Tunnel of Love

    “Let’s go to the carnival!”
    Norvan bounced from one paw to the other as he suggested the idea to Montevic. Now that the danger of the corrupted tech-touched was revealed to be restricted to Tonpelli, travel restrictions had been lifted and Norvan and Montevic had headed out as soon as they could, with a brief stop in Offshore to pick up a couple of things - such as Danti. To Montevic’s surprise, the beastling had actually been excited to see them, gallivanting around them like an excited pup. Now the critter was curled up asleep at the foot of the bed in their room at a slightly shady inn in Jun Nazu.
    “What?”
    Norvan brandished a flyer. Montevic squinted and pulled their head back, trying to compensate for their farsightedness. SPITFIRE CARNIVAL, they were pretty sure it read. Come join the festivities on Shimmersea Island!
    “Where the hell is Shimmersea Island?”
    “Not far! There’s a ferry heading out there tomorrow morning. And we can probably hitch a ride to Seajewel from there afterwards. It could be fun!” Norvan beamed.
    Montevic thought about it. They’d been to a couple of fairs in the past, and they were always wild, entertaining places, but Montevic didn’t have the energy they’d had two years ago. Such a venture could easily be more exhausting than entertaining. But Norvan seemed excited at the prospect, and it had been a while since Montevic had gone somewhere that didn’t immediately turn into a disaster. And they’d always felt carnivals were rather romantic...
    “All right,” they decided. “We can go. As long as it doesn’t turn out like the tech fair.”
    Norvan’s grin faltered. “...right. Maybe we shouldn’t.”
    Montevic shook their head. “No, no, it’ll be fine. I’ve used up enough bad luck. I’m not due for another life-changing event for a while at least.”
    Of course, Montevic was wrong. But for once, this decision would change their life for the better.

    Montevic tried their damndest to enjoy the carnival. It was the first real event they’d been to with Norvan since their separation and reunion, and they weren’t going to let that squirming anxiety break free of their gut and ruin things for him. This wasn’t like the tech fair. There would never be anything like the tech fair. Not since Tonpelli...
    Montevic squeezed their fist, trying to banish memories of the conflagration. Apparently their face betrayed more than they intended, because Norvan looked over with concern.
    “Everything all right?”
    Montevic forced a quick smile and nodded. “I’m fine.”
    Interesting statement, Wyrden remarked. Montevic’s eyebrow twitched in irritation.
    “Are you sure? You’re looking kind of stressed.” Norvan furrowed his brow. “We can go somewhere quieter if you want.”
    “No, it’s fine, I’m fine.” Montevic didn’t want to spoil the mood. “I can manage.”
    “Hmm.” Norvan was silent for several seconds, apparently thinking. “Actually, I’ve been feeling a little tired. It’s been a long day.” Indeed, the sun was far past its apex and Montevic themself was feeling drained. “Let’s go find somewhere to sit down for a while. Are you hungry? I’m hungry.”
    As if prompted, Montevic’s stomach growled. “Er - yeah,” they nodded. “That sounds good.”
    “Great. I’m starving.” Norvan started off. Danti yapped and ran after him, tugging Montevic along. 

    They found a patch of bare ground next to a convenient shade-casting rock and stopped.
    “This seems like a nice place to rest!” Norvan declared. “Why don’t you wait here and I’ll go get us some food. Corn dogs sound nice?”
    They nodded. It had become apparent that Norvan was well aware of Montevic’s current state and was determined to accommodate. Saints, he was such a nice fellow. Montevic didn’t deserve him.
    “Great. Stay put, I don’t want to lose you.” Again, Montevic’s mind couldn’t help but add. “Mind if I take Danti with me? He still seems full of energy.”
    Danti was currently sniffing at the rock, possibly considering urinating on it. “Sure.” Montevic passed the leash to Norvan. They weren’t going to complain.
    “Okay! I’ll be back as soon as I can. Probably ten or fifteen minutes. See you!”
    “Buh-bye.” Montevic waved goodbye as Norvan and Danti disappeared into the crowd.
