Symmetrical Scars

5) Bruising

"I've had so many knives stuck into me, when they hand me a flower I can't quite make out what it is.
It takes time."
- Charles Bukowski
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Warning: VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED.
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Tomorrow came all too quickly.

I practically drove myself insane all day trying to decide on how to tell Kid to leave me. A thousand different scenarios overwhelmed my brain with different phrases and reactions he could have.

Every tick of the clock brought me closer to when he could arrive, and I'd take my first steps in two days. He'd come in with his beautiful eyes, controlling my every action. And it'd be wonderful.

Then I'd have to break our hearts.

And here he is, golden eyes, stripes and all.

"Hey, Kid!" I say happily, sitting up in my hospital bed.

"Hello, Stein said you're good to go now, if you're ready." He smiles at me, "Stein said he'd see you off, but he's busy with a dissection."

"I'm ready to go, but it might take me a second to be walking normally. Since I haven't left this spot in like two days." I drag my legs off to the side and dangle my feet over the edge of the bed. My legs are already uncoordinated at this simple movement.

I drop my feet to the sterile white floor, and stand up shakily. I teeter a bit, but I'm fine for the most part.

"Do you need any help?" Kid asks, ready to catch me if I suddenly drop.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I say, "But could you pass me my shoes?"

Kid passes my pair of black flats and I slip them onto my feet quickly. "Thanks."

I stand again, finally getting the feeling back in my legs. I spin around a few times before leading Kid out the door and into the hallway. It's great to be out of that room now.

A smiles spreads across my face as I spin around on one foot a few times. I feel brand-new now, I don't think I've felt this great since before Jace went insane.

A small laugh resounds from Kid, and it's one of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard. I cringe and look at the ground, he's still an angel. He's still my angel.

I can't keep clinging to him like this though. It'll get both of us killed.

I start walking towards the main doors with Kid by my side, walking in a comfortable silence.

Jace wouldn't hurt Kid, right? No, idiot. Kid wouldn't be the first friend of your's that Jace has killed. There has to be some way I can have Kid without getting him hurt. I don't need to get rid of Kid.

Quit being selfish.

God, I'm talking to myself again. Kid has done so much good for me in so few days. Think of how healthy I'd be if I kept him.

Quit being selfish.

We stand outside in the cooling sunset, the desert air of Death City blowing my hair across my face. I start towards the stairs, but Kid stops me.

"I'm not letting you walk home after you've just gotten out of the infirmary." He says with a small grin.

He raises his hand with his palm facing the ground as deep purple and black sparks swirl around his fingers until an object clatters to the ground. A skateboard.

"How do we... both ride a skateboard?" I ask confusedly. "And down stairs...?"

Kid grins and steps onto the board, holding his hand out to help me on. I gingerly take it and stand behind him on the skateboard.