Please Don't Cry || Goldric

Hunter's POV

Edric picked out some fairy movie for us to watch in my room. I made a nest of pillows and sat down, only for Edric to immediately sit sideways in my lap, despite being at least three inches taller than me. They wrapped his arms around my torso and I bit my lip, internally screaming.

Despite being surrounded with blankets and pillows and the aching tiredness in my head, I was wide awake, hyper aware of Edric. Halfway through the movie their breathing slowed, and I realized he'd fallen asleep. Dammit. The sound of the movie wasn't enough to block out the rushed pounding of my heart echoing in my ears.

Sleepily, Edric nestled their head into my shoulder. I stopped breathing for a moment, panicking.

Time seemed to ooze by excruciatingly slowly. I could feel every bead of sweat trickling down my back; every soft, warm breath that Edric breathed on my neck. I tried to squash the nauseating flutter in my stomach and watch the movie, but my mind was infested with thoughts of Ed.

Suddenly a loud noise in the movie startled Edric awake. He jolted awake and stared at the video presented from the crystal ball, then glanced at me.

"How long was I asleep?" They asked.

"Oh, I don't know, I didn't even realize you were asleep," I lied. "Uh, but the movie is almost over."

Ed pouted, "Oh, I missed most of it." He stared into my eyes curiously. "Y'know, I thought you would've fallen asleep before me. You seemed really tired earlier."

"Oh, the movie just really had my attention, you know?" I chuckled nervously.

Ed laughed, "I didn't take you for a fairy lover, but sure, ok. You really should get some sleep though, Hunter."

Even the way they say my name is attractive. I thought to myself, flustered.

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. "Okay, Ed. I'll try."

Ed smiled, resting his head back on my shoulder and turning off the crystal ball.

Eventually Ed's embrace did lure me into sleep, though an anxious one.

...

He told me he'd be here.

Am I not good enough? Did I mess something up? I'm not good enough, am I? No. No one thinks I'm special. Magicless, hopeless, bitter.

Fiery pain seared through the cut in my arm, and a hazy image of the throne room appeared around me. Furious blue eyes burned behind a mask. Undeserving. Who was I to correct him? I knew it was true.

Edric deserved better.