I really am in love with Lav. Keith realized when they were at the abandoned park. When Lav asked him to stay with him instead, Keith didn’t get angry or offended, but he felt really happy. He felt really glad that Lav wanted to be with him as much as he does. But Keith also knew how impossible it is for the two of them to be really together, he knew that Lav would never be his. He is a ghost, he is already dead, and he didn’t want Lav to be involved in something so painfully impossible.

Still, why can’t he ignore that feeling, that connection. It sounded ridiculous, but Keith felt like there was a strong connection between Lav and him, a connection that he couldn’t explain, that he couldn’t remember.

He loves Lav, Keith truly does, but that love, no matter how strong or true, Keith thought, was impossible. More than being cheated on, more than being left behind, it is much more painful to love a love that, in the very beginning, could never be.

Keith was kneeling in front of Lav, with his heart pounding hard. He thought that he would explode any moment. He was about to reach for Laverne, he couldn’t control his self anymore. “That…” Lav suddenly said. “Your pendant…” Keith looked down and saw his glowed for a moment. “What’s that?” Lav sounded very curious.

Keith was secretly thankful for that pendant. Because of that weird occurrence, he was able to regain control. No matter how much he wanted to tell Lav about his real feelings, he must keep it in, so both them could not get hurt. “That’s the first time it ever happened.” Keith said. He was very confused at that moment.

The tension of that moment was broken because of the pendant and the two of them came back to their usual self. None of them brought the topic about their real feelings for each other again, and Lav didn’t ask him the same request again. And honestly, Keith didn’t know the answer yet. He wanted to stay so badly with Lav, but he knew how painful and difficult it would be.

Keith didn’t watch Lav sleep that night. He was afraid that he might try something weird again, he was afraid that he might lose control again. When the morning came, they both acted like nothing had happened the day before. Maybe it was for the better, maybe it was for the best if they just stayed as friends.

“Lav, are you sure about joining the contest?” Keith asked when Lav was having his breakfast in his hotel room.

“Yes, I want to do it. You’ll be beside me, right?” Lav asked with a smile.

“Of course, I love your music a lot.” Keith replied with a smile.

Their conversation was cut abruptly by the ring of the doorbell. Keith went to the door and passed his head through it. Outside Lav’s hotel room was Keith’s most hated person, Evan. His mood suddenly became really bad, if only he could touch things, then he would’ve punched Evan right away.

“Who is it?” Lav asked.

“It’s Evan.” Keith replied crossed. “Are you going to talk to him?” He asked. He was secretly hoping that Lab would say no. He was thinking that Evan would only say flowery words to sway Lav’s feelings once again. “Do you really need to talk to him?”

“Well, I still need to end things properly. Our relationship still needs closure.” Lav sounded a bit depressed. Keith knew that he was still hurting and he knew that Lav still had feelings for Evan. If only the circumstances are different, then he would have made Lav fall for him instead.

“Wait, before you talk to him, answer me first. Do you still love him?” Keith asked seriously. He knew the answer and he didn’t want to hear it. It would only hurt him, but he needs to be sure.

“I still have feelings for him.” Keith’s heart sunk. Those words stabbed him, and it was very painful. “But, it doesn’t matter anymore because I plan on forgetting about him.” He saw the hurt in Lav’s eyes. It must’ve been really painful for him to say that. He moved away from the door as Lav opened it, but his gaze never left Lav ever since.

“Can I come in, can we talk?” Evan said in a very apologetic tone. Keith kept a glare at Evan. He just couldn’t trust that man.

Lav allowed Evan inside and they sat by the couch. “I wanted to talk you as well, but if you’re just going to explain and tell me lies again, then forget about it.” Lav said in a serious tone.

“I just came here to apologize. I’m such an idiot. I just can’t handle to be bullied and to be discriminated because of our relationship. I thought only of myself and how difficult it would be for my career if anyone finds out.” Evan said. “That’s why I used Cara. Believe me when I tell that I was only using her, I never really had feelings for her, but that just makes me more of a jerk.” Evan laughed nervously.

