The zeta was alone when he woke...well, at least he thought he was. A musky scent caught the pink-haired male's attention, tempting him to turn his head towards the window where a stunning sight hit the zeta like a pound of bricks.
The true blood was perched on the window seat, leaning against the wall with one leg dangling while the other was bent on the wide sill. A soft breeze flowed through the open window, ruffling the man's raven hair aesthetically. The cool moonlight fell gently on the prince's face, softening his features while casting beautiful shadows in all the perfect places.
The small rustling of the zeta alerted the prince of Syri's waking. Quickly averting his eyes, the zeta began to sit up only to be met with the true blood rushing to him and gently pressing him back into the bed.
"It's best if you don't move."
Syri nodded and laid his head back on the pillow, gazing up at the masculine male standing over him.
"How do you feel?"
"Better. Thank you."
The true blood's eyes moved down to the wrapped wound on the zeta's side. Syri placed his hand over the wound when he noticed Jae looking at it. "I know...that I don't have much time left."
"I'll find him. I'll save you."
Syri's eyes widened in fear as he began shaking his head anxiously. "No! Please, I don't want to see him. I'd rather die! Please." Big, full tears began streaming down the small male's face.
Jae filled with sadness as he looked at the zeta. Even though Syri's mate never marked him, the mate bond would still be pretty strong. It must have been extremely painful for Syri to not want his mate at that moment. The prince slowly reached out and softly stroked his thumb under the zeta's eye, brushing away a tear. All Jae could think was: 'He hurt you this badly?'
Syri closed his eyes and absorbed the true blood's touch, surprised at how gentle it was. No person had ever been this gentle and caring towards him. He let out a small, pent-up breath when Jae's touch lingered only to open his moist eyes when the true blood pulled his hand away. "How long do I have?"
"A week," Jae's voice was quiet and sad.
"Okay." The zeta was trying his best to not break down. He only had a week left to live, and he was just eighteen. "Can you do me a favor?" Syri asked Jae, tears threatening to flood his eyes again.
The true blood nodded.
"Can you hold me?" The tears broke past Syri's resolve as the zeta melted.
Jae immediately moved onto the bed beside Syri and brought the small male into his arms. It made sense; Syri was an omega in nature. It was natural for an omega to crave a strong, comforting hold in a stressful situation. It would be harder for Syri since he had met his mate but was not receiving the strength and stability he needed from his significant other.
"I promise I'm not a slut. I don't usually do this," Syri said through tears to the true blood who tightened his hold in response.
"It's okay. You don't have to worry." Jae released comforting pheromones as he soothed the small zeta.
"Can you stay with me?"
"Mm-hmm. I'll be here for as long as you need."
Jae felt Syri relax as he heard the prince's response. Soon, the slow, steady breathing of the zeta filled the true blood. Jae looked down to find Syri fast asleep. Slowly and ever so carefully, Jae slid down the bed frame, Syri still on his chest, until the two were lying down comfortably. Jae remained on his back while the small zeta nestled into him. It felt good to have someone next to him. The true blood closed his eyes, loving being consumed by Syri's sweet scent and soft breathing.
<3<3<3<3
Syri was the first to wake the next morning. The forgotten, open window let in a soft breeze and illuminated the room in a warm, morning glow. Syri's eyes trailed from the strong arms around him to the sleeping face in front of him. The true blood looked so soft sleeping beside him, different from his usual, hard expression and strong presence.
The zeta cautiously scooted closer and placed his delicate finger on the true blood's jaw, tracing the man's sharp features. Even though his features were sharp, his skin was smooth and warm. Syri heard the man wake as his breathing deepened before becoming shallower and faster in pace. The dark eyes opened as Syri's finger reached the point of the true blood's chin and stared at the beauty in front of them. The zeta's eyes flickered up to meet the dark eyes gazing at him, snatching the prince's breath away. The two gazed at each other in this manner for an appropriate amount of time. The true blood found himself leaning in towards the zeta who stared at him with big eyes.
'Why aren't you moving away? Why are you letting him come this close?' Syri thought as he remained still, locking eyes with Jae as the man stopped a hair's breath away from the zeta's face. The true blood's eyes moved down to the zeta's lips, his dark lashes fanning on his cheek as their lips grazed each other.
'What are you doing? Why are you going in for a...Jae! Do you not remember what happened the last time you tried to kiss someone?! What if he doesn't want you? He already has a mate!!' Fear of rejection coursed through the prince's veins. The sound of approaching footsteps reached the true blood's ears, causing him to pull away as a knock sounded on the door.
Clearing his throat, Jae called, "Come in," as he slid out of the bed. He hoped the zeta could not hear his racing heart as he turned and saw the zeta lying in the bed gazing up at him. "Did you sleep okay?" 'Such a cliché thing to ask.'
Syri nodded before slowly standing to his feet, holding his bandaged side carefully as he walked to the bathroom. 'Why did he pull away? Does he not want me, either?' Syri wondered as he stood in front of the bathroom's mirror. The zeta's eyes widened as he thought of a possibility. 'But he has a mate. He just hasn't met them yet. Of course he wouldn't want me. My fated doesn't want me, so why would he? Oh, but it felt so nice to be in his arms with his scent covering me. No, Syri. Stop imagining things. It'll never happen. He will find his mate and live happily ever after with them...and...you'll be gone long before then.'
The zeta's thoughts stopped abruptly as pain shot through his side. He stifled a groan as he lifted the over-sized shirt lent from the true blood, revealing the oozing wound. 'Again? Why? Why now? My sixth-to-last day just started. At least let me live my last days in peace!' A pool of blood started to form on the ground as the hot liquid began seeping through Syri's fingers. 'It is bleeding faster than normal.' The zeta placed a wet hand on the wall for stability as his vision blurred, leaving a red handprint as he slid to the ground.