Work Text:
The round had ended half an hour ago. Tiffany’s body still ached and burned where Azure's tendrils dug in, and she was still reeling from the pain and shock of it.
She shouldn’t have come, she knew. Survivors weren’t supposed to seek out killers between matches, god only knows what would happen if anyone found out. It was a wonder that whatever entity controlled this realm didn't tear her apart here and now.
Her feet carried her anyway, deeper into the foggy edges of the map where the others never went.
Azure was already there when she arrived, waiting under a withering tree. The moment he saw her his posture softened and a rare smile came.
"Tiffany." His voice was low and wracked with guilt. He closed the distance in three long strides and stopped just short of touching her, hands hovering like he wanted to touch her but was afraid to. "I'm sorry. I-I didn't want to-"
She reached up first, cupping his cheek the way she used to back in the cult days when they first met. "I know you didn't." she whispered, running her thumb over their cheekbone, "It's okay, Azure. I promise."
That was all it took. Azure’s arms wrapped around her carefully, then tighter when her arms came up to wrap around them, pulling her against his chest. One hand cradled the back of her head, fingers threading gently through her dark hair. The other splayed across her lower back, warm and steady. They held her like he didn't honestly believe that she was actually here.
"I hate when it’s you." he murmured against her temple, voice barely audible. “It kills me every time. Trust me, I want to spare you." His thumb stroked slow circles over the spot where his blade had landed earlier, apologetic and tender.
He leaned back a bit, looking down at Tiffany. "Does it still hurt?"
Tiffany hummed, burying her face in the soft fabric of his coat. "A little, but it's okay. Being here makes it better."
Azure’s arms tightened protectively, one hand still stroking slow, soothing circles over the lingering ache. He pressed a careful kiss to the top of her head, then another to her temple, each kiss an apology. "I’ll make it up to you." he promised, "Every round that takes you from me, I’ll hold you twice as long after."
"I'll hold you to it." was Tiffany's response, chuckling and smiling brightly despite the lingering pain.
They stayed like that for a long time, hidden in the shade of the tree. Azure kept pressing small, careful kisses to her hair, her forehead, the corner of her eye, memorizing the feel of her skin on their lips. Tiffany’s fingers traced idle patterns over his chest, grounding them both.
Eventually the fog began to shift, signaling another round would soon begin. Azure held her a little tighter one last time, forehead resting against hers. "Find me again." he whispered.
Tiffany nodded, smiling softly. "Always."
With one final gentle squeeze they parted, carrying the warmth of each other into whatever came next.