Archive of Our Own

It’s been a few days now since everything happened, and a few days since March began experiencing weird dreams.

They were extremely vivid, too lifelike for her to actually be dreams. It scared March a little, but it was the contents of the dreams which made her intrigued. 

She saw through the eyes of someone, a pen and a piece of paper laid out in front of her with a small candle to light the paper up. A hand lifted the pen and in that moment, she already knew who it was. 

“Evernight…” her mind whispered through the dream. She watched as the pen elegantly, even if slightly hesitantly, began writing and watched with an anxious feeling. 

Over the next nights, she kept getting similar “dreams”, or memories she should call them. She watched each of the letters being penned out by her other half under the candlelight with anxiousness and a sombre feeling settling in her heart. 

As March read the contents of the fourth letter, she became acutely aware that this is the last one. This time upon waking up, a sense of emptiness filled her.

Like something was missing.

She went through the day much more silent than everyone is used to. They asked her about it but March simply shrugged them off. “I had a weird dream.”, she muttered before leaving, thanking Shush for the Strawberry Milkshake.

At night, after tossing around in bed for what felt like eternity, March decided to write something too. A letter. Just like Evernight, her shadow and her other half did for her. 

“Maybe…maybe it will reach her in her slumber…” March thought to herself. 

She gathered a pen and a piece of paper from her desk and turned on a desklamp. There was no need for the room's light, she didn’t want to wake anyone accidentally. 

And so she wrote, putting answers and reassurement towards the last letter from her memories into it. 

“Somehow…”, she held the paper up, talking to herself, “even if I don't fully agree with your Actions…”. March stood up, leaving the Letter on the table and walked back towards bed. She suddenly felt really tired. 

“...I do miss you a little, Evernight.” 

Her eyes closed before she could see the deep red Memosprite appearing in front of her Mirror. 

-

March woke up to a nagging feeling. It was still dark and she couldn’t hear any noise from outside her door. Grumbling about why she was awake, she checked her Phone for the time. 

01:00 am. 

She groaned, half in mind to just turn back and go back to sleep as she rubbed her eyes.

Her tired gaze wandered over her room, not noticing the Jellyfish floating around at first until her eyes immediately snapped back to it.

Suddenly she felt much more awake. 

She stood up from the bed and cautiously walked up to it as it stilled in front of the mirror. There was no need for her to feel anxious, she knows exactly where the Jellyfish is from. Or better said, from who it is. Her eyes kept looking at the Memosprite, afraid it might disappear once she looked away. 

At first, she saw nothing in the mirror. Her room was still dark, only illuminated by the stars of the universe and the bedside lamp she turned on in a haze.

Her heart sank in her chest as she didn't see her. 

She felt a bump against her legs, and looked down to see the jellyfish lightly shoving her closer to the mirror. March smiled slightly, the action reminding her of a little kitten demanding attention. It was cute, really. 

As she stepped closer, her eyes wandered to the mirror again. Through the light of her Lamp, she could make out a silhouette. 

Her eyebrows turned into a frown, “... Evernight?”, she whispered into the room. 

“Well even now there is no hiding from you.” 

Two glowing red eyes stared back at March. They looked sorrowful and her smile looked strained. “I am not sure what woke me from my slumber…” Evernight began, “...but rest assured, I will return back to my slumber and not bother you until you call for me, my dear.”

It was a lie, Evernight knew exactly what woke her up. The letter March wrote. 

But she doesn't need to know that.

March stayed silent for a moment, simply watching her as she retreated into the shadows. In a moment of panic, March stumbled forward. Something in her didn't want her to leave. She wanted her to stay here on the Express. 

“Wait!” Her hand bumped into the Mirror's glass. She retracted her arm a bit, still itching to reach out to Evernight. “Can’t you just…stay?”

Maybe it was just March’s tired brain or maybe it was a moment of personal weakness.

Silence stretched on. 

“Are you sure?”, her voice sounded hesitant as she turned back around to face March. She wasn’t exactly sure what to think about that idea. March knows best that her friends might not react too well to her return. 

