Crash and Burn (Lifetimes AU, 71,955 words) - Part 14
Authors:
bookishlady242 and ocelot_lPairings: Harvey/Linkara, 90s Kid/80s Dan, Boffo/Linksano, Kung-Tai Ted/Ninja-Style Dancer
Rating: R
Warnings/Triggers: Graphic violence, graphic blood, heavy angst, mind control, hallucinations, drug use, references to drug use, death, references to past death, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, allusions to sex, mild sexual activity
Summary: When Linkara learns about a devastating new weapon which could destroy lives if it falls into the wrong hands, he and his team must prepare for a mission harder than any they've faced before. When challenges threaten their lives and their ties of friendship, will they manage to save the world and, most importantly, themselves?
DISCLAIMER: We do not own the characters, the shows, or the people who portray the characters. This is meant as a work of fiction and is fair use. Please support the creators by watching their videos, letting the ads play, buying their DVDs and merchandise, and/or contributing to their Patreon(s). "Crash and Burn" is performed by Savage Garden.
Very special thanks to
njdoodler112 and trulyamindlost for the bonus content! :DPart 1/Part 2/Part 3/Part 4/Part 5/Part 6/Part 7/Part 8/Part 9/Part 10/Part 11/Part 12/Part 13/Bonus Material
Once Linkara and Harvey disappeared into Harvey’s room and closed the door, Linksano finally took a moment to appreciate the feeling of Boffo’s warm body pressed against his own as he wrapped his arms around the clown tightly. Boffo smelled like cotton candy and bubblegum, scents that Linksano had missed without even realizing.
“Let’s go up to our room, dear. We’ve both waited far too long.”
Boffo agreed with this plan and the two raced up the stairs, not pausing for a second until the door was safely closed and locked behind them. Boffo almost instantly pressed his lips to Linksano’s, and the two spent several minutes doing nothing but kissing each other and running their hands along each other’s bodies. Finally they parted to gaze at one another, and Linksano caressed Boffo’s cheek once more.
“My sweet Boffo, I’ve missed you so much. I’ve been so worried about you...”
Boffo leaned into the touch, closing his eyes. I’ve missed you too, Oscar. It was so lonely here, but I promise I took care of myself. Dan and Ted were so kind to me and helped me be able to stay strong for you. And I’m...I’m so relieved that you didn’t...that you weren’t... Boffo clung to Linksano and buried his face into his shoulder, which prompted Linksano to squeeze him tighter and nuzzle his neck soothingly.
“It must have been so frightening for you, my dear. I’m so sorry I was away for so long. I promise, nothing has happened to tear me away from you. I would never let anything remove me from your side.”
Boffo pulled back and wiped his eyes, smiling. I’m just so happy to have you home. Linksano smiled back and he gently removed Boffo’s nose and wig, watching as Boffo’s gorgeous hair tumbled down to caress the sides of his face, before he pulled the pink jacket from his shoulders.
Linksano undid his shirt buttons and was about to go for his belt when Boffo reached to remove his goggles. “Oh!” Linksano flinched and took a step back and Boffo blinked in surprise.
Oscar, did I hurt you? What’s wrong? Boffo asked, concerned.
Linksano began trembling, a hand reaching up to touch the protective covering over his eyes. For some reason memories of his trial began flooding back to him, the voices that swarmed his brain, the voices had driven him to do such terrible things. The voices had driven out his other side, the side he tried so hard to keep at bay with science and friendship and love. If Boffo removed his goggles now, though, would he be able to see the sweet, shy scientist he had fallen in love with, or would he see through his soul, into his other side?
“Boffo,” Linksano suddenly whispered, clenching his gloved hand into a fist. “Do you…think I’m…a good person?”
What are you talking about? Boffo asked, his eyes widening with worry. Of course I do, Oscar!
“But why? I was a villainous scoundrel when you all first met me. Linkara only hired me under threat of sending me away if I did something bad, so obviously he didn’t trust me.”
He didn’t know you then, Oscar. Boffo was quick to explain. He wouldn’t still threaten to send you away now because he knows you’re a good person.
“How can any of you know that?” Linksano snapped, his fear setting him on edge. “How do you know that I won’t at any second snap and betray you or try to hurt you? How can you have such trust and faith in me? H-how can someone so g-good be in love with-with a monster!”
Boffo was startled to find himself pushed down onto their bed, with Linksano kneeling beside him, his head on Boffo’s lap and arms around Boffo’s waist, as he cried miserably. Linksano was saying things, things that made no sense and were choked with unrestrained emotion.
Boffo flashed back to when Dan’s head was the one being cradled in his lap. Comforting him then had been difficult, but having to do the same to the man he loved more than anyone in the world was almost too much for him to bear.
