Onyx & Gregor

Well, this had been nice. To just sit there and talk quietly amongst themselves, tucked away in the corner of the crowded restaurant. 

It was rare for them to get together like this. To get an uninterrupted moment. They met up all the time, of course, but that was for work. And that was not the same as just hanging out and sharing their news, away from the jockeying of reporters or the hollering of their fans. 

Here, for one night at least, they could shed the larger-than-life personas assigned to them by the head of the wrestling federation and just be themselves. If only for a little while. 

Burn picked the gherkins off his burger, listening intently to Reika's story. She had travelled all the way from the coast to join them, so he would enjoy her company while he had it. She was scheduled to leave in the morning. 

Liam sat colouring at the far end of the table, his legs swinging back and forth. He spoke little, only now and then asking Wynter what the time was. He stuttered, falling silent the moment the words left his lips, and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. 

Jess sipped her sweetened tea. She and Pearl were sharing gossip. 

Kevin and Lancel were playfully flirting with one another. Kevin stroked Lancel's hair, fluffing the soft blond curls. His boyfriend didn't seem to mind. If anything, he leaned into it. 

Onyx opened their mouth to say something, then shut it quickly. No one seemed to notice, lost in their own pockets of activity. 

They rose from the table and sneaked away to the smoking area.

The second they were outside, they felt it. The night air was bracing. Snow drifted down from the overcast sky. Some of it landed in Onyx's hair as they lit their cigarette, shivering. Their coat was inside, draped over the back of their chair. They hopped from one to another, desperate to get the feeling back in their feet. They were the only one there, or so they thought. 

"Can I have a drag?" Gregor stepped out of the shadows, his platinum blond hair blending with the heavy snowscape behind him. He was sucking on a toothpick.

"Jeez, you scared the shit out of me." Onyx laughed, clutching their chest. "Here." 

"Thanks." 

Gregor accepted the cigarette with a shaking hand. He looked half frozen.

"You're not coming in and joining us."

"No. No, I ... no. Not tonight." Gregor exhaled a mouthful of smoke. "How is everyone?"

"The same. They're missing you."

"Yeah?"

"I'm missing you, too." 

"Onyx..." Gregor bit his lip. "We've discussed this. You know I can't go back."

"I know, Gregor. I'm not asking you to."

"I sense a but here."

"BUT... Why don't you talk to us anymore? Liam has been asking after you. Asking if he did something wrong." 

"Oh, no. Poor kid. Like he needs more on his plate." Gregor sighed, "Tell him it had nothing to do with him. Or you. Or the others. I'm just done, Onyx. I'm done. Parading around like a peacock for people who just snipe and bite. And having all of my imperfections shoved in my face. I'm not pretty enough. My teeth are crooked. My nose is out of joint. They made me feel ugly. My God, they made me feel so ugly. And no one cared."

"I cared. We cared. We could have helped you."

"Helped me? How?"

"I don't know. Talked to the Chairman, maybe?"

 "The chairman changes for no one, Onyx. You know that... Anyway, it's over now"

"Gregor..."

"I am leaving. For good. I wanted to say goodbye." 

"Leaving? What do you mean, 'leaving'? Leaving where?" 

"I don't know. Anywhere. Preferably somewhere that doesn't know me. Where I can just ... be me."

"Sounds nice," Onyx muttered flatly, almost to themself. 

"You could come with me. Hey? You and me, just like old times."

"I ... can't."

"I know. Can't fault a boy for trying." Gregor's smile was pained. 

"You will keep in touch, won't you? Or is this ... goodbye, goodbye." 

"... ... ..." Gregor looked down at his feet. "I need time. I will be back. But ..."

"Yeah..."

"Oi Onyx, where did you ... Gregor!" Burn poked his head around the door and froze. 

"Hey, Burn. I..." Burn's shoulder impacted hard into Gregor, giving him the biggest hug. "Hi."

"I've missed you!" 

"Missed you too." 

"I saw the news. I was so sorry to hear. I hope you are doing better."

"No... I'm ... not."

"No. I can't imagine anything like that."

"Look, it is already late and I need to go."

"You're not staying?"

"I can't. But give my love to the others. And ... Tell them that I will be alright. Promise me you will stay safe?" 

"If you promise us you will do the same."

"I... will try. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

And with that, Gregor was gone, disappearing into the night. They watched him until he was a mere dot on the horizon. 

"He's not coming back, is he?" Burn asked softly. He already knew the answer. 

"No. No, he's not." Onyx said. Their eyes stung from the tears. They wiped them away with their sleeve.

"Are you?"

"... To the table?" 

"No."

"... ... ... Is Gregor right? To walk away? To turn his back on this?"

"Onyx ... That's not my place to make that call. Gregor went through Hell. We all have. Honestly ... if walking away is the best option for Gregor, then I have nothing but the best for him. Even if that means this is the last we see him." 

Onyx stared at Burn as he brushed the fine powder off his clothes. 

"How is it you can be so wise for someone so young?" 

Burn laughed, though there was no humour in it. 

"Come on. The others are waiting."