Whumptober+ Short Stories - Volume 2

Prompt 16 - Bedridden

"Hurry up over there!"

"Do we have all the data yet?"

"We need more time!"

As the analyst who had been standing next to the bed rushed away, Nael sighed and leaned back against the pillow once more. He found it curious that all these people should be so agitated. Especially over him.

"Nael?"

He sat up again, though slowly. "Hey, guys."

Approaching the bedside, Zeplyn gave him a concerned look. "How you feelin'?" She asked, reaching over to take his hand in her own. Behind her, Bruin leaned over her shoulder. Nael could tell by the look on the big man's face that he was worried. He blinked, then gave his friends a small smile. "Same as always." He replied. "Lonely as heck and wishing I actually mattered to everyone." He chuckled softly, then frowned. "Why are you guys here?"

His two friends shared a look. "We... we wanted to ask you one more time..." Bruin started slowly, "...if you're sure about this. Do you really want to go through with..."

"Yes." Nael interrupted automatically. "I already told you. I'm sure."

Zeplyn shook her head vehemently, failing to hide the tears that filled her eyes. "I don't..." She began, biting her lip for a moment. "I don't understand why. You have so much potential, Nael! You have friends! Why would you want to throw that all away?" As she spoke, she raised her voice slightly in order to be heard over the many scientists in the small room. It was strange, hearing her voice that loud. She was usually so soft-spoken and quiet, but now...

"Because I am nothing." Nael replied after a moment of relative silence. "The only potential I have is as a tool and, quite frankly, I don't want that for myself. I know it sounds strange, but I don't want this life. Not like this." He closed his eyes for a second, then looked back at his friends. "And I'm sure you don't, either."

"That's wrong." Bruin said quietly, his deep voice heavy with emotion. "It's true that we didn't choose this life for ourselves, that we might be better off somewhere else. But you're wrong, Nael. You're wrong." He brushed a hand over his eyes, then gave Nael a stern look. "We are willing to live this life for each other. We don't just leave; we're meant to be like this. More importantly, we're meant to live."

"All of us." Zeplyn added, squeezing his hand gently. Nael glanced over at her. His vision was beginning to blur, but he could still make out her teary eyes and the sad look they gave him. "Not me." He replied. "Just... keep the antidote for yourselves. You'll need it." Then he looked over at Bruin. "Don't leave her." Then at Zeplyn. "And don't leave him. You two... you were meant to live. Together. Without me."

~

Amidst the chaos that filled the room, two friends stood together by the bedside.

Just the two of them.

And they mourned.