Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74 {Part 1}

~Chapter 71: No Need to Say Goodbye~

"Jiu, you're here!" Edward gasped, rushing in," You didn't come in through the front door?"
Jiu shook his head, pursing his lips as he straightened up; still gently stroking Leora's hand," I took a short cut from the village and noticed the patio was open."
Edward and Soren nodded, grimly.
"How bad is it?" Jiu whispered.
"Considering her family's history of tuberculosis, not great," Edward murmured, furrowing his eyebrows, as Soren gently rubbed his back.
"How long did her aunt last with it?"
Edward glanced at the floor; Leora spoke up, her voice soft," Two years."
Two years was not enough time. Not enough time at all.
"Though...they found out she had it sooner than in my case, it took her a year to start bleeding," Leora stated.
Jiu grimaced. That didn't help reassure him.
"God..." Jiu trembled, struggling to contain his tears," So...a year? That's it? That's all you have?"
Leora shook her head," I might survive."
"Will you!?" Jiu let out a sudden sob of emotions, that he couldn't quite contain," Or are you just saying that, to make me feel better? Has anyone ever lived from it?"
The room fell silent. Jiu was slightly ashamed of himself for having a go at her when she was in this state, but he couldn't help it. He was already grieving the idea of her slowly perishing. He couldn't have her raising his hopes, only for them to be significantly crushed; like an ant beneath a heavy boot.

Leora stared at him, struggling to speak. After a moment, she glanced nervously back at her bedsheets, and sighed.
"I suppose I don't know anyone who has, but..." Leora muttered," I will be the first."
Jiu trembled, glancing away," I can't loose you. Not again."
Leora frowned.
"Again? Has this happened before?"
Jiu gasped softly, tears dripping down his cheeks. In truth, he didn't know why he said that. Had he even thought it? Yet, his mouth had said it, hadn't it?
"I don't know..." Jiu shuddered, sitting down on her bedside, covering his face with his hands," I don't know anymore, alright? I... I'm not thinking straight..."
Leora gently pulled his hands from his face, and brought them to her own. Her weak breath ghosted over them, before gently pressing a kiss to them.
"I'm not going anywhere, okay? No need to say goodbye."
Jiu felt fresh tears fill his eyes, struggling to hold them back. Leora hugged him, weakly; her strength had already seemed to deteriorate from it all. Jiu let out a choked sob, burying his face in her neck as he nuzzled it.

Edward and Soren decided to leave to give them some space. They lay like that for about ten minutes; holding each other close.
"You know..." Jiu murmured," You've never forced me to do any tasks."
Leora frowned," Forced? Is that even possible?"
"I'm under a pact with you, remember?" Jiu hummed, softly," All you've ever had to do is command me, and I'd be forced to do it. Why haven't you?"
Leora stared at him in silence for a moment. She smiled weakly, and shrugged.
"I don't like the idea of using you for my own selfish means."
Jiu chuckled, weakly," And holding me hostage here for art isn't?"
Leora let out her own weak giggle," Had I known, I wouldn't have forced you to."
Jiu gently stroked her back, lost in thought. He stared at her weak happy face looking at the ceiling, and his own expression faded into something sad and hopeless.
"I wouldn't change it, you know?" Jiu murmured," I was pissed with you at first, for summoning me. But, now? I think it was all worth it."
Leora glanced at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She, too, smiled; sadly.
"Even after everything you've dealt with here?"

Jiu nodded, smiling weakly," Even after everything I've dealt with. I wouldn't trade it for any other time of my life, because...if you had forgotten, and if I hadn't pulled all these acts; well...I wouldn't be with you, would I?"
Leora laughed," That's very true."
Jiu gently sat up, stretching, being careful to not jostle Leora much.
"Well, if you are going to be the first person to beat tuberculosis, you need your rest," He chuckled, but he was unable to hide the slight pain in his voice, as he knew the impossible dream.
Leora nodded, smiling. She settled back into her pillows, letting Jiu drape the blanket around her, and kiss her gently.
"Sleep now, alright?" Jiu whispered.
Leora smiled," Alright. Goodnight, I love you."
Jiu's breath hitched.
"I love you too; sleep well. Yell if you need anything. And I mean anything at all, alright?"
Leora nodded, watching as Jiu carefully left her room.