“It’s good that you know that.” Keith scoffed.

“I know that you can’t take me back, but I am asking you, please try to forgive me. I will never stop loving you.” Evan said in a very serious tone. “That’s all I want to say.”

“I’ll move on. I’ll try to forgive you, but I can’t promise you anything. I…” Keith saw how difficult it was for Lav to even look at Evan. He knew how hurt Lav was that moment.

“No, Lav, you can’t. You can’t look hurt in front of that guy. You can’t let him see that you are still affected by him.” Keith said. “You must be strong, Lav. You can’t let yourself be swayed by him again.” It was painful for Keith to see the one he loves get hurt because of another man. He wanted Lav to stop thinking about Evan, but he couldn’t really ask Lav to think about him instead. Keith couldn’t let himself be selfish.

Suddenly, Lav’s eyes changed. It became stronger and more confident. “I think we shouldn’t see each other for a while. I will be alright, because I have someone very important to help me.” Keith’s heart skipped a beat.

“Someone important?” Evan looked very confused and worried.

“Yes. Please, Evan, just give me time and space.” Lav said. When Evan finally left, Lav fell silent in a corner. “It still hurts, my heart still hurts…” He said. “Hey, Keith can you place your hands in my cheeks, I think your coldness could make me forget.”

Keith walked towards Lav and placed his hands by Lav’s cheeks. If Lav continues doing things like that, then Keith would really lose control. He wanted to feel Lav too, to touch him and to hold him. But for a ghost like him, it seemed so impossible. “Don’t be so sad.” Keith said. “You’re a strong person and I’m sure that you could easily overcome this. Take your time and don’t rush things. I would be right here the whole time to watch over you, so don’t worry.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Laverne was really glad that Keith was by his side at that moment. He didn’t know what he would do if not for Keith. Still, Laverne wanted Keith to stay by his side. It may sound very selfish, but he honestly felt that way.

Right, he still had feelings for Evan, but at that moment, Keith was slowly finding the way in his heart, pushing Evan out. But the way Keith spoke the day before, it looks like he had no intentions on ever acting upon those feelings. Laverne couldn’t really argue with that. What kind of love would it be if he couldn’t even touch and hold Keith?

Laverne understood how painful it would be to fall in love with a ghost who could pass on any moment, he understood how heartbreaking it is to live your life frightened that your love would be taken away any moment, and he also understood how painful it would be for the kind Keith to leave him alone. He understood all that, but he still wanted to risk everything. Keith makes him happy, and that’s all that mattered to him. If only he and Keith could feel, hold, and touch each other, then maybe things would be different for both of them.

They went back to Old Thom’s store that day and told him his decision. The old man seemed happy, enough to let him use the Stradivarius in the competition, but Laverne declined and he made his mother send him his own violin from home, he missed playing it.

Keith seemed more attentive to him, probably because of what happened that morning. Honestly, Laverne was happy about that. They walked around town and Laverne was particularly looking for a certain type of place.

“Hey, what are you looking for?” Keith asked him worriedly. “Is there somewhere you want to go?”

“I want to meet a medium, a psychic.” Laverne said seriously.

“What? Why?” Keith sounded very shocked.

“I want to hold you, to touch you. I’m going to ask how you can do that.” He said in a serious tone. He wasn’t kidding at all.

“Lav, that’s…”

“Why, don’t you want to hold and touch things to?” Laverne looked at Keith. “I won’t take no for an answer, no matter what it takes, I would find an answer.” He said.

“But why, why do you want to hold me so much? I don’t think that would us any good, please, just forget about it.” Keith pleaded in a sad tone.

“I’ll show you what I want to do if we succeed. I won’t forget about it, definitely not, never.” Laverne replied stubbornly. “I am really a stubborn boy, I’m spoiled, and that’s why I would never stop until I get what I want.” He said as he smiled mischievously at Keith.

“Lav, I’m contented the way things are. I’m alright, so don’t trouble yourself anymore.” Keith said.

