Chapter Text
Rythian woke up with a pounding headache and a bad taste in his mouth. He groaned and blindly tried to sit up, but someone’s hand stopped him. His eyes shot open and saw a very normal looking, smiling Kim.
“What?” He asked, his voice hoarse.
“You don’t want to do that, mate.” She said, pushing him back down on the bed.
Rythian smiled, “So it worked.” He croaked out, coughing. Before Kim could thank him, he continued. “Where… Where am I?” Rythian asked hesitantly, looking around the room.
“You’re in my and Lalna’s bedroom.” Kim said, gesturing around her. At seeing Rythian’s skeptical expression, she quickly added, “We have separate beds. It’s not like that between me and Lalna, we’re just bros.” She said, chuckling.
Rythian pretended to be shocked, “What are you talking about? Why would I-”
Kim cut him off, “Come one, Rythian. Don’t lie to me. I know how you feel.”
Rythian was thankful he didn’t have the energy to blush. Le looked away, spotting a chair close to the side of the bed. He raised an eyebrow at Kim.
“That wasn't me. Lalna hasn’t moved from your side since your black out.” Kim said, shaking her head disapprovingly. “I only just got him away long enough to get him to change his clothes just now.”
Rythian furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, “How long have I been out?”
Kim pursed her lips, “3 Days.”
“What?!” Rythian exclaimed. “3 days!”
Kim nodded, “You had a lot taken out of you, Rythian.” Kim paused, “Thank you.” She said, softly. “Thank you so much.
Rythian smiled sheepishly, “No problem.”
They both heard footsteps coming up the stairs and both of them turned to see Lalna buttoning up his lab coat, “Alright Kim, happy? I changed! How’s Ryth doi-” He looked back up and cut himself off when he saw Rythian. “Rythian…” He practically whispered.
“I’m alive.” Rythian teased with a weak voice and a small smile.
“Oh god.” Lalna said, almost running over to the bedside. He pulled Rythian into a hug and held on tight. “Thank you. Thank you so much for helping. I owe you so much, Rythian.” Rythian chuckled and hugged him back. “I thought you died.” Lalna whispered, probably not expecting Rythian to hear.
“I don’t die that easily Lalna.” Rythian whispered back.
Lalna chuckled, “Clearly.” He pulled back but kept his arm on Rythian.
Kim hit Lalna’s shoulder and gave him a stern look, “Go on then.” She said, forcefully.
Rythian looked between them, confusion clear in his face. Lalna blushed and shook his head, “He just woke up.”
“He could pass out again, right now Lalna. Tell him.” Kim said, her eyes narrowing.
“Fine.” Lalna said sharply, turning back to Rythian as his blush deepened. “Rythian… I very much thought you died when you passed out or at the least dying in my arms.” Lalna said, flinching at the memory. “You’re breathing was shallow and your nose was leaking black stuff, I… I was panicking.” Lalna rubbed the back of his neck.
“Ok.” Rythian said, his heart skipping a beat at the thought of Lalna being that worried. “Why are you telling me this?”
Lalna looked to the floor, “Rythian I am so sorry for what I’ve done. I am so sorry for everything I’ve ever did to you and even for asking you for this favor.”
“It’s in the pas-”
“Wait.” Lalna said, holding up a finger. “Just wait.” He repeated. He took a deep breath, “I am incredibly sorry for all of it. I would do whatever I can to avoid you altogether. To try and stay out of your life in fear of ruining it further.” Rythian wanted to object but Lalna had told him to wait. “But when you gave out on the floor like that… I don’t think I could handle something happening to you and me not being able to be there.” Rythian’s eyebrows skyrocketed and he was sure he was dreaming. “And I know I don’t deserve it… but I’m going to be selfish.” Lalna looked up at him and Rythian was surprised at the amount of sincerity in his eyes. “After all… since when has being selfish stopped me.” Lalna leaned forward and Rythian was frozen on the spot.
Lalna’s lips pushed against his. Rythian was frozen in uncertainty and fear. The kiss was brief but full of something Rythian and Lalna were both too scared to admit.
Lalna pulled back, his face red, and then turned to Kim, “Happy? I told him! Now’s he going to leave!” He said, glaring at Kim.
Kim smiled widely, “I don’t see him leaving Lalna.”
Though Kim was correct and Rythian had no will to leave, he still didn’t know what to do. His brain was short-circuiting, stuck between the old times and the new ones. “I… I’m not going to leave.” Rythian said, hesitantly.
Lalna turned back to him with a raised eyebrow, “You’re not?”
Rythian stared at him for a second. What did he have to lose? His life? Something like that really didn’t matter that much. So what the hell! Rythian thought. Why not be selfish? “No.” Rythian said, grabbing Lalna’s lab coat and tugging him forward. He kissed him, softly at first and then Lalna pushed harder, making Rythian’s other arm lean on the bed for support.
Kim cleared her throat and both ignored her, too concerned in the kiss. Kim rolled her eyes, “He’s still hurt! No fooling around until he’s walking!” She yelled, tugging Lalna back in his chair.
Rythian chuckled and Lalna pouted, “Later.” Lalna said, winking.
Rythian blushed beet red and Kim sighed, “I’m going to have make another room, cause I’m not sleeping in here with you too.”
THE END