Title: 18. So many things to do today and not enough time to do them
Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Romance
Rating: K
Note: Maybe not exactly having much to do with 'today', but this is what came to mind. And once again I've fallen into the final moments of the series, I suppose that I have many different angles and possibilities that I want to explore.
Also, since it has been a while since the latest update, I'll post a couple of more shorties here in a minute. Happy reading.
He's torn, I can see it in his eyes. Even though we're separated, I still know exactly how he feels, because I feel it too.
"I've been selfish, Ya- ... Atem. I said that I wanted to show you the world, but truth is I just wanted you to stay."
"Aibou, I..."
"No, let me finish."
I lower my eyes and reach for his hand, it's warm, I've never held his warm hand before. I smile and stroke my thumb over his palm before looking back up at him.
"It's alright, Atem. I understand. There was so much we planned, so many nights of forever, but deep down, we both knew this day would come. And it's okay."
"Is it, aibou, is it really?"
He puts the hand not in mine on my cheek, wiping away the tears I didn't knew I shed. His eyes say so much and I can see how tired he is. I nod.
"Yes, really"
It doesn't matter that I wanted him to stay, it doesn't matter what plans I made or that the time has run out. All that matters is that he is happy, and no matter how much I wish for it, his true and complete happiness does not lie with me. Not like this, never like this.
"I love you, aibou."
Is that...tears in his eyes? It is, and I cannot help but smile, it's so unusual to see him like this, without his perfect control.
"I love you too, Atem, that will never change. So please, don't cry for me, we'll meet again sometime. I promise."
I see the question in his eyes; he's wondering how I can make such a promise. The truth is that I don't know how, I simply know we will.
"It is time, my pharaoh."
We both start at the words, the spell is broken and Atem once more puts on that mask of his, but he can't hide his eyes from me, he never could.
"Thank you, aibou."
I can't seem to speak any longer, so I nod. There was so much that I wanted to do with him, so much I wanted to show him, and I knew all along that there would be no time for it.