Essence of Quinn: Parts 1&2 Secondo Era and Terzo Era (eventual MxM slow burn)

Baby Blues

Air wiped the condensation from the glass and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He looked like shit but he didn't care because the more time he spent away from Quinn, the more his soul hurt.

He'd made this little routine for himself over the past week or so and today was more of the same so far.

Sleep for an hour, sometimes two.

Check Quinn was doing okay.

Use the bathroom.

Take a quick shower.

Eat a few mouthfuls of food that one of his pack had brought for him.

Climb back into bed with Quinn and then spend the rest of the twenty four hour cycle trying to reach him or taking cat naps.

Rinse and repeat.

He sighed, brushing his teeth half heartedly. For a little while after whatever had happened with Seren, Omega, Andras and the weird realm by the lake, Air had hoped.

Quinn hadn't been as cold any more and his aura had swirled a tiny bit stronger and brighter. Air had felt him there, closer to them, and he'd been able to feel some things through their bond. All of this had lightened his heart and had surely meant that he was going to wake up soon.

The hours had turned into days though, and the days had turned into a week. The only times Air had left his side were for these little outings to the en-suite bathroom that was attached to Quinn's room at the infirmary.

The human doctor and the Sisters on duty checked on him a few times a day to take care of his basic needs, but there was not much they could do beyond that.

The witches, Omega and Aether had all been stopping by regularly too to cast healing spells but there seemed to be no change since that initial shift. Quinn seemed to be stuck in a kind of limbo, never making any progress, but getting no worse either and just sleeping.

Air got dressed into whatever clothes had been left for him by the others and he made his way back into the room. Earth was dozing on the floor with his back to the wall. He looked uncomfortable but it didn't seem to be affecting his sleep. Air smiled down at him. Earth had been great throughout all of this. He'd stayed with them when he wasn't on duty with Secondo and he'd taken his role of primary caregiver to their pack very seriously, providing comfort, strength and sustenance to all of them.

Air settled in next to Quinn again and kissed his forehead. He waited for a moment, watching out for any movement or sign that the other ghoul knew Air was there, but there was nothing.

The wound on his chest looked no worse, but it had barely healed at all. Doctor Michaels and Secondo had thought it best to leave it uncovered so that's what they'd done. His hands had begun healing properly with the help of Secondo's herbal ointment and the healing magic of the witches and the quintessence ghouls. Everyone was hopeful that there would be no scars from that, unlike the bigger wound; they weren't as hopeful about that one. Quinn wouldn't care though, he wasn't vain in the slightest. Even if his face had been scarred up, it wouldn't have bothered him. If Air could have him back then he didn't care about a few scars.

His skin had lost the grey and blue tint but he was still very pale. Air pulled the blankets up around them both and concentrated, trying to find their bond. Since Quinn had been unconscious it had been more difficult. At first there had been a cold wall blocking them but that had gradually melted away. Now the connection was there, but it was thin. There was a link but there was barely any information passing through it, barely any life.

Air snuggled into Quinn's side, rested his hand on his stomach and closed his eyes, concentrating on the steady rise and fall of Quinn's chest. Air was exhausted even though he'd barely done anything and he felt sleep pulling him under almost instantly.

When he woke again he groaned, pulling the blanket up under his chin. He breathed in Quinn's scent and sighed, reaching out underneath the covers to find his hand and taking it into his own. Quinn squeezed it gently and Air nuzzled his cheek sleepily.

Wait.

His eyes flew open and he met the bright blue stare of the ghoul next to him. Air blinked rapidly, suddenly not so sure that he was awake after all. This had better not be a fucking dream.

"Hi," Quinn said groggily.

It was barely more than a whisper and his voice was full of gravel but it was the most glorious sound that Air had ever heard.

"Quinn?" he whispered, hearing the shake in his voice and seeing the shake in his hand as he reached out to touch his face.

He was going to blub like a baby any second now, he just knew it. He tried to keep it together though.

He propped himself up on his elbow and looked down at Quinn. Blue eyes tracked the movement and Air grinned from ear to ear. He soon scowled though, Quinn was panting and he looked like he was in a world of pain.

"Shit!" Air said, "Earth?"

He heard the big ghoul stirring and he was suddenly alert.

"What is it?" Air heard Earth get up and come to stand behind him. "Fuck, I'll call the Doc."

The door opened and closed as Earth rushed to find someone.

Quinn's eyes drifted closed again and Air panicked. He sat up and put his hands on either side of his face.

"Quinn? Fuck! Don't leave me again! Wake up!"

Quinn's eyes opened again a crack and he scowled.

"Fucking hell, Air. Calm down," he gritted out.

Air chuckled and shifted on the bed but Quinn hissed with pain.

"Oh fuck," Air sat back and his hands hovered over Quinn's wound. He didn't want to touch it but he wanted to help and he could feel himself flapping. He wanted to hug Quinn so tightly and never let him go, but he was mindful that he was hurting and he wanted it to stop. "I'll get someone. Shit, no, Earth is already doing that. Oh fuck! I thought we'd lost you! My nightmare came true and we couldn't get you back and then you were so cold, and Seren tried to help and I thought I'd never see those baby blues again..."

"Air!" It was Secondo's voice. "Move. We need to check him over."

He snapped out of his babbling and turned around, seeing the small crowd that had gathered inside the doorway. Secondo, Doctor Michaels, Earth, Water, Fire, and a Sister of Sin. The room was suddenly too small and too full of people.

Earth took his arm gently and guided him to the edge of the room. He put his arm around Air's shoulders and held him, resting his chin on the top of his head.

"Just be calm, Air. Let them check him out. He isn't going anywhere yet."

Air melted into his side and sobbed with relief, clinging on to the big ghoul's shirt as he finally let go and allowed himself to lose it.