Little Lover Boy

(A Tales Told Short Story)

One of the first things Louvre ever told me was that a Reaper's power was manipulation. Whether it was for the mind or the body, all Reapers had an innate ability to change a person if they so chose to. His was always rather obvious. With a touch from his hands I felt my power, energy, stamina double in effect. I became stronger when he was around me. So, he’s a master body manipulator.

But sometimes, I wonder if he too isn’t a mind manipulator.

The day we met I felt like I was sucked into his vortex and couldn’t claw my way out. Was it his singing that drove me in? His performance? Or was it the words he spoke so candidly after the fact, to a complete stranger that had only met his mother for a very short while? Either way I had found myself truly unable to get him out of my mind.

Even before we kissed, I had fallen madly in love with him. I had felt it begin to fester the moment he spoke to me, and from then I couldn’t shake that feeling no matter how hard I tried.

It was unreal. Never before had I felt such an intense pull towards anyone, romantic or not. It was like he was sucking me into his gravitational pull, and I had no option but continue to orbit his ever-growing presence.

And now I watch. I watch as he makes so many other people fall in love with him. People he’s never met before find comfort in his voice, ease at his presence, and enlightenment at his words. He’s always been determined to get others to listen, that’s the only way he finds he could solve our growing separation between species.

And yet still, I am hounded by the question. Why does he feel the need to be loved?

Is it because of The Armless Maiden?

The woman who has been manipulating the minds of leaders all across the globe for her own selfish desires. She makes the other species despise her beauty, her grace, her leadership. She commands fear and hatred everywhere she goes. 

Is Louvre just obsessed with not being like her? He finds comfort in speaking to the common man and falling in love with them as they fall in love with him. He wants to generate understanding and peace. That’s supposed to be better. He’s supposed to be good!

And yet, some nights I lay awake wondering, if this won’t just happen all over again. If The Armless Maiden really does fall and her command no longer harms the citizens of the world, who’s to say someone won’t pop up in her place. Worst of all, could they be someone like Louvre?

Someone who’s so vehemently loved, but able to manipulate just the same. Will it be harder to spot the treason, the cruelty, the absolute gall of someone with a beautiful smile and a calm voice?

Looking at Louvre, I couldn’t imagine that he’d ever have such motives, but is that just wishful thinking? I’ve been so close to him for so long. I love him. I care for him. I find myself endlessly wanting to support him. So, am I too close? Too close to notice the forest from the trees.

Perhaps it’s all just wishful thinking. Perhaps I’m just being paranoid of what the future may hold for us. For everyone. The sun will be rising soon, and so will Louvre. He’ll welcome it with that all too knowing smile. Assured of himself that this day will be blessed. So much so that he’ll assure me as well.

I wonder how long we can stay like this. I wonder how long I’ll have the opportunity to love him.