“If you’re too worried about everyone's reaction, we can just keep it between us!” She said with desperate enthusiasm. 

Evernight stayed silent, thinking. Perhaps it’s a bit selfish of her, but a part of her wants to agree. To keep being by her side, really by her side and not just a disembodied voice in her head. 

A sentence from their previous conversation in Amphoreus replayed in her mind:

““This is technically my body right now!” March said as Evernight cradled the pink and blue jellyfish in her arms.”

“Well, that might be something to try.” Evernight thought to herself. 

“You are…a little too silent, Evernight.” March stepped closer to the Mirror, she still felt too far away. “I mean, you don't have to agree…”, she continued, afraid she said something wrong. 

She watched as Evernight lowered her gaze towards the Memosprite floating beside her. “It’ll be alright.”, she whispered, reassuring, thinking she understands what her shadow is thinking and stepped aside. 

March watched as Evernight vanished from the Mirror’s reflection. There was a short moment where March thought Evernight just took that moment to leave completely and return to her slumber. 

“Evernight?”, she called out quietly, becoming increasingly more nervous as the Memosprite disappeared too. 

Her disappointment only lasted for a moment as she saw Evernight reappearing where the Memosprite was. A gasp escaped her as her eyes widened. Evernight's eyes snapped towards March’s at the noise. Her hands were up, hesitant to reach out. 

Evernight stepped closer towards March, one hand stretched out to touch March’s hand. She could feel her gloved hand touch March’s. 

Actually feel her presence and her warmth.

Another gasp came from March, making Evernight try and withdraw her Hand, but March caught her wrist and pulled her into a hug. “March?”, Evernight hesitantly wrapped her own arms around her. She could feel soft tremors coming from March’s Body so she just held her. They stood like this for a while as Evernight slowly but surely let herself relax into the hug, resting her head on March’s shoulder. 

March slowly pulled away as she calmed herself down. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”, she laughed dryly but didn’t make a move to fully let go of Evernight. 

“I guess all those dreams I had the whole week just made me a little emotional.” 

Her grip on Evernight's shoulder became firmer, almost hurting, but she didn’t care. “Do you want to go back to sleep?”, Evernight asked, “I would stay, of course. As long as you want me to.”

“Yes!”, March said a little too loudly into the quiet room, “...yes, I want you to stay.” , she adjusted her voice.

“But, I don’t think I'll be able to sleep yet.” 

Evernight sighed, “That’s alright, my Dear. I will keep you company.” Luckily to March, Evernight didn't notice the slight blush that spread on her cheeks through the dull light of the Room. 

March’s hand wandered down her arm and took Evernight's Hand into her own, gently this time. They left the Room, the Door opened quietly and made their way towards the Parlor Car. 

-

The Parlor Cat was empty, luckily for them both. March dragged Evernight towards one of the Couches and sat down.

She didn’t let her go or she fears Evernight might vanish without saying anything.

“Eve, what would you say about joining the Express?” March asked into the Room. 

They were seated on the edge of one of the couches, looking out towards the passing stars through the opposite window. Evernight turned towards March, whose head was laying on her shoulder. She could smell the sweet strawberry shampoo from her.

“I personally don’t think it's the best idea.” She answered after a moment of silence, “You know what I did to them in Amphoreus. Do you really think they would be alright with me being on the Express?”

“I know…but I think they would warm up to you…” March replied sleepily. Her eyes were already beginning to close and Evernight was afraid she might fall asleep right here. “But, it’s okay. As I said, we can keep this to ourselves for now…I like that more anyway.”, March drawled sleepily. 

Evernight paused for a moment, her words lost their sound, as she felt how March sunk against her. She sighs, slowly lowering March towards the pillow. It might not be much, but Evernight is sure she won't be able to wake March. So she looked over the Parlor Car and found a fluffy blanket and swiftly draped it over March. 

She sighs, again, as she looks at March. She lifted her hand but hesitated, just stopping shy of going through March's hair before falling back to her side. 

“Good Night, my March.” Evernight said outloud. With just a wave of her hand, a red jellyfish appears in Evernight's place.

She doesn’t notice the way March’s heart started to beat just a little faster. 

