Richie and Eddie helped clean up the Konillian ship while the other Tenebrians docked their ships and disembarked, setting up their camps on the beach. Some could stay on, but there weren't enough rooms or beds for them all.
Once they'd all cleaned the deck and dealt with getting everyone caught up, Eddie started limping, his stomach wound hurting. In fear of the future, Richie lifted him up and carried him back to their shared room.
"I'm fine," Eddie said, trying to get away, even though he was laughing the whole time. "Rich, seriously!"
"You were limping, Eds! Forgive me for being your glorious savior!" Richie claimed dramatically, flopping back on the bed, Eddie landing on his lap.
"That stunt made it hurt worse, idiot," Eddie said, grinning from ear to ear. He was sad for his father's death, but he and Richie had barely defied their deaths again. He had reason to be happy.
Richie sensed the joke, but he looked concerned anyway. "Haha, you're so funny," he said sarcastically, laying back so Eddie was sitting on his stomach.
"A comedian," Eddie said, leaning down and kissing Richie. "Funniest one out there."
Richie rolled his eyes when Eddie pulled away, holding onto his hips. "You're weird."
"That's the best comeback you've got?"
"You expected something worse?"
Eddie smiled and slid off of Richie, laying next to him and kissed his cheek. "You're my best friend and my boyfriend. It's your job to make fun of me," Eddie said with a giggle.
Richie blushed and turned to kiss Eddie on the lips, pushing his tongue into Eddie's mouth. They made out slowly, the small kisses never being enough.
Finally, Richie pulled away. "I literally worship you, Eds. I can't be mean," he said, sitting up and letting Eddie sit on his thighs.
"You literally bullied me for hating on Eclipse."
"He's a sweet dragon."
"He's a heinous bitch. We've gotta save him from Klais."
Eddie nodded, ashamed he hadn't taken better care of Eclipse. "We do. That idiot shouldn't be killed because I didn't take care of him," he said miserably, knowing how bad Richie must feel without Iris. "We'll make him pay, Rich."
Richie nodded stiffly. "If we have the chance. I'm not going to just go off on a killing spree. I have to make sure someone stays alive to make sure you're not being an idiot."
Eddie giggled, knowing Richie was trying to face his nerves about the upcoming destruction. "Of course, my love," he said, scooting forward and pressing his lips to Richie's neck, leaving a trail of feather light kisses. "Who else is going to keep me in line?"
Richie dropped his head back to allow Eddie to continue kissing along his neck. "I'm sure any of my siblings would be okay with giving you shit. None as good as me," he said, tousling Eddie's hair with his hands.
"Of course not," Eddie mumbled, resting his head in the crook of Richie's neck.
It felt safe and comfortable to be so close to Richie and to know that even if they failed and lost the war, they got to share a small portion of time together. It would never be enough, but the safety net was there.
It would never be enough until they won.
•••
Richie woke up, holding Eddie close to his chest. He didn't know why he woke until there was a knock at his door.
"Yeah?" Richie called, trying to keep Eddie asleep.
The door open and Richie's heart dropped and soared at the same time.
"Bev told me you were in here," Maggie said quietly, shutting the door behind her. "I needed to make sure you were okay."
Richie hadn't spoken, his eyes wide. "Mom?" he asked, a shake in his cracked voice. "What are you doing here?! It's fucking dangerous!"
Maggie smiled and sat at the end of the bed, keeping from disturbing Eddie. "I slept around for money. I've seen danger, honey," she said, the pain hidden behind her eyes. "I was so worried, Rich."
"I'm sorry, mom," Richie said weakly, all of his emotions attacking him at once. "I had to help the rebellion. I joined and they sent me-"
"Bev told me," Maggie cut off, running her hand through her dark, curly hair. "She told me everything that happened. So you know?"
Richie nodded. "I'm not Tenebrian by birth," he said flatly. "That's not going to stop me from saving them."
Maggie looked at him proudly. "I know. You're a good person, Richie. Biological or not, you're the best son I could've gotten," she said.
Richie moved to stand up. "Can we talk about this outside? I don't want him to wake up. He's had a pretty shitty day," he whispered, putting Eddie on the bed, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
Eddie shifted in his sleep, grabbing onto Richie's shirt. His eyes opened briefly, but Richie quickly got him back to sleep with soft words and gentle touches.
"I'll be right back, baby," he whispered, brushing Eddie's cheek with his thumb. "Gotta go talk to someone."
Eddie nodded, drifting off again.
Richie lead Maggie to the deck of the ship, sitting down on the ledge. She sat beside him, looking out onto the ocean, which was dark and the sky littered with stars. They didn't get to enjoy views often with all the war going around.
"You love him, Lucantian or not, huh?" Maggie asked, having seen the arrow on Eddie's wrist and remembering him from Tenebris.
Richie nodded. "Yeah, I do. He's not really Lucanitan anymore, though. I don't think our marks matter at this point," he rambled out.
"I'm not judging you, honey," Maggie said. "I just want you to be happy."
"I'm scared, mom."
"I know."
"What if I lose him? Or we lose and something happens to me? He's not helpless, but I feel like if I don't protect him, no one will. Or what if Klais tortures him? He already got stabbed once!"
Maggie placed both of her hands on Richie's shoulders. "Honey, listen to me. I understand you're afraid, but it will all be okay. I promise you that. If something happens, it happens for a reason. We will do everything we can to protect each other, but we don't know what will happen. I just don't want you to forget who you are as a person, because you're a good one."
Richie nodded in understanding.
"Protect him, but know that he can protect himself too. He's a smart boy, and I only met him once briefly. Be yourself, Richie. Be proud of who you are. You're smart and you'll do what's best, I know it. And, when you feel it's necessary..." Maggie paused and pulled a small box out of her pocket, handing it to Richie. "Use it?"
Richie blushed at the item in the box. "How'd you get it?" he asked softly, running his finger over it.
"I have friends in high places. Trust your gut."
"I will," Richie whispered, hugging Maggie tightly. He walked off to his room, blushing and smiling the whole time, excited for the day that he'd get to use what Maggie gave him.
———————
You poor children deserve some fluff before I break you again :)
Are y'all enjoying this story? Leave comments so I know what to fix !
