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Once more, the sound of footsteps echoed across the seemingly infinite white void. And once more, Stargazer was walking through it, not with curiosity, but with anticipation.
"I can't believe it," he said to himself. "It really is over..."
The past month felt like a blur. All Stargazer could remember were the late nights of filming done at the movie studio, the Super Trouper beams shining upon the sets, and the constant commands from the director. Between that and some side gigs at fan signs and interviews, there was barely any time left for Stargazer to spend with Follower.
He tried to make plans with Follower, he really did, but almost none of them fell through. The only time one of their plans went through (kind of) was when they had sex at a rented bungalow overlooking the hills of Hollywood.
And as weird as it seemed, it was that moment that Stargazer remembered the most.
"If only I could go back and stay there forever..." the rocketeer said, as he stopped in his tracks to reminisce. "At least I had Follower with me, even if it felt... unorthodox, so to say."
He stared out into the white void, trying to piece together the fragments of his memory of that night.
He tried to remember the dark room where it happened.
He tried to remember the moonlight beaming through the window as him and Follower got rowdy with each other in bed.
Every touch, every graze, every trail traced on their skins, he remembered it.
He remembered the friction between their junks, and the moment when all their build-up came crashing down on their bodies like ocean waves on a beach.
Stargazer could only laugh at that memory, but only for a moment before reality struck him like a spear through the chest. He let out a deep sigh, knowing that he may never get to experience that again.
"Well, I guess I should get this over with..." he said solemnly. "There's no point staying here anyway."
After what felt like forever, Stargazer could make out a figure that was slowly forming in his vision. It was that same old willow tree, but it looked sadder than the last time he visited. The lavenders and cornflowers also seemed to weep for what was coming.
And tending to them was Follower, sitting down and leaning against the willow's trunk.
"Thou hast arrived early," Follower said.
"I figured I needed to spend some time with you before Illumina comes," Stargazer said.
"Wise of thee, truly," Follower said. That compliments felt out of place now.
Sitting down next to Follower, Stargazer played with the grass as they stared out into the white.
"I should apologize to thee," Follower said, a tinge of sadness on the tip of his tongue.
"For what?" Stargazer said, turning his gaze to the knight. "You haven't done anything wrong! If anything, I should be the one apologizing."
"Well," Follower said, "I blame myself for the end of us. I am aware that I should not meddle with other Inphernals due to my devotions to His Greatness."
"Both of us knew that when we met," Stargazer said, "so why didn't you stop yourself?"
"Because," Follower said, "the mere presence of thee gave me something that felt more precious than any gear or jewel could ever give."
"Stargazer, the euphoria thou hast bestowed upon me felt more important than my loyalty to Him. And now, I face the consequences of my choices."
Stargazer could feel a tear forming underneath his mask.
"But thou art not to bear the weight of the blame," Follower said, placing one hand on Stargazer's cheek. "In fact, I thank thee for possibly the greatest time of my existence."
"I'm sorry for not making more time for you," Stargazer said, sniffling slightly at his statement.
"I tried to make something out. I truly did. But no matter what, I just couldn't. I may wield a rocket launcher, but not even that nor my mask could hide how weak I am."
"And yet, thou hast put thine whole heart and soul into this," Follower said, trying to console him. "That alone proves thine commitment and strength more than any weapon could."
"You really think so?" Stargazer said, now looking right at Follower's eyes.
"Of course," Follower said, taking off Stargazer's mask to wipe his tears off.
"...D-do you forgive me... for us?" Stargazer said, staring at Follower and trying to fight back against the tears.
"What art even there to forgive for?" Follower said, hugging him and patting his back. "Stargazer, thou art not at fault."
Stargazer couldn't fight it anymore, and he burst into tears as he wept on Follower's shoulder.
"I-I love you... F-Follower," Stargazer said, his voice garbled because of the crying. His eyes were turning violet, too.
"As do I... Stargazer," Follower said, feeling his own eyes starting to well up.
"Art thou done with the tomfoolery?" a voice thundered behind Follower.
Stargazer was startled out of his hug as Follower turned around to see Illumina standing behind him, arms crossed and eyes glaring at the knight.
"One more moment...?" Follower begged.
"...Fine," Illumina said begrudgingly.
Follower then pulled Stargazer into one final kiss. Neither of them wanted to let go, but they had to. And so, they pulled out as quickly as they started.
"Let us depart," Illumina said, roughly grabbing Follower's wrist, "for I shalt discuss with thee about thine behavior..."
Stargazer could only watch as Follower was escorted away by his Master. Follower shot back one more look at him and mouthed,
"I love you, Stargazer."
"I love you too, Follower," Stargazer mouthed. "You'll forever be my one and only."
Slowly but surely, Follower and Illumina faded into the white void. When they were gone, Stargazer sat down on the grass and laid back against the willow tree. His vision slowly went dark as he continued to cry.
Eventually, he fell asleep in his own dreams.
May he sleep well for now...