso still insisted on joining you. He remained in his box while you carried it on your person, getting to see you in action once more and offering his own commentary and theories on what you were doing. 

You hoped you would get a big case again soon. Having Curioso witness the mundane days of your life wasn’t…the best thing in the world, and made you a little insecure about how highly he viewed you. But if this changed his impression of you in any way, he didn’t show it at all.  

Things were going slow once more, so tonight, you decided to get moving again. You were determined to take more walks around the park and resume your morning jogs. An idea popped into your head, and you invited your jester along, who was more than happy to actually get out of the house and have another glimpse into the real world. You hadn’t let word out about where you were going and what you were going to show him, in the hopes that it would be a surprise. 

…So now, here the two of you were, listening to the leaves rustling in the wind and crickets chirping around you. Your eyes scanned across the many lights and colors spotted around the city.  You perked up when Curioso strode over and sat right beside you, crossing his legs and straightening his back. 

You bit your lip at the sound of his bells ringing with his movements. It was always so amusing to you - a constant reminder of the ensemble he was wearing. “Well? Are you glad you came?” 

“Oh, very much,” He sounded so happy that your heart ached. “Thank you for carrying me here. I’d have spared you the effort and ran right along with you, but…”

You waved your hand. “Don’t worry about it. The weight on my back’s going to help me get in shape.” 

“You look good. I don’t know why you’re worrying so much.” 

Your ears burned at the compliment. Your eyes inadvertently glanced down to your body, and you quickly looked away. “I don’t really like sitting around and waiting.” 

A moment of quietness passed as the two of you sat there and enjoyed the scenery. He clasped his hands together and turned to you curiously. “Does it ever get lonely? Having to be by yourself, in anticipation for something to happen..?” 

Your lips fell as you dwelled on your days before getting the box. Yes, you did spend your time dawdling around your abode, trying to distract yourself and ignoring the fact that you were alone. You had no significant other, no pets, no roommates…only Audrey down the street, who you saw nearly every day, but your visits together only lasted so long. You thought of the hollowness you always felt when she’d leave, where you’d have to figure out yet again how to bide your time. 

But you didn’t feel that way anymore. You had someone else to talk to, spend your time with. It was a striking comparison to your days in solitude from before. 

“I guess so.” 

He looked down to watch the grass moving with the breeze. “It was lonely for me, too, when I was in that box. Never knowing if I’d be let out again, or if I was doomed to spend the rest of my days there by myself…” 

You looked up with concern displayed on your features. His stare moved to his lap, where he began to fidget and flex his mechanical fingers. 

“Your company is nice, is what I’m saying,” He finished. 

“You don’t really have a say in the matter, though, do you?” You smiled sheepishly. What was he supposed to do? Insult you and risk being trapped inside again? He returned your grin. 

“Oh, but I do. Remember, Detective…I chose you to own my soul. I didn’t know if you’d ever take me out, but…thank you. For doing so.”

Your face burned again and you could do nothing but nod dumbly. Truth be told, you never would have taken him out if he hadn’t made himself appear on the box. You were under the impression he was trapped for good - witnessing him still seeing and talking with you changed everything. Letting him out was to make up for your misstep, but it was so much more than that now. You gave him his due freedom, made sure he could control whether he was in or out…and Curioso had taken that to his advantage. 

He still returned to the box, of course - when you would have nothing else for him to do and the two of you eventually ran out of conversation. You were sure he was returning there sometime during the night. He said he could rest there, so that’s what you assumed he was doing…but he was usually around you, in person, clearly preferring to be out than in . And you could understand that completely. But it was an interesting observation, all the same. 

“I made you something,” He spoke up quietly. He was avoiding looking at you, which only made you tutter in response. 

“Oh, yeah? What is it?” 

His grin stretched a little wider as a small flash came in his hands. Presented before you was a figurine of… yourself ! Your eyes widened as you looked over all the small details, admiring your signature getup when you were out in action. Your hat, your coat, your long sleeves and shoes…he even modeled you with a magnifying glass in your hand, quietly showing to the world that you were, indeed, an investigator. 

You were too stunned to speak as it was gently laid in your open palm. A teasing voice drew you from your thoughts. 

“It’s you .” 

“I-I can see that…” You cleared your throat when your voice cracked. “When did you have the time to make this?” 

Your fingers trailed over the material, feeling the paint strokes and cuts etched into the figurine. It was clearly hand-crafted. You were well-aware Curioso could conjure up anything with his magic; back in Andrew Collin’s house, it was usually the scales of judgment he’d hold while you mulled over the awaiting fate of the collectors. Nowadays, it was anything you asked for and whatever he wanted to hold and use. 

A smirk grew on your face when you remembered the first request you made - which was an encyclopedia. You’d only been teasing him and wanted to see if he would actually do it. He did, but not without calling you a ‘nerd’ , and plopping a big book in your lap whose pages were filled with nonsense. You knew he did that on purpose, and you remember how hard you had laughed. It was a good memory. 

But this …he took his time making it; you could tell how many hours was poured into its execution. He was undoubtedly talented. 

“When you were sleeping and I had nothing else to do, I’d go in my box and work on it. It must’ve taken me about a week…do you like it?” 