    Montevic leaned against the rock. The summer sun cast off plenty of heat and light, unimpeded by cloud cover. Wyrden cowered within their shadow, seeking refuge within. Feeling uncomfortably hot, Montevic unbuttoned their shirt and pulled it out of their waistband, letting it hang open. It would have been more comfortable if they could roll up their sleeves or remove the shirt entirely, but Montevic had quickly learned they didn’t like the inquisitive and wary stares their synthetic arm brought them. The heat was less unpleasant than the attention.
    Montevic kicked the dry grass beneath their feet. They were a ways out from the epicenter of the fair, and the tents and stands were less sparsely clustered together. Curios still weaved between stalls, spending five times as many tokens for a chance at a plush prize than it would cost to buy at a shop - but the fun was in the game, they supposed. A smiling couple slipped out of a purple tent, conversing animatedly. Montevic’s eyes almost slipped past it, but...huh. A sign had been hammered into the ground in front of the tent: THE MYSTERIOUS MORIA: MEDIUM AND PSYCHIC. PALMS READ, FORTUNES TOLD, SEANCES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
    Oh, saints. Montevic hadn’t seen the so-called medium since the disaster that was the Spirit’s Triangle series. Shame prickled their gut at the memory. Montevic considered their options. They could stay here, wait for Norvan, pretend they never saw the tent, or...maybe they could try to make something right. After all, nobody was around to see.
    Except me.
    Except Wyrden. But Montevic had accustomed themself to the idea that their passenger’s presence wasn’t an issue. They gathered themself, took a deep breath, and headed towards the tent.

    The inside of Moria’s tent was soft and scattered with cushions. The air was slightly hazy and smelled strongly of incense, and the tent was lit with strings of softly glowing aura lights. The owner sat on the floor, shuffling and sorting a deck of tarot cards. She looked up when Montevic came in and adopted a practiced smile.
    “Ah, welcome -” Moria began, then paused and frowned. “I know you. Montevic Foste?”
    Montevic nodded. They opened their mouth, then closed it, unsure where to begin.
    “Hmmm. Your aura’s weaker than I remember,” Moria mused. “Did something happen?”
    “Oh, um -” Montevic touched the implant on their forehead. “I was - I got - taken. I was in Tonpelli when -”
    “I see.” Moria nodded. “It’s a rare situation you’ve found yourself in. One might say you’re extraordinarily lucky - or cursed. Have a seat.” She patted the ground in front of her.
    Montevic grabbed a cushion and sat down.
    “Why are you here, Mr. Foste? I don’t recall us parting on the best of terms.” Moria narrowed her eyes. “Come to expose me for my alleged lies?”
    “Actually, I - I came to apologize.” Montevic stumbled out the words.
    Moria blinked.
    “I was...unnecessarily rude to you when you were on our show and I shouldn’t have been. You were a guest. I should have treated you like it. I’m sorry.”
    Moria was silent for what felt like an eon. Montevic’s heart hammered in their throat.
    “Well,” she said finally. “I can’t say I expected that. I accept your apology.”
    “Uh.” Montevic attempted to process. “That fast? I mean, thank you, thank you, I’m sorry I made a mess of things.”
    Moria waved her hand. “Oh, kids like you always do. I’m just surprised you had it in you to apologize. How’d you find me, anyway? I don’t exactly keep a mailing list.”
    “Oh, I didn’t try to track you down, that would be weird. And impossible,” Montevic added after a brief reflection. “No, Norvan and I are just here for the carnival. You have a sign.”
    “Maybe it’s fate.” Moria smiled slyly. “How are you two, anyway? Did you ever get over yourselves and figure it out?”
    “Figure what out? What do you mean?” Montevic furrowed their brow.
    Moria rolled her eyes. “I suppose not. Anyone could tell you two have it bad for each other. Don’t deny it. Mind reader, remember?” She tapped her temple.
    Ah. Yes. That. Montevic had been pretending it wasn’t a thing.
