The Lost Queen (Druig x OC) (Eternals)

Chapter 24: A Bittersweet Memory

The sun shined through the window in Druig's room, waking up Reina who realized that Druig was holding her tight in his sleep. Although this was not the first time she had woken up in his arms, this time seemed different. Normally, he had an arm draped over her but this was a tight and protective grasp. She looked at him and his face said it all for her. He was scared. Scared they would lose, Scared they would fail. Scared he would lose her.

If she was being honest she was scared too. She had a warning this time, she had her siblings to fight with her. She had the help of the Eternals. She had god, super humans, eternals, all on her side. She had the advantage, but against Surtur was the only fight she had ever lost. How could she just get over that? The first time she had stopped him, but almost got killed. Now she knew his weakness but could he know hers? She had an army this time but was it enough? Although she has gotten some of her old power back, she doesn't have it all. She's weaker than she used to be. On top of that, their last battle was on Asgard. Reina knows Asgard, but she barely knows earth despite her travels. She doesn't know it like the back of her hand like she did with Asgard. Reina shook her head to get rid of the thoughts and tried to get up but Druig just tightened his grip around her in his sleep causing her to blush a little. She decided to stay in bed for a little while longer, just enjoying the moment. She noticed him moving a lot in his sleep so she played with his hair, effectively calming him down.

About an hour later Druig started to stir as Reina continued to play with his hair. Once Reina noticed that he was waking up, she kissed him, causing him to smile tiredly.

"Morning Beautiful," Druig smiled, speaking in a deep, sleepy voice that makes Reina's heart melt more than she ever thought it was capable of. She felt at home with him. She felt safe and loved. She had her family back, both of them. She had Druig. She had everything, and she was sure as hell going to do everything in her power to protect it.

"We should probably head out. Phastos has been working all night to get the equipment ready for us."

"Of course he stayed up all night. That's Phastos for ya."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Centuries ago, when we all were still living together and helping humans advance, they would throw parties in our honor as a thank you for helping them advance. Despite the thousands of parties over the years, he never came to one of them. He was always cooped up in his lab, making something new. We always used to joke with him to get a life but he seemed happy staying in his lab, being relatively unknown to the population, so we left it alone." Druig smile remained but it changed into one of reminiscence and nostalgia. His eyes filled with sadness, clearly thinking about something that happened in the past that caused pain but the ghost of a smile still remained, contrasting with the now solemn look in his eyes. It's a look Reina knows quite well. One she has used many times. The product of a bittersweet memory. One that stained the mind, but one that has been there so long you can forget its existence but at the same time you wouldn't recognize your mind without it. It's a scar of the mind that you can glance over so many times without even thinking until one time you look at it for a little too long and all the pain comes back. Riena had many herself and although she felt bad for Druig she couldn't help the tinge of joy sprouting inside her that she was not alone. "Let's get ready."

Druig changes the subject as soon as he realized what was happening. He sprung out of bed, grabbed some clothes and sped into the bathroom. Reina wanted to ask what was wrong, but he hadn't when she had similar memories so she forced herself to wait until he was comfortable to share. Until then she would just remind him that she was there for him. Now and always. She wasn't going anywhere and she let him know that. She wanted to fix it but she knew more than anyone that this could never be fixed.

Druig exited the bathroom fully dressed to find Reina who had also gotten ready, sitting on the bed. "Ready?" Reina simply nodded as she got up and followed him out into Phastos's lab.