Hi, everyone. Soooo sorry it took me this long to update this story. I had a very hectic semester planning for student teaching in the spring, so I was crazy busy. Here is the much awaited for chapter 8!

VIII

Morning came ridiculously fast. Everyone was bustling around and preparing for the wedding. Chel had gone off somewhere to put her dress on and Tulio remained in the temple.

Miguel stood in the back of the temple alone, for Thelina had gone to prepare as well. He was already dressed in his God's attire. He touched one of the folds in his skirt, feeling the vial he had hidden. Ihopethisworks.He sighed and walked out to the main part of the temple where he spotted Tulio struggling with his headdress. "You have it on backwards," he said, approaching him and fixing the headdress.

"Oh, thanks," Tulio said. He turned to face Miguel, frowning at how worn out he looked. "You look like crap."

Miguel looked away from him. "You expect me to be excited? You're marrying a woman you barely know who has plans with the high priest to kill us." He looked back at Tulio and shook his head. "I told you what I heard and you didn't believe me."

"Miguel, I-"

"Will you believe me when I'm dead, Tulio? After she kills me? You know she'll make you watch me die."

"Stop it! Don't talk like that!" Tulio exclaimed, visions of his nightmare appearing in his mind.

"It's the truth," Miguel said sadly.

Tulio shook his head. "I can't stand the thought of losing you, Miguel. I'm sorry about everything that's happened."

"Not everything," Miguel said.

"What do you mean?"

"You're still going through with this wedding," Miguel pointed out. He looked at Tulio pleadingly. "I can't stand this, Tulio. What happened to us? I love you!"

Tulio's eyes widened. "What?"

"I said I love you," Miguel repeated. "I always have." Tears formed in his eyes and he suddenly stepped forward and embraced Tulio.

Tulio's heart exploded with joy at the three words Miguel had just said, and he hugged Miguel tightly. "Miguel-"

"I know you hate me and would rather forget me," Miguel interrupted. "Just know that I love you and I'll do anything to keep you safe."

Tulio frowned. "I don't hate you," he whispered. He was about to continue when the chief called from the temple entrance.

"My Lords, the ceremony is ready to begin!"

Tulio bit his lip, a million emotions running through his mind. He was brought back to reality when Miguel pulled away from him. "Miguel…"

"It's time," Miguel murmured, unable to keep the grief and sorrow out of his voice.

Tulio put his hands on Miguel's shoulders to keep him from moving. "This isn't over. I'm going to make this work. I…I love you too."

Miguel looked at him sadly. "Not enough to pick me over her." He turned and walked away towards the entrance.

Tulio's heart crumbled again and a new wave of guilt and grief hit him. He swallowed hard and hurried to catch up with Miguel. "I need you, you're my partner." He frowned when Miguel didn't answer him and instead continued to walk. He was running out of time to save what he and Miguel had. "Miguel, please listen to me!"

"My Lords!" the chief cut in happily. "Allow me to show you to your places."

Tulio was struck dumb when Miguel walked away to stand by Thelina, who kissed him on the cheek. "Chief…I-I can't do this."

The chief was surprised. "It is usually the bride who is nervous. You will do fine my Lord, now stand up here."

Tulio stepped up to some sort of alter, looking back at Miguel to find him staring sadly at the ground. Thisisallmyfault.

The ceremony began suddenly with some people playing instruments. The chief was the first to walk up the aisle and come to the altar. Some children followed, throwing flower petals everywhere. Chel finally came out, holding a bouquet of flowers. She smiled at Tulio, and he smiled in return as he took her hand in his when she reached the altar.

"You look beautiful," he said.

"Thank you," she replied, blushing a little.

"Let us begin," the chief announced happily.

Miguel stood back with Thelina and stared blankly ahead as the chief began. He felt Thelina take hold of his hand after a while.

"You look troubled," Thelina whispered.

"Tulio told me he loves me."

"That is wonderful!"

"Not enough to call off the wedding obviously," Miguel continued bitterly. "I poured my heart out to him, and this is what he does in return."

Thelina frowned, and she was about to speak when the chief announced it was time for the toast. "That's us."

Miguel's stomach dropped. ThisiswhereImakemyscene.He followed Thelina up to the altar.

The chief presented Thelina first. "May toasting with Lady Thelina bring you good health in your future."

