Number 31 from the prompt list
Edit: Forgot to say this was in my AU that’s still in the works (aka in my brain)
He didn’t know what sounded worse. The fact that he was basically in a coma while his other half ran rampant in a feral state or having the other half come back and remembering everything it… he did.
The half Oni man sat up on the rooftop of the monastery, trying to be away from everyone after the Oni had rampaged through the cities and into his old home until they were banished from the realm entirely. That led to his other half to go back into hiding in him and he hadn’t heard of it since.
He could hear the sound of someone’s feet on the floor of the attic he was above. He leaned a bit before pulling back up when he saw a familiar form coming through the window. “Stupid.. fucking Oni man.. thinking he can brood up here and not expect anyone to find him.” Ah yes he can recognize that grumbling anywhere.
His eyes looked over and he saw someone in dark red robes, gray hair and copper eyes. His eyes used to be a shade of red orange when he had his powers. It took time to get used to his eyes being different but he liked them.. even if he denied it just to bury his old feelings.
“So what’s wrong with you?” Krux finally spoke up with a hint of annoyance. He sat down beside him, getting on his level. “Please don’t bother lying to me or dodging the subject. I’m not in the mood for your games.” Krux crossed his arms.
Garmadon remained silent for a while. How the heck was he supposed to word everything that happened? He didn’t want to believe it himself and he definitely didn’t want word to get out. Nothing left Garm for a few more moments. Krux watched him tilt his face into his hands. No noise.. nothing… until finally he heard it.
A sound he’d never thought to hear from him. It sounded— no, it is sniffling.
Krux’s normal scowl softened at that. His form was less tense but he kept his guard up. “Krux.” Garm whimpered in a low whisper.
Krux leaned his head to find his gaze. “Isn’t that what you always do?”
“No I mean… I fucked up real bad this time.” He found his gaze and his breath hitched in his throat. His eyes were bloodshot and he was fighting back the tears. “I remember.. everything he did… everything I did.. the running, the fighting.. and-..” He cut himself off. He had hours, days even, to process this but he still didn’t want to believe it.
“Krux, I don’t know if I could even say it. I can’t tell Kimiko just yet about it. I don’t know how she’ll handle it and my son… oh my son he’s.. they’re all I’ve got in the end and I feel like I just messed it all up. I—.” There was the sound of a smack across his cheek and his head turned along with the hit. “Enough, Garmadon. Enough.”
Krux had to sigh at him. “Just give me the shorter version.” Garm remained silent once more. His hands moved back into his lap. He swallowed in nervousness and let out a sigh.
“Krux… there was a serpentine woman… and my other half… he… I…” The tears finally slid down his face. He hissed when they made contact with the still stinging slap mark. It took a moment or so, but Krux pieced it together and had to look away, holding a hand to his face. “Oh… you fucked up so bad.”
“I know.. I know.” He wiped his eyes away. “I know there’s no use hiding and crying about it but.. Krux what am I supposed to tell Koko, Lloyd, Wu, or any of them?” His hand hovered for a moment before he felt Krux grab his wrist. “Not immediately is how.”
“I’m no expert on this, but there’s still more we need to figure out first. You need to collect your thoughts, put everything together and tell them as best as you can.” Krux held on his hand with both, fastening the bandages around the hand. “Look, I don’t want to help you but you’re giving me little choice.” ‘And I don’t like seeing you like this.’ He thought about saying that but decided not to add it. The time twin looked up to him and before he could fight back the feeling of setting his hand on his cheek, it was already going there.
The taller man pulled away for a moment but the other’s hand followed. The second he set it down, he flinched underneath the touch. “Sorry for the slap but I had to snap you out of it somehow.” He apologized, rubbing his thumb against the trail of tears. “That and I probably had it coming from you.” He gave a broken sounding chuckle that dragged for a bit before becoming a set of sobs he tried to soften. He didn’t want the others to see him like this.
As much as Krux didn’t like the physical contact, he just couldn’t sit there. He was careful in shuffling closer, trying not to slip off the roof. His hand remained on his cheek while he went in front of him and set his other hand on the opposite cheek. Garm’s hands found his and he held them in their place.
By the time he calmed down, Krux was leaning his forehead on the other’s, murmuring and humming a little lullaby softly. Garm could barely hear it but it brought a sense of comfort he hadn’t felt in a long time. A sad smile slipped and he turned his head a bit, without thinking he pressed his lips on the man’s palm. Despite the physical difference and the years, his lips were still soft and he was obviously being careful with the scars on his palm and wrist.
Krux debated whether he should just replaced his hand with his own lips but ultimately decided against this. He didn’t want to muddle up Garm’s thoughts while he was like this, though he wasn’t sure they weren’t muddled in the first place. The time twin pulled his one hand away but the other was still stuck by Garmadon’s other hand while he still kept his lips pressed into his palm. It didn’t feel much like a kiss anymore. Just his mouth being placed against his hand.
“Garmadon.” He whispered. He moved the salt and pepper bangs out of his face and he continued in his low whispers. “You have to come down sometime.” Garm looked up at that and pulled away from his hand finally. He shook his head. “Not yet.. I just.. I don’t want to face them yet.”
“And you don’t have to. You don’t have to say anything about it yet until we have all the details.” He comforted. Garm noticed the small detail in his wording. “We?” Krux froze for a moment, realizing what he said. “Well, you shouldn’t have to go through this alone. That’s not fair to anyone.”
“Not even to your old enemy?” The corner of his lip curled a bit at that and he looked up to the former brunet.
“Not even to a good person like you.” He could feel himself become a little flushed at saying that but in all honesty and despite their messy history (even calling it messy was a severe understatement), he knew he was right.
“Can we still wait here a while longer?” The demigod looked him over, not even hiding it. Krux rolled his eyes at him. “Only a while. I don’t need your son to chase me out thinking I’m trying to have a one night stand with his father. I may have been an enemy who amassed an army for over four decades and almost won but I’m no home-wrecker.”
Garm let out a small chuckle. “No. No you’re not.”