Hours passed as it floated around before the Door to the Parlor Car suddenly opened and Dan Heng stepped in. He yawned, stretching and mumbling something about getting some water before finally going to sleep. 

He stopped in his tracks as he noticed the Red Memosprite floating beside March, who was still asleep. He walked up towards March, contemplating what to do as the room got just a little colder. His body tensed up before relaxing again, recognizing the cold shudder he became familiar with throughout Amphoreus 

“...Evernight?” He whispered, careful not to wake the sleeping woman. The memosprite seemingly turned towards him, but didn’t react further.

“Ah, I get it now.” the boy nodded, “but i’ll have to get her to her room, or else she will wake up with a stiff neck.” 

The memosprite swam to the side, giving Dan Heng space. He smiled a little at the Action, having to imagine Evernight herself in its place. But it can’t be her, right? March would tell them if she woke up again. 

Dan Heng waved the thought off, kneeing in front of March and placing a hand on her shoulder. “March, get up.”, he gently shook her awake

It took him a moment but soon he guided a grumpy March 7th back to her Room. He guided her until they reached the Door and left her with a quiet “Good Night, March.”, waiting until the door closed again.

Inside, Evernight appeared again beside March to make sure she doesn’t trip on the too large carpet. March grabbed her wrist as they walked towards the bed. She laughed quietly, “I think he knows.” 

Silence stretched on, Evernight standing in front of the seated March who still held her wrist firmly.

“Perhaps he does.” she finally said, red eyes locking into March’s own. 

“He wouldn't say anything, he’d rather wait eternity before trying to pry something out of someone.” 

She thought back to the Dragon boy whispering her name in shock and not directly summoning his spear. He was actually the last person she thought would simply ignore the Memosprite. Well, except the Harmony Bird, who would rightfully disdain her. 

“Well, time for me to sleep some more…”, March said, tugging Evernight down towards the bed.

“Just until I fell asleep…”, she mumbled as she scoothed over to make room for her. Evernight was hesitant at first before switching her clothing with a wave of her hand, turning her normal dress into a similar pajama as March wears. She got under the sheets as March let her go a little before taking her hand again as she settled under the blanket.

Her heart began to beat a little quicker as March abandoned her hand in favor of holding Evernight directly. The sweet strawberry scent coming from March calmed her heart down after a few moments. 

“You will be the death of me, my dear March.” She whispered as quietly as she could and closed her eyes. She doesn’t need to sleep. So she simply listened on until March’s breathing evened out. 

She ignores the way March moves just a little closer as she said that. 

-

After the talk with Madame Jade and the Express’s end decision for their next destination to be Himeko's Homeplanet, March went back to her room. 

She turned her music on as she rummaged through her closet, trying to find something nice to wear. It was more of a slow song, something you listen to while doing other things. 

Evernight watched her, seated on her Desk Chair. 

“Oh! How about this!” March took out a pale blue and pink, frilly dress and held it in front of her. She went towards her mirror without watching Evernight ls reaction. “A nice summer dress! I just need to find the Accessoires…” 

“Try it on.” Evernights voice encouraged her and so March went off towards the Bathroom and swiftly changed into the dress. 

March left the Bathroom, expecting to see Evernight still be seated away from her. “W-what do you think?” her words stuttered a little unwillingly as she turned, making the dress spin slightly. 

“My, you look great in everything.” Evernight took March’s hand into hers before pulling her towards the middle of the room. 

They spun along the soft music in the background. 

“Woa!” March laughed quietly, steadying herself by holding Evernight's shoulder. Her other hand was interlocked with Evernight's gloved hand, squeezing slightly. They danced around for a minute longer, their eyes locked together. 

As their movements became slower, March’s hand slowly wandered from Evernight's shoulder towards her cheek. She gulped, her eyes wandering slowly towards her lips before flicking back up to those gentle red eyes. 

Her heels made Evernight slightly taller than herself.

Evernight waited, her thumb drawing slow cycles on March’s waist. 

She can wait.

It's what she does best. 

Everything in her is yelling at her to pull March in and kiss her. But no.