Thelina smiled as she stepped forward, embracing Tulio first and then Chel. She received a goblet of wine from Chel and stepped off to the side.

The chief then presented Miguel. "May toasting with Lord Miguel bring you continued happiness and friendship in your future."

Miguel stepped up to Tulio, who looked at him pleadingly. ThismightbethelasttimeIeverseehimagain.He reached out to shake Tulio's hand. "Well…good luck."

Tulio reached out and pulled Miguel into a tight embrace. "I meant it when I said I love you," he whispered.

Miguel pulled back and looked at him, memorizing his appearance. He then reluctantly embraced Chel and took a goblet from her. He paid no attention to Tzekel-Kan, who was next in line. When nobody was looking, he took out the vial and emptied its contents into the goblet. He then tossed the empty vial into the nearby bushes.

Thelina turned to him when the chief raised his goblet. "Cheers," she said with a smile.

Miguel smiled back and then downed the contents of the goblet. He could taste the bitter sweetness of the berry juice mixed with the wine. Shouldn'tbetoolongnow.Less than five minutes later, he began to feel the effects of the juice. His vision was blurring and his stomach was starting to hurt. He wrapped an arm around himself and whimpered a little.

Thelina looked at him in concern. "Are you alright?"

"No," Miguel said suddenly, dropping the goblet and attracting the attention of a few bystanders. He wrapped both arms around himself tightly; his stomach was killing him now and he could hardly stand. "It…h-hurts."

"My lord!" Thelina gasped.

Tulio overheard her and looked over at the two of them. He gasped when he saw Miguel nearly doubled over, a pained expression on his face. "What's happening?"

Everyone's attention was now on Miguel and Thelina.

Miguel cried out as pain ripped through him. He looked at Thelina, who had her hands on him in an attempt to steady him. "I…l-love him," he choked out. He suddenly crumbled to the ground.

"Miguel!" Tulio yelled in horror, rushing from the altar to get to his partner. He skidded to a halt and dropped to his knees next to him. "What happened to him?"

Thelina picked up the goblet Miguel had dropped and held it under her nose, her eyes widening in terror. "He's been poisoned!"

There was sudden chaos as everybody freaked out. The chief attempted to calm them, pushing the crowd back from the scene. "Give them space!" he ordered.

Tulio pulled Miguel up on to his lap, horrified at his pale appearance. "Miguel? Can you hear me?"

Miguel was shaking and occasionally convulsing. He was choking and gasping for air.

Tulio swallowed hard and forced back the tears that were threatening to fall. "Miguel…look at me. Please try."

Miguel struggled to open his eyes, looking at Tulio desperately. "T-Tul…lio," he choked out."

"I'm right here," Tulio said sadly, cradling him closer to himself. "You'll be ok." He saw Tzekel-Kan coming forward, surprisingly obvious concern written on his face. He glared at him and held Miguel tighter, images from his nightmare coming back. "You stay away from him!"

Tzekel-Kan glared back and then looked over at Chel, who clearly had no idea what was happening. "You did this," he growled.

Tulio looked between him and Chel. "What?"

"I did not!" Chel exclaimed angrily.

"He was poisoned!" Thelina yelled, also kneeling next to Miguel. "You were the one who handed him the goblet!"

Chel glared daggers at her. "I did not poison Miguel! Why would I do that?"

Tulio was trembling now, scared out of his wits because Miguel had fallen unconscious. "He…he told me you and Tzekel-Kan had a plan," he started, glaring between her and the high priest. "He said the two of you had plans to murder us!"

Gasps and cries rose up through the crowd as Chel simply stared at Tulio. Knowing she was caught, she jumped when Tzekel-Kan shouted at her.

"You knew it was not my wish to have Miguel murdered!" he snarled.

"Oh no," Chel snapped back. "You wanted him for yourself. You only wanted Tulio dead!"

Tulio froze and stared at Chel in disbelief. "What?"

"That's right, Tulio," Chel continued angrily. "Miguel told you the truth about our little plan. You didn't believe him…and now look what's happened!" She pointed at Miguel's seemingly lifeless figure in Tulio's arms. "But I didn't poison him. I had nice little plans to torture him and make you watch!"

Tulio gasped and looked at her. "How could you? I thought you loved me and wanted me to be happy!"

Chel smirked humorlessly. "I never cared about you."

Tulio sat in stunned silence as chaos ensued again.

