#dark below

“Wei.” was all she was able to force out before the titan stood, stepping to the warlock and wrapping her in an embrace so gentle Eriana found herself pressing deeper against Wei Ning’s chest, letting her eyes drift closed.  Wei Ning said nothing, instead running her hand up and down the exo’s back, letting her fingers glide over each of the spinal plates beneath the warlock’s outer robes.

after a few moments of standing together, Eriana took the opportunity to push herself away from her lover.  Again at a loss for words, the Warlock opted for a simple “I’ve missed you.” which the titan responded by taking the warlock’s hand and following with “and I you.”

as the two stood in the field of wheat, they seemed to come to a consensus, and together began again their approach to the crypt.

-//

“Tell me” Wei Ning implored.  “How did Mare Ibrium fare after I fell?”  Eriana gave pause for a moment, which was reply enough for the titan.  “That bad, eh?”  Eriana nodded. “We broke rank and scattered after you fell.” she described.  “Hundreds died to the hive, and even more were picked down by the fallen as we attempted to reach our ships.”  Wei Ning pursed her lips in answer.

“Its understandable.” Wei began. “They looked up to me, and if I hadn’t-” 

“If you hadn’t been stupid.” Eriana snapped at her lover, which gave the titan pause, glancing to the exo in surprise. “If you didnt charge their ranks, alone, we could have won.” Eriana paused for only half a second before ranting onward. “If you had just waited we could have formed a plan, if you weren’t doing what every titan did before you you wouldn’t have-” the exo stopped and turned her back on the titan, pulling her hand away sharply and pressing it to her chest in order to subside the pained feeling in her eyes that signalled she was about to cry.  or whatever exo’s do when they cry.

Wei Ning simply stood, lips pressed tightly together for a few moments before stepping forward and placing a hand on Eriana’s shoulder.  “If you hadn’t tried to be a hero.” Eriana said slowly, her voice filled with shaking calm.  “You would still be here.”  

Wei Ning did not speak for a long while, her eyes glazing over slightly, before taking the warlock’s hand and simply saying “I know.” 

-//

The two spent the rest of their approach in sad, yet comfortable silence, the both of them pausing at the black, angular cut stone steps that led up to the single door into the crypt.  

“I don’t want this to end.” Eriana admitted, as Wei led her up the steps.  “I dont want to wake up to a world without you.”  Wei Ning nodded, releasing Eriana’s hand as they reached the terrace just before the door. “I know.” Wei said again, taking the handle of the crypt.  “But wherever I am.” she looked back to Eriana with a brave smile. “I’ll be watching, and I’ll be waiting.” as she opened the door, blinding light spilled fourth, causing Eriana to cover her eyes as Wei Ning stepped through.  

“Wei!” Eriana called out, stretching her hand out to chase after her lover. “Wei wait!” 

-//