Enchanted and Hexed: A HEX Oneshot Collection

Perish (hurt/comfort)

"Okay, that's bad," Bdubs mumbled, staring at the nether roots.

"No kidding," Xay grumbled. "But I- oh."

The realization hit him like a train.

Anyone but him.

Universe, come on.

...Well...

I'm dead.

"Is there any way to cure it other than, well, if the love becomes requited?" Xay asked.

"You could kill your emotions with a potion," Iskall offered after a beat of silence. "But-"

"Give me the potion," Xay instructed.

"Are you sure-" Grian tried.

"No," Xay replied. "But if I'm sick for who I think I am, then this might be my only option."

And frankly, I'd rather survive emotionless than die to Hels.

It's only him and Xisuma.

Xisuma handed Xay the potion, and then there's silence.

Neither knows what to say.

Until Xay doubled over coughing.

Fungus sprayed out, and the pain flew through his veins like daggers.

When the world clears up, Xay notices a couple of things.

His knees had buckled, and he's crouched on the ground.

Xisuma is supporting him.

And there's blood mixed with the fungus.

"Wha-" Xay managed as Xisuma sucked in a breath.

"Promise me something," Xisuma mumbled as he stared at the pile of plants and blood. "Confess. Get it out of the way."

"I-"

"I can't lose you," Xisuma cut him off, his voice shaking. "I can't lose... anyone else."

Xay knew exactly what he meant.

"Okay," he agreed, although reluctant.

"Thank you," Xisuma replied.

This is a promise...

I' might just have to go back on.

At first, that was what Xay's plan was.

Take the potion.

...Once he mustered up the courage.

He kept telling himself that you have to take it today.

Apparently, 'today' could always wait until tomorrow.

The blood was becoming overwhelming.

And it was a day like any other,

When Xay realized,

Why don't I try to tell Hels?

Xay froze mid-step, and blinked in genuine confusion at the thought. It seemed... so... simple.

It wasn't until Xay approached Hels that he realized why he hadn't done this earlier.

I don't want him to see me like this...

But by then, it was too late.

Hels had already turned to face him.

Waiting for him to speak.