"Guards! Seize them!" the chief ordered.

"We must get him to my temple," Thelina said shakily. "Tulio?"

"I didn't believe him," Tulio said. "I didn't believe him, my own partner. I got mad and pushed him away, called him a liar. Now this," he looked down at Miguel. "I did this, this is my fault. I should have listened to him."

"Tulio!" Thelina cried. "It's not your fault! Now please help me get him to the temple."

Tulio choked back tears as he lifted Miguel in his arms and rushed after Thelina. He nuzzled his cheek against Miguel's head. "Miguel, I'm so sorry! I love you, I'm sorry."

They were soon to the temple, and Tulio placed Miguel on one of the beds. He clung to his partner's hand desperately as Thelina rushed around. "Can you help him?" he asked hopefully.

"I have an antidote to overpower the poison," Thelina said. "I just hope it's enough. Try to wake him up, he has to drink it."

Tulio gently shook Miguel. "Miguel? Miguel, you have to wake up. Please wake up for me." He leaned forward and kissed Miguel's forehead. "Please, wake up."

"T-Tulio…" Miguel whispered in a raspy voice.

"Hey," Tulio said softly, brushing his hand through Miguel's hair. He noticed how slow and ragged his breathing was now and was scared the antidote wouldn't work in time. "You have to stay awake for me, ok?"

Miguel coughed and then groaned in agony. He wrapped his arms around himself again. "H-Hurts…too much."

"I know, but Thelina can help you," Tulio pleaded.

"Miguel," Thelina called gently, coming to stand beside him. "I have the antidote I told you about. I need you to drink it, ok?"

Tulio lifted Miguel a little and supported him as Thelina held the cup to his mouth. "What exactly will this stuff do?"

"Make him release the poison from his body," Thelina answered.

"How?" Tulio asked. His question was answered when Miguel lurched forward. He watched Thelina grab a nearby jug and plop it in his lap. Miguel choked violently and then began to vomit."

"All we can do now is wait," Thelina said.

Tulio looked at her and noticed that's he had tears in her eyes that she wouldn't allow to fall. Sheloveshim,doesn'tshe.

"Tulio," Miguel whispered weakly, leaning on him. "M-Make it…s-stop."

"You got the antidote, you're going to be ok," Tulio assured him calmly, tucking some hair behind his ear. "I'm not going to leave your side."

"Here," Thelina said, handing Tulio a glass of water. "Let him drink that, I'm going to get him a blanket."

Tulio took the glass and held it out for Miguel to drink. "Do you feel any better?"

"No," Miguel said quietly, looking up at Tulio.

Tulio frowned, recognizing the pained expression on his face. It was a look he got whenever himself or Tulio were injured or sick to a point where it was unbearable. "It will take a while for the pain to go away, but you'll feel better, I promise."

Miguel closed his eyes and shivered. Tulio held him closer to keep him warn until Thelina returned with a blanket.

"Ok, you need to rest now," Thelina said.

Tulio set Miguel back down on the bed. He took the blanket from Thelina and covered him with it. "Hey," he said calmly, waiting for Miguel to look at him. "I love you."

Miguel smiled weakly and then fell asleep.

Tulio sighed and sat down next to the bed. "What's going to happen to Chel?"

"She will be held prisoner," Thelina answered, looking at Miguel's sleeping form. "As will Tzekel-Kan. He will not hurt Miguel anymore."

"If he tries, I'll kill him with my bare hands," Tulio growled in frustration. "I cannot believe Chel tricked me like that, I thought she loved me." He closed his eyes and put his head down. "I can't believe I didn't listen to Miguel." He looked sadly at Thelina. "He really likes you, you know."

Thelina looked at Tulio questioningly. "He enjoys my company."

Tulio nodded. "I don't deserve him, Thelina, not after this." He was silent for a few moments. "You should be with him."

Thelina's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Tulio…"

"You can give him what I can't," Tulio continued. "You make him happy, all I bring him is pain and despair." He put his head down as tears threatened to fall. "I love him so much…but I can't be with him. I can't keep hurting him." He suddenly broke, and began to sob.

Thelina came around and embraced Tulio. "Tulio, Miguel only wants to be with you. He told me he loves you. You can't leave him."

"But he can do so much better than me!" Tulio choked out. "He deserves better than me." He wiped tears from his face and looked at Thelina. "You have to know…we're not gods."

