Really?
A Word: Request for a prompt involving jumping into the others' arms. I could not help but think this brand of idiocy is a modern AU thing.
.
.
Pain.
Pure and unrelenting in a way that Altair hasn't felt in his whole life. So strong it sucks all the air from his lungs and he has to fight through it to suck in more air. Forcing his paralyzed lungs to work once more. Drawing in first one then a second breath.
The air is sweet but the action makes the pain spike hard enough that sparks dance behind his closed eyes. Lighting up the darkness behind the lids. He wonders if the continued pain is worth being able to breath, but his lungs have already gotten past the paralyzing pain and he has no control over it anymore.
The pain ebbs with his breathing. Growing sharper and lesser in time with it so that he can measure it out enough to become accustomed to it. Only when the pain isn't his whole world anymore does he crack open his eyes.
Malik looks down at him. Face set in mild disgust and apathy. He waits until he's sure he has Altair's full attention before allowing his lips to turn up in a mocking smile. His voice is saccharine and lilting when he speaks. "And what did you think would happen when you threw yourself at a one armed man, Altair? Honestly. Tell me, I'm morbidly curious as to what kind of thought process led to that brilliant decision."
"Fuck you," Altair breathes out, and then glares as Malik laughs.
.
.