    Moria apparently took the expression on Montevic’s face as confirmation. She nodded with satisfaction. “I thought so. You two really haven’t talked about it?”
    Montevic shifted uncomfortably. “Not really. Is this your idea of revenge?”
    Moria chuckled. “Is it really that hard for you? You act so confident with everything else - reckless, even. But the subject of romance comes up, and, well - look at you!” Montevic was sure she was taking pleasure in their discomfort.
    “It’s not exactly my kind of specialty.” Montevic searched for a justification. “I’m not the best at commitment.”
    “And yet you’ve been traveling with him for what, years now?” Moria supposed. “You co-host a radio show with him, for goodness’ sake. At least give it a shot.”
    “That’s the problem,” Montevic contended. “We’ve got...all this. What if he doesn’t feel the same? I don’t want to ruin things.”
    Moria snorted. “A common excuse. Tell me. How has he acted towards you lately?”
    “Well...” Montevic thought about it. “He’s been particularly concerned about my health and well-being, recently. I guess I can’t blame him - we did go a whole two months without seeing each other.”
    Moria furrowed her brow. “And that’s unusual for you two?”
    Montevic shrugged. “Yeah, even when we’re on break, we usually stay in the same place. It’s less complicated that way. We didn’t mean to get separated. It’s just, we were in Hanto Magnata when it um, that; he made it to the boats, I didn’t, I got...” They touched their forehead implant again.
    Something like actual concern crossed Moria’s face. “I’m sorry, I didn’t really...hm. And it took you two months to make it back to him?”
    Montevic shook their head, feeling embarrassed. “No, I didn’t leave the countryside. There were cyborgs everywhere, and the few curios I did see were dead-set on killing me to death. It was Norvan who found me, actually. I have no idea how he did it. Walked all the way across Tonpelli and straight through a war zone just to find me. Craziest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
    Moria blinked, then laughed. “Your friend does that for you, and you still wonder if he likes you? Tell him how you feel. I guarantee you he’ll stick around, even if he doesn’t reciprocate. Though I expect he will.”
    “I don’t know -”
    “Do it for my sake,” Moria added. “I can’t stand the pining. We’ll call it even.”
    Montevic’s chest was a puddle of muddled anxieties and feelings, but they begrudgingly agreed. “Fine.”
    “Great.” Moria smirked. “That’ll be forty tokens.”
    “What?!” Montevic jerked back. “That’s not - I didn’t agree -”
    Moria flung her shoulders back and cackled. She sat forward and shook her head, smiling. “Excuse me. I couldn’t resist. No, no, there’s no charge for unsolicited relationship advice. You should get going, though, I have real customers.”
    Montevic sighed and shook their head. “Right, sorry.” They stood up, muttering something about forgetting how insufferable Moria was under their breath.
    “I heard that.”
    Montevic groaned and turned to step out of the tent. At the same time, however, another curio ducked through, colliding with Montevic.
    “There you are!” Norvan exclaimed with exasperation. “You nearly gave me a heart attack, disappearing like that. What are you doing in here?”
    “I don’t know, why did you look for me here?” Montevic raised an eyebrow, turning up the corners of their mouth.
    “I don’t know, I couldn’t think of anywhere - oh, hi Moria.” Norvan leaned to the side of Montevic and gave the medium a quick wave.
    Moria got to her feet. “Hello, Norvan. Your boyfriend just stopped by to apologize. For their rudeness, if you recall.”
    “They’re not my - apologize?” Norvan turned to Montevic, eyebrows raised. “Wow. I leave you alone for two months and you really go through character growth. I’m impressed.”
    “Er...thanks.” Montevic wasn’t sure whether or not to feel insulted.
    “Maybe this means we can have a do-over. Moria, thoughts on being a guest on our show again? We’re planning on heading to Paydo Moga and staying there a while. No more spelunking in ancient ruins and getting concussions. And Montevic sounds like they’ll behave themself, right?”
    Montevic shrugged. “Sure.”
    Moria tilted her head. “I’ll consider it. But I’ve had enough of you two for now. Out.” She pointed at the exit.