She wouldn't be one to push her own feelings on her dearest, at least not anymore.

The background music slowly changed, already forgotten by them both. 

March’s hand wandered from her cheek towards her neck and slowly pulled her down, pressing her own lips on Evernight’s.

Both their eyes were closed. 

The kiss was slow and gentle, featherlight, almost like it wasn’t there at all. Evernight could still taste the lingering sweetness of the hot chocolate March had for breakfast. It didn’t last long and the moment they parted, Evernight wishes to just pull her back in.

However, March surprises her by freeing her interlocked hand and pulling her in harder than she expected, taking her breath away and almost making her stumble. This time, the kiss felt more intense, like lingering feelings you don't want to talk about. 

Evernight loved it. Loved her. Her March.

“March-” she gasped between kisses. Those feelings, they felt like they belonged.

March suddenly pulled away, tasting salt on her lips. Evernight opened her eyes, her smile dropping upon seeing concern and worry written all over March’s face. 

“Y-you’re crying? Did I do something wrong?” 

Evernight lifted her free hand to wipe at her own eyes, feeling the wet tears coming from her. She shook her head, taking one of March's Hands into her own and kissing her knuckles. “You could never do anything wrong, my Dear.”, her voice was raspy but soft, “perhaps I'm just happy?” she laughed quietly. 

March let out a sigh in relief, her other hand coming up and wiping Evernight’s tears away. “Then I'm glad…”, they looked into each other's eyes, too focused on each other to hear the footsteps coming towards the Door. Their lips gravitated towards each other again but before they could connect, the Door slammed open. 

“Maaarchhh!! Dan Heng wants you in the Parlor Car!!” Both Caelus and Stelle said in unison before they realized. 

Oh.

“Oh! Sorry-...” they stopped in their path, staring wide eyed at both occupants of the room they just barged into.

Wait.

Both?

Evernight held onto March's wrist before she could jump away from her. “Well, that makes the answer to everything a little easier, no?” She looked over to March who had a visible blush spreading over her cheeks to her ears. Evernight could kiss here right there again, but as fate wants it, they have two unwelcome visitors for now. 

“Evernight?!” Caelus found his voice first between the Twins. “So Dan Heng didn’t lie!” He whisper-shouted towards Stelle, but everyone in the room caught it. 

“Ah..I-I think i have to do some explaining…” March whispered, “oh no no…” She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. The cold Hand on her own helped a little too, she noted. 

“Yea, you do have some explaining to do.” Stelle and Caelus stared at Evernight who had the same indifferent look on her face as she always had during their Amphoreus travels. 

Some things never change, they guess. 

“Anything you two might've seen right now, you will keep to yourself.”, her voice was cold, “or i can erase any memory you don't need, if you’d like?” 

The threat was simple, but something she could easily do. A chill runs down their spine as they quickly try to get out of the room. “Scaryy…” they whisper as quick footsteps retreat towards the Parlor car. 

“Did you have to scare them?” March asked, scolding Evernight just slightly. They likely didn’t see anything anyway and if they did…well then so be it. March really doesn’t mind. 

“A little, but I do apologize if I went too far, my dear.” Evernight continued smoothly, walking behind March as they walked out of the Room and towards the Parlor car. “I will stay behind you all the way, don’t you worry.” 

That did reassure March just a little as they stepped into the Parlor car. 

Ahh, here goes nothing!

-

“What got you two so spooked?” Dan Heng asked the twins as they quickly walked inside, hiding behind him, “You were just going to get March-” 

The answer stepped into the room before he finished his sentence. Evernight stood quietly behind March, an indifferent expression on her face. 

If Dan Heng notices the slight puffiness of her eyes, he decides to ignore it. 

“Okay before you yell at me, let me explain-” March began, her voice was quicker than normally. 

Dan Heng cut her off, “It’s alright, March. I had my guess for a while already.” His words caught both of them in surprise. The twins, still hiding behind him, slowly relaxed but still sent wary glances towards Evernight who barely even looked at them. 

“ah yea really?…I already had a hunch.” she turned back to the others, “So…none of you are mad or something?” She looked over at the three who shook their heads, even if Stelle and Caelus’ headshake was quite hesitant. 

