[ "Sasuke." It's such a faint, trembling word, but it has more power than any word Sasuke has ever heard previous. He bolts upright and smooths down Yukimura's hair with utmost gentleness. ]
I'm here.
[ Sasuke's voice is shaky and weak, matching Yukimura's. People say the brighter the flame, the darker the shadow, and surely, the reverse is true. The weaker the flame, the weaker the shadow. And if the flame goes out, the shadow is swallowed up by the darkness.
But Yukimura has finally woken. There is still light in Sasuke's life. So much can still go wrong, but Yukimura is awake. Sasuke has to take a breath to steady himself. He feels the urge to bury his face into Yukimura's chest and cry with relief as he's held. Such a stupid thought. Sasuke should be stronger than that.
... It's been awhile since Sasuke had been so terrified and felt so helpless. ]
I'm here, Master.
[ Master, not General, as if that title would keep Yukimura closer to the land of the living. Closer to him. ]
Are you thirsty? Hungry? Cold? In pain?
[ That last one may be obvious given the extent of Yukimura's injuries, but since Yukimura is awake, Sasuke can find something to dull it now. He wants to do something for Yukimura. Anything. Anything besides just watching and praying that Yukimura doesn't pay the toll to cross the river in death. Or pleading and bargaining with any soul that might hear to take him instead and let Yukimura live. ]
no subject
I'm here.
[ Sasuke's voice is shaky and weak, matching Yukimura's. People say the brighter the flame, the darker the shadow, and surely, the reverse is true. The weaker the flame, the weaker the shadow. And if the flame goes out, the shadow is swallowed up by the darkness.
But Yukimura has finally woken. There is still light in Sasuke's life. So much can still go wrong, but Yukimura is awake. Sasuke has to take a breath to steady himself. He feels the urge to bury his face into Yukimura's chest and cry with relief as he's held. Such a stupid thought. Sasuke should be stronger than that.
... It's been awhile since Sasuke had been so terrified and felt so helpless. ]
I'm here, Master.
[ Master, not General, as if that title would keep Yukimura closer to the land of the living. Closer to him. ]
Are you thirsty? Hungry? Cold? In pain?
[ That last one may be obvious given the extent of Yukimura's injuries, but since Yukimura is awake, Sasuke can find something to dull it now. He wants to do something for Yukimura. Anything. Anything besides just watching and praying that Yukimura doesn't pay the toll to cross the river in death. Or pleading and bargaining with any soul that might hear to take him instead and let Yukimura live. ]