“But I’m not contented. It irritates that we couldn’t even touch each other, stop arguing, we’re going to do this.” He said stubbornly. In the end, Laverne didn’t give Keith a chance to argue even further. Laverne was dead-set with his plans.

They found a local psychic. Her office was in her own home. The house looked normal at first glance and without the sign saying that she was a psychic no one would have guessed her true profession. “Amanda Holter.” Keith read.

The whole place doesn’t look like somewhere a psychic would do business, but then Laverne doesn’t believe in stereotypes. “Welcome, I’ve been expecting you.” A serious looking lady in her mid-twenties appeared from the kitchen. “Please follow me.” She said dramatically as lead Laverne in the living room. “What can I do for you?” She asked when they sat down.

“You’re a psychic, you should know that without me saying it.” Laverne replied slyly. He didn’t really believe in the supernatural, but ever since he met Keith that changed. It was just that he wanted to say that so bad for so long. He heard Keith chuckled. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. I just really wanted to try and say it for once.” He looked at the psychic innocently and apologetically.

“You’re forgiven.” She said nervously. “So what do you want?”

“Well, me and my friend here…” Laverne said.

“What friend?” Amanda sounded very confused.

“You’re really a psychic, aren’t you?” Laverne asked skeptically. How could she not even see Keith? “Because I’m really starting to doubt you right now.” Laverne said seriously.

“Hey, be a little nicer. We need her help, remember?” Keith said.

“I know that, but she’s really very suspicious. I mean, she’s acting all mysterious and dramatic while it’s obvious that she’s a little quirky, I mean look at that cat-weird-thingy sculpture that she have.” Laverne talked freely at Keith in front of Amanda.

“Hey, don’t be so frank in front of her. You might offend her and she might send us to a wild goose chase.” Keith said.

“Fine if you say so.” He said looking at Keith. “Sorry.” Laverne apologized to Amanda innocently.

“Wh-wh-who are you talk-talk-talking to?” She seemed very confused and very frightened.

“I just said it right, my friend.” Laverne said coldly. “A ghost.”

“That’s impossible! I don’t see anything.” She sounded very scared.

“That’s what I’m talking about! You’re a phony! Hey, how many people have swindled with this horrible act of yours?” Laverne asked in an assertive tone.

“AHH!” Keith suddenly shouted.

“What’s wrong?” Laverne asked worriedly.

“A child ghost is talking to her. It’s a mischievous looking young boy, about 8.” Suddenly Keith laughed. “I think he looks like you. You must be like him when you’re younger. How cute.”

“Ehhh…?!” Amanda suddenly screamed as she looked as Laverne’s direction and then her eyes started to wonder. “But I don’t see anything. That’s impossible! My third eye is wide open. But why can’t see this ghost?” She wondered to herself.

“What’s happening, hey, Keith?” Laverne asked.

“The young ghost boy just told her about me.” Keith said with a smile. “She must really have a third eye. That’s weird. Why can’t she see me at all?” Keith wondered and then he walked straight in front of Amanda and just leaned as he peered right into her. “Hello, can’t you see me?” He asked comically.

“Ehh, where is he? Right in front of me?” Amanda panicked and then moved back on her chair. She looked confused and scared. “What kind of entity are you? Why can’t I see you?” She shouted.

“He’s a ghost. I just told you that.” Laverne said sarcastically.

“Ahh… haa…” Keith said as moved away from Amanda and returned to Laverne’s side. “It looks like she couldn’t even feel or hear me. That kinda makes me feel sad.” Keith said in a playful tone.

“But, to be the only to see you, it kinda makes me feel very special.” Laverne said and smiled innocently.

“Ahhh… another one. A ghost of an old woman just approached the psychic.” Keith said to Laverne’s ears. “My necklace?” Keith sounded very confused. It looks like the ghost was talking to Keith. “I have been wearing this ever since I can remember, why?

“It looks like my grandmother recognized the necklace your friend is wearing.” Amanda explained. “She’s asking him where he got it. She said that it’s the cause why your friend couldn’t be seen by anyone else but you.” Amanda explained.

