Chapter Text
Klein had just returned from meeting with Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina, when the colours around him became more saturated. The whites became whiter, the reds became redder and it wasn't long before a familiar figure appeared in the living area of the suite.
A small smile slid onto Gehrman's face, unable to hide his happiness at seeing his soulmate after a month. But someone else spoke up before he could.
"Who are you?"
Azik and Gehrman both turned to look at Danitz. Despite the alarm-apprehension-fear that Klein felt from the hunter, he was doing a good job of not letting it show. His posture was guarded and expression forcefully calm, eyes trained on Azik like he was a dangerous intruder. Which he technically was, at least in Danitz's eyes.
Azik met Danitz's scrutinising look with a neutral one of his own before speaking to Gehrman amicably. "I should have come through the door, I didn't think you'd have company."
"Please don't worry about it Mr. Azik." He saw Danitz relax a little at his familiarity with the 'intruder' and the soul bond also went silent.
I should probably introduce them properly. Danitz is trustworthy, and it's not like he can trace back Gehrman to Klein just from knowing Mr. Azik. A pang went through Klein at the thought of concealing his true self from a soulmate, but it couldn't be helped for now.
"This is Danitz Dubois. We discovered our soulmate bond yesterday." He looked at Danitz then. "This is Mr. Azik Eggers, my first soulmate." His voice unconsciously softened by a hair at the end.
The hunter's eyes widened as he took in the professor who gave him a polite yet curious look in turn.
He knows I have at least one beyonder soulmate, but I doubt he would have guessed it would be a high-level powerhouse like Mr. Azik. Klein smirked inwardly as he saw Danitz visibly swallow his apprehension.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Dubois. I hope you both get along well."
Klein had to stifle a laugh as Danitz stared mutely. Oh we were 'getting along' all right.
Azik continued. "He can be a little obstinate at times," he said with a teasing look at Gehrman.
No Mr. Azik! Why are you turning on me?! Klein was horrified at the thought of his soulmates teaming up to tease him. Uh on second thought, I don't think Danitz is comfortable enough with Gehrman for that…
And it was true, Danitz seemed at a loss for words as he glanced between Azik and Gehrman.
"… nice to meet you too, Mr. Eggers. Thank you for taking care of Gehrman so far." Klein was almost impressed at how polite the pirate sounded. The Golden Dream truly was more of an educational cruise than a pirate ship.
"And now you must as well." Despite his smile, Azik's words were almost threatening in nature. The hunter seemed appropriately spooked, his polite expression straining into one Klein was used to being on the receiving end of as Gehrman.
Klein was so embarrassed that he almost broke persona to slap a hand over Azik's mouth to stop him from saying any more weird things, but resorted to frowning at him instead.
Add if sensing his gaze, or more likely sensing his emotions, Azik turned that smile to him, eyes glinting with mirth.
What is this, a shovel talk? Klein lampooned habitually. But Mr. Azik doesn't even know that or bond is romantic! And while I'm glad that you both are bonding over my well-being, I'd prefer you not do it right this moment!
Gehrman cleared his throat lightly. "Please take a seat, Mr. Azik," he gestured towards the sofa. "If you're here regarding the matters in my last letter, we have much to discuss." He then aimed a pointed look at Danitz, who fortunately got the hint.
"I'll uh, go arrange for dinner." The hunter said, looking relieved to have an excuse to leave. As he left, Klein sat across from Azik, who was observing him with curiosity.
"So this face is called Gehrman?"
"Yes, Gehrman Sparrow." Klein felt a little self-conscious at the open scrutiny and resisted the urge to shift in his seat. Gehrman wouldn't squirm just because his soulmate stared at him for a bit. I didn't make this face too good-looking, did I? It would be embarrassing if Mr. Azik teased him about it.
"Unusual name for an unusual man, I see." Azik's eyes contained a hint of something that Klein would have trouble identifying as melancholy-unease if it wasn't for the soul bond.
Gehrman frowned slightly. "Why unusual?" He had designed the persona to be a completely normal man on the surface.
A sigh. "Unusual to see you like this. It reminds me too much of your past state."
Before Klein could reply, there was a knock on the door and Danitz poked his head in. When both occupants' head snapped their heads towards him, a thread of unease wound its way down his bond with the hunter.
"I, um, forgot to ask, would Mr. Eggers be joining us for dinner?" He asked, looking in Azik's direction but not fully meeting his eyes.
Gehrman also looked at the man in question. It had been very long since he had shared a meal with a close one. He thought back to breakfast. Perhaps now that Danitz had decided to stay, they could eat together more often.
Azik's eyes widened briefly, before his usual gentle smile spread across his face. A steady wave of contentment-ease-joy washed over Klein, surprising him.
This means more to Mr. Azik than I expected, I wonder when was the last time someone invited him to dinner. Even I hadn't thought of that when we had met after the Great Smog… Suddenly struck with a sense of guilt, Klein silently hoped that his soulmate would stay long enough for him to amend this oversight.
"Thank you for asking, but no. I won't be staying that long."
The hunter only nodded, but the relief Klein could feel betrayed him. The seer was amused at how despite clearly being a little scared of Azik, Danitz still extended a dinner invitation to him. Klein was actually surprised that the pirate even thought of it (a voice in his head whispered why didn't he?) but then thought back to how Danitz had always been attentive about meals. Maybe being on sea for long durations made people appreciate meals on land more.
After the door closed behind Danitz, Azik turned back to Klein. "What's the exact situation with those Death chronicles?"
The conversation continued, and theories and plans began forming in his mind. Soon, in his typical abrupt manner, Azik proposed going to the Black Death to gather more information from Vice Admiral Ailment Tracy.
As they traversed the spirit world, a part of Klein was still mourning the fact that he won't get to spend more time with his oldest soulmate.
Perhaps next time.