ephemeral | baekxing

Transient

Streaming through the open window, sunlight scattered itself onto the walls of the shadowy room. It brushed over a figure slumped across an unevenly laid white sheet. The figure emitted a groan and sat upright. Yixing stretched his arms as he yawned. Rubbing his eyes, he looked over at Baekhyun who was sleeping soundly. Reaching out to his head, Yixing ran his hand through Baekhyun's sparse hair.

Baekhyun stirred, his eyes met Yixing's adoring ones. Smiling his hands found Yixing's - they clasped them together and gave each other a gentle kiss. Yixing brought his hand to Baekhyun's face and caressed his cheek.

"Good morning sweetheart." Yixing whispered sweetly.

Baekhyun nuzzled his face into Yixing's hand before forcing himself up and into Yixing's chest. Yixing held Baekhyun and stroked his head whilst planting small kisses atop of it.

"You look cute today," Yixing mumbled.

Baekhyun felt the vibrations of Yixing's voice through his chest. He snuggled closer, feeling more warmth from his love.

"Thank you," Bakehyun rasped.

Yixing pushed Baekhyun away. Picking up a glass of water, Yixing held it up to Baekhyun's dry and colourless lips. Still in Yixing's arms, Baekhyun sipped on the cold water, relishing it's refreshing nature and quenching his thirst.

Chemo was beyond difficult for Baekhyun. He had never thought that he would be here; in a cruel turn of events it was him on the bed. Why me he thought, out of all the people on this planet it had to be him on the bed. This mutation could have happened to a criminal but it had to happen to him. There were far worse people in the world who deserved it yet he had to suffer because his body let him down.

Baekhyun sighed deeply which made Yixing pull him closer towards himself. Baekhyun gave a small but grateful smile. Even though he was suffering he still had Yixing, out of everyone Yixing understood how it felt. He had gone through the same thing 2 times and successfully made it through. Perhaps Baekhyun had a chance too. However what kept Baekhyun fighting wasn't that Yixing survived - no, it was the fact that Yixing loved Baekhyun with everything he had.

Baekhyun wanted to survive for Yixing. Although his own demons tormented him and pined for an end, Baekhyun's heart pined for Yixing. They had made a life time of memories which only made Baekhyun elated every time he thought of them. Having a home together signified that they were serious - they were going to make it till the end. More than anything, as trivial as it may seem, Baekhyun wanted to watch the seed they planted together grow, he wanted to know what type of flower it was or if it was even a flower at all.

"Did you water our seed?" Baekhyun asked.

"Stop calling it our seed Baekhyun," Yixing laughed "it sounds like something else."

Baekhyun scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"You have a dirty mind Yixing, what else am I meant to call it?" Baekhyun sighed.

"A plant?" Yixing suggested.

"Okay, did you water our plant?" Baekhyun smiled.

"Yes I did my love,"

Baekhyun muttered a thank you and once again snuggled up to Yixing. They sat in silence, it was something they often did. Words didn't need to be exchanged between them, they enjoyed the calming silence. The only thing that mattered was that they were in each others arms; close, warm and together.

A knock on the door made Yixing jump up. He helped Baekhyun lay back onto the bed and then opened the door. The doctor walked in, her expression was unreadable. She shut the door and then cleared her throat.

"Mr Byun, Mr Zhang," she greeted "I believe we have some things to discuss."

Yixing and Baekhyun nodded. Yixing settled into the chair besides Baekhyun's bed and softly grasped his hand. They both looked gazed at one another, longing and hopeful.

"Your condition did improve Mr Byun," the doctor started, Baekhyun sighed in relief "but only for a short while."

Baekhyun held Yixing's hand tighter.

"From the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry. You have stage four lung cancer." the doctor finished regretfully.

Baekhyun's hand gripped Yixing's hand with all the life he had within him. Yixing gently placed his other hand atop of Baekhyun's hand.

"H-how long do I have left?" Baekhyun quivered.

"A month at the most," the doctor replied "I'm so sorry. I'll let you have your privacy."

A sob. One heavy sob filled the room. Baekhyun breathed deeply, hot tears fell down his face. His arms instinctively reached for Yixing. Yixing held Baekhyun tight, he held onto him like it was the last time he'd ever hold him. Yixing rested his head on top of Baekhyun's, his tears drenched the few stands of hair Baekhyun had.

A week later, Baekhyun passed away in Yixing's arms with his family surrounding him. Yixing rocked Baekhyun's frail body whilst he whispered I love you in his ear. Baekhyun weakly whispered I love you, he gave a small smile and then closed his eyes.