Edmund felt a sudden, sharp pang in his chest at Reo’s words, a sensation that was equal parts warmth and discomfort. Damn, but this kid always did know how to get under my skin, didn’t he? He couldn’t quite put his finger on why Reo’s simple words of trust and gratitude affected him so strongly, but he knew one thing for certain: he would not let him down. Not again. Not ever.
“Damn right I got your back, you stubborn little cuss,” he rumbled, his voice a low, gruff sound that held a hint of that same warmth he’d felt a moment before. “I told you before, and I’ll tell you again – I ain’t about to lose you, Reo. Not now, not ever. You’re stuck with me, whether you like it or not.”
As if to emphasize his point, Edmund tightened his grip on Reo’s hand, his calloused fingers intertwining with the human’s in a gesture that was both protective and possessive. The heat of Reo’s skin seemed to sear into his own, a brand of trust and connection that he couldn’t quite shake. And as they drew closer to the extraction point, he found himself marveling at the fact that, despite everything that had changed between them, some things still remained the same.
Like the way Reo’s small hand fit so perfectly in his own, as if it had been made to be held by him and him alone. Or the way the human’s faith in him never wavered, even in the face of the utter chaos and destruction that surrounded them. It was a faith that had once driven him to throw himself in front of danger, to face down the very depths of hell itself just to keep Reo safe. And it was a faith that he intended to honor, no matter what it cost him.
Damn, but I must be gettin’ soft. Thinkin’ about shit like that, instead of just focusin’ on the job at hand. He shook his head, a rueful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Nah, fuck that noise. This here’s just the way it is, and there ain’t a damn thing wrong with it.
“We’re here, Reo. This is it, the extraction point,” he growled, his voice a low, rumbling sound that seemed to shake the very air around them. “The ship’s just on the other side of this ridge, and then we’ll be outta this godforsaken hellhole and on our way to somewhere a hell of a lot more peaceful.”
He couldn’t quite place the feeling that welled up inside him at the thought of taking Reo somewhere safe, somewhere the Zerg could never touch him again. But he knew one thing for certain: he would do whatever it took to make it happen. No matter what it cost him.
Even if it means playin’ the goddamn prince savin’ the princess, I suppose. The thought brought a sudden, unexpected warmth to his chest, and he found himself pulling Reo a little closer, a fierce determination burning in his eyes.
“Nearly there, sugar. Just a little further, and then it’s just you and me against the whole damn universe. Sound good to you?” he asked, a note of dark humor in his tone. But beneath the gruff exterior, there was a real sense of anticipation, a deep and abiding excitement at the prospect of starting anew with Reo by his side. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain: they would face them together. And he would never, ever let anything happen to the human he had sworn to protect. Not now, not ever.
Because that’s what a prince does, ain’t it? Takes care of what’s his, and makes damn sure nothin’ bad ever happens to them. The thought brought a sudden, fierce smile to his face, and he found himself squeezing Reo’s hand a little tighter, a silent promise of all the things to come.
And believe me, Reo… I ain’t about to let nothin’ happen to what’s mine. Not now, not ever. That’s a fuckin’ guarantee.
