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Thunder raged overhead as Cypress crossed his arms, turning away from Theo, his voice catching in his throat.
"I don't think this is a good idea…"
Theo looked at him like he'd been punched. "What is a good idea? Go on, Cypress."
Cypress looked up at Theo. They had both stayed back after Minfilia had chosen to go to the Shard where Ardbert and his companions hailed. Everyone needed a moment to mourn. But Cypress had reached his wits end.
"Us!" He hissed. "Me with the Scions… You and I… I don't want you to hurt anymore."
The viera stepped closer and grabbed Cypress by his shirt and growled. "You aren't saying what I think you are?"
Feeling his emotions spur forth, he could the darkness swimming around him. "Do you need me to list the reasons, Teddy?"
He held up his hands. "I am death while you are light. I am darkness and you are sunshine… I cannot hold you without risking your life yet you try to hold on."
I bring nothing but death and destruction in my wake as a Grimm Reaper.
"You deserve someone who can hold you… who will age with you. Not someone like me, Teddy. Are those reasons enough?"
Theo grabbed Cypress's hand and the hyur felt warmth bleeding into his glove. He tried to pull back out of fear but the viera kept him rooted to his spot.
"You don't get to say that. You don't get to leave when you want to, just because you think things are hard." Theo's voice sounded choked, tears welling in emerald eyes. "We've lost too much and now you just want to leave me too?"
Cypress deflated. "Of course I don't. I just… I don't know what to do. You lost Haurchefant. I had to take his soul away… you've barely looked at me since… I assumed, that you harbour vitriol against me now."
Death… is all I've ever known. Being a Grimm Reaper is all I've known since my conception. For someone so radiant to become so dull and forlorn…
I don't want him to be marred in sorrow and pain.
Theo let go of him and turned away. "I don't… I don't hate you, Cypress." His voice was quiet. "It's just been… a lot to process. It doesn't mean I want you to… "
Cypress sunk to his knees. "I don't want to do this either… I want to hold you and not be so afraid that I will make a mistake and loose you forever."
Please… I just want to spare you pain and me… well. I'm used to it.
Theo stepped back over him. "Why don't we return to the Rising Stones." Ruby met emerald and he took Theo's hand. "A nice bath and a hot meal… I think we could both do with one." He then coughed and looked away blushing. "You owe me a hug too. I'm the little spoon tonight."
Cypress couldn't help but smile a little as he took the hand and basked in Theo's radiance.
"As you wish, my Sunshine."