Chapter Twelve: Party’s End:

Kon sat back. Tsuzuki and Hisoka stood with their jaws dropped.

“Don’t be so surprised,” Kon-san said. “I’m already dead.” He smiled.

“Go on,” Kon-san said. “Take me. That’s what you’re here for. Do it. Take me now.”

-Kon-

He made things complicated. His name is Baby. At least, that’s what everyone called him. He was quiet. When I first saw him, he was drinking alone. Oh, such a beautiful man. He always looked so sad.

I met him at my drag show. It was my night. I came out on stage in full glory. I was the queen and this was my kingdom. All eyes turned to me. Gold rained upon me. This was my kingdom. Worship me!

I happened to look out among the audience and saw him. He didn’t look at me. He looked down at his drink. That wasn’t right. He’s supposed to be looking at me. Why wasn’t he? I had to wear a mask on stage.

I never had to do that before. Sure, I acted in my early life. And I was a skilled actress. But this… This… This… This was…

Frustrating? Annoying? Unnerving?

My audience didn’t notice my confused state.  I had to keep acting. They came here to see me. I was the queen, after all. This was my kingdom.

After the show, I walked up to that glumly young man. He looked at his empty glass. I tapped him on the shoulder. What would I say? Would I shout? Would I demand an explanation? Would I ask him what he thought of the show?

He turned his head.

Oh! I had never seen eyes so blue before in my life. I lost everything I wanted to say. Speaking to him made my heart pound. He didn’t even need to say anything.

“Uh…” I said at last. “Did you enjoy the show?” This beautiful man looked down at his glass.

“Yes,” he said, softly. His voice was so gentle. What was he doing in a place like this? He appeared to want to be somewhere else.

Somehow, I couldn’t leave him. I ended up sitting at the bar with this beautiful man. We didn’t talk much.

-Present Day-

Kon put up his hands. “Go on.” Tsuzuki and Hisoka looked at each other.

“No,” the drag queen said. “It’s not a trap. Just take me now.”

“You sure?” Tsuzuki asked. Kon finished his drink.

“Yes,” he said. “I already died once. Partying’s gotten boring for me. Baby’s moving on and doing fine after my death. He’s even found a new love.” He rose to his feet.

“I’m ready now,” Kon said. “I’ve lived long enough.”

“Alright,” Hisoka said. Tsuzuki held out Christine’s book.

“Touch this,” he said. Kon put his fingers on the cover. He smiled as he vanished into thin air.

-Kon-

Baby made care about my life. Despite my all, I couldn’t give up my partying lifestyle. When I came back from dead, I was invisible to my world. I couldn’t leave until I knew Baby was doing well. It took nine months until he had my answer.

He has a new partner and they are happy together. That was all I wanted when I died. Maybe there will be parties in wherever I’ll go.

Today, I am free once again. Maybe will be free too.

Nine souls left.