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Till was tired.
He couldn’t open his eyes or feel anything around him. It felt like he was floating.
Where was Mizi? He could have sworn she was right in front of him when he was…
What had happened?
He was reaching out to Mizi one second and the next he was on the floor in intense pain looking at her tear streaked face. Oh, he had lost to Luka.
“Till?”
Mizi? No, that voice was too deep to be her.
“Till!” He heard heavy footsteps approaching him.
“Oh no. No, no, no,” someone cried out, “Till!”
That voice was familiar, it sounded full of sorrow. Till was trying to open his eyes, he had to open them to confirm who was calling for him. He was starting to feel his surroundings. He was laying on what felt like grass. It smelled like home.
He felt hands move his head and gently place him on a warm lap. “Till, wake up.” The voice pleaded.
Ah, Till knew that voice. He had never heard it pleading but had gotten in enough arguments to recognize him anywhere.
“Ivan?” Till muttered, eyes fluttering open. Why did he look so sad? Till reached his hand out, hoping to erase that regretful look.
Ivan met Till halfway, holding his hand tightly. “Yeah it’s me,” Ivan said softly, “Why are you here? You’re not supposed to be here yet.”
“I lost,” Till sighed, “Luka did the same thing he did to Mizi to me. He kept acting and moving like you. He even started singing like you!” Till began to tear up, “I couldn’t handle it. I kept seeing you and thinking of how you-“ his sob cut him off.
Till sat up and turned to look at the other, anger evident on his face. “Why? Why would you do that?” Till’s voice began to rise, “You were supposed to win! I was giving it to you! How dare you leave me like that.”
“Oh Till,” Ivan cooed, trying to pull the other into an embrace, “I knew you could live without me but I couldn’t bear the thought of living without you. I’m sorry you had to deal with my selfish feelings.”
Livid, Till jerked back before Ivan could touch him, “You can’t make that decision for me! They dragged me off that stage just to usher me into the next round, I wasn’t even allowed to mourn you in peace.”
Till saw the different emotions flash across Ivan’s face. Regret, sadness and pain. He continued, “It hurt so much, seeing you on the ground, covered in blood. Knowing it was supposed to be me,” Till took a shuddering breath, “You were so judgemental of Sua, only for you to do the same exact thing!”
Till wrapped his arms around himself, trying to soothe himself. “Every single time I closed my eyes, I could only see you on the ground. I kept feeling your kisses. I kept seeing that depressing smile before you fell.”
He frowned, “I’m sorry I realized too late.”
Ivan looked confused, “Why are you apologizing?”
Till’s face slightly reddened as he looked away, glaring at the floor. “I’m sorry I realized my feelings for you too late. It wasn’t until I was bleeding out, seeing Mizi made me realize how much I loved you. It was just blind adoration for her,” he hesitated, “It was just easier to hate you then love you.”
Ivan’s eyes widened in shock, “Till that’s not funny, you’re being mean.”
Till swung his gaze to Ivan, “I’m not joking, I love you! I’m sorry I didn’t realize sooner.”
A small grin began to form on Ivan’s face as he leaned in closer, “Say it again.”
Till scowled, “Absolutely not. Be happy you’re hearing it once.”
Ivan chuckled, reaching out to hold Till’s face, “Come on, just once more.”
Till was reminded of their last duet. Only one of them would have made it out no matter what, but here? No one could take Till away from Ivan.
Till melted into the warm touch, he could finally enjoy it. He can’t remember if he’s ever had a comforting touch.
No, he has. It’s always been Ivan. It was Ivan who held his hand while they ran under the meteor shower. God, he was so stupid then. Till should’ve left with him the moment Ivan had asked. Maybe if they had left, they’d both be alive.
“We should’ve left back then,” Till whispered, tears beginning to pool in his eyes. He looked up at the black haired boy, “We could’ve survived.”
“Hey,” Ivan said softly while wiping his tears away, “There's no use thinking about the past. What’s done is done. We’re both here, I’m just happy we can be together again.”
Ivan gathered the other into a hug, “Between us, I am sick and tired of hearing Sua whine about Mizi. There’s only so much bitching I can handle.”
Till let out a small chuckle, “I bet you guys have been getting along great, huh?”
“Well obviously. She’s only tried killing me four times now,” Ivan rolled his eyes, “Till?”
Till hummed, indicating he was listening.
“I’m not sorry for prioritizing your life over mine. I would do it again if given the chance. But I am sorry for not thinking of your feelings.”
Black eyes met teal, “I love you, Till.”
The silver haired boy looked hesitant, before slowly smiling, “I love you too, Ivan.”
Both shyly leaned in to share a soft kiss. Till snorted as he pulled away, “You’re shy when it’s just us but in front of thousands of aliens you’ll forcefully make out with me while choking me out.”
“God, shut up!” Ivan groaned before both males broke out in laughter.