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As Martyn headed over to the Heart Foundation, he slowed down. His ears were perked up, listening for anything coming his way. He watched through the bushes. He needed to find a time to strike. A time to get to a better position.
He froze slightly as he heard Tango speak. That sounded like… No… It couldn't be. He was just imagining things.
His plan of dropping an anvil washed away from his head. He had to get closer. He had to talk to them.
Martyn cautiously hopped over the bushes and headed towards the others. Tango, Skizz, and BigB. They were all up inside the heart. They were talking to each other about a winner of the week’s hearts.
In all honesty, Martyn felt his heart in his throat. He heard the quickened sound of his heartbeat in his ears. He walked to the bottom of the ladder.
“Guys?”
He didn't want to go up there. He was on his last life. What if they trapped it somehow?
Skizz poked his head over top of the hole.
“Hey, buddy!”
“Can I see Tang-” Martyn stopped abruptly as he saw ‘Tango’ lean over the edge as well.
Those eyes were unmistakable. The look that was given was unmistakable.
“Ren…” Martyn whispered.
“What’d you say?” Skizz called down.
Before Martyn could make something up, Tango… Ren descended the ladder.
As Ren turned to face Martyn, the situation locked in entirely. This was Ren… Martyn wasn't mistaken. He wasn't grieving. This was Ren.
“Martyn…”
Martyn couldn't say anything. He was frozen in place. His heart was racing in his chest. He felt like he was going to cry.
Skizz and BigB came down the ladder alongside Ren.
“Hey, fellas, Martyn and I have some business to attend to. I'll be back in a few minutes. We'll… Skadoodle… A thing.” Ren spoke to Skizz and BigB. This was even further proof of Ren.
Ren took Martyn’s hand and led him away from the Heart Foundation. They stopped somewhere secluded. Nobody was watching… Well… Nobody they knew of.
“Ren. Ren, how are you…” Martyn trailed off. How was he here? Martyn couldn't fully grasp or comprehend what was going on.
“I don't know. I just knew I wanted to be here, I think.”
Martyn blinked, watching his king closely. Ren placed a gentle hand on Martyn’s cheek. He ran his thumb slowly back and forth.
“A part of me thought none of this was real.”
Ren’s voice was gentle. He never put on a voice, or put on a character. He was just… Ren. Martyn thought all of this was weird. It was Tango… It was his body, his hands… But somehow, it was Ren. Ren’s voice, Ren’s eyes… Ren’s touch.
Ren held both of his hands on Martyn’s cheeks. He gently caressed his hair, pushing it out of Martyn’s face.
“Will you stay?” Martyn asked, softly.
Ren hesitated.
“No. I wish I could. Something is… Telling me that this is the only time I'll be here.”
Martyn felt his heart sink slightly. The sadness in his eyes broke Ren. The overwhelming pain of the situation was enough to make anyone cry.
Martyn almost clung to Ren’s shirt.
“Ren, I… I don't know what to do. I can't do this without you. Last time was a nightmare… I can't do this.” He felt tears form in his eyes. They were waiting to overflow. Waiting for the flood gates to burst.
“You can, Martyn. You did. You won last time. You did that without me.”
“I went mad without you. I wanted to see you again…” Martyn’s voice was shaky and broken. It was almost out of character for him to break down like this in front of another player… But it was Ren! It was really truly him. Nobody noticed it was him.
Ren held Martyn’s head up. He slowly leaned in and kissed his forehead.
“Me’ Hand, yer King be here with thee, always and forevah’.” Ren finally put on one of his silly voices. As silly as it was, it was weirdly comforting. It was nice.
“I…” Martyn sniffled softly. He was still very much holding back tears.
“I love you, Ren.”
Ren smiled. His grin was recognizable through and through. It made Martyn smile too.
“I love you too, Martyn.”
Ren gently ran a hand through Martyn’s hair, slowly pulling him in from the back of his neck.
Martyn closed the rest of the distance, placing a soft kiss on his lips.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Martyn was supposed to stay by Ren’s side always. He wasn't supposed to be alone. He wasn't supposed to be given this small opportunity… He was given Ren for only a little while. It wasn't fair.
He just wanted his King back.