“As long as you keep an eye on her.” Caelus voiced what all three of them thought. 

“Of course. I won’t do anything unless March gives her approval.”, Evernight smiled slightly at the three. It made even Dan Heng shudder slightly which amused her. 

Before anyone could say anything else, the conductor's voice rang through the Parlor Car.

“Attention all Passengers, The Express is about to make the Jump! Please take a seat!”

“Ah…well we can talk about the rest later when Mr. Yang and Himeko are here.” Dan Heng continued before turning away, the twins quickly following him to the couches.

Behind them, both March and Evernight let out a sigh of relief. “Could have gone worse…” she turned towards March who was also looking at her. 

“I told you to trust me!” she smiled so sweetly that Evernight couldn't help it and pulled her into a soft kiss, not caring about the other three. The kiss was gentle and quick. Evernight pulled away after a moment and smiled gently. 

“Yea, you did.” 

She was only in her body for a short time today, but everything that happened made her extremely tired already and march seemed to notice it. “I will rest now until the Express arrives. You know how to reach me, my dear.” 

With those words, the hand on March’s blushed cheek vanished, leaving her alone with a confused Dan Heng staring at her and a countdown coming from the intercom. 

“March? Sit down already, you wouldn't want to hurt yourself. Again.” Dan Heng scolded her.

March sighs, quickly walking up to sit beside the boy. Soon enough, the familiar sensation of the Warp jump washed over them.

-

“Alright everyone, here's what we are going to do.”

Himeko went on to explain their plan after they arrived at Planarcadia, Home of the Laughter and Himekos Homeplanet. 

Welt and her will go have a polite talk with Madam Pearl and try to explain everything they already told Madam Jade just a few hours before this.

And with Dan Heng and Sunday leaving to figure out who the Xianzhou envoy is, leaves March, Stelle and Caelus to essentially do what they want. 

But luckily, Stelle and Caelus already figured out what they want to do. Find out more about the Phantasmoon games.

“The winner gets an audience with an aeon, and even takes over their power for a whole Minute.” Himeko paused for a moment, she realized now what the two wanted, “are you two trying to participate in the Phantasmoon games?” 

They nodded, a bit too eager for Himeko. “Well, yes! But first we want to find out more!” They said and after a heavy sigh from Himeko, she went on to tell them a little more.

March was only half listening at that point.

She felt nervous about telling Himeko and with everything going on right now, she doesn’t think it's really a good idea. “Then don’t tell her.” Evernight's voice startled her, “We only had to tell those three after all because two of them saw me…” 

“I guess you’re right.” March whispered under her breath.

“Alright then everyone! Please text Welt or me if you run into any trouble.”

-

They had been walking around for a while now after finally losing their supposed “Tour guide”. The city was wonderful, be it very bright. It reminded March of the various arcade-like games she watched Caelus play. 

It was mostly just the three of them with Evernight sometimes walking with them, clinging to March’s side and scaring both Stelle and Caelus anytime she appeared. “Their reaction is quite amusing, if I have to be honest.”, she said as they walked around over one of the various bridges. March noticed she only came out when there weren't too many people around. 

“Mhm.” They walked together for some time until March noticed an Icecream stand. She dragged Evernight towards it, who didn’t protest nor vanish from sight. They stood in line for a few minutes until they reached the counter. March simply ordered two safe options from the Menu. One strawberry for herself and a chocolate ice cream for Evernight. 

While she did see Evernight sleep, she doesn’t know if she actually needs to eat. Before paying, she quickly ordered two separate cups of Mango ice cream too. She almost forgot Caelus and Stelle. Hopefully they didn't wander off too far yet. 

March took both of the Mango ice cream cups after paying and they left in search of the twins. 

Luckily Evernight’s cooler Body temperature kept their ice from melting. 

They soon reached the twins who were looking around with slight panic in their eyes. “Oh March! There you are…”, Stelle exclaimed and walked over to them her eyes noticed the Ice cream cups in her hand and the two in Evernight's hands. “Oh you got Ice cream?”, Caelus looked over Stelle’s shoulder, seeing the cups in March's hands.

