ael ◈ twst

Grim insisted on staying by your side. He played it off real casually, insisting that he felt like skipping class today. For all his bluster, Grim can’t really hide the concern in his eyes. He was honest to a fault.

Much like a certain classmate of yours…

A crash made you jump. Fists pounding at your door, each one louder then the last. There was a certain desperation to each knock, begging for an answer.

Planting your elbows into your bed, you managed to pull yourself upright. Blankets wrapped around your shoulders like a shawl, you stumble out of bed. Hands stretching outwards, relying on the walls to stabilise yourself. You hobbled to the front door, still delirious with fever.

A peep through the peephole revealed a mop of pastel green locks, styled back with copious amounts of hair gel. That was enough for you to identify your visitor.

Hands fumbling with the doorknob, you manage to coax the door open, coming face to face with your fellow classmate.

Sebek Zigvolt, in all his glory. He stood tall on your porch, panting softly. His cheeks were tinged red from exertion, eyes darting around your form. Scanning for any injuries, perhaps?

He was trained to be a soldier, after all. These things must be second nature. His mouth was open, about to deliver another of his lectures. Yet once he saw the state you were in, his tongue froze. Sebek stood there, gaping.

Much like a fish, you think hazily. Shoulders slumping, you lean onto the doorframe. It was the only way you could stay upright, at this point.

Not an action unnoticed. Hands find their way onto your arms. Wrapping you in the blanket, Sebek’s arms snake around your body. He heaves you up, cradling you close to his chest. Every heartbeat pounded into your skin. A steady beat that beat in sync with his chest.

Despite yourself, you lean in closer. Pressing your ear against his skin, feeling his pulse quicken under your touch. Unconsciously, your arms find their way around his neck, clinging on.

A grunt from Sebek, before he shakes his head.

“Honestly… to be in such a state. It’s typical of you humans.”

You manage a laugh, before a cough claws its way up your throat. Emerald eyes searching your face, his concern clear as day. His pace hastens, until you’re lowered back onto your bed.

His fingers wrap around your blankets, pulling them up gently. Tucking you in. His foot hooks onto a chair, Sebek drags it over. Taking a seat next to you.

A shaky smile pulling at your lips, you turn to him.

“You know, you don’t have to look after me. I’ll be fine, Sebek. You better go, you don’t want to catch a cold from this weak human,hm?”

Fingers thread through yours. Calloused hands, rough to the touch. The hands of violence and battle. Absentmindedly, your fingers trace over his palm. Rough patches of skin left after years of wielding swords. Years of perseverance, swing after swing.

One look in his eyes, and you could tell.

Sebek wasn’t leaving.

He clutches your hand firmly.

“I’m staying right here.