Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Atelophobia

This is a short one on the behind-the-scenes relationship between Luke and Kane (my own characters). So spoilers if you haven't read Aurora yet!
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Atelophobia
[A-tel-o-pho-bia]
The fear of imperfection. The fear of never being good enough.
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He clenched his teeth as pain seared up his arm. Sweat poured down his face and his knuckles went white as he gripped the railing. He strained, his eyes flickering gold. His chest heaved with shaky breaths, and he could barely form a word: "Ka-"

"Did I ask you to speak, Luke?" A calm voice interrupted.

Luke shut his mouth quickly, licking the blood from his lips. The metallic taste made him cringe, and he brought a salt hand to his tender shoulder.

"I'm sorry, K."

Kane sighed, and Luke glanced up to find the boy looming over him. Kane crouched down and tilted Luke's chin up so they were face to face. Kane smiled lightly, tracing Luke's lips with his finger. Luke inhaled sharply as Kane brought his mouth to his, closing the small gap between them. Kane's lips were soft against his own, making Luke shudder as he leaned into the kiss. Kane ran his hand through Luke's blonde curls and he gasped between their lips. Kane nipped his bottom lip, drawing a hum of surprise from Luke.

When Kane broke away, Luke was smiling again. Kane ran his fingers along Luke's cheek, wiping away tears. "Luke?"

"Yeah?" Luke replied, still in a trance.

"You still trust me, right?"

Luke wrapped his own hand over Kane's, his bruised eyes twinkling as he spoke softly. "Of course."

Kane hummed, resting his forehead against Luke's. Kane tapped the dark purple circle on Luke's shoulders, and the boy cringed.

"Sorry- it's still a little tender." Luke winced with a weak smile.

Kane furrowed his brows, his lips pressing together in a frown. He pushed his thumb into the bruise more firmly, making Luke groan in pain. "I thought you would've healed by now."

"But- but it's only been a day, Kane. I'm only huma-"

One sharp look from Kane and Luke was quiet, burying his face in his hands. He began to sob, his whole body shaking. "I'm just not good enough, Kane. You're right. You're always right and I don't know how to live up to you-"

Kane pried his fingers away, dark eyes meeting blue. "Luke, love, we both know you're far from human. I believe you can do this. For me, remember?" Kane stood and readjusted his white blouse. He offered his hand to Luke, and the boy took it, wobbling to his feet. Idly, Luke thought how generous Kane was being by helping him stand up. Luke brushed off his thin shirt, covered in sweat, torn in the back where red lines criss-crossed his shoulder blades. Luke's hair was disheveled, dirty gold locks hanging over his forehead. His right eye was covered by black, making the bright green-blue of his iris shine.

"Now," said Kane, taking a step back and giving Luke a small smile. "Shall we try again, Aether?"
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