Last night I had a dream in which Reno and Rude were being pursued by some unseen enemy through pools by the waterfalls at Healen. I just had a vivd image of Reno lying in shallow water. I knew Rude was somewhere near by, but I couldn't see him. This drabble was in my head pretty much as it is now when I woke up.
It's thoroughly depressing. Warning - death.
Next time I have a Reno dream, can I have one that puts a smile on my face, please?
Over
A shot. A splash. He knew that Rude must have fallen, but before he could call out to make sure his partner was okay he was down too, lying face up in shallow water, seeing flat grey rock, sparse grasses, a corner of blue sky. He tried to turn his head to see where Rude –
In a minute. If he just took a moment to gather himself, he'd be able to get up and –
"Rude! Hold on, I'm –"
There was a huge heaviness in his limbs, a weight on his chest, and he knew he must be wounded, although he couldn't tell where. He'd have to get out of this water – soon…
If he took this next breath and –
"Rude?"
He couldn't turn his head, but his hand touched something warm. He thought it was Rude's hand. He tried to make his fingers work to grasp it.
Rude didn't speak – but, hey, when did he ever?
Okay, partner? You know, we should get going… Can't lie around here all day doing nothing. Rude…
Rude
He knew he had to move, and put all of his energy into the attempt. Around him the red water stirred, barely disturbed.
Stilling, now.