Chapter Text
Risuku had never hated being alive more than he did now, and that’s saying something for someone who unwittingly took a dive off Unstel bridge last winter. The phantom sting of Drusk Lake’s icy waters seemed like a dream compared to the fierce burning he felt in his abdomen. He’d been stabbed, that much he remembered. Everything after that was foggy. Edikos had told him this mission would be deadly, maybe he should have listened. Between the two of them, Edikos was the one that was better suited for stealth missions like this. Risuku had known that, but the idea of letting him march right into danger without Risuku behind him for back up scared him. So, he’d tagged along. Everything was going according to plan until Edikos, him, and Jenny, their demolition expert, broke off from the main group. It took one look at the haul waiting for them in the treasury for Jenny to decide that the reward was too good to share and stab them in the back, literally and figuratively. That was the last thing he remembered.
Now the pain was all he could focus on, but through the haze he could hear someone calling his name. His mind was swimming too much to put a face to the voice, but it was familiar. He winced as something wet hit his cheek
“Please open your eyes, Risuku” The voice was trembling and Risuku felt a stab of guilt as a name finally surfaced in his head. Edikos That was Edikos crying for him. Suddenly, the world became a whole lot sharper. His head pounded as he struggled to open his eyes, it hurt, but not as much as knowing who’s tears were rolling down his face. Edikos never cried if he could help it, within the four years they had been friends Risuku could count the time he’s seen him shed tears on one hand.
He saw Edikos hunched over him, his soft brown skin wet with tears. His lithe body trembled so violently Risuku thought he might fall over. He didn’t think he’d ever seen the boy look so vulnerable. It was almost scary to see such someone so calm and composed break down like this.
He’s still pretty
Risuku’s mind supplied unhelpfully as Edikos cupped his cheek. “Thank the gods” He wiped at his eyes vigorously. Risuku loved his eyes, they were a perfect mix of orange and red. Like a sunset. “You shouldn’t have come with us, I told you it was too dangerous.” He said harshly. Risuku laughed and then winced as it sent a wave of pain through him.
“Since when have I listened to you, Greeny?” He grinned, though he was sure it wasn’t as easy-going as he meant it to be.
“Not listening to me is what got you hurt” Edikos bit back. His angry words were softened by his thumb stroking Risuku’s cheek.
He couldn’t help but smile, he still hurt like hell, and was lying in a pool of his own blood, but he had his boy with him. Even if Edikos wasn’t really his, it still felt nice.
“Where is Jenny?” Risuku asked as Edikos helped him sit up. He scoffed and waved his hand dismissively, wrapping his arms around his shoulders for support.
“She’s dead”
“I’m sorry”
Edikos frowned “Why are you sorry?” He asked as he pressed his lips to Risuku’s forehead and the pain faded to a dull ache. He sighed in relief, Fae’al magic really was impressive. Edikos kept his arms around him. “Don’t move, you’re still hurt” Risuku groaned and let his head flop against Edikos’s shoulder. Now that the pain was gone he could feel his insides shifting uncomfortably. He shuddered and tried to focus on anything else. “Holly is on her way, I just need you to hold on. '' Edikos tightened his grip on him and buried his face in Risuku’s dark hair. “Why were you sorry?”
He shrugged “You two were close, I know how you felt about her”
Edikos paused visibly and leaned in so that they were looking at each other “How I.. felt about her?”
“You loved her” Edikos laughed in disbelief as Risuku frowned at him “What? She told me about the two of you. You don’t have to hide it” He ignored the bitter taste in his mouth, his jealousy was the other reason he had been insistent on coming. The thought of Edikos and Jenny together made him want to be sick and cry at the same time.
“I’m not hiding anything, there was nothing going on between us”
“You don’t have to lie to spare my feelings” He said miserably, and then flinched as Edikos flicked his forehead hard.
“I don’t know what you’re going on about, but we were only ever friends” He tried to interrupt but Edikos continued “Whatever she told you was a lie.” He shook his head and laughed “If she meant that much to me, she wouldn’t be on the ground with a knife in her neck right now”
The little blood he still had in his body rose to his cheeks “So, you aren’t in love with her?”
“Gods save me from idiot boys” Edikos dragged his palm over his face “No I am not in love with her”
“Oh” He said and then nodded “Good”
“Good?”
“I didn’t like her”
“I wouldn’t expect you to, she stabbed you”
“I’ve never liked her”
By now his words had begun to slur, he could barely make out his friends face through his blurry vision. It must have shown because Edikos cursed and pinched his cheek harshly “Stay with me, Risuku.” Risuku nodded but he could feel himself slipping away. He pressed a light kiss to the underside of Edikos’s jaw, feeling him inhale sharply.
“Always” He mumbled and then promptly passed out.