    “Thanks! Sorry,” Norvan said cheerfully as he walked out of the tent, dragging Montevic by the arm. Montevic felt a brief prickle of Wyrden’s discomfort as they stepped into the sunlight.
    Norvan took Danti’s leash from a random curio he’d apparently pressed into watching the beastling for him, thanked them, and he and Montevic walked back to the big rock. Norvan passed Montevic a corn dog.
    “Dude,” he said, leaning against the rock. “You can’t -” He paused, pressed his lips together, then continued. “I would very much prefer it if you didn’t wander off without letting me know where you’re going. It’s very crowded here, and -” Norvan broke off. It was only now that Montevic realized how badly his hands were trembling. Shame crawled up their ribcage. Montevic swallowed a bite of corn dog. It settled heavy in their stomach.
    “I’m sorry -” they began, and faltered.
    “It’s just - I don’t - I don’t wanna lose you again, man.” Norvan twirled one of his necklaces, winding the cord around his finger like he always did when he was anxious. He looked from the ground to Montevic to the ground again. “I know I’m probably being clingy, or something, but I care about you, bro, even if you are an idiot -” He laughed, that awkward kind of laugh that replaces some other, more appropriate emotional response, and Montevic, not knowing how to respond, laughed awkwardly in kind.
    “I’m sorry,” Montevic repeated, rubbing one palm with the other hand’s thumb. “I care about you too, I didn’t...I didn’t think. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m sorry.”
    Norvan cracked a weak smile. “All apologies today, aren’t you? It’s okay. I didn’t mean to freak out on you. Come on.” He patted Montevic on the back. “Let’s go see a performance or something. You got any ideas?”
    Montevic exhaled and nodded. “You think they got a sword-swallower somewhere? I’ve never seen one in person. Seems pretty hardcore.”
    “Oh, come on. There’s got to be a trick. They’re prop swords or something. People can’t actually swallow swords or something.”
    Montevic raised their eyebrows wickedly. “Oh, now you’re the skeptic?”
    Norvan grinned. “I may believe in ghosts and demons, but I draw the line at sword eating. It’s just circus trickery.”
    “Bet.”

    As it turned out, there was no trick to sword swallowing - just pure skill. Norvan admitted this did make the act a lot cooler. Hours passed, filled with unbelievable feats, wild (and mild) rides, and sticky carnival food. Subtly assisted by Wyrden’s robotic precision, Montevic won a ring-toss game and earned a wonderfully squishable linny plush - supposedly for Norvan, but Montevic ended up carrying the thing around anyway. They dropped in on a stage magician’s performance, and Montevic kept leaning over and whispering the secrets of the tricks to Norvan, much to the annoyance of their nearest neighbor. (Montevic had a loud whisper.)
    “How do you know all these things?” Norvan had asked, thankfully one of those people who found magic tricks more impressive when you knew the secret behind them, rather than the other way around.
    “Uh...” Montevic felt his cheeks warm. “Used to want to be a magician when I was a kid. I still know a few card tricks.”
    Norvan had insisted Montevic demonstrate, so, after the show, they appropriated a deck of cards, and Montevic discovered they had regained the ability to palm cards with their new right hand, something that had been lost to them when their fingers had been bitten off years ago. Montevic’s sleight of hand wasn’t as good as it once had been, but Norvan seemed impressed nonetheless - although it was possible he was just humoring them.

    Soon, the sun had set. The summer night was pleasantly warm, and though sleepiness tugged at Montevic’s eyelids, there was still one attraction Norvan insisted they visit: the Ferris wheel. The huge round construction dominated the carnival, carrying visitors round and around its circumference. It was even more impressive at night, bejeweled with glimmering pink and blue lights that cast a hazy glow against the indigo night sky.
    Danti, for once, seemed worn out as well. The little beastling walked ahead at a sedate pace, and hadn’t tried to take off into the sky in hours. Montevic and Norvan chatted about meaningless things, passing by numerous tents and stalls and into an open space where the line for the Ferris wheel waited. Montevic lost track of the conversation as they looked up at the massive thing, towering above them.
