Title: One Last Breath
Author: Jyorraku
Rating: PG
Category: Drama
Code: S
Summary: Plot bunny inspired by a Creed song title but not really a song fic.
Notes: Many thanks to Mara for the beta. You rock:) Any more pesky mistakes are my own because I didn't know any better.
One Last Breath
by Jyorraku
I was suddenly aware, my life rendered into a sharp magnification colors and textures. I could see details that would otherwise not have caught my attention before. The little scratches in the bulkhead, a strand of hair caught on the armrest of a chair at the corner of the room. It was then I realized what was going to happen, and a sudden surge of panic seized my throat, fingers clawing at the passage of precious air. My senses were flooded, until I nearly felt overwhelmed with sensation. So I clung to the one thing that was familiar, and sought out the comforting background sounds of the ship. Instead, I heard a faint buzz around me, shifting like restless spirits, waiting for the last words to breathe through my lips.
I surreptitiously glanced at the man next to me. He caught my gaze and smiled at me, awkwardly. I almost laughed at that. He was a man of action, and yet on this particular occasion, he was helpless. Little ol' me had rendered one of Starfleet's finest utterly speechless. Of course, that was my department. Yet somehow at this crucial moment, I couldn't compose the sounds to say what was most assuredly in my heart. Squeezing gently at my hand, he searched my countenance for the words I couldn't find the courage to voice.
It was then, when I saw his eyes, that I found my peace among the cacophony. I had come thus far and what lay ahead no longer filled me with fear, because he was here with me. Upon that gentle realization, air and strength flowed through me once more.
I, Hoshi Sato, took one last breath and bravely ventured forth to the strange new world ahead of me. The words floated out, like the first thawing breeze of spring.
"I do."