Penname: calin-durus

Original or Derivative (fanfiction): Derivative

Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): Rated T, thanks again to Kim... trying to keep my tenses in check ;)

Disclaimer: All copyrights, trademarked items, or recognizable characters, plots, etc. mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without their express written authorization.

Prompt: Pulse

Thump thump... thump thump... thump thump...

I could still hear my heart. It has slowed as the pain and fire increase, but it's still beating. I know he's listening to it as well. Worried, for I'm the first he's done this to. Scared that he'll lose me. Even more afraid that I'll forget.

Thump thump...

I think back to all the times I've shared with him. The day he found me, in a similar position to the one I'm in now, strapped to a bed, waiting for death.

I think of the way he would smile at me when I thought I had the upper hand, each second together solidifying my love for him.

My body contorts itself to fight against the flames that lick at every nerve in my body. The movement seems so much like those of when we are in the throes of passion.

Thump... thump...

I will myself to open my eyes, to see the one I love one last time before I am no longer human. His beautiful face comes into view. His hair looks as though he has been pulling on it, stressed about his decision. His face, so torn between elation at the prospect of forever and terror for what may come.

His ruby eyes meet mine and, though I know it is pointless to do so, I smile at him, letting him know that I'm okay.

Yes, my love, it hurts. But soon we will have forever.

He leans forward and presses his lips to mine. "I love you," he whispers to me. Even in the deafening silence of the room, I can hear his voice crack under his calming exterior.

I wince as the flames get hotter, but soon a feeling of lust washes over me. Weakly, I laugh and try to accuse him of cheating, earning a soft chuckle from him as he places his lips to my neck.

"Soon," he whispers as my eyes flutter closed and my heart beats for the last time.