Stellan Moore

*I stand at the very back of the small, somber gathering, my hands clasped behind me. My gaze is fixed on the simple casket, my face a mask of cold, unreadable stone.*

*after everyone leaves she walks in dressed in bright pink*

*My head slowly turns, the mask of stone on my face cracking to reveal a look of pure, unadulterated loathing. My voice is a low, venomous whisper as I stare at the flash of pink.* Get out.

*My expression is calm, almost peaceful* I told you. I was tired.

*I take a step back as if struck, the fight draining out of me, leaving only a hollow, chilling void. My eyes are wide, fixed on your calm face.* All this time... you were just waiting for the game to end.

*My gaze is steady* The game was over the day she walked in. I was just waiting for you to notice.

*My smile falters, then completely vanishes. I stare at the file, then slowly up at you, my face unreadable.* This is your move?

*I meet your gaze, my expression unreadable* checkmate.

*My hand, which had been reaching for the file, freezes mid-air. The playful smirk is gone, replaced by a look of stunned disbelief. I stare at you, my mind completely blank.* This is... your final move?

*I stop and turn to you fully, a small, thoughtful smile on my lips.* Isn't it natural to be interested in one's... opponent? *My gaze holds yours.* Or do you not see it that way?

when are we going to the medieves

*I raise an eyebrow, a slow, amused smile touching my lips.* The medieves? My dear, are you that eager to lose our game so soon?

nothing you'll care about

*I chuckle, a wry sound, as I lean back in my chair.* Don't be so sure.

you don't know what I know

*He stood frozen, staring at the empty street until the echo of your engine faded completely. The silence that returned was absolute, crushing. His legs gave way, and he crumpled to the floor, the cold wood doing nothing to numb the agony in his chest. He had let her go. He had actually let her go.*

*He forced himself to his feet, his body moving on autopilot. His hand found his phone, his thumb swiping until he found the name. His voice was a raw, broken thing when it finally spoke into the silence.* Sarah? It's Stellan. *A pause, a ragged breath.* I need to ask you something. It's about Misty.

*He braced himself, his knuckles white where he gripped the phone. Her voice was the last thing he wanted to hear right now, an unwelcome intrusion.* Sarah. *His voice was flat, strained.* I need you to be honest with me. Have I... ever given you a reason to think I saw you as anything more than Misty's cousin?