GarrettXCorvo VI: Don't wake up

Sunrise made its way through the great glass circles of the clocktower. It wasn’t bright, not even warm. Dawn was always a cold companion in the City. Used to its cloudy and wet weather, just feeling the touch of sunlight on the skin could be considered almost a miracle. At least, that was what Corvo thought.

He was sitting on the old bed, deeply immersed in his own world, letting his glance stare at Garrett from time to time. The thief was still sleeping. In fact, Corvo knew he probably would sleep for the whole day. His slim but strong naked body was resting on the threadbare mattress, his pale skin barely illuminated under the soft light rays. Garrett had a calm expression on his face while he was asleep, partially hiding behind his own hand near to his forehead. It was like if he felt too vulnerable, even in dreams, and he didn’t want anyone to realize how… human he could be.

But the thief was human. He could try to pretend to be a ghost. But Corvo remembered how sweat covered Garrett’s burning pale skin because of desire, his desperate moans constantly breaking his throat, his voice calling the assassin’s name in the night, his hands scratching and gripping Corvo’s back as pleasure made him tremble and shiver… That was unequivocally human.

The assassin drew and understanding smile. Indeed, Garrett had to be tired after such a hard night, specially considering how stubborn he could be. It took its time for Corvo to make him give in and accept his own desires. Garrett was proud, almost arrogant, but above that, he was distrustful. Sometimes, Corvo felt as he was hitting an immovable thick wall, unable to touch his heart. Actually, Garrett was the only one who could touch the heart of one of them. And Corvo wasn’t thinking about the Outsider’s device.

Perhaps Garrett had stolen something even more important several nights ago, without knowing…

The lord protector took a slow and deep breath, put his hair locks aside from his face, and leant over Garrett. He stroked his back and shoulder, and then gently kissed his head over his dark hair. The thief muttered something in dreams, but Corvo didn’t understand it. Finally he covered him with the sheet, and then with the blanket, so Garrett didn’t catch a cold or something worse. Getting sick at that time could be misfortune. And Corvo didn’t want him to get sick, or injured. No. Somehow, he wanted to protect him. But how could he? The last time he tried to protect someone, he failed. And sadness still had not left his soul.

The clock’s bells started pealing hard, almost overwhelming, shaking the building like an earthquake. Corvo covered his ears with his hands. Garrett didn’t even seemed troubled for the loud noise, and he remained asleep, of course. “Unbelievable…”, Corvo whispered and rolled his eyes.

Ringing ended, and his left hand started burning. The Outsider’s mark shined with white-blue light, and Corvo knew he was summoning him. Again. The assassin first frowned, then sighed. Finally stood up and quickly got dressed. Before leaving, he approached Garrett one last time, kissed his shoulder and gently whispered in the ear: “You paid more than enough, Garrett. I hope you enjoy your beloved freedom.” The skull mask covered Corvo’s face, and the assassin left the place as if he had never been there.