[ He takes Harry's hand, leads him without rushing. When they arrive at the place where the bottle rests, one healthy eyeball housing the roots of a plant that's grown beyond the neck of its container, Zephir places his hand on Harry's nape and slides it down to his shoulder. The plant is bizarre, like all others he's grown from someone's essence, but it's very... Harry. It's like seeing something he forgot he once dreamt about. ]
[ He's right. All Zephir is interested in - the extraction process aside - is growing his garden, growing the number of friends and lovers keeping him company. I am yours prompts the smile to become an affectionate grin. ]
[ Life is pain, and it has its pleasures. Zephir wants his creations to experience both, to celebrate them equally. ]
Wait here.
[ Zephir walks off, opens a window and extends a hand, as if reaching out for a bird. A butterfly lands on his finger instead, white, black, yellow — the common Jezebel, Harry's beloved delias eucharis. Zephir kisses its wings and takes it back to Harry; it flies, resting on its new friend's shoulder. ]
I didn't make this one, I simply called it. [ That should save it from dying within the hour. ] And I've extended its lifespan, so it should keep you company for a while.
[Looking happier than he has in weeks, Harry nods and finds himself someplace to sit and simply exist, watching for a good hour before he finally has to excuse himself to tend to his responsibilities.
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Yes. Please. I need to know I've done... something.
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[ He takes Harry's hand, leads him without rushing. When they arrive at the place where the bottle rests, one healthy eyeball housing the roots of a plant that's grown beyond the neck of its container, Zephir places his hand on Harry's nape and slides it down to his shoulder. The plant is bizarre, like all others he's grown from someone's essence, but it's very... Harry. It's like seeing something he forgot he once dreamt about. ]
What do you think?
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Still sniffling a little, he leans in to look at the plant. His eyes are wide and awestruck.]
It's...
[He can't even think of a word to describe it.]
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[ Said with pride, with love. They created it together, made something beautiful out of the horrible events that led Harry to lose his eye. ]
Would you like to have it?
[ He's never offered to give someone's plant back to them. Not in this place. ]
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May I? I've a place for it. They've gifted me a room. A small museum, really. Full of plants and molluscs and stones...
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[ Caressing his hair, rubbing his earlobe with index and thumb. ]
I'll let you have it. If you promise to let me take a seed from you.
[ He rarely, if ever, asks for permission. Zephir moves away to pick up the bottle, to examine it as his possession for the last time. ]
When the opportunity presents itself.
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Really? I mean, yes, certainly, I don't see why not? It's not as if you've sinister intent.
[Shyly:] And as you say: I am yours already.
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It will hurt.
[ But Harry has come to expect that, he's sure. ]
May I offer you a friend? For your museum.
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A friend? I would be honoured.
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[ Life is pain, and it has its pleasures. Zephir wants his creations to experience both, to celebrate them equally. ]
Wait here.
[ Zephir walks off, opens a window and extends a hand, as if reaching out for a bird. A butterfly lands on his finger instead, white, black, yellow — the common Jezebel, Harry's beloved delias eucharis. Zephir kisses its wings and takes it back to Harry; it flies, resting on its new friend's shoulder. ]
I didn't make this one, I simply called it. [ That should save it from dying within the hour. ] And I've extended its lifespan, so it should keep you company for a while.
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Oh. Oh, Al-- Zephir. Sorry. I.
[He looks at the insect, then back to Zephir.]
Thank you.
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You're welcome. I know you'll take good care of your friend. Come find me if you run into trouble.
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[His smile warms into something deeply affectionate before he carefully tip-toes up to kiss Zephir's cheek. (Well. Almost.)]
Thank you.
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Stay as long as you like. You can watch me work on my garden.
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But when he leaves, his heart is lighter.]