Hold Me Like You Used To

That Old Familiar Sting

Dedicated to: echolunis

Cale dampened his wet hair with a towel while his fingers ghosted around his chest area where his heart is, thumping in a rhythmic pattern.

Cale Henituse didn't like pain, it was a fact known to all who were close to him since he had declared it himself. Although most did not believe it due to his self-sacrificial tendencies.

Along with pain, he hated scars the most. That was why he had the Vitality of the Heart.

The redhead looked at the topless reflection in the mirror in front of him. His now dry, long hair draped over his shoulders as he continued to caress the scarred wound on his chest.

It was the only anomaly the crybaby ancient power couldn't fix, but it was fine since it can be covered by clothes.

The voices of the ancient powers were quiet, but Cale didn't bother as he wore a simple shirt and trousers as always.

He knew they were busy doing something related to his heart, so he let them be.

Cale bathed in the warm sunlight as the sound of giggling children and Choi Han and Alberu's training permeated his ears.

He unexpectedly felt iffy, yet there was no pain. His chest felt itchy, however, he can't just scratch it since it was internal.

So he coughed and managed until the feeling subsided.

Seconds later, he felt that same itchiness once again to the point it started to irritate the redhead as he pounded his chest lightly.

His heart thumped loudly, annoying Cale since it was all he could hear. His breathing also shortened as he drank the water that was beside his rocking chair.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his wild heart. He felt as though he'd just run a damn marathon.

Cale abruptly stood up, slipping immediately, and slammed into the chair. He sat on the floor, clutching his head at the sudden dizziness.

Cale realized his heart was already acting up.

He figured he'd be back to normal once he rested, and so that's what he did even though he had awoke only minutes before the incident.

Cale moved to his comfortable bed and laid down, but instead of the welcoming warmth of sleep, the chilling thoughts about the uncertain future plagued his mind.

Sometimes, he wondered how he would tell others about his condition.

The redhead already knew he had a heart failure, kudos to the ancient powers for noticing it first and telling him three months ago right after the day he stabbed himself with the World Tree dagger and won the war.

"Cale-nim, you should wake up and eat." The redhead opened his eyes reluctantly even though he wasn't sleeping. He wanted to ask Choi Han to carry him to the dining room but immediately discarded the thought since the latter looked tired.

"Have you showered at least?" He couldn't help but ask, which earned him a snort. There was a pause before he gave a slight nod as an answer.