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The first IV was like a warm tea on a winter night, simple yet a comforting presence to Vessel. The man rarely talks but always managed to show his affection through his actions. He would silently place his hand on Vessel’s knee — giving it a light squeeze — every time Vessel starts to feel fidgety. He would bring a cup of freshly brewed tea to him every single morning, without fail.
It was a rough transformation, it was supposed to make him stronger. But he just couldn't overcome it. Vessel could see how IV grew weaker day by day. It was heartbreaking to see him bear the pain for every second that he was awake.
During the day where the pain is at its peak, IV would only be able to sit down leaning on the pillows on his bed. He would silently listen to any of them talk about anything that’s on their mind. Only replying in short words or a small gentle smile.
Sunset was his favorite time of the day. Ever since the beginning, he loved to watch the sun sets. One of them would be beside him, just basking in the warm orange glow, chatting in whispers as though if they were too loud it would disturb the sun. The reason why he loved sunset so much was not only because he gets to see the sky painted beautifully in shades of oranges and yellows, but because it means it’ll be night time soon. And night time means less pain.
He would get slightly better at night, breathe better. The cold air helps ease IV’s pain, muting the burning pain across his skin and muscles. Vessel and the others would take turns to cuddle him at night so that IV wouldn't get too cold as he wouldn’t use any blanket, letting the cold air hit his skin.
When IV got so weak that he couldn't sit up properly Vessel would open the window as wide as he can, before gently moved him to a sitting position so he can keep seeing the sun sets each day. They all knew it wouldn't be long for IV. So they make each day counts. They would talk to him, singing to him or with him, read him poetry, and a lot of snuggle time. Making sure that IV knows how much they loved him and how much they cherished him.
One day, Vessel woke up with a hunch. A bad one. It rumbles in the pit of his stomach. Vessel wanted to ignore it, act as if nothing was wrong even though he knew very well what that hunch meant. So he spent the whole day with IV. From the moment IV woke up and till the sunset, doing everything that IV liked to do. Starting with a breakfast together in bed, reading IV his favorite poem, to spending a good few hours of just silently watching an old TV show that both of them already memorize to heart from how often they watched it. He even carried IV to their porch so he can see the sun sets better. They cuddled on the bench, Vessel has his arms wrapped tightly around IV. Vessel's hands were trembling, signaling how close he is to crying. Truly a man of few words, IV only smiled at him while rubbing circles on his back. Silently telling Vessel that he's still there so don't cry.
Like lovers entwined, they tangled endlessly.
As the sun began to set, he could feel IV giving in. Hands growing weaker, slower, colder against his back. IV was gone as soon as the sun fully sets. Eyes closing, as the night seeps into sky. Yet he was still wrapped around Vessel’s arms, still had that sweet gentle smile adorning his face. He looks just as divine as the first time he met him in their garden.
Vessel spent all night cradling IV's cold body. Crying softly, singing lowly to the dearest one laying stiffly in his arms.
The night comes down like heaven,
Releasing IV from all of his pain. So he can run freely through the meadow of flowers as he waits for the others to join him in their own time.