Chapter Text
Lie down, Druig signed. His fingers moved slowly, as he repeated the command.
Makkari frowned but obeyed. Despite the years spent apart, trust between them linger. She supposed it'd never really go away. Her feelings surely hadn't after being dormant for Lord knows how long.
Her stomach twisted at the thought of how her cheeks warmed when she saw him again. Druig didn't notice -- at least, she hoped he didn't notice how her smile grew tenfold when she laid eyes on him. She prayed he couldn't tell how giddy she'd been to feel his presence. He looked the same, of course. Dark hair and dark eyes that held more than he let on. He'd given her his usual teasing smile and it felt like they were transported thousands of years in the past where he relentlessly teased her and she dished it back with equal fire.
Seeing the rest of her family had been nice but seeing him unlocked something she hadn't felt in ages. Alive. Druig, with all his dark cynicism and biting remarks, made her feel alive.
His hand on her shoulder broke her out of the daydream. She looked over as he took a spot next to her on the edge of the bed.
You should get some rest.
She shook her head and tried to sit up. There was work to be done. She'd rested long enough. Too long, actually. Shame crept in as she recalled how long she'd stayed hidden, away from everyone and everything. Away from him… There was no excuse.
Hey, stop it. Druig frowned and eased her back against the pillow. Stop it. I know what you're doing. You don't deserve that.
How do you know?
Because I know you.
She scowled. He laughed, body shaking the bed. How long had it been since she felt someone laugh? Fifty years? Maybe sixty?
She couldn't resist reaching out to lay a hand on his chest. His laughter faded a bit. The remaining vibrations in his chest felt like echoes. Her fingers curled around his shirt, trying to grasp onto the feeling before it was completely gone.
Druig leaned into her grip. He was close enough for her to smell. His scent was different from all those years ago. Now he smelt of pine and honey. His hand was rough on the back of her palm as he held her in place.
She couldn't look up. Not because she didn't want to but because he'd see her for who she truly was this close. And she couldn't bear it. She could survive Sprite's judgments and Kingo's quips. Not Druig. Never Druig.
Look, he traced the letters on her fingers. Look.
She shook her head, dipping her gaze further down to her lap. He hooked a finger underneath her chin and urged her up. She tried to resist but he was persistent. Always persistent. Though annoying, it was nice to see that part of him remained unchanged.
You deserve to rest.
She shook her head. I'm not tired. You know that.
Then what's wrong?
She shrugged, trying to look like he had it all wrong. He knew better, of course. Hiding from Druig was like running from an all-seeing god, pointless.
I should have… She hesitated and then, forced herself to finish. I should have known something was wrong.
His forehead wrinkled with disapproval. How?
I don't know. Felt it somehow? We're all connected, right? Why didn't we feel it? That something was wrong? That Ajak was…
Her throat tightened. She sucked in a heavy breath and tried to push away her last memory with Ajak. Images came in, overwhelming her like she was in the middle of the ocean.
Makarri, breathe. Druig held her chin firm so she'd hold his gaze. Breathe with me.
She sucked in air that burned her lungs. It did nothing for the pain. Instead, oxygen helped the tears fall. Her cheeks were stained with salt. Druig pressed his free hand to her skin, doing his best to wipe away the drops.
When his hands didn't seem able to wipe her tears fast enough, he enlisted his lips. On one cheek, his thumb swiped her skin. On the other, he kissed away the wetness.
She felt her body relax in an instant. Druig lips felt like fire and when his tongue flicked out for a moment, her heart nearly stopped beating altogether.
His focus was astounding. With each flick of his tongue, her anxious thoughts subsided. She brought one hand up to cling to his wrist. He pulled back, only for a second, as if to ask if this was okay. If him still kissing her was okay even though her tears were long gone.
She nodded and he looked relieved. So, he must feel as she did? He must have needed her skin pressed against his.
Makarri was never one to fantasize during waking hours. She felt it was a waste of time. But when she allowed herself some moments of indulgence, her mind always wander to Druig. There were so many scenarios in her mind. So many possibilities. It was hard for her to trust that the Druig in front of her was real. Because in reality, he only ever teased her. In the thousands of years they'd been alive, he never once got close to kissing her. Even when Sersi and Ikaris began falling in love, showing it was possible for Eternals to be together, Druig didn't seem interested. What changed?
He said something. She felt it on her cheek but couldn't make out the words. When he repeated it, she pulled away a bit to get a glimpse of his mouth.
What? She stared at his lips, expectantly.
He shook his head and leaned in closer. Their noses brushed and mouths were mere millimeters apart. He wasn't going to repeat himself but maybe that didn't matter because he was about to do something better.
Just as her lips parted, readying for contact, he pulled away. It was lightning speed, leaving her with whiplash.
Her cheeks felt cold with his touch gone. She glanced up to find him looking towards the doorway. Phastos stood with his hands behind his back, watching them with quiet interest.
What? Druig stayed seated and tried to keep a straight face. Makarri noticed the tension in his jaw as he glared at their surprise visitor.
We need to talk. Phastos's mouth moved as he signed. He jerked his chin over his shoulder, indicating they should follow him. He didn't tease them as Kingo would have. Makarri felt relief wash over her at the thought.
Give us a minute. Druig stood but didn't move from the side of the bed.
Phastos nodded, giving no protest as he started back down the hall.
I'm sorry. Druig offered her a small smile.
She shook her head, half-confused, half-disappointed. You don't need to apologize. You did nothing wrong.
Wanting him and not being wanted in return was her greatest fear. Was that fear becoming a reality?
I know. I'm not sorry for that. I'm sorry because we didn't get to finish.
And there went her heart. Makarri knew she was physically incapable of dying from heart failure but this had to be something close to it.
Later. Druig looked serious. Determined.
All she could do was nod numbly and accept his hand as he helped her onto her feet.
Later, she signed and hoped they'd be able to follow through on the offer.