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“Remember that time you were so busy checking your phone that you slipped and fell down the stairs?” Io whispers as he stares up at the sky. He doesn’t know why he’s whispering but it just feels right to. Ryuu grins up at him from his spot resting on Io’s lap. Io is cramping badly but he doesn’t dare move Ryuu.
“Yeah… you were so worried about me. I insisted that I was fine but it turns out that I broke my ankle.” Ryuu sighs at the memory still slightly embarrassed by his stubbornness. Io had to practically carry him to the exit and then they bickered about needing to go to the hospital. The nurse commented on how they were like a married couple which had them blushing the whole night.
“In the hospital you had me promise that I’d be more careful.” Ryuu mummers voice suddenly lowering in volume. Io tenses as Ryuu’s eyes flutter close for a moment. The rapid beating of his heart doesn’t stop even when Ryuu opens his eyes again.
“Yeah I did make you promise.” Io confirms grabbing Ryuu’s hand gently. The chirping birds in the background sound like they are mocking him. The sky seems too blue and bright for his tastes. The smell of copper is strong but Io does his best to ignore it.
“Sorry that I couldn’t keep it.” Ryuu apologizes as he squeezes Io’s hand using the rest of the strength he has. Being a magical hero had overall been silly but they were still heroes and the job was still dangerous. The monster was unexpectedly strong, Ryuu was rash in his actions, and no one was fast enough.
“You don’t have to apologize.” Io gently chastises while brushing the hair out of Ryuu’s face. The boy smiles softly leaning in to Io’s touch. He hums softly but the sound is interrupted by a harsh cough that brings blood with it.
“Hey promise me something?” Ryuu asks suddenly as the edges of his vision go black. Io can see that time is running out but he still pretends like it’s all okay. As if somehow by just ignoring it, this will all go away.
“Of course I can.” Io agrees ignoring the weight on his chest. His vision is blurring now by the tears that won’t fall.
“Promise me that in our next lives we confess our love at a better time?”
Io can’t help the smile that rises to his face at this request. Of course Ryuu would do his best to keep the mood light despite the gaping hole in his chest. Io opens his mouth to reply but finds no words. Ryuu presses a chaste kiss to the back of Io’s hand unable to do much more than that. That was enough to finally drag out the tears Io tried his hardest to keep in.
“I promise.” Io finally manages to choke out.