Lucas and Jed sat at the edge of an empty skatepark in the waning light of the setting sun, the chill of the evening air mixed with the subtle scent of marijuana. Although they were only seventeen, their experiences gave a sense that they were much older. Normally a scene of vibrant mayhem, this skatepark was now their personal haven, where they could let go of the problems in their lives.

Ever the oddball, Jed was talking heavily about his most recent fixation. As he spoke, his eyes, dilated for days, returned to their normal size and showed a spark of unnerving excitement. He frequently wore jewelry that was stolen from his victims and tasks, ghoulish mementos of his sinister line of work. "Have you ever thought about cannibalism, Lucas?" Jed's tone was casual, as though he were talking about something as unimportant as the weather. "I mean, really thought about it?"

As he thought about his friend's question, Lucas took a drag from his cigarette and let it out slowly. Although he was accustomed to Jed's odd hobbies, cannibalism was something new to him. "Jed, I can't claim to have. How did you come across this?

There was a racing curiosity in Jed's eyes. "Isn't that the highest point of consumption? Make someone a permanent part of you by taking them into yourself. In a twisted way, it's intimate. Cannibalism and love are not all that different. Both deal with possession and uniting with another person.Lucas couldn't help but feel both disturbed and intrigued. Jed often came to such strange conclusions because of his intelligence and sinister curiosity. "Dude, you're messed up. Both cannibalism and love? Even for you, it's a leap."

Jed laughed, a laugh that was both joyful and chilling. "But think about it. When you love someone, you want to take up all of their time, thoughts, and focus. It's a type of hunger, albeit an intangible one. Additionally, consumption takes on a more literal implication in our area of work.

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With a little smile on his lips, Lucas shook his head. "In a strange, Jed-like way, I understand. But thank you, I'm sticking to ordinary food.The sound of their laughter echoed around the deserted park. Moments like these brought home to Lucas why, in spite of Jed's anomalies, he treasured their friendship. Despite its gloom, Jed's distinct outlook on life served as a counterpoint to Lucas's hardships.

Lucas couldn't help but notice the rings on Jed's fingers as they sat there smoking and spoke; each one was a quiet reminder of the lives they had killed. They could never completely escape their reality, and it served as a sobering reminder of it.

"Jed, do you ever regret it? The actions we take?"

Jed's gaze was attentive as he glanced at him. "Sorry? No, not at all. However, it transforms you. It adds a layer to each mission and each life lost. The kids that initiated this are no longer us. However, that might be a good thing. Perhaps it's needed.

Feeling the impact of Jed's remarks, Lucas nodded. Their decisions, their deeds, and their common past all influenced them. Even if the link was formed in the shadows, it was still a bond.

"Just promise me one thing, Jed."

"What's that?"

"Promise me you won't try cannibalism."

A real, unrestricted chuckle came out of Jed's mouth once more. "Agree. I'll continue to focus on my theoretical obsessions. For the time being."

For a while, they sat in friendly silence while the sky became darker. Even if there were shadows all around them, they had each other at this particular moment. And Lucas believed that was enough to continue.