“Yea, here. I just went with your favorites.”, she said as they excitedly took the cups from March’s outstretched hands. As they ate, she walked back towards Evernight who stood a bit away. 

They walked as they ate their ice cream, March sneakily stealing a spoonful of Evernight’s. After they’re done, they abandon their cups and spoons in a nearby trashcan. 

March noticed that Evernight became increasingly more tired. 

“Just rest up, Eve.”, March said reassuringly, taking Evernight’s hand into her own, "It's okay.” 

Evernight sighs beside her, there is no use in fighting her. “Well, alright then.”, she nodded before vanishing entirely. March could feel a comforting weight settling in her heart again as she left her sight. 

She smiled contently as she walked up to the Twins who were looking over some sort of comic stands. 

-

“An Arcade! Let's go check it out!” Before they could say anything, Caelus already walked over to the Arcade. Stelle and March slowly made their way over. 

“You do know they’re mostly scams, right?” March asked him and Stelle, who looked curiously through the windows. She sighs internally. There is no way to stop them from at least taking a small peek inside.

Stelle turned to her, “Yea, but it doesn't hurt to give it a look?” She took March's wrist and dragged her after Caelus. The room was mostly dark, LED lights lining the ceiling and illuminating the room in various colors.

There was music playing softly from the speakers, enough so you can hear people talk. 

“Very crowded.” Evernight's voice rang out in March's Mind, sounding out the next thing she noticed. March could only give a small “mhm..” in answer. 

The three of them went towards the counter, buying some tokens. March made sure they wouldn't spend all the money and at least keep some of it. She wouldn’t want to be the one to have to buy them food or drinks later. 

As they went further in, her eyes caught sight of a claw machine. It wasn’t in a crowded area either. She tried to bite back the urge to go up to it. As March turned back, she already lost sight of the twins. “Well, perfect…” she sighs, ready to go on a search in the crowd for them.

Just as she was about to dive into the crowd, a gloved Hand appeared in her own, tugging her the opposite way towards the Machine. “They can keep themselves busy for a while.” Evernight’s smooth voice came from her side and she slowly felt herself relax, falling into step with her shadow. 

They arrived at the row of Claw Machines, looking into each one until one caught March’s eyes. 

They walked over to it, her hand was still intertwined with Evernight's, neither wanted to let go yet.

March’s eyes looked through the Machine as they landed on two plushies. A pink bunny and a similar colored kitten. She looked back towards Evernight and saw that, surprisingly, her eyes too looked towards the same pair.

Her hand slipped out from Evernight's gentle grip and fished out a few tokens from her pocket and put them into the Machine. 

“You found something, I assume?” Evernight only got a concentrated and determined noise from March. Of course she already knew which one it was. Her thoughts are too loud to ignore sometimes. More often than not, if she had to be honest to herself.

On the first few tries, the Bunny slipped from the claw near the Price shute, but she managed to get it after a few more tries. She fished it out of the price flap and handed it to Evernight, who took it with care. 

Next was the kitten who was surprisingly much easier to catch. March only needed two tries, with the first almost being the win already, if only the plush didn't slip. 

She proudly took the cat plush out of the price flap and held it up. Evernight held the bunny towards March but she pushed it back, “You keep that one, I got it for you.”, her voice broke a little at the end. 

“Oh…really?” Evernight wondered, suddenly content with the fact that this obnoxious place has no natural Light as she felt her cheeks warm just a little. A smile tugged on her lips, “Thank you, then.” 

March’s smile widened. “Then lets-!” She grabbed Evernight's hand and was ready to look for another Machine when they heard a loud bang. She looked over her shoulder and saw the crowd of people disperse and two very familiar figures stumbling out of it. Somehow Caelus managed to lose his jacket in all of this and now walks around in only his loose white shirt. March can only wonder how he managed that.

“I think…we have to get those two out first…” she shoved the plushy into Evernight's hands and walked over to them. Evernight was only a little bit behind her. 

