The Weight of Exhaustion

Chapter Five: The News

If you like angst and you know it, clap your hands! If you like angst and you know it, clap your hands! If you like angst and you really really wanna show it, if you like angst clap your hands!!!

Wooo, trauma! Gotta love it!

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Sabre's feet clacked against the stone stairs as he exited out of the citadel. Shadow, even though he physically couldn't really do anything, hovered next to him, seemingly ready to try and catch him if Sabre dropped once more.

The sentiment was appreciated, considering they both wanted the other gone when they were first figuring everything out.

A lot happened today, and both of them were ready to call it a night. Never mind that it wasn't even four o'clock yet. They however knew they wouldn't be able to, more accurately, Sabre wouldn't be able to because of Time.

Sabre blinked as he caught sight of Time.

He was sitting in front of the citadel on one of the small wooden benches, facing away. Even from Sabre's position, he could see Time bouncing his leg at a pace too rapid to be humanly (Stevely?) possible. A small stack of books rested next to him while he flipped rapidly through another one.

The Steves that were around gave Time a wide berth. Sabre did not enjoy the looks he received when he left the building. Each one seemingly saying 'good luck'. A few sent questioning looks, asking what Sabre did this time.

It wasn't a hidden thing that Time was protective over any Steve, no matter who you were. Of course Time had to quadruple the worry when it was about him though. Shadow thought it was hilarious at times, since he didn't have to deal with Time. He could just leave the room if he wanted to.

The traitor. At least Sabre got the last laugh since he was the one that decided where they went.

Sabre could hear the sound of Time's boots hitting the ground at a breathtaking pace as he got closer. Sabre tapped Time's shoulder. One blink later and Time's hands were on his shoulders as he examined him at arms' length. The book was forgotten on the bench and the stack fell over all of the sudden.

"Well, someone's antsy."

"Time!" Sabre gave out a small laugh. "I'm fine! Promise! Green Leader wouldn't have let me leave if I wasn't."

Time's eyes, a solid dark gray, did not stop scanning him up and down. He hummed, but approved of Sabre's appearance as he stepped away. He was still hovering closer than normal, but he wasn't holding Sabre down by his shoulders. The tattoo-like clock hands slowed back to their normal ticking pace on Time's face as Time's powers stopped being used.

Sabre found it neat that you were able to tell when Time was using his time based powers and how based on how fast or slow the hands were going. Time didn't understand why, since he found it more annoying than anything.

Shadow, even though Sabre couldn't say his opinion, thought it was handy having someone who constantly knew the time. No matter the location.

"You're okay." Time let out a long breath. Sabre wasn't sure if it was a question or a statement.

"I am." Sabre nodded. "We're going to talk with the leaders tomorrow to go more in depth, but right now I'm-"

"We're going home before you end up burning yourself out." Time poked him in the sternum. "You just got out of the infirmary." In a blink, the books on the bench were gone and Time was pulling him along by his hand.

"Ak- Time!" Time ignored Sabre's exclamation and just continued on his march to their home. "I'm fine!"

Shadow looked amused by the situation. Sabre glared, which was returned with a smug smile. Worlds, did he really look that much of a menace when he smiled like that? How did any Steve see that and trust him?