“His name is Keith, my friend.” Laverne explained. “So that necklace is special. That must be why it suddenly glowed yesterday.” Laverne said. He was very amused and yet very intrigued by the necklace.

“You might be right, I’ll ask Amanda’s grandmother. She seemed like she knows more than the young psychic.” Keith said nicely.

Laverne looked at Amanda and inspected her from head to toe. “I agree… this one doesn’t seem that good.” Laverne said frankly. “Be honest with me, your grandmother do most of the work here, even though she’s dead, right?”

Amanda looked very shocked but then she looked guilty and depressed. “Your right…” She said sadly. “There’s just too many things I still need to learn, she said, and until I become as good as her, she said she won’t pass on.” She said.

“Then maybe she can help us, ask her how Keith touch things, how I can touch and feel Keith.” Laverne was very hopeful.

“Why do you want that?” Amanda asked.

“I just want it.” Laverne said straightly.

“Sure, ghosts can move things, but that’s because of their energy, they can never feel or touch anything. Sorry.” Amanda said. And at that moment Laverne’s heart sunk. He couldn’t believe that his last hope of being with Keith was gone.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“There is a way.” The ghost of the old lady said. “If he’s wearing that necklace, then there’s hope.” She said seriously.

“Really? Then tell me, what can I do?” Keith said. He wanted to touch and feel Lav to. He felt so desperate for it. He was going crazy because of how much he wanted to do it. It felt so frustrating, not to be able to touch the one you love.

“The first means things had started, the second would summon a miracle, and the third would signal that your fate had changed.” The old lady stated. Keith had no idea what she was talking about. He looked at Amanda, confused, but she doesn’t seem to know anything as well.

“Your necklace…” Lav trailed off as Amanda told him what her grandmother had said. “She might be talking about your necklace glowing.” He said, looking at Keith hopefully. “There’s hope, Keith, we might be able to touch each other.”

“What is this necklace?” Keith asked the old lady replied.

“It would give what your heart truly desires.” She replied. “It has the power to change your fate. That’s all that anyone has ever known about it.”

“What does that mean? How could this necklace do that?” Keith continued on asking.

“The answer lies in your past and that man’s future.” The old lady pointed at Lav. “Your soulmate.” Then she disappeared.

“What did she say? Keith, what’s wrong?” Lav asked but Keith couldn’t answer him at all. If he did say everything to Lav, he knew that Lav would be more determined. He didn’t want to give Lav false hope and then end up hurting him. He was confused at that moment. He couldn’t believe that Lav is his soul mate. His mind was very cloudy and his heart was whirling with many emotions. What good it would bring to meet your soul mate when it is already too late? From the very start, their meeting was bound to hurt both of them. Keith thought.

No matter how much Lav tried to talk to him, Keith kept quiet. He was very thankful to Amanda for not saying anything about them being soul mate. Keith wasn’t sure if he should be happy about it or not. He loves Lav, he really does, but it was also very painful that it was already too late for them.

“Keith, what’s wrong? You haven’t said a word since we left Amanda’s place.” Lav sounded very worried. They were back in the hotel room and Keith hadn’t organized his feelings and thought yet.

“Lav, tell me honestly, what do you feel about me?” He asked seriously. Keith wanted to know what Lav really felt for him. Maybe if he finds out then he could clear his own feelings. Knowing what the person he loves feels about him was the only Keith could think to organize his own. After learning the truth, then he could think about his next move.

“You’re an important friend for me, someone irreplaceable.” Lav said nervously.

“A friend, huh…” Keith was depressed. He shouldn’t have asked. The fact that Lav only sees him as a friend hurts Keith because even though he was still debating with his own mind Keith wanted Lav to see him as more than friends. “That’s right, a ghost and human could only be friends…”

Soulmates… that doesn’t mean anything in our situation now. Because well, only end up being separated… Keith thought, frustrated.

“Keith…” Lav was about to say something when the doorbell suddenly rang. “Wait, I’ll see who it is.”

