Complementary
Keanu Reeves/Hugo Weaving, PG


Keanu hasn't seen the world in color for a long time. He has become accustomed to the soft greys and looming dark, pushing into each crack and crevice. The makeup artist warns him that the prosthetic scars will likely crowd into his vision, but he keeps his eyes open as she paints on the dried blood; his peripheral vision is already stiflingly close, and he knows it could get no worse. In the morning, he sits on the edge of his bed with his head down and throat tight, wondering if his socks actually match and if he cares enough to look closer. He never does, and stumbles out of the room without ever turning a light on.

Hugo's world is painted in bold strokes of deep, rich colors. Red is ruby and yellow is gold, and blue is the sky at noon with the sun crackling down. When he adjusts his tie in the dressing room mirror, the contrast between his crisp white shirt and deep black suit always makes him stop and stare in fascination. Pinks and oranges wash over him each morning as he slowly pulls out of achingly vivid dreams, and he smiles quietly out the window.

Every night, Hugo tries to show Keanu what he sees. His hand leaves a brilliant green smear on Keanu's arms, and his lips trace a fiery red-orange trail down Keanu's spine. When he finally pulls back, he can hardly see Keanu under the winding and colliding colors, blending into each other, and is awed at his handiwork. Stroking Keanu's jaw and murmuring into his mouth, he wipes Keanu's face clean and looks at him expectantly.

Keanu shudders and opens his eyes, and wonders when Hugo will realize that his own eyelashes are turning white.

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