Thelina smiled lightly. "I know."

Tulio's eyes widened. "Wha-how?"

"The day you slapped Miguel," Thelina began. "The bruise he received gave it away. Gods wouldn't bruise."

"Oh," Tulio said, remembering hitting Miguel and regretting it.

"Plus, never have I heard of a god who showed so much love and compassion for everything." She smiled down at Miguel. "I don't mind that the two of you are human, Tulio."

Tulio looked at her sadly. "You love him," he said quietly.

Thelina frowned a little, reaching out to touch Miguel's cheek. "I care deeply about him. I do not wish to see him so upset or hurt. But he loves you, Tulio. Don't forget that. He needs you, now more than anything."

Tulio sniffled and nodded, reaching over and gently stroking Miguel's cheek. "I never meant to cause him so much pain."

"I know," Thelina replied quietly. "I must go and inform the Chief of Miguel's health. I will return shortly."

"Ok," Tulio said, watching her go. He looked back down at Miguel and frowned. His partner looked so frail and vulnerable and he couldn't do anything about it. The memory of his pained expression earlier brought back an old memory. It was a time when they were in Spain, and they just had an argument over a botched con.

"Howcouldhavebeensostupid,Miguel?" Tulioyelled,pacingbackandforthintheirtinycabin.

"I'm sorry! I didn't see the guard standing there," Miguel answered honestly.

"You don't pay attention to anything!" Tulio snapped. "Thanks to you, we don't even have enough to get dinner tonight."

"Tulio, I'm sorry," Miguel pleaded.

"Sorry doesn't cut it!" Tulio pointed angrily at the door. "Get out, I don't want to see you right now."

"But Tulio it's-"

"Get OUT!"

Miguel frowned and slumped his shoulders. He quietly left the cabin, leaving Tulio alone.

It had stormed horribly that night, thunder crashing and rain hammering the roof. Tulio now paced nervously because Miguel hadn't come home yet. He knew Miguel hated storms, and there was nowhere for him to go. Tulio anxiously grabbed his poncho and a lantern and set out to look for Miguel.

The streets were dark and vacant, and Tulio became more panicked at every corner that he didn't find Miguel. He finally came around a bend to find his partner huddled near the wall, and he nearly dropped the lantern. He rushed over and knelt in front of him. "Miguel?"

Miguel looked up at him, frightened. He was soaked and shivering. "Tulio," he responded, jumping when thunder cracked suddenly.

Tulio put an arm around him and hugged him. "I'm sorry I got mad at you. Come on, let's go home. I don't want you out here alone anymore." He helped Miguel up and pulled him close as they made their way back to the cabin.

Needless to say, Miguel fell ill from being in the rain and cold for so long. Tulio tried helping him, knowing they couldn't get a doctor because they were criminals. He watched Miguel cough and shiver violently for days, terrified that he would lose him.

Tulio put another blanket over Miguel's shivering form. "Miguel," he said quietly.

Miguel looked at him with the most pained expression Tulio had ever seen. "Tulio," he coughed. "I'm so…c-cold."

Tulio frowned, pulling Miguel up against himself and holding him tightly. "I've never seen you this sick before, it scares me."

With Miguel being too sick to leave bed, Tulio had to attempt cons on his own. Only a handful were successful enough to win him enough money to buy food. He hated leaving Miguel alone, but he had to. He came home one day to find his partner passed out on the floor.

"Oh my god, Miguel!" Tulio exclaimed in horror, rushing to his partner's side. "Miguel? Wake up, Miguel."

"Tulio?" Miguel asked weakly.

Tulio pulled him into his lap. "Are you ok?"

"I thought you…left me," Miguel said quietly. "I…wanted to find you."

Tulio frowned and hugged Miguel tighter. "I didn't leave you, I just had to go win some money." He picked Miguel up and carried back to the bed. "Don't worry…I won't leave your side."

Tulio sighed at the memory. It wasn't the last time he had caused Miguel some sort of pain. "I wish I could take it all back," he said to Miguel's sleeping form. "I wish I could right every wrong I did to you, make everything better." He took Miguel's hand in his own once again. "I've seen how much Thelina cares about you. She's taken really good care of you without me around. I…I think the two of you deserve to be together. I should go back to Spain and be alone like I deserve to be. I don't deserve you." He put his head down on the bed once more and cried silently.

TBC