A/N: I published another chapter from Tumblr too, so here you go :D
MAYBLADE 2023: DAY 20 - SCAR
Title: The Scars of Time
Rating: T
Summary: The scar on his skin didn't affect him, but not the one deep in his heart.
Setting: Modern Day Japan
Characters: Ozuma, Mariam
Pairings: Ozuma/Mariam
The Scars of Time ~
The dark sky was cast with grey clouds that night. Lightning and thunderstorms were evident. The bizarre environment added to the misery of the guardian, who was seated before the mirror of the dressing table. He slowly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a small scar on his chest. It was no longer painful, but it hurt him mentally. It was more of a scar stabbing deep into his mind than the skin. His emerald eyes conveyed millions of emotions.
The twenty-year-old man got up and punched the wall. He gritted his teeth and shouted, "Aah!"
His love was bedridden for the past two weeks. Some local thugs caught his girlfriend off-guard and brutally beat her. He saved her by defeating them all at once. He got a scar while fighting them.
'Mariam...'
The doctor said she might lose her life if she is not strong enough to endure. He knew she was strong, but feared that he might have to lose her forever. They knew each other for a long time and were assigned to missions for endless times. He never knew she had feelings for him until he learned recently. Now, he feels that he hasn't understood her worth as much as he should. Such an incident left a huge impact on him.
"Only if I had the ability to heal her, which of course don't have! I am so useless!"
He moved to the town side for further education. However, during his vacation, he went back to the village. Mariam goes to her college by train and it was near Saint Shields' village.
Ozuma hastily picked up the bike keys and rode to the hospital.
-x-
"Wait for five minutes, sir."
Ozuma couldn't wait. She has been unconscious for two solid days. He wished he could carry her by his arms and take her to his home.
The nurse allowed him to enter. Most of her wounds were treated, and he checked the CT scan reports. He can't infer anything, since he has no clue about the medical field. He wanted to ask the doctor later.
He examined her once. She was exhausted, and her lips were dry, yet intact despite being loose. Her white skin turned pale. An oxygen mask and tubes were connected to her.
Ozuma gently leaned towards her and rubbed her forehead.
Suddenly, her eyes flickered. Ozuma couldn't be more surprised. Her eyelids gently opened, and fast tears came out.
"Mariam..." Ozuma murmured and clad her into his arms.
"Ozuma? Where am I?" She pulled off her oxygen mask.
"Baka! You scared me! I was behaving like a madcap for all these days! Do you know? You were admitted to this hospital, and you were unconscious for the past two days! Those fucking idiots abused you to the core!"
"Don't cry Ozuma. I am alive and safe. What else do you want? I won't leave you so soon." Mariam said breathlessly.
Ozuma quickly parted from her.
"Relax. I'll tell the doctor."
"No, wait. Talk to me for a while."
Ozuma chuckled and went close to her.
"Ozuma, I have something to tell you. You are an amazing person, and I am blessed to have you in my life. Also, you are the best leader!"
"No Mariam, I couldn't save you at the right time. You were already beaten."
"Nah, thanks to you that I am alive. If you were okay and never diverted them, God knows what could've happened to me. You are my savior, Ozuma."
Ozuma reached close to her nose. He felt her hot and humid breaths.
"Ozuma, do you love me?"
He didn't respond but smiled and raked her jaw.
Mariam gently smiled and leaned forward, reaching his lips for a small dance. The kiss was deep, passionate, intimate, and heartfelt.
"How would I not? Because you healed the scar in my heart." He pecked her lips again.
"Get well soon, my love. I am waiting for you."
Thanks for reading!
-Nika.