Your eyes glistened as your sight became slightly blurry. “I do. Thank you.” 

This was when he shifted himself on the bench, appearing uncomfortable but clearly having something else to say. “I…I also made something else, to go along with it, but…you don’t really need it…” It looked like he sucked in a breath with the way his chest expanded. “Actually, forget I said anything-” 

‘What? No. Show me what you made.” 

His mask turned away before something else was conjured in his hands - a taller yet thinner figurine of…himself. It was still admirably made and well-painted. You couldn’t help grinning when you saw the sight. The opportunity to tease him was just too good to pass.

“Self-absorbed, much?” 

“It’s not for me ,” He snapped. You hunkered back down and he bowed his head in apology. “It’s..to go along with yours. The Detective and their partner! A-At least, that’s what I was hoping it would convey…” 

You swiped it from his hands with a smug smile. “Alright, then. I’ll keep it.” 

“You - You really want it..?”

“You made it, didn’t you? Like you said - they’re a team, so it’s better if they’re together. You know?” 

Curioso let out a nervous, disbelieving laugh. Like he couldn’t believe what you were saying. But you made your point by lifting your head and holding the figurines close to your body, turning away from him protectively. 

“They’re mine, now, so don’t even think about asking for them back.” 

“Of course not..!” He was still chuckling. You enjoyed the sound - you’d never heard him laugh so genuinely. It was a sound you instantly grew addicted to. “I have so many in that box. In fact, if you want any more-”

“No, no. Only these .” You lifted them up for emphasis. He leaned over to ruffle your hair. 

“And you can keep them.” 

Heat returned to your face as you looked down at what you were holding. Suddenly, you were breathless, uncertain. “I…don’t have anything to give you. It never really occurred to me-”

“-You don’t owe me anything. Just bringing me out here is plenty.” 

“Come on. A walk this short and you give me handmade figurines that probably took you weeks to make?” 

“It’s what I’ve been doing for decades..! And really, it’s not the walk itself that’s the gift, but the freedom you give me. Your company. That’s what I get out of this.” 

“My company? A gift ? What an absurd thought.” 

“People have to pay to have you around, don’t they? I get that for free.” The white of his teeth became illuminated by the moon above, and you felt hypnotized by the sight. Were they always that sharp? 

“I, um…” Words failed to leave your tongue. You found your mouth was dry and had to swallow. “I never did ask you about an allowance, or anything you wanted in return for all you’re doing for me I know you wanted to join me on my cases, but if there’s anything more-” 

He ‘tsked’ at you. “Detective! Have you forgotten I am your loyal servant? You need not offer me anything.” 

“But surely there’s something else I could give you..? I don’t really like having a servant. I don’t even like people paying for me–” 

He stretched out his legs and pretended to crack his back, despite the lack of bones in his invisible body. “As you said, I am your friend, not a servant. Doing friendly things for you. As your truest friend.” 

You carefully set down the figurines beside you and took in a deep breath of the fresh air. Well, as much as the pollution and smog would allow it to be. There were still remnants of a blush painted on your face, in disbelief at the gift given to you and his reasoning for it. You’d never really been given a gift like that before…’thank you’ presents from some clients, sure, but nothing this…personal. 

“Curioso?” Your eyes narrowed in thought as you looked out into the darkened horizon. “If you could have one thing in the world, that’s not getting your body or your freedom back…what would it be?” 

He jumped up in his seat. “Is it time for 100 questions already?” 

“Come on. I’m being serious.” 

He joined your view and you heard him clicking his teeth together. What a curious sound. “I already have it.” 

You arched an eyebrow in disbelief. “Do you?” 

“Yes. A companion - a friend. To make my life a little more...full.” He turned to you quickly. “And what about you? What would you have?” 

You looked down. Your feet were close to his - calves nearly touching but not quite. It was then you realized the small space between you two. You’d been huddled next to him without any second thought. It just felt so…natural. He was your best friend, wasn’t he? You’d been living with him for a bit now. Closeness wasn’t so strange. It wasn’t anything you thought about at all. But here you were, sharing it with him. Like it wasn’t something you were ever deprived of. He wasn’t even warm - the feel of his artificial ‘skin’ was rather cool with the weather tonight. 

You really wanted to say, ‘someone to love’ , because that’s what’s been missing in your life, hasn’t it? A close partner to share your living with, to come home to and wake up beside? A friend was nice, but you already had Audrey. Two friends were…compensating for something, surely. Not that you couldn’t have as many friends as you wanted, but you would always be missing something closer. 

Something you never bothered to reach - focusing on your career and dismissing all attempts at socializing at bars and clubs. But now, the itch was inside you again, regretting what you have and haven’t done in these years. You only had so much time to live, and you didn’t want to spend it alone. 

Meeting his imaginative eyes, a smile played across your face. “I already have it, as well.” 

Except you knew you were telling a lie. With the curious tilt of Curioso’s head, he didn’t seem to believe you, either. But he said nothing, and you figured this was for the best.

“I’d kill for you. Please ask me to kill for you.” “No.” Is a top tier ship dynamic no I do not take criticism