❝ And now you do know. You’re–… Your body is–… You’redying… ❞
That was probably one of the most difficult things Damian had ever choked out in his life, and it showed. Damian, usually so in control, so collected, his careful mask in place at almost all times to avoid what was really going on below the surface, his voice usually so crystal clear and confident–but now it wavered, cracked even as that mask frayed around the edges.
❝ And what exactly has knowing gotten you? I–… I should have told you. Youdeserve to know. But… Telling you hurt you. I know I should have sooner, but… -TT-… I wanted to find something, anything, that could fix it, anything that could make it go away before you ever had to find out… Because it’s not fair. It’s not! I–… I onlyjust found you… I shouldn’t have had to tell you anything like this, EVER! I wanted to take care of it… To make it better, before you would notice the signs. ❞
The droplets that fell from above hit the ground not far in front of Damian, each one may as well have been the strike of a gavel at a trial, for all the guild Damian felt. He didn’t cry. Damian Wayne never cried, nor had he any memory of actually crying before, but seeing his brother like this brought him just about as close as he had ever come. He couldn’t stay put any longer. Without even much thought behind it, his feet left the ground below as he began to float up towards his brother.
❝ It’s not fair… None of it is, and I–… I don’t have a cure yet, but I WILL. I don’t care if it does take a miracle, I’m going to fix it, I promise. I–… I’ll find something, Alex… ❞
He was so close now, just a foot or two below the boy, but he hesitated. Despite all of his usual impulses, he wanted nothing more than to reach out and take hold of the boy but–would he accept it? He was so angry… He should be angry, he had every right to be, Damian was too, but more than that right now he was worried.
❝ I won’t let anything happen to you… Your my brother… ❞
❝Of course it hurts you, imbecile! But its my life! Mine and I should have the choice of knowing whether or not I’m going to live or die.❞
What did he think it would be like? Eye awakening? No. He knew it would hurt, but hurt or so he had been told was a facet of life. You dealt with it and moved on. He would’ve had he known what was happening to him instead of waiting for the first signs already starting to show. Whenever he was out in the rain he’d always catch a cold, and now the coughing.
❝-I should also have the right to decide if I even want to continue living or let things end as nature seems to intend.❞
He didn’t mean it of course. He didn’t mean any of the harsh words he said, but it was something. A choice he wanted to have. To be given and yet Damian hadn’t. He took that from him and then gave it to him when it no longer mattered. He was dying and now he had to figure out what he would do for however long he managed to last. Still shaking bloodied fists unclenched revealing bloodied palms before he let himself drop, knowing Damian would catch him without a second thought.
There was a slight fear welling up now as dizziness settled in. From the stress, or hanging upside down or even his degeneration he couldn’t tell so he let go. He was getting tired of hanging there anyhow....at least that’s what he told himself.
