Work Text:
Scott stared at the dying embers of the fire Jimmy had lit. Remains of the scorched Dogwarts flag were littered around the ground. Scott turned to face Jimmy, anger coursing through him. Jimmy was staring at the embers too. His jaw and fists were clenched. He was shaking and his red eyes were bright with adrenaline.
“What did you do, Jimmy?” Scott’s voice was a soft whisper. Jimmy didn’t hear him. “What did you do, Jimmy?” He repeated, his voice louder this time. Too loud. Jimmy flinched. Scott was yelling. He never yelled at Jimmy.
“I did what I had to do,” Jimmy replied in a rough voice, raising his eyes to meet Scott. Jimmy’s eyes had been hazel once, a beautiful honey color. Until he got the curse, when his eyes turned a bright green. Now they were a dark red, a similar shade to blood. That wasn’t the only thing that changed about Jimmy when the cures took full effect. His tan skin had turned smokey gray, and his golden blonde hair had turned a charcoal black. The biggest thing that had changed to Scott’s dismay, was his smile. Jimmy had a smile that lit up the entire room. When he was happy, which was most of the time, his smile was full and he could always make Scott laugh. That’s one of the things Scott loved most about him. But now his smile seemed forced, his eyes had lost their happy glint. He constantly looked anxious and his actions had become more hesitant. Looking at Jimmy now, that old smile seemed so far away. His face was tracked with tears, and his eyes were wide and wild.
“What do you mean what you had to do? Ren and Martyn have been our allies since the beginning of this mess and now you’ve made them our enemies! Even worse, now we’re a target, and we have to join the war. And with you on your third life…”
“Scott, their terms were ridiculous.”
“That’s why we negotiate, Jimmy!" Scott retorted angrily, his green eyes blazing.
“They were threatening to kill you! They wanted you to sacrifice yourself for an alliance! They were gonna make you stand on that altar and I was going to have to watch you die and I couldn’t-” a sob escaped his lips and all the anger seemed to drain from Scott. Scott sighed and extended his hand. Jimmy took it without hesitation. “Come with me, I want to show you something,” Scott said, his voice gentle. He turned to go toward the cave by their house, pulling Jimmy with him. Jimmy stumbled behind him slightly, surprised by the sudden movement.
“Look,” Scott said when they finally arrived. “This is our hidden stack of Protection III books. Using these, we could enchant our gear, enough where even the strongest weapons won’t do us damage.” Scott glanced quickly at Jimmy’s armor, which was made of beaten down iron. Jimmy’s lips twitched upwards. “And,” Scott added, “when the war is over, we’ll be able to live out a peaceful life in the valley, together.” The smile that had been on Jimmy’s lips vanished suddenly.
“Scott… the third life curse… if I die…”
“You won’t die. I’ll protect you.” Scott hated seeing Jimmy upset. He hated that Jimmy was scared, because Jimmy deserved the world and he shouldn't have to ever be scared. “I’ll protect you,” Scott repeated, wrapping his arms around Jimmy.
Scott sobbed into Jimmy’s chest. Jimmy was limp in his arms. The ground was covered in blood. Jimmy’s blood. Because Jimmy was dead. He was dead. He was dead. He was dead. Another sob escaped Scott’s lips. He promised Jimmy that he’d protect him. But he failed. An arrow protruded from Jimmy’s neck, where Skizzleman had hit him. Scott took Jimmy’s limp hand in his, squeezing it and whispering,
“I’ll kill him for you. I’ll kill Skizzle, and I’ll avenge you." Scott's voice was getting louder and harsher. "I’ll kill Martyn and Ren, for letting him do this to you. I’ll win this war for you. I promise. They’ll regret ever hurting you. I love you.”
Scott was dying. He knew that. He knew as he watched Martyn’s face blur in front of him. He knew as he heard Ren’s triumphant cry behind him. He knew as he fell backwards, and blood seeped from the wound in his chest. Scott felt himself falling. Falling backwards from a seemingly never ending fall. And as he fell all he could think about was his love's ruby red eyes staring at him when he made a promise he never kept. And for a moment, as he dropped intothe darkness, relief that he would never have to face his guilt and loneliness passed through him. And when the fall ended, and Scott splashed into ice-cold water, he felt nothing at all.