ok I THINK this is the right ask for this prompt anyway this is sooo short for how long it took snanakjz I just didn't work on it for a while </3 sorry
"Was that part of the bet?"
Kevin runs a warm hand from Charles's shoulder up to his face, thumb caressing his cheek. Charles leans into the touch. Straining to keep his eyes open and focused, he tosses Kevin a small smile. The reassuring effect he had intended by it fell short as the expression resembled a grimace more than anything else.
"Yes, yes it was, but I didn't know that when I-"
His words trail off into a frustrated groan and he lets his eyes fall shut, relinquishing all the tension that tethered him upright. He slumps forward against Kevin's chest, which receives him strong arms around him in return. The radiant heat of Kevin's body provides some relief against his aching head, so he presses further against him.
"If you didn't know, then it's hardly your fault, what e-"
"Kevin."
Charles sighs and places an unsteady hand on Kevin's chest, next to where his head rests. He idly strokes the silky fabric of his cover-up as he tries to figure out what exactly he wants to say.
"It- it said the terms when I agreed, so I technically knew. I just didn't...understand. I didn't understand them."
As a small sob finally frees itself from where he's had it caged in his chest, Kevin pulls him tighter. It's a very welcome contrast to the sharp pain that replaced the cry, and keeps him grounded enough to keep from breaking down completely.
"I should've known not- I should've known not to fuck around with shit like this anymore-"
Charles, as not just a parent, but a long-time single parent, didn't swear often. He was Donovan's only role-model, and while he wouldn't truly care about swearing all that much, it wasn't about that. He had to be the best possible influence for Donnie. So when he did curse like this, the weight of the words bore heavy on his tongue.
"It only came back to bite me, but what if it had hurt you? Or hurt Donnie? Kevin, I-"
He has to stop talking and squeeze his eyes shut to keep his frustration and worry from boiling over into more tears. Kevin rubs gentle circles against his back as they linger in silence for a few moments.
"Charles-"
Kevin starts, tilting Charles's head to meet his eye sockets.
"-It's okay. We live in a dangerous place, a dangerous time. Who knows what could've happened if you didn't take its bet?"
"Ke-"
"There's no use in contemplating the what ifs, sunshine. What matters is that we are all still here, still alive-"
-Charles looks away when he says that-
"And, most importantly, we are safe now. Thanks to you, Charles."
Kevin cups his face in his hands, the sentiment of his words hanging between them like a gift being extended but not yet taken.
"What you should focus on is taking care of yourself. You're missing several ribs and an organ and you're worried about me?"
Finally, Charles sighs and accepts the gift. He closes the space between them, pressing his lips against Kevin's and letting the familiarity of the sensation calm him the best it can. Once they part, he even chuckles slightly.
"This isn't my first go-round at the organ stealing rodeo. I'll be fine."
