We go down, together

Broken Consciousness

A body crushed against another. Gentle fingertips cradled a head against a chest. "Shhh, you're okay. I've got you. You're safe."

"Can colors have smells?"
"Don't be ridiculous, Ominis."
"I think we could describe what colors smell like."
"What?"
"Red."
"Chili flakes."
"Oh, you are bloody brilliant. She's right, hot sauce."
"Blue."
"The sea."
"Blueberries, naturally."
"Green."
"Freshly mowed grass."
"Limes."
"I think she might be better at this than you are."
"Piss off."

"Ahem, forgive me but I was under the assumption that you had feelings for Anne."

"That was a long time ago. She did not feel the same."

"How long have you known?"

"A year, maybe more. And you?"

"I've been in love with her since the day she bested me in that duel."

"Quickly!"
"Where are we going?"
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes."
"Close your eyes."
"But-"
"Come on, humor me."
"Okay."
"Okay, open them."
"Surprise!"
"What-"
"Happy birthday, Olive."
"How did-"
"Did you think we would forget your birthday, Ollie?"
"I... I didn't think... anyone remembered."
"Nonsense. You deserve to be celebrated."
"Thank you."

Cool cloth met heated skin.

"When you wake up, you are going to get an earful. Not from me, but from Ominis. You really scared him. And-" moisture dripped onto flushed cheeks. "You scared me. Stop putting yourself in danger. You hear me?"

A choked laugh mixed with a sob.

"Please wake up. Please come back to me."

"Dance with me, Sebastian!"
"I don't dance."
"You are no fun."
"I will dance with you. That is, if you consider me worthy, my lady."
"Why, of course, kind sir. I would be honored."
"You are quit a good dancer."
"A compliment? From Ominis Gaunt? Pinch me, I must be dreaming."
"Careful."
"Ominis! You are going to drop me!"
"It's just a dip, darling. You are perfectly safe with me."
"Hey! Stop having fun without me! My turn!"
"I thought you couldn't dance."
"I said that I don't dance not that I couldn't. Come come, hold on tight, Olive."

Glass shattered. Wood splintered. Heartstrings snapped.

"Fuck!"

"Ominis?"

"Dammit. Dammit-"

"Ominis, let me help you."

"No! I can- can do it by myself. I don't need any help."

"Ominis-"

"No! You don't understand! It's- it's my fault. It's-" a body sinks to the floor. A hand reaches out, pulls him to his chest and cradles him in his arms. "I- I don't know how to fix it. This. I don't- I can't-"

"It's okay, we will figure it out together. It's not just your burden to carry."

Hysterical sobs encompassed the room.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For betraying you. For you getting hurt. For- for Olivia-"

"Oh, Ominis. It's okay. There is nothing that you need to apologize to me for."

"She's hurting and there's nothing I can do about it. I let them do that to her."