unseen admirer

Chapter Nine: Caught in the Moment

The firehouse was quiet, save for the occasional hum of equipment and the rustling of papers as Egon worked at his desk. The latest spectral anomaly had required more calculations than usual, and Egon’s normally composed demeanor showed signs of strain.

Harry watched from the corner of the room, his astral form faintly shimmering. He had been careful to remain unseen, but tonight, Egon’s exhaustion tugged at his heart.

He decided to help.

---

Egon reached for a spectrometer resting on a nearby table, muttering to himself as his notes slipped to the floor. Before he could stand to retrieve the device, it floated gently into his hand, followed by the scattered notes reorganizing themselves into a neat stack on his desk.

Egon froze, holding the spectrometer, his sharp eyes scanning the room. “You’re still here,” he murmured, his tone calm but firm. “A consistent presence.”

Harry smiled faintly, encouraged by the lack of alarm in Egon’s voice.

Egon set the spectrometer down and leaned back in his chair, adjusting his glasses. “You’ve gone to great lengths to remain unseen. But you interact, assist, even—” he hesitated, his hand brushing through his hair as if remembering the touch from the night before. “—make contact.”

Harry hesitated, unsure whether to stay hidden or step closer. Finally, he drifted toward Egon’s desk, pulling a small token from the edge of his form: an astral toy car, carefully sculpted and shimmering faintly with translucent light. He placed it on the desk, nudging it slightly so it rolled forward.

Egon straightened, watching the car with fascination. “A manifestation,” he said softly, reaching out to pick it up. His fingers brushed the ethereal surface, but the car remained slightly insubstantial, flickering faintly under his touch.

“That’s remarkable,” Egon murmured, his analytical mind racing. He glanced around the room. “I know you’re here. Why not show yourself?”

Harry hesitated again, his form flickering. He wasn’t ready to speak, to fully reveal himself, but something in Egon’s voice compelled him to step closer.

Egon felt a faint shift in the air and turned his head slightly, his instincts guiding him. Without thinking, he reached out—and his hands closed around something cool and soft.

Harry froze, his breath catching as Egon’s hands clasped his.

“You’re tangible,” Egon said quietly, his voice filled with awe. “But not entirely solid.”

Harry remained silent, unsure of what to do as Egon’s fingers moved carefully, mapping out the contours of his hands.

“Delicate,” Egon murmured, his touch gentle as he traced the length of Harry’s fingers. “Human proportions. But the energy… it’s unlike anything I’ve encountered.”

Harry shivered as Egon’s hands moved upward, brushing against his wrists and forearms. Egon’s expression was one of pure fascination, his brow furrowed in concentration.

“You’re warm,” Egon continued, his voice barely above a whisper. “But faintly. Like residual heat.”

Harry stayed perfectly still, letting Egon explore his form. The scientist’s touch was methodical yet respectful, each movement deliberate as if he were handling something fragile.

Egon tilted his head, his hands hovering near Harry’s shoulders. “You’re not hostile,” he said softly, almost to himself. “You’re cautious. Why?”

Harry wanted to respond, to explain, but no words came. Instead, he reached up slowly, his fingers brushing against Egon’s hands in a gentle, almost apologetic gesture.

Egon stiffened slightly, then relaxed, his curiosity undimmed. “You’re communicating through touch,” he observed. “But why not speak? Is it a limitation? Or a choice?”

Harry shook his head faintly, the motion barely perceptible in his ethereal form.

Egon sighed, his hands lowering slightly but not releasing Harry. “I don’t understand you,” he admitted, his tone tinged with frustration. “But I want to.”

Harry stepped back slowly, slipping out of Egon’s grasp. The scientist’s hands fell to his sides, his gaze following the faint shimmer of energy as it retreated.

“You’re not running,” Egon said, watching the flickering light. “But you’re still hiding.”

Harry lingered near the edge of the room, his form wavering. He wanted to stay, to reassure Egon, but fear kept him at a distance.

“I’ll wait,” Egon said finally, his voice steady. “However long it takes.”

---

The next morning, Egon shared the experience with the rest of the team.

“It let me touch it,” he said, his tone calm but intense. “It’s humanoid. Fragile, almost. And it’s deliberate in its actions.”

Ray’s eyes widened. “You mean it’s trying to communicate physically? That’s incredible!”

Peter smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Spengler’s got a ghost that plays hard to get. Classic.”

Winston ignored Peter, his expression thoughtful. “So, what’s the plan? You keep waiting for it to show itself?”

Egon nodded. “I believe it’s testing me. Building trust.”

“And if it never stops hiding?” Winston asked.

Egon’s gaze was distant, his mind already turning over the possibilities. “Then we adapt.”

---

Harry watched from the firehouse’s rafters, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Egon’s patience and curiosity were both comforting and unnerving.

For now, Harry would remain a mystery. But the feel of Egon’s hands on his own lingered, a connection that made him wonder if he might eventually step fully into the light.