    “Wow,” Norvan said softly, similarly impressed. “How does it not tip over?”
    “I don’t know. Engineering?” Montevic couldn’t take their eyes off the thing.
    “My regards to Mr. Ferris.” Norvan bent down and scooped up a sleepy Danti. He scritched the creature behind the horns. “Looks like it’s gonna be a bit of a wait.”
    Montevic nodded.
    But the end of the line came sooner than expected. The attendant gave Danti a brief suspicious look, but shrugged and waved the three of them through without protest. “Keep your paws and tails inside the capsule at all times.”
    “We will!” Norvan was grinning as he climbed into the gondola, scooting to the far side to make space for Montevic.
    Montevic glanced up at the wheel one more time before stepping on, trying to ignore how sweaty their palm was. “Are you sure this thing is safe?”
    The attendant shrugged, which really wasn’t comforting. “Safe enough. Enjoy the ride.”
    The capsule lurched, causing Montevic to sit down quickly. Then the wheel began to move, and the ground fell away. Montevic instinctively reached for Norvan’s hand.
    “Wow, your hands are sweaty,” Norvan commented.
    “Oh, no - it’s just the one.” Montevic raised their gloved robotic arm.
    Norvan laughed. “Don’t worry, this thing has lasted at least the whole day. The probability it’s gonna break now is pretty low.”
    “Thanks,” Montevic said dryly. “That’s very comforting.”
    Norvan patted Montevic’s shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll survive.”
    The two returned to staring out the windows, marveling at the carnival below as it grew smaller and smaller, laid out beneath them like a sparkling rug. The wheel moved quite slowly, pausing occasionally to let more people on, so there was no risk of motion sickness. It was really a lovely end to the day. But...there was still that promise. Montevic had been putting it off, but they knew in their gut Moria had a point. And this was the most private spot they’d been all day. What’s more romantic than a two-person gondola hanging high above the ground.
    Montevic took a deep breath and steeled themself. “Hey, while we’re up here, there’s, uh, there’s something I should probably tell you.”
    Norvan looked over, expression vaguely concerned. “Go on?”
    “You know how we’re really good friends, and like um...” Montevic squeezed their eyes shut. “Ugh, I don’t know, I’m making this awkward. Okay. Listen. I like you. As a friend. And also more than a friend.” They buried their face in their hands. “I think you’re super hot and I want to kiss your stupid face.”
    Silence. After several long moments, Montevic looked up. Norvan was staring at them, looking thoughtful.
    “Huh.”
    Montevic stared at him. “Huh? That’s all you have to say? You’re not gonna tell me whether or not you feel the same way?”
    “No, no, it just occurred to me.” Norvan ran his fingers through his hair. “Is it not normal to want to kiss your best friend on the lips?”
    “Uh.” Montevic shook their head. “Not usually, I don’t think.”
    “Interesting.”
    They sat there in silence for several more awkward moments before Montevic’s exasperation took over. “Listen, Norvan. I’m - I’m in love with you.”
    Realization sparked in Norvan’s face. “Oh! Oh, I’m sorry, I’m an idiot, yes, yes.” His lips parted in a grin. “Yes, I think I love you too. I should think that was obvious. But -”
    “Norvan?” Montevic interrupted. “Do youuu...want to kiss?”
    “Yes?”
    “Then shut up.”
    Norvan obliged, and Montevic leaned over, and they kissed for one long second. Then -
    BANG! A firework detonated overhead. Montevic, Norvan, and Danti all flinched violently, and Norvan was forced to quickly wrap his arms around Danti before the beastling escaped the capsule.
    “Oh!” Norvan said in a small voice, regaining his composure. “Fireworks.”
    Another firework detonated in a spray of golden light. Montevic couldn’t tell if their heart was racing with terror or excitement. Did it matter?
    Then Norvan leaned over and they continued the kiss, as fireworks exploded in celebration of their love. Or something.