Keith waited for Lav to return, but he was taking a particularly long time to answer the door. Keith was getting really worried when suddenly he heard some rustling the living room. Very nervous, Keith looked at what was happening and he couldn’t believe what he saw.

Three men were pinning Lav down on the couch. One man was covering Lav’s mouth while the other was holding him down. “You’re cute… this would be easier for us.” The leader said in a grim tone.

Keith hurried to Lav’s side. He tried hitting the men but his fist would only pass through them. “It’s cold…” One of them said but they didn’t stop what they were doing.

Keith saw the fright in Lav’s face, but he still saw the fighting spirit in Lav. Lav tried kicking and fighting, but one of the men hit Lav hard on the stomach. Lav coughed and the three men laughed. Keith was fuming in anger, but he felt so useless at that time. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t do anything to help Lav at all.

Anger filled Keith. He was angry at himself for not being able to do anything to help Lav. He was so worried and his heart was breaking. Seeing Lav in that danger, so helpless, so scared, was breaking Keith into pieces.

The leader suddenly put his hand under Lav’s shirt. “You got soft skin.” He said. Lav’s eyes widened as the man started touching him. Lav started crying but that didn’t stop the men at all. Keith was starting to get really desperate and started screaming in anger as he kept on hitting those men.

Lav suddenly turned to his direction. He saw how Lav looked at him sadly. It was like Lav was telling him that’s it’s not his fault. Even though Lav was about to be violated by those men, it seemed to Keith that Lav was still worrying about what Keith would feel.

Keith couldn’t let anything happen to Lav. He couldn’t take the sight of those men touching and assaulting Lav. Please, just this once, give me the power to save Lav… please… Keith thought desperately as he looked at Lav with tears falling from his eyes.

Suddenly Keith’s necklace glowed again. First means the start, the second will summon a miracle, and the third would mean that my fate has changed. He remembered.

In one final desperate move, Keith clenched his fist tight and summoned all the anger he was feeling. And true to the old woman’s words, a miracle happened. Keith hit the leader. Everyone in the room was shocked, even Keith himself was dumbfounded by what happened.

“Who are you, where did you come from?!” One of the men asked in a panic, he looked very scared and nervous. He dashed towards Keith with his fist, but Keith evaded his punch. Keith hit the man on the stomach with his knee as the last one attacked. Keith evaded the attack as well and kicked the man.

“Get out of here, or I’ll kill you!” Keith shouted and the three men scrambled on their feet. He looked at Lav and saw that he was surprised as well. Lav was still crying and still looked very afraid and seeing that way was really very painful for Keith. “Stop crying, I’m here, I’ll protect you.” Keith said as he moved closer to Lav.

To Keith’s surprised, Lav jumped out of the couch and rushed towards him. Keith’s heart skipped a beat and his mind went blank when Lav suddenly embraced him tightly. “It’s true, I’m not dreaming, finally I could touch you.” Lav said in a trembling voice.

He could feel Lav, he could touch Lav. Keith was ecstatic at that moment. His heart was overflowing because of that one fact. He wanted to touch and hold Lav for so long, and finally, it was possible, all thanks to his necklace. “A miracle happened…” Keith trailed off as he embraced Lav back. “Lav, are you alright?” He asked in a very worried tone.

“I’m alright.” Lav said as he embraced Keith even tighter. “You’re here with me, so I’m alright now.” He said as he buried his face on Keith’s chest.

Keith simply felt really happy. He felt so connected with Lav. We’re soul mates. Keith finally accepted that fact. Suddenly everything else didn’t matter. No matter what the consequences or circumstances were was not important to Keith anymore. He loves Lav, and that’s that. No more worries, more reasons, no more holding back. Whatever happens in the future doesn’t matter anymore, because at that moment he had Lav. And would cherish every moment that they are together until the moment comes when he has to leave.

“I think I could say it now.” Keith said as he gently pushed Lav away. “Lav, I…” Keith was about to confess his feelings when he saw Evan standing by the door. He felt threatened and afraid that Lav might take back Evan in that moment of weakness. “I love you.” He said and then pulled back Lav in an embrace.