Work Text:
A-Z-U-R-E.
A manic smile stretched across Two Time’s face as they peered at the bloody letters ingrained in the soft flesh of their thigh. Their blade was stained with dark blood, and a nearby cloth was soaked in a beautiful scarlet. It hurt, but it was truly worth it for their beloved.
They were certain that the Spawn would take note of their deep romantic love for Azure if they proved it with their pain! Maybe then, they would even return their feelings. Two Time was deeply afraid that the object of their affections would leave them behind.
Even worse, if he did leave them, they wouldn’t be able to protest because it would be of the Spawn’s will. All they could do was somehow prove to Him that they were worthy of Azure’s love, and the most efficient way to do so was with their blood.
Two Time’s eyes widened with horror as they heard a few knocks from outside their home’s door. There was blood all over their thighs. They weren’t in a state to accept visitors at all.
Oh, glorious Spawn, I desire for the individual to leave with the utmost haste. Please hear me…
“My Nightshade, I apologize for bothering you at this hour, but Amarah will be cross with me if I don’t bring copies of the Spawn’s teachings to you,” Azure called, their voice contrasting the quiet night outside, “I’m sorry, I was expected to hand them over hours ago.”
Azure? Oh, thank thee! Two Time couldn’t stop the giggles from escaping their throat as they quickly pulled up their pants. They were likely going to bleed through, but they couldn’t leave their dearest waiting. Additionally, the garments were black, so he wouldn’t notice a thing, right?
There’s absolutely no way that this isn’t a sign from the Spawn. Azure had arrived with His teachings in his arms, and this was not long after they had cut his name deep into their skin. This was truly a blessing from above. They thanked the Spawn multiple times before rushing to the door.
“I was in the midst of an act for the Spawn, this is lovely timing!” Two Time smiled widely, taking the papers from their best friend’s arms. This was a holy moment. Oh, bless!
“Ah, that’s delightful, then, but are you...” Azure’s eyes seemed to lock onto the stains on their fingers as he trailed off; his face paled as he instinctively grasped their wrist. Two Time was more embarrassed about how they failed to clean the blood adequately, but Azure— he only felt concern.
Two Time quickly jerked back, holding their hand close to their chest, “Ah, there’s no need to bother with such trivial matters, it’s a small, simple injury.” Blood was noticeably seeping through their pants now. This was terrible.
Oh, Spawn, help them. How would they explain the nature of the wound to their dearest friend? All they could do was pray that they wouldn’t notice the dark spot on their garments, but Azure was ever-so perceptive.
“Two Time, are you injured? I can see that you’re bleeding. Please don’t hide from me.”
“I assure you that I'm capable of tending to the wound on my own-”
“I insist, my Nightshade.”
They went completely silent for once, averting their gaze as they fidgeted with their hands. Azure gently grabbed them and took them to their bathroom. This was humiliating, utterly humiliating. Hopefully, Azure would understand that they aren’t insane. This was for them and the Spawn. It was necessary.
“Undress please,” Azure muttered, their tone changing into the more clinical one they used whenever they helped injured members of their community. Regardless, it didn’t fail to make Two Time’s face flush due to shame and a different, more embarrassing emotion as they slid down their pants. Even though there was smeared blood all over the wound, his name was still extremely easy to make out.
“Azure, my dearest, I had to do so for the Spawn! I needed to prove to Him that I was deserving of your love and affection. You’re far too good for me, so I must pay with my own blood. I’m ashamed, but please don’t abandon me. I’m begging you. You have to understand!" They desperately tried to explain themself as their dearest friend froze with shock. Oh, this is terrible! Two Time knew that Azure would leave them, and it would be completely valid when they did!
But to Two Time's surprise, he gently cupped their cheeks, cutting off their psychotic rambling. Azure's gaze was full of concern, but there was surprisingly a lack of actual horror in those gorgeous eyes.
“My Nightshade, nothing could ever make me truly hate you. I’d appreciate it if you refrain from harming yourself for my sake in the future, though. We should... communicate about what exactly led you to this later, but let’s bandage all of your wounds first, okay?”
Two Time nodded frantically, tears springing to their eyes. They were far from the type to cry, but Azure’s soft gaze combined with their tender touch made them want to sob until their tear ducts ran dry. A wobbly smile spread across their face as their closest friend cleaned and wrapped gauze around their cuts.
“Come on, let us head to your room, if you’d be so gracious as to allow me to stay?”
Two Time nodded, albeit a bit jittery.
Maybe things would get better.