Myosotis

Part 4

Twilight was exhausted.

He could feel it behind his eyes, deep within his skin. It was like a heavy weight in his chest, threatening to drown him. If only he could get a couple hours of uninterrupted sleep he should be fine. There wasn't much he could do about it now. The group was making their way east as per the fairies instructions. It was mid-day. The sun was shining. Time took point at the very front, leading the way. Twilight took the back, keeping an eye on their rear.

At least he was trying to keep watch. For every step it took enormous effort. Every glance around their surroundings had to be done two or three times because his eyes would glaze over during the first scan. He tripped suddenly. He cursed as he stumbled and righted himself up.

Wild slowed in his steps, coming next to Twilight. "You look like shit."

"Astute observation," said Twilight. "How did you come to such a conclusion?"

"Don't be sarcastic. It doesn't suit you."

"I'm just tired is all. No need to worry."

"Is this about me?"

A slight irritation skittered across Twilight's spine. He huffed. "When has it not been about you?"

Wild held up his hands in surrender. "Well, fuck me for trying to have a conversation."

"Are you actually being honest right now?"

"I'm not always an asshole, you know."

"That's debatable," Twilight murmured. He ran a hand through his hair. The tangles caught his fingers, reminding him his personal hygiene was going lax. He tugged, loosening his fingers. The sharp sting made him wince. "I haven't been sleeping well."

"And why's that?"

"Not sure," Twilight lied. "Stress maybe. I lay my head down, close my eyes, and I just... don't fall asleep. It's been a few days now and I'm exhausted."

Wild hummed. "Well, I can't help with that at the moment, but would you like a coffee?"

"You have coffee?"

Wild pulled up his Sheikah Slate and tapped the screen. A mug materialized in his hand in streaks of blue. "Enjoy it," he said as he passed it over. "This is the last of my coffee beans."

Twilight gratefully took the mug. It was steaming hot, burning the pads of his fingers. He had to pull down the sleeves of his shirt in order to hold. After a couple of deep cooling blows, he took a sip.

It was bitter. Sharp and dark and it made his tongue curl, and he absolutely loved it. The others often drowned their coffee in milk and honey, making it so sweet that the mere sight had Twilight turning away in disgust. He preferred his drinks straight.

It didn't take long for him to finish it. Twilight tipped his head back, letting the last dregs of the coffee slip down his throat. He swallowed and groaned. "Damn..." he said, shivering. "That was good."

"Feel better?" Wild asked as he took back the empty mug.

"So much better. Thank you."

"Hmmm..." Wild tapped his slate again. The mug materialized back into it.

Twilight watched this. "So. You just happened to have a steaming cup of coffee at the ready in your slate."

"Yeah."

"And you gave it specifically to me."

Wild raised an eyebrow at him. "What are you getting at?"

Twilight grinned. "I think you're getting soft on me."

"I think you're seeing things that aren't there."