Goodbye
The letter shook in his trembling hands. Andrew closed his eyes, bowing his head.
On the tiny nightstand beside the bed, the candle flickered, threatening to go out.
He looked over at his sleeping companion. Theodore lay still on his side, breathing slowly. The flickering light highlighted the curves and lines of his face. He turned back to the letter.
He had read it so many times, now. He couldn't quite believe it, each time. Slowly the news had begun to sink in. His hands held onto the letter, coming to rest in his lap as he sat up in bed. He sighed heavily.
"Bad news?"
Andrew turned his head, "I didn't mean to wake you." He said softly.
"Are you all right?"
Andrew bit his lip.
Theodore wordlessly pulled back the covers from himself and slid out of bed.
Andrew didn't protest when he climbed into the small cot with him. He shifted over, giving him more room.
Theodore wrapped his arms around him, drawing him close. He laid his hand on top of Andrew's.
Andrew shifted, the folded and creased paper revealing its contents.
Theodore read over his shoulder. He inhaled slowly. "I'm sorry, And'."
"The perils of being so far from home… I was never able to say goodbye…" Andrew squeezed his eyes shut.
Theodore said nothing. He held his lover tightly, rocking him gently.
Andrew sobbed into him, clinging to Theodore's arms. He was his strength when his own had run out.
Theodore waited until the shaking had quelled, reduced to gentle trembling. He pressed a soft, reassuring kiss to the top of his head, feeling the silky hair, which somehow always seemed to smell of herbs, against his lips.
Andrew sniffed hard. He closed his eyes and focused on breathing slowly.
Theodore held him close. He felt his lover's body slowly begin to relax against him, and his breathing slow to a steady and rhythmic pace. He reached forward and carefully slipped the crumpled letter from Andrew's loosened grip, setting it aside on the small nightstand.
He laid his arms around the sleeping body against him, lightly stroking his loose hair. He lay awake, watching over him.
He blew out the candle, letting darkness engulf the room.
The End