Volt loses his eyesight after being Realized.
It's slow at first, he and Eddie almost don't notice. He spends a little longer deciphering what he's reading when putting together realtor papers, squints a little bit more when Eddie shows him color samples, takes a little longer to do his makeup. The sun isn't as bright anymore either—he must finally be getting used to this new human body of his (albeit, the light still hurts).
Then, it's struggling to read the GPS navigation when he and Eddie drive to look at a new property. Misreading menu items at restaurants; Eddie subtly and gently correcting him and pointing out things on the menu that Volt might like, so he doesn't have to strain his eyes. Unable to read realty signs. Being relegated to passenger princess.
When Volt gets a client's information wrong is when Eddie puts his foot down. He should have taken Volt to the eye doctor much sooner, but getting health insurance was a hassle, and Volt is too proud to admit he's struggling, and—
Well, they both knew it was going to happen eventually. Eddie just always thought that it would be his body that failed him first. But Volt's eyes aren't working anymore now that he's human. It wasn't a problem when he was electricity incarnate, when he literally lit up a room, but his eyes aren't built to last anymore. They're too sensitive, don't have the proper structure, and the lack of pupils is an issue now that he's human.
Volt doesn't leave the house for days. Eventually, Eddie manages to drag him outside for a walk around the block with soft pleas and the promise of takeout after.
Volt is hesitant to get a cane at first, feeling like he's not worth it. His vision isn't bad enough, he would only be seen as a faker, there are others whose vision loss is more severe... on and on the internalized ableism goes. Eddie forces his hand with a gentle, no-nonsense, "You've always taken such good care of me, now let me do the same for you. It is my sacred and cherished duty as your partner to do so."
"Dirty play, Eddison," Volt grumbles.
"Not that I mind holding your hand all the time," Eddie continues, grinning, "but." He softens. "You deserve your freedom, too."
"What if I don't want it?" Volt breathes, tightening his grip on Eddie's hand. Eddie hums, smiling again.
"Then it's a good thing you said yes."
Eddie is also looking at guide dogs he knows Volt would fall head over heels for, but all in due time. Volt is still coming to terms with the fact that he's going blind.
What breaks him is the day he has to ask Eddie to do his makeup for him. Volt can barely get the question out, eyeliner gripped in his fist, before he's breaking down on the floor in sobs.
Eddie is at his side instantly, gathering his fiancé in his arms and telling him he knows, I know. It's fucking awful when your body breaks down on you. Let it out, sweetheart, I've got you. Fall apart. There's no one to keep up appearances for—not even me.
Volt cries and yells until most of it is out of his system, his sobs dwindling to sniffles and hiccups. Eddie holds him through it all—the rage, denial, fear, and depression—his own tears wetting Volt's hair as he strokes it.
"That's right. Your spark has got you. I'm right here, Volt." He holds him impossibly closer. "Right here."
"I promise." Eddie rubs a soothing hand over Volt's back. "In sickness and in health, remember? I'm not going fucking anywhere."
Volt laughs wetly. Eddie's heart soars at the sound.
They decide to stop postponing the wedding. They have everything they need right there in their arms, medical issues be damned. Eddie shells out for Volt to get his hair, makeup, and nails done, and if Eddie cries when he and Volt stand at the alter in matching litchtenberg patterned suits... well, that's none of your business.
Eddie gets better at doing Volt's makeup and nails over time, especially after he swallows his pride and goes to Barry for tips. Volt never minds that Eddie's hands still shake sometimes, only thanking him for helping him feel so pretty and giving him a grateful kiss. Eddie blushes, mumbling about how he got polish on Volt's skin again, or the wings are uneven, or apologizes again for stabbing Volt with the mascara wand.
"Nonsense! You always make me feel so pretty, spark. And to suggest otherwise would be to disagree with how attractive I find myself," he winks.
Eddie sputters out a "Stop, shut up—" before he's kissing Volt to make him do just that.
origamiaround
andulkaphoto
areudirty
germansingergirl
kianamaiart
