WITHERSICKNESS [MCSM INFECTION AU]

Chapter 38: Comfort

After they finally found shelter, Lukas noticed Axel walking off. “Is Axel okay?” He asked. “I... don’t know.” She answered honestly. “I think something happened while he was creating a distraction.” Jessica added.

“I’ll check on him.” Lukas insisted. “Lukas, he hates you, why would he tell you?” Jessica replied. “I’m not letting someone who’s obviously hurt suffer themselves. I’ve had that happen to me too many times.” Lukas argued, following Axel. Jessica sighed, regretting what she’s done.

***

Lukas peaked his head out, seeing Axel. He was crying near a tree. It was odd to him cry. He’d never seemed to have his shit together. I guess this was his breaking point. “Axel?” Lukas asked. Axel raised his head from his arms, looking pissed.

His eyes were red from crying. “The fuck do you want!?” Axel threatened. “I’m not gonna start a fight or anything. I’m sorry for the past, I just wanted to check on you.” Lukas answered calmly. “Why would you care.” Axel muttered.

"It's the end of the world, might as well stick together.” Lukas added. Lukas came over and sat next to Axel. “Just leave me alone. I’m fine.” He insisted.

“You’re not. Even if we don't exactly get along, it doesn’t mean I’m going to leave someone who clearly needs help.” Lukas argued.

Axel sighed. “Want an apology or something? How I fucked up and it’s my fault for doing this.” “No, I just wanted to comfort you. I can tell you’re not okay, everyone can.” Lukas replied calmly. “Congratulations, I guess.” Axel muttered.

“Axel, you can tell me. I’m not going to be a dick.” Lukas added. Axel didn’t reply for a moment. “You’re going to keep bugging me until I tell you, aren’t you?” Axel asked. He sighed, frustrated.

“Yeah, I’m NOT okay. I’m the reason for this, Magnus is dead, one of the friends I’m close with hates me, I’ve lost my best friend, and it’s my fault that he’s even dead!” Axel complained, tearing up more. “I get that feeling. I feel the same way.” Lukas sighed. “How.” Axel asked.

“I’ve lost my friends too. I witnessed Gill die, I had to kill Maya, I had to amputate Aiden’s arm, saw Gill after he got infected, got ditched by Aiden, heard we just had to straight up kill Maya after we found her, Aiden also died... and I also lost a friend of mine. Felt like more than just a regular friend though. And knowing I was immune... that I could save them...”

Axel frowned. “Guess we’ve both lost friends in the past.” Axel added. “Yeah. Not to mention I watched people close to me die three times.” Lukas sighed. “Who?” Axel asked.

“Gill, Maya... and Jesse. I wasn’t as close with Jesse as you were, but he helped me out. Barely any of them helped me out, so it hurt.” Lukas answered. “But I still understand how you feel.” Lukas added. “Damn.” Axel muttered.

“It’s not your fault, Axel. I can tell you that. It was Ivor’s fault for making the Witherstorm. It was his fault for scamming us.” Lukas reassured him. “If I didn’t pick up the fucking potion, we wouldn’t be here.” Axel glared, mostly mad at himself.

“None of us knew. It’s not your fault. None of this is your fault.” Lukas answered. Axel stayed silent.

“How about this, do you wanna have a truce? Just for when this infection is around, we’ll be friends, or act like it. Whatever you’d like.” Lukas asked.

Axel nodded. “I don’t mind. It’s better than nothing, honestly.” Axel added. Lukas held out his hand. Axel shook it. It was comforting to Axel the fact that Lukas actually tried to comfort him. It may not have helped much, but the thought was nice.