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Theo never thought it would end like this— a slow and painful drag as he feels every second pass as his body shuts down. Left to die in some dark alley like he’s nothing.
No, he thought he'd go out fast and loud. Something so quick that he wouldn't have time to think about it.
But now that seems to be all he has and yet something he doesn't have enough of. Not when there's still so much he wants to do— things he needs to say. Especially to Liam.
Liam, who is at home waiting for Theo to come back. How long before he realizes Theo’s late and starts to worry?
Theo coughs. His body shakes with the force of it as blood splatters across the concrete. His chest aches with each breath in and out. But they're coming slower now, and part of him longs for the reprieve almost as much as it terrifies him.
Wherever it is, he knows it won't be good.
He just hopes he doesn't get sent back to her— to the constant torment of being hunted by Tara.
Theo sighs, and his eyes slip closed as he finally gives in to the heaviness tugging at them. He's so tired. So fucking tired.
“Theo!”
“I'm fine,” Theo mumbles.
He's far from fine. He knows that. But the voice— one that sounds achingly like Liam— sounds worried. He wishes he could ease that worry, but he can't. Not when he can't even manage to open his eyes.
“Theo, damn it, look at me.”
Theo groans at the sudden sting against his cheek and blinks his eyes open. Wide, panicked blue eyes meet his, and Theo manages a tired smile.
“Liam.”
“I'm here,” Liam whispers. “I'm here now, and I'm going to get you help.”
Theo barely registers the words— barely flinches at the sudden coolness of Liam’s hands against his too-warm skin. He’s barely hanging on to the edges of consciousness. But he tries. He tries so hard.
“Please, Theo,” Liam begs. “Just hold on, okay? Hold on for me.”
“Trying,” Theo whispers. “Liam.”
“I’m here,” Liam says. “I’m not going anywhere. Just keep your eyes on me, okay? Don’t close your eyes.”
Liam makes it sound so simple, but it feels near impossible. Every part of him feels heavy, weighed down with exhaustion, and whatever poison is working its way through his system. His eyes burn from the effort to keep them open and the tears he’s been trying and failing to choke back.
He’s not going to make it out of this one. He knows that. Even if help arrives now, he knows there’s not much they can do. Not now.
At least he won’t have to die alone.
“Stay,” Theo mumbles. “Till it’s over.”
Liam presses his head against Theo’s and holds him closer, his body shaking with the force of his sobs. Theo hates that he's the one to make him cry, and that there's nothing he can do to fix it. Not this time.
“I will,” Liam says. “I promise.”
Theo nods and feels himself relax as his eyes slip closed without his permission. As he starts to drift, he feels Liam’s lips press against his and a final whisper of his name.