Author: Sparkle Itamashii

Title: Let Go

Warnings: Respect the Rating.

Let Go

            He could taste the blood even before he fully awoke. It was everywhere inside his mouth- all over his teeth, his tongue… There was something in his throat, something keeping his jaw open in an aching way. How long as he been laying there? He reached up, weakly scrabbling at the object, trying desperately to pull off, extract it, to free himself. His own motions caused it to shift, scraping against the back of his throat so that he coughed.

            Opening his eyes just a crack, he let his head loll to the side. Everything was so white, so blindingly white… Except for the one, single splash of vivid blue directly in his sight the entire room was colored in white and silvers, flecks of color barely noticeable. His sight was blurry, sticky with the extended period of disuse. In one hand he clutched the tube that had nearly been choking him while using the other to scrub at his closed eyelids.

            Someone was there.

            “Hello…?” he croaked, his voice coarse.

            His hearing felt like the only thing actually working like it was meant to. Cloth moved against plastic and he just barely caught a murmur of awareness from across the way. The repetitive, mechanical bleep was the only noise but he could practically feel the other person’s confusion as it swept the room. Mustering his strength, he decided to speak once more.

            “Who’s here?”

            “Jacob?” The voice was quiet, hopeful.

            “Nicholas?” His brow furrowed, wondering what his best friend was doing here, of all place. “Where’s Lily?”

            “She’s on her way.” Nicholas was quickly across the room, completely unsure of what to do now. “What did you do? How did you get that out?” He picked at the tube clutched in Jacob’s hand rather unsuccessfully. “Don’t do anything, I’m going to go get the nurse.”

            “No!” He protested, reaching almost blindly for his friend’s hand. “Please don’t leave me. Nick, please…”

            “Jake…” He wheedled gently, tugging free and placing his hand over Jacob’s. “It’s just to the hall; you need help.”

            “But…” He protested weakly. Being left alone was the most terrifying thing he could think of at that moment. There was something in the room; something dark, something… waiting. “Please…”

            I’m here.

            “I’ll get a nurse and be right back. You won’t even miss me.”

            Go away.

            Come away with me.

            No.

            “Shout, call someone… please just don’t…” He grasped weakly at Nicholas’ hand as his friend pulled away but his muscles were not ready for the strain. His breath caught in his throat, thick on the blood, and he coughed, curling upon himself. He wouldn’t let Nicholas see…

            “Jake! Jake!”

            Someone was shaking him. Nicholas. Nicholas was still there. So was the other.

            What are you doing here?

            I’ve come to take you. Bid him leave, unless you wish him to see.

            “Water.” He pulled away, containing another cough despite what it cost him.

            “You want some water? I’ve got to go if you want me to get you some water…”

            “I know.” Surprising even to himself that his voice could be so calm when he felt so scared, so pained, so tired. “I know and it’s okay. Wait, Nick?” His friend paused in the doorway, looking back.

            Let go.

            I can’t. They won’t understand.

            It’s time.

            Not yet…

            “Thank you. And… Let Lily know… everything. For me.”

            Nick smiled in that charming way he always had, flashing his friend a peace sign. “No problem.” His footsteps echoed down the hallway.

            Come.

            Death offered one cold hand, waiting ever so patiently. Jacob reached out and took it, tentatively at first and then firmly as he felt the cool relief that flood him. With a tiny shudder he closed his eyes one final time and slipped free.

            The door creaked open again.

            “Jake?” Only a quiet, uniform tone. “Oh god…” The clatter and splash of a water cup hitting the floor. “Someone help!”

            I’m fine, Nicholas…

            In time they will understand.

            They’ll cry.

            They always do.

            Where are we going?

            Home.