Voices

Ellums back

I closed my eyes and waited for the hard impact of the floor, knowing that David wouldn't catch me in time.

Strong arms caught me and I froze. I opened my eyes and stared at David. Who was still on my bed.

I moved back to my feet and looked to see who saved me. Ellum stood there. His eyes were glazed over and his arms hung at his side.

It scared me how he looked. His arms hung lose at his side and I wondered how he even caught me.

Would he be like this forever? Could I fix this? What had I don't to Ellum? To my friend? He would be the same ever again.

"What just-" I started to ask. David cut me off, shock obviously taking over him. I could tell by his wide eyes and tense body that he was surprised.

"I don't even know. He appeared, caught you, then stood like that. All with that zoned out look," David said. I moved over to Ellum and touched his face, trying to get his attention.

He stared right past me, a faraway look in his eyes. I felt tears prick in mine, Ellum seemed like a zombie. Like a lifeless skeleton that could do shit for itself.

"I knew I would mess it up more," I whispered and moved back. David moved close in turn. I wiped my eyes and tried to keep from sobbing.

"I don't think you did, actually," he said and I gave him a weird look. Ellum shook his head slowly and his eyes cleared up.

For a split second a confused look on his face before his eyes lit up. He moved close to me and I stared with wide eyes.

"Steve?" Ellum asked. In seconds I was hugging him tightly as he hugged back. Neither of us moved for a few seconds.

Koji appeared next to me with a smile. He jumped at Ellum and hugged him. Ellum looked shocked and hugged back.

"Koji. Baby," Ellum whispered. Koji looked at me and I felt my head spinning and I felt weak. Ellum moved away from Koji and supported me before I collapsed.

"Fuck," I muttered. I was tired all of a sudden. I felt Ellum pick me up bridal style and lay me on the bed.

"I'll go tell Cib. Get some rest Steve. Stay with him Ellum," David said. The dogs all jumped on me and I felt Ellum lay my head in his lap.

Hands started to run gently through my hair and I let them. It felt nice. I closed my eyes and let myself drift into a nice sleep.

I woke a few hours later-or I think it was a few hours- and Ellum was still there. I stared up at him before he noticed I was awake.

"Hey Steve," he said. His hands stopped running through my hair and I slowly sat up. "How you feeling?" He asked me.

"Tired. Why do I feel like this?" I asked softly. Ellum smiled and I felt the bed dip. I looked over and saw David.

"The magic takes a lot out of you. It's not meant to be used by someone without magic practice. But hey, you did good," David said gently. I nodded and pulled Ellum to my side.

I wanted nothing more than to sleep. My body was screaming, whatever the magic had done, took way more out than I thought.

"I'm so tired," I muttered. Ellum smiled slightly at me and I gave him a weak glare. He was annoying sometimes but I was happy he was back.

"You can sleep some more Steve. Cib wants to see you in the morning though," he said. I sighed and let my eyes close for a second.

I buried my face into his neck and let out a soft groan of exhaustion. I wanted to go back to sleep, but I felt bad keeping him here.

He probably knew I felt bad but I didn't fully care. I held him close to my and ended up straddling his lap. Holding onto him, scared he would disappear again.

Ellum let out a soft chuckle and rubbed my back. I looked up and saw David had left and Apollo sitting instead.

"Hey baby. I told you that you could do it," he said and smiled. I smiled back and took his hand limply. I was sitting on Ellums lap with my back against his chest, at this point and I could see a jealous look in my boyfriend's eyes.

"Thanks love. I want to bring you back," I whispered to him. Ellum remained silent, letting us talk. Koji sat down next to him and they talked softly.

"You can. But right now you need to rest. And Scott says you can bring all of us back at once. So it's less energy," he whispered in my ear. I nodded and kept holding onto him.

"Don't leave me though. I want you," I whispered back. He smiled and placed our foreheads together.

"I know. But you need to sleep. Ellums here for you and this time he can't leave you. Ok?" Be asked. I whimpered softly and tightened my grip.

"I don't want Ellum. I just want you. Please don't leave me," I begged him. A tired look came across his face and he moved away slightly.

"Baby, I love you but I'm tired. Remembers being visible takes a lot of energy from us. Just stay safe for now," he said. I nodded and watched as he vanished. I listened into the brits conversation.

"Get some rest love. I'll see you in the morning," Ellum said. As he spoke to Koji, I could tell his heart was accelerated a little. I knew how much the two loved each other.

"Alright. Bye Ellum," Koji whispered and vanished.

I let my eyes flutter slightly, then groaned again. I pressed closer to Ellum and let myself fall asleep again