Breath Like Fire
1048 Words
Breath Like Fire
"Randy" Elliot whispered, his body too far from Randy’s for comfort. "Yes?" Randy whispered back. "Are you awake?" "Yes you i***t that's how I'm talking to you" Randy laughed softly, his hand seeking out Elliot’s in the sheets. His damaged fingers wrapped around Randy’s and Randy could hear him sniffle, "are you crying? Ellie..." "I'm so sorry Randy, I did all of this, I caused you so much pain, I knew what you went through with Eli and I promised Lizzy I wouldn't go and..." "Stop Elliot, I've forgiven you, it's alright, it's okay" Randy rolled over pressing his body flush against Elliot’s, "it's over now, all we can do is look forwards, alright?" Elliot willed his right arm over and grasped weekly at Randy’s waist, his tears met Randy’s collarbone and Randy wrapped his arms tightly around him. They lay like that for hours, Elliot sobbing until he fell asleep from exhaustion. Randy stayed awake, watching the moonlight dance on the ceiling. How did this all come to be? How did I let myself get wrapped around another soldier? His hot breath hit Randy’s clavicle and Randy fell into Elliot’s clutches once again, his heart swelling until it would burst. Elliot’s weak hand managed to hold Randy tightly. His heartbeat was loud in Randy’s ears, Randy’s blood rushing thickly through his veins. Elliot brought Randy to life in the dead of night. Randy was so tired, but his eyes wouldn't close, Elliot’s body next to his was too hot. How after a year he managed to ignite Randy’s very being? His chest rose and fell with the time of Randy’s heart beating behind his ribs. Randy felt like Macbeth falling into insanity while his wife, rose into her own power, fighting his own intentions to rise above his life. Randy felt like he was yelling at a ghost but there was Elliot, his lady Macbeth. They were poison to each other, would Randy leave, no. Randy would fall with Dunsinane. Elliot’s eyes moved from behind his eyelids and his lips parted, soft snores escaping his lips. His scars crawling up his chest. Randy wanted to bring comfort to the damaged man before him, but he had no idea how. Randy understand that this man will be his undoing. How do I face my family with him on my arm again? Despite all that he's done how do I love him? It was beyond him. Randy loved him. I think I always will. No matter what he puts me through, as long as I can feel like this again I would stand through hell's fire for this man. Elliot’s voice pulled Randy from his thoughts once again, Randy could understand how it was hard for Elliot to sleep soundly, he was always busy, and across the ocean he was woken by bombs and the sound of death all around him. "My dearest, you mean the world to me" he mumbled, his legs parting Randy’s, he wound into the younger man, trying to creep as close as he could. "What am I going to do with you? My folly indeed" Randy smiled into his skin and he nudged Randy’s jaw, telling Randy to look at him. Randy’s eyes met his in the blackness of night, but he still shined. His lips quivered with a nervousness Randy had never seen from him before. Their history was short but their future…Randy could feel his insides knot with the thought of Elliot graying, and it was lovely. He leaned forwards, his lips meeting Elliot’s with a gentleness that told Elliot he knew, how fragile they both were. Randy reached up, placing his palm on Elliot’s unshaven jaw, his hair pricking Randy’s skin. Randy wound his arms around Elliot’s neck, tightly pulling him to the younger man until no air remained between their fleshes. My undoing was correct, there was nothing I knew was true other that Elliot would kill me, his love would suffocate me before I got a chance to run. My feet were reluctant to run anyway. I wonder if he knows, how much he has over me. I could imagine him being clueless. "I love you" Randy mumbled, "I love you, I love you" he repeated until Elliot silenced him with his mouth. "I will always love you, no matter how far we are, I know I am your folly, you are my ruffled feathers, I know that all the pain has lead me to you and I know I am far from the man you deserve." Randy was about to tell him to shut up, not to think that poorly about himself but he sat up. Randy’s back fell to the mattress and Elliot asked him if he could grab his medical supplies. Randy nodded, unsure where all of this was coming from, Elliot had showed up abruptly, without his leg and without his pride. Now he was back in their bed declaring his love for the younger man. Randy swung hia legs over the bed and shuffled over to the dresser, grabbing his bag. He had flicked the night stand light on and reached out for the bag. "I bought this overseas, I wanted to send it in a letter but I know you'd be disgusted, please just think about it, I planned on this when I returned but sadly I can't get down on one knee" "Elliot" "Shush, dearest, for just a moment." He pulled out a small brown pouch and opened it. His shaking fingers held out a golden band, "I know this is sudden, hell to you we might be ex’s, but I know you consume my waking hours, I have fallen so hard. I don't remember how it felt to be in love, but this is drowning, I'm not asking someone to save me. I love you so much more than I thought I could." He held it out, "please be with me the rest of my days"
- Writer
