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All that could be heard was the faint tinkling of jars clinking together, liquids spilling, and at other times, more jerky breathing during moments of concentration. This went on and on until the gray-haired man finally got tired of it.
"Is this really necessary...?"
The man in a white lab coat set his beaker of coffee to the side before turning his stool toward the figure hidden in the shadow of his office door. The latter was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed against his chest, his eyes closed and his presence as non-existent as that of a corpse. Unfortunately for Gatto, the fact that he wasn't one was exactly the problem.
The other individual in the room took a few seconds to react, probably not expecting to be spoken to. He slowly straightened up, his arms falling back to his sides and his jet black eyes coming to meet the embalmer's tired gaze.
"Those are the orders." replied Noir in a dry tone.
Gatto bit his lip, another move from D.M.
Since his conflict with Paranormal Detective, D.M. seemed to be watching his movements even more closely despite the fact that he had decided to stay. Knowing him, the Count certainly doubted that he would choose to cooperate. Gatto was a conscientious man, however, and he had been very careful not to let any detail slip that might backfire.
He was prepared for all circumstances. Well, nearly...
"That's still the only thing you can say."
Gatto chuckled with a gawky laugh under Noir's impassive gaze.
"I have no purpose other than to pay my debt."
Gatto widened his eyes before cracking a slight smile, the black haired man had apparently switched records. He removed his glasses and placed them on the table then crossed his legs.
"I've been working for Uriel for several years now and never once have you looked like you've failed to be the Lord's obedient puppy." Noir frowned at the provocation. "What kind of debt is it? Aren't you tired of it? What if... I could help you out of this?"
"That's ridiculous."
Noir turned his back on him without giving him time to try to coax him, his long jacket twirling at every step. Gatto didn't intend to give up there though, he stood up from his seat and rummaged through his research and the strange liquids in the various test tubes scattered across the work surface.
"Maybe not as much as you claim. Imagine, if you had the opportunity to live under a new identity, a new guise... You could be free of whatever burdens weigh you down and live as you please without having to worry about what might happen to you at the hands of D.M."
A click sounded in his back and a hard, cold end stuck to the back of his skull, preventing any further movement.
"Don't mess with me, Gatto."
"Am I the type to make jokes?"
Noir did not immediately put his revolver away, but it did not take long after he re-examined the facts in his mind. The gun did not go into its holster though and remained firmly lodged between his fingers.
"Why... would you do that for me?"
"It's a bit of a stretch to say I'm doing this for you, I fully expect you to return the favor later."
"How?"
"I need you to relay a message for me to someone from outside. I know D.M. is keeping an eye on your every move, but if the drug works like I hope it will, then he won't be able to control you anymore. It's a risky gamble but the reward is worth it. What do you say?"
"Why don't you use that drug to escape?"
"Haven't I already given up that option?" His expression turned bitter. "More honestly, I still have things to accomplish in this mansion but alone, I won't be able to do it. That's why I need your help, Noir."
The leather-clad man still kept that stern look on his face but the fact that he was taking time to give him an answer meant that he was at least considering his proposal, all was not yet lost.
"When will it be ready?"
Gatto pulled up his mask to hide a smile that was bigger than he preferred to show.
"Soon, you'll still be watching me so it's not like I have to look for you anyway. Ah-" The tone of his voice rose as he just remembered an important detail, his demeanor becoming more serious. "Besides, once you decide to proceed with the plan, there will be no turning back."
"Are you saying that we won't see each other again...?"
"I can't confirm your doubts, but it's very likely that you won't remember me or Mélodis as a result."
"What- How am I supposed to convey a message from you if I'm going to lose my memory-?!"
"I thought you were smarter than that, Noir." Gatto sighed before pulling a piece of paper from his pocket and handing it to the man. "Take this but don't look at it now. It'll come in handy later."
Noir raised an eyebrow when he saw a doodle that was supposed to look like the white cat that always hung around the lab during the day. It had nothing to do with the top secret message he imagined, but he tucked it into his inner pocket anyway for safety measure.
"What's going to happen to you when I'm gone? D.M. won't sit still."
"Indeed..." Gatto let himself fall back on his stool and looked up at the ceiling. "I'll do my best on my side too so I hope the new you who will make better decisions with some luck, will come to rescue the prince in his castle. Anyway, it's getting late. I think I've done enough for today so you can go too."
The embalmer stood up and walked past Noir to leave the lab but the latter stopped him abruptly, his hand gripping Gatto's arm tightly.
"Uh-... W-Watch out for yourself, Gatto." he said in the most awkward way he could think of.
"Thanks, Noir."
Noir finally let go of Gatto, not moving from his spot until the embalmer's white coat disappeared from his sight, his heart feeling a slight twinge at this farewell scene.