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"If your friend starts gaining his strength back soon, you don't need to worry about him, he will be fine. But if he gets even weaker... that is not good news."
This was what the doctor said to Charles when he stopped him before he could step out of the door and leave their poor flat. His friend, Ruskin was lying at his usual place in the kitchen, only on one blanket on the floor. Ruskin was no part of Charles' family, his alcoholist father took him in from the street because he was skilled in pickpocketing people and this came to good use to his father to get more money. Other than Charles, no one viewed Ruskin as a person, for his family, he was only a tool. Not like Charles' fate was too much different. He was an unwanted child who was born nevertheless, so the most attention he got from his parents and siblings was hits. This was what originally got the two boys close and the made a strong bond form between them. When they could, they always played together. Every second night when his siblings kicked Charles out of the bed, he sneaked into Ruskin's place who gave him space and hugged him to himself. It was good to wake up cuddling with the other boy who watched him under his half-closed eyelids. Charles knew that unlike everyone else, Ruskin loved him and he was ready to follow him to the end of the world. He already promised his friend that he can stay by his side even after they grow up. Charles planned to do great things one day and get a lot of power to pay back everyone how they treated him. And he wanted Ruskin to be there. He knew that with Ruskin's help, everything would be possible.
But now, Ruskin was sick. Really sick. And he needed to get better.
As soon as Ruskin was left on his own, Charles sneaked into the kitchen and sat down next to him on the floor. He saw the unnatural redness on his friend's face and this made his heart sting. His wide, brown eyes were sparkling from the fever. Charles liked the other boy's eyes which always stared at him with devotion. Now, it was hard to bear looking at them.
Ruskin must have gotten some kind of medicine from the doctor, because he was even fainter than he was in the morning. He could barely keep his eyes open, yet he tried to maintain eye contact with Charles. He felt a little touch in his hand. He looked down and saw that it was Ruskin who tried to grab it. He took his friend's hand into his own and held it gently. He saw that this put a weak smile at the corner of Ruskin's mouth.
"You should sleep." He told him quietly. "It will help you heal."
To that, Ruskin's lips moved. Chsrles leaned closer to hear what his friend said.
"Will you... stay with me?" He whispered. Charles nodded and held Ruskin's hand stronger.
"Yes. I will be here until you completely recover." He promised.
"Thank you." Ruskin answered and he finally let his eyes close. Charles, like he said, remained on his side. He listened how Ruskin breathed, it was a wheezing, hard breath like his body needed to fight for each of them. It hurt him seeing his friend suffer. Charles usually didn't bat an eye on other people's suffering, but Ruskin was different. And he finally knew for sure why he felt that way.
Ruskin always told him that he cannot bear seeing Charles get hurt, because he loves him. Before that, Charles thought that he would never experience the same as he was unable to love. But he was wrong. He didn't doubt anymore that Ruskin was worth for him more than anything and he wanted as much to be with the other boy for the rest of his life, just like Ruskin wanted the same. He couldn't imagine what it would be like without him. Without Ruskin, all what he planned to do as an adult lost the fun taste. Ruskin was an inevitable ingredient in the equotation. He needed him - he can never let him go!
The doctor's words echoed back in his mind. He needs to get his strength back... or else...
Charles didn't finish the thought. He was aware that there can be no "or elses". Ruskin will heal. He needed to make sure of it. And he knew his own importance well enough. What Ruskin needed was rest, the medicine - and him.
Only he could make Ruskin stay in this world.
The determination filled Charles' golden gaze. He knew what he needed to do.
He waited patiently until his friend woke up, restlessly holding his hand. A few hours later, Ruskin opened his eyes and looked up at him. Charles saw the spark of joy when he recognized him.
"You are still here." He whispered with weak happiness.
"Of course that I am here. I promised it." Charles reminded his friend and raised his hand, bringing Ruskin's hand close to his face. "But now, it is your turn to promise me something."
Ruskin blinked.
"What?"
Charles pressed a gentle kiss onto the brown hand. He never did this before and he saw that it made an effect immediately. Ruskin turned even redder, but it was the redness of joy, not the fever.
"That you will be on my side, no matter what. You will heal and not leave me behind. You need to stay with me, Ruskin, for the rest of my life. And I will live really, really long."
Ruskin's gaze shone up for the words. His hand weakly wandered over the blanket to grab Charles' other hand.
"I promise. You know that I would never leave you." He said with love.
Charles smiled at his friend. That was all he wanted to hear.
"Just rest now." He asked. "I will always be here."