Work Text:
“That’s all for today your majesty” Siduri says looking up from her stone tablet. Gilgamesh let out a heavy sigh standing up from the throne, walking down from the platform.
“Today…” siduri abruptly says. “Marks another year of Enkidu’s passing…” Gilgamesh stopped from walking, breathing heavily before saying anything.
“Yes, it is.” Gilgamesh says with weight in his voice.
No citizen of Uruk never forgot that day when Enkidu died. The bustling city was silent, not a single person did not mourn for them. The one who once stood beside their beloved king, the one who helped protect Uruk was now gone.
“Your majesty, I will take my leave now, please rest.” Siduri said taking a bow before leaving. Gilgamesh then retreated to his chambers to change into something more comfortable to sleep in. It only seemed like the blink of an eye to even notice it has been years since then.
Looking out the window of his chambers where the moon shines bright, he looks down at the city below sadly. “It only seemed like yesterday since you left my side.” He said, clutching the pendant his mother gave Enkidu all those years ago before their fight against humbaba.
Gilgamesh was seen looking out of the windows of his chambers, frustrated, cursing under his breath. After they slayed the bull of heaven, Enkidu has been sick, growing weaker each day. None of the priests can figure out what is going on, but it was only then they knew it was a punishment from the gods.
“Gil…” Enkidu whispered. Gilgamesh hissed, turning to Enkidu who’s sitting on the bed, approaching them.
“There has to be some way, there has to be-“
“Gil…” Enkidu calmly said, pulling Gilgamesh to sit down with them. “There’s nothing we can do, and you know that.” They said, looking at the king sadly.
“Enkidu-“
“I am a creation of the gods, and they can do as they please.” Enkidu said, cutting him off. “I slayed the bull of heaven after all.” Gilgamesh sighed deeply, clenching his jaw, and knitting his eyebrows in frustration. “I’m the one whom they're mad at, why are you the one being punished!?” He said, deliberately raising his voice.
“Gilgamesh, Uruk still needs you.” Enkidu said, still calm, yet stern.
“And It needs you as much as it needs me. Enkidu, ‘I’ need you.” Gilgamesh said, shifting to a more softer tone than before.
“Gil, we both know we don't have a choice. They’ve already made their decision. I’m dying, Gilgamesh. Yet you're still denying it!” Enkidu said, snapping out a little with tears welling up their eyes. “No, you're not.” Gilgamesh said, cupping their face.
“Gil, I am. I’ve been sick for days already.” Enkidu said, taking their hands to hold his, taking one of them to bring it close to their chest as a tear fell down their eye.
Gilgamesh wiped it, caressing their face gently. “I don’t want you to go.” He said, pressing up their forehead against theirs. “Neither do I. I don’t want to leave you.” They said, as more tears started to fall.
“We’ll talk about this again at another time, rest for now.” Gilgamesh said leaving the room.
Sometime later, Gilgamesh came back as Enkidu was still left sitting down the bed, only this time looking out the window. “Gil, I have a request, if you’re willing to fulfill it.” They said, not taking their eyes off the window.
“What is it?”
They paused for a while before speaking.
“I want to take a stroll around the city, knowing that this may be my last-“
“Don’t say that.” Gilgamesh said sternly, yet with a hint of sadness in his voice.
“Gil, there’s no denying it. Please.” They sighed.
“Can you stand up?” He asked, offering his hand for support. They smiled, taking his hand as he helped them to stand up. “Careful now.” Gilgamesh said supporting Enkidu. The two walked out with the king supporting his companion leaving the ziggurat.
The pair walked through the city with each of the citizens bowing their heads as they passed by. Despite their condition, Enkidu still managed to smile the same way as they used to. Gilgamesh loved that smile, but seeing it now hurts him in ways he can’t explain. Passing through the marketplace, the fields, Enkidu took all the sights in, not knowing what tomorrow would bring.
The long stroll has finally been put to a stop when the pair ended up in a familiar hill. Where these two had first met, and first fought. Enkidu smiled and sat down, motioning Gilgamesh to join them. Gilgamesh complied, sitting down next to them, taking in the sights. It was already twilight as the two rested on that hill, Enkidu resting their head onto Gilgamesh’s shoulder as the other ran his fingers through their hair.
“Are you tired?” Enkidu buried their face closer to the crook of his neck.
“A little.” they simply answered. Gilgamesh stopped brushing their hair only to hold them even closer, caressing their shoulder. “I wish moments like this would never end. They said softly. “Enkidu you are not going to-” Gilgamesh tried to speak, only to be shushed by them, placing a finger on his lip, giving him a resigned look. Gilgamesh sighed, taking their hand, caressing it gently before planting a kiss on their knuckles. It hurts him seeing them like this, growing weaker each day, even faint cracks were starting to show from the back of their neck. Gilgamesh tried brushing the thought of it, but it just can't. Knowing one day Enkidu would leave his side for eternity was simply unacceptable. After all, they did promise to be with him until the end, right?
“How about we make this one moment last.” Enkidu said, making Gilgamesh tilt his head in confusion. “What do you mean?” He asked. Enkidu sat up, pushing their face closer, placing a soft and quick kiss on the others lips. Gilgamesh was quite shocked about it at first, only to chuckle about it. “You could've just asked, you know.” The other softly laughed, bringing a hand to their cheek before pulling their faces closer to a deeper, yet sweet kiss. Enkidu cupped the other's face as he caressed their cheek gently. Enkidu didn't waste their time, savoring each moment, not knowing if this would be their last. Every hour, every minute, every second they're still by his side should not be wasted. The two pulled away after a while with Enkidu resting their head by his chest. “Let's stay here for a while like this, hmm?” Gilgamesh looked at them for a brief moment before humming in agreement.
The king went out to the balcony of the ziggurat where the two would always be at. With wine at hand, he looks at the night sky, then to the pendant he was holding.
“Things have been fine here in Uruk.” He sighed, drinking out of his wine. “It has been more or less the same. It's quite difficult without you.” Realizing what he has been doing, he scoffed laughing at himself. “What am I doing here talking to myself? The people shouldn't see their king in such a sorry state.” “However…” He said, taking a deep breath. “I wish you could've been here to see this with me.” Taking the pendant, carefully running his fingers through it before pressing a kiss upon it.
“I miss you, I’ll see you soon someday, my love.”