The twins walked as if they drank too much. “Woa…March? Wait…” Stelle squinted her eyes. “Two March's?!” Caelus pointed towards Evernight's looming presence behind March. Without so much as a word, March took both their arms and dragged them outside. Her Shadow right behind her. 

Outside, it didn’t even look like much time had passed but one look at her phone told her that it was already late. She pushed both of them towards the way of the Express. “Time for us to go!” She said almost too cheerfully. “Don’t worry, I will tell Himeko what you two did.” 

“Oh…thank you March…wait..” Caelus stopped in his tracks. “You can't do that! Please.” He begs. 

“You can't tell Himeko, she will make us do even more chores!” Stelle whined on her other side. Both of them ignored Evernight standing behind them, two pink plushies in each of her arms. 

March sighs, she really can’t stay mad for too long, “You two have to do my Express chores for the next two months.” It was a reasonable demand and probably less than what Himeko would give them. Their mouths hung open in shock before they quickly nodded. “Wonderful! But we still should go back…it's pretty late by now.” 

-

As they arrived at the station, Evernight vanished after leaving the two plushies with March. 

“You know, she seems pretty harmless right now…but she still has that scary aura around her…” Stelle whispered to Caelus. Which was somehow loud enough for March to hear. 

“You know she can still hear you.” a visible shudder goes through them both as they rush past March and inside the Express. March couldn't help but chuckle. Maybe it's better that not the whole Express knows yet. 

“I can only agree to that, my dear.” Evernight's voice rang out in her mind. 

Ah, she forgot Evernight could hear her. “Don’t scare me like that.” March whispered as she made her way through the empty Parlor Car towards her room. 

In her room, she sat the two new additions on her bed before she felt Evernight behind her. She took her Hand and softly swirled her around like in a dance, drawing a quiet laugh out of March. “You’re pretty clingy today.” March said, her arms looped around Evernights Neck and leaning back slightly. Evernight had her own arms gently wrapped around March’s waist.

 She led them, slightly swaying to the sound of the soft, barely heard music, from outside.

“Do you wish I’d stop?” Evernight asked. 

“No.” March began, one of her fingers running over Evernights Neck, her other arm fell, now resting near Evernight's waist. March leaned in, laying her head on her shoulder. 

“I wouldn’t want that.” she answered softly, honestly. 

Evernight willed her body to relax. She has yet to get used to actually feeling all those touches too. “I will do anything you want, my dear. You simply have to tell me.” March only nodded, her hair tickling Evernight slightly. 

After a few minutes of silence, March lifted her head and her hands found their places on Evernight's Face. They looked into each other's eyes, Evernight raising an eyebrow in wonder. Then, March's gaze flickered towards her lips and before she could say anything, March leaned in, capturing her lips in a soft kiss. 

Tender lips covered her own. There was a subtle sweetness, March notes as she feels Evernight’s hands resting against the back of her neck. 

“Eve-” March breathed out. Something in her told her to stop and step back. But just like their first kiss, March pulled Evernight back in, kissing her with just as much tenderness, savouring every moment like she could vanish at any time. Her heart beat against her chest, it felt so full it almost hurt. 

She didn’t notice that she pushed Evernight towards the bed until her legs hit the bed frame with a loud thunk. 

A smirk tugged on Evernight's lips as she pulled away, “My dear, careful now. I’m not leaving so quickly.” , she whispered against her lips. She would have stepped back if her only way wasn’t to fall down into the bed. 

March stopped for a moment and just looked into her eyes. Those Eyes that hold too many memories, be it the good or bad ones of March's past. Eyes that hold too much adoration and love towards her.

So much that March thinks even Evernight herself doesn't know how to deal with it.

They say eyes are the window to someone's soul, and she thinks they’re right. 

The more March looks the more she actually sees. She saw her possessive devotion but also all those gentle touches and reassuring words she had been hit with since she accidentally woke her from her slumber. 

What was the feeling that made her chest feel so tight?

Love? Admiration? Perhaps March will find out soon. 

Evernight shot her a worried look, “March?” , she asked quietly. “You spaced out, my dear.” The intense stare of March did leave a mark on Evernight in the form of a faint blush on her cheeks. 

