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“Two Time, my dearest, are you alright? Your gaze has been distant as of late… I worry for your well-being.” Azure’s voice was soft and full of genuine concern for his best friend. Two Time’s smile was stretched wide, but he could tell that it wasn’t filled with genuine happiness.
“I apologize, Azure. The Spawn has blessed us with this time together, yet I’m shamelessly wasting it. Please forgive me.”
“Ah, there is no need to be sorry, my Nightshade,” Azure uttered, attempting to offer them a comforting smile. “I’m simply concerned, that is all.”
“I assure you that everything’s alright! I have no reason to be distraught when the glorious Spawn is watching over us all!” They giggled happily, turning their gaze back to the community gardens. Azure could still see the slight dullness in their eyes, though. It concerned them dearly.
“And you are certain?”
“I am, please worry not!”
“I suppose that I won’t pry.”
A twisted, shaky smile spread across Two Time’s face as they shifted their gaze to their arm. The sacrifice was necessary to keep Azure near them. They hoped that the Spawn would smile upon their feelings for him if they offered their blood.
It ached, but they had eventually gotten used to the sensation. Two Time had been engaging in this ritual for over half a year. That’s when the signs pointing them toward sacrificing their blood for Azure began to emerge.
The Spawn was guiding them; in fact, it was showing them the right path. If they gave enough blood, then Azure was bound to return their feelings!
All of this pain was worth it for their love. Azure was the one person in Two Time’s religious community that they adored so much. They were their North Star- their guiding light.
“Two Time, you’re losing focus once more- and oh my, you’re bleeding!” Azure’s hand shot out to grasp their arm as he observed the blood seeping through their robes with concern.
Two Time sputtered, fighting the urge to jerk their arm back from their tight grip, “I assure you that it is nothing to worry about, the Spawn will heal me in due ti-“
“I refuse to not make my worry clear any longer.” Azure’s voice was firmer than usual as they peered at their closest friend, cutting them off effectively. “You have been hiding numerous things from me as of late, and now you’re claiming that you are alright despite the blood seeping through.”
“It truly is not anything, believe me.”
“My Nightshade, please, please let me assist you with your wounds at the least?”
“I-”
“I insist.”
Two Time finally obliged, uncharacteristically averting their gaze from Azure’s as they offered their arm to him. They refused to look as he pulled up their sleeve, but they could hear the audible gasp that escaped his lips.
“Two Time, why would you damage your body like this? One mustn’t do such a thing to the vessel the Spawn has blessed thee with.”
“Yet there is an exception to that rule, my dearest Azure.”
Azure appeared to ponder their words for a moment before their eyes widened, “My Nightshade, what could be troubling you so deeply that you are willing to sacrifice your blood to Him?”
Two Time chewed their bottom lip. How were they meant to elaborate? Azure would be disgusted; it would be odd if he weren’t utterly horrified. A shaky sigh escaped their lips as they attempted to calm themself down.
They knew that lying about their reasons for sacrificing to the Spawn would certainly be a sin. It was an important matter, and they did not have the option to pretend that it was for another issue.
“Azure, I apologize, It was for thee… You are the reason for my sacrifice.” Two Time’s voice was shakier than usual as they peered at the blood dribbling down the pale expanse of their arm. Azure’s eyes widened significantly in response to the revelation; they were extremely concerned.
He let out a shaky breath. “I am not deserving of such a sacrifice. Please, do not injure yourself. Your safety and health are of utmost importance.” Azure gently grasped Two Time’s hands, careful not to touch any of their injuries, “I beg of thee.”
“Azure, you fail to understand, I must-“
“No, you mustn’t. The glorious Spawn will protect me! It does not require you to sacrifice your blood for me.”
“It was not for your safety, Azure,” they uttered. Shame dripped from their voice as a soft blush spread across their cheeks. Two Time felt guilty for forcing Azure to care for them, but they were very thankful for the attention. Praise be the Spawn for allowing this to occur…
Azure paused, loosening their grip on them to peer at them, “Then why, my Nightshade?”
“I love you, Azure. I really love you, and it is a necessity that I prove it to the Spawn.” The words escaped Two Time’s lips before they could stop them. A manic giggle escaped their throat as they stared up at them with wide eyes.
“You.. ah?” Azure seemed absolutely dumbfounded. His face flushed scarlet as he studied his closest friend in such a state. He was both flustered by the love confession and deeply scared for his dearest’s health.
“I was hoping that the Spawn would bless me with the return of my feelings. Oh, how my heart aches for thee!” Two Time continued to ramble; their words only grew more muddled and nonsensical as they continued to speak.
Azure paused before speaking, their voice shakier than usual, “Two Time, I-”
“Fret not, it is not a requirement that you return my affections. I had hoped that you would after I gave up enough of my blood, but no matter what your response is, it is all of the Spawn’s will.”
“Oh, my Nightshade, I love you, regardless. You need not harm yourself for me.” Azure whispered, their eyes wide with genuine fear for them. They wrapped their arms around Two Time, holding them close. “Let us return to my cabin, and I will tend to your wounds. But we must properly converse about this ordeal once you are ready… Your health is very much at risk. I can only pray that the Spawn heals you quickly.”
Two Time’s eyes were wide with glee as they eagerly returned the embrace. The blood sacrifice must have worked! Oh, praise be the Spawn. Praise be! Praise be! Praise be!