Contact. Support. Warmth, stemming from something other than the flames licking the inside of his skull. Maine squeezes North's hands in turn. Leans into Wash's touch. Draws in another painful, shuddering breath.
Memories bloom around them. Quick things lasting no more than a second, leaving little more than impressions in their wake. Thumps to his armor; arms slung over his shoulders; hands ruffling his hair, attached to grinning faces high above. Shouts of laughter and victory and joy. Strength. Courage. Sacrifice.
Brothers. Friends. Family. Team.
The distinct impression that, for Maine, they're all the same thing.
The great rend in his throat slowly begins to stitch itself shut. Each gasp draws in a little more air. At the back of his head, where Wash's fingers are curled, the symbol begins to fade.
Finally, Maine is able to choke out half a question. His eyes dart from Wash's to the cliff's edge, then back.
"Caro—...?"
The rest is lost in a wet cough. He squeezes North's hands tighter. Tries to focus on breathing. Thinks of Carolina's body. Tries to breathe, anyway.
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Memories bloom around them. Quick things lasting no more than a second, leaving little more than impressions in their wake. Thumps to his armor; arms slung over his shoulders; hands ruffling his hair, attached to grinning faces high above. Shouts of laughter and victory and joy. Strength. Courage. Sacrifice.
Brothers. Friends. Family. Team.
The distinct impression that, for Maine, they're all the same thing.
The great rend in his throat slowly begins to stitch itself shut. Each gasp draws in a little more air. At the back of his head, where Wash's fingers are curled, the symbol begins to fade.
Finally, Maine is able to choke out half a question. His eyes dart from Wash's to the cliff's edge, then back.
"Caro—...?"
The rest is lost in a wet cough. He squeezes North's hands tighter. Tries to focus on breathing. Thinks of Carolina's body. Tries to breathe, anyway.