March’s hands fall from where they rested down towards Evernight's hands, taking both into her own. She looked down at them, gloved hands in her own. 

She let her head fall on Evernight's shoulder once again. Her arms are now wrapped around her, Evernight loosely repeating the motion. The music outside continues quietly. 

“Thank you.”, March says. For what? They both know, they already had that talk back in Amphoreus. 

There was no need for repetitions.

But, for March, it felt more honest without the threat of the universe's destruction looming over them. 

They got time, there was no need for them to rush anything. They have all the time in the universe to explore and figure out whatever kind of relationship is building between them.

She was patient, waiting for too long already just watching. 

Perhaps a slow beginning is just what is best for them. 

“My dear.” , Evernight continued after a moment of silence, feeling March gradually lean heavier against her. “Don’t fall asleep while standing up.” She pressed her cold hand against March’s Nape, trying to wake her up enough. 

“Alright alright, Enough already!” March whined and reluctantly let her go. A yawn escaped her as she made her way to the Bathroom with pajamas in hand. With a flick of her hand, Evernight’s outfit changed as well. She sat on the bed, waiting and listening to the running water.

March came back not long after. Evernight noticed the mischievous look on her face and braced for something happening. What she didn't expect is March pushing her down towards the bed by her shoulders and climbing on her lap, as evident by her widening eyes.

Evernight’s hands find themselves on March’s waist, one hand slowly wandering under her loose shirt. This motion sent a shiver through March. “Eve- you can’t do that…”, she whined, leaning closer to Evernight's face. Her hands go from her shoulders towards her face, cupping her cheeks. They could feel each other's breath on their lips by how close they were. It took everything in Evernight to wait and leave the pace with her light. 

A shadow can only do as much as its light wants it to do. 

March closed the distance, almost knocking her nose against Evernights, making both of them laugh quietly. The kiss was unhurried, gentle and it felt like time itself stopped for just a moment in this room.

Her hand wandered further up March’s side, drawing a gasp out of her as they kissed. March frowned down at Evernight, their faces not too far apart. She could see the smile on Evernight’s lips. 

She ignored how fast her heart was beating in her chest. “You’re so unfair, Eve.”, she pouted, “...but…” March leaned back in. 

“March?” Evernight began quietly before getting cut off by another kiss. That sweet strawberry taste was almost addicting. 

“I love you.” she whispered against her lips. 

Huh?

Did Evernight hear that right. 

Her hand stilled against March's side. At that, March began to wonder if she said something wrong. 

“Evernight?”, March called out, already leaning back and away from her. Evernight caught her wrist before she could pull away fully. 

“Say that again.” Evernight spoke softly, “Please.”, her voice suddenly sounded so vulnerable to March. A smile formed on March’s lips as she leaned down towards her ear. 

“I.” March gave her earlobe a soft peck. 

“Love.” She moved towards her cheek, placing a kiss there too. 

“You.” The last one was placed on her forehead. March laughed at her reaction. “Want me to say it again?” A soft hum came from her shadow. She blinked slowly up at her, laughing quietly. 

“And you call me the unfair one.” 

Evernight lifted one hand and pulled March down with the collar of her Shirt, kissing her more eagerly, savouring each second. 

“Eve.” March began, pulling back from their kiss to breath. “I want to hear it from you too.” 

“I love you, March. And I'm sorry.”, Evernight began, her eyes avoiding March's. “I still believe I did what was right for the situation, but…”

March smiled, moving off from Evernight's lap who gave a sound of protest. She laid down beside her, not bothering to retrieve the blanket from the end of the bed. 

"It's all good now, isn’t it? Everyone is more or less alive and the universe is still standing.” A tired yawn escaped her, “I count it as a win.” 

Evernight sighs, “I suppose you are right.”

She moved her arms to make way for March to lay down. With her head on Evernight's chest, listening to her eerily slow heartbeat, March yawned again.

Maybe she could get used to this. A selfish part in her wants to.

The rational part in her is screaming at her to stop.

A soft peck on her forehead and a quiet “I love you.”, was the last thing March heard before falling asleep.