Oscar, please don’t cry. Boffo begged, feeling a sense of panic start to overtake him. Please, Oscar, I just got you back and I’m so happy, I love you so much, but you mustn’t cry, please, please!
Linksano gulped in huge breaths of air as he felt Boffo’s words atop his back and at once struggled to control himself. “I-I’m sorry, Boffo...I’m sorry...all I can do is h-hurt you after all,” he whimpered, trying to pull away from the clown. To his surprise, Boffo wrapped his arms around Linksano’s torso, lifted him up, and laid him gently across the bed before he settled down beside him, one hand gently stroking Linksano’s hair, the other cupping his damp cheek.
Oscar, you have never hurt me. Boffo said, looking directly into Linksano’s eyes now. He forced his feelings of panic down and concentrated instead on assuaging the fears of his beloved. You would never hurt me, could never hurt me. I know you, I know your heart, and I know that this is something you are incapable of doing.
“But...but what if I’m not me,” Linksano whispered, trembling slightly as he thought back to the voices which had so easily coaxed his madness back. “What if I give in...what if I become that person again who could so easily use and betray and hurt even those I l-love most?”
Boffo continued to gently stroke Linksano’s scalp, his eyes softening as his words grew tender. I know you’re stronger than that, Oscar. You won’t become that person again. Everyone cares for you so much, and I know you care for them as well. Those feelings are enough to keep you the Oscar I know and love.
“You don’t know that,” Linksano murmured, trying again to turn away from Boffo. “You can’t know that. When I was gone, I...I almost gave in, Boffo.” Linksano closed his eyes, his words growing shaky as shame overwhelmed him. “It was that damned trial I went through...it showed me m-my heart’s desires, Boffo, and I...I would have hurt them all, everyone I love...what’s worse is, I almost hurt y-you.”
Boffo’s heart broke upon learning how far Linksano had been pushed, and he almost allowed the scientist to roll away from him, if that was what would bring him peace. He tightened his grip around Linksano, though, when he heard those last words. You...almost hurt me, Oscar?
“Yes,” Linksano groaned, feeling physical pain in his chest upon admitting that. “I would have done it if I hadn’t hurt myself instead...I just couldn’t hurt you.” Linksano looked up in surprise when Boffo suddenly pulled him close for a soft kiss but soon he was kissing back, enjoying how comforting and warm his lips felt. “W-why are you rewarding me for my failure?” he couldn’t help asking once Boffo pulled back.
Because it wasn’t a failure, Oscar. You stopped yourself from hurting me. You didn’t hurt the others either if everything you saw was a dream. You wouldn’t have passed that trial if what your heart truly wanted was to see all of us dead. That proves to me how strong you’ve honestly become.
Linksano stared at Boffo for a quiet moment, almost unable to comprehend how such a loving and forgiving person could feel anything but disdain for him, before he destroyed those negative thoughts by basking in Boffo’s words. He was not a monster. He was not a person who hurt those close to him. He was Oscar Schlumper, a man who was accepted and admired and important to others. He might not be good, but he was not bad, and most importantly, he was wanted, needed, and loved for who he was.
“Thank you, my dearest Boffo,” Linksano whispered as he buried his face in Boffo’s neck, breathing in his comfortingly sweet scent as he started to relax for the first time in three months. “I think I might have never found this strength if it weren’t for you.”
I wouldn’t have found the strength to go on alone if not for you, Oscar. Boffo replied, nuzzling him softly. You will always be safe with me, and I know that I am always safe with you. I love you so much, my Oscar.
“I love you too, my Boffo.” Boffo sat up and began removing his shirt and tie, undressing himself as Linksano removed his own clothes. Boffo gently reached his hand out and this time Linksano did not flinch as he removed his goggles, showing him the warm, soulful blue eyes that Boffo treasured seeing more than anything else in life. He soothingly traced his fingers along Linksano’s body, checking that there were no new scars on Linksano’s delicate skin. Thankfully, he found none, and Boffo found himself being pulled on top of his boyfriend.
“You are always so good to me, Boffo. There is no one else I could ever share my heart fully with than you.”
Boffo smiled and kissed him softly. I am so lucky to have it. I only wish I could be more like you, Oscar. I wish I had your courage.
“Ah, but you do.” Linksano ran his fingers through Boffo’s hair. “It took great courage to weather those lonely months on your own. I am so very proud of you.”
Boffo blushed and smiled as Linksano ran his fingers over his arm muscles. Thank you, Oscar. You don’t know how much it means to me to hear that.
Linksano’s eyes took on a quality of longing and he gripped Boffo’s arms tightly. “Please, I need you, Boffo. I...I need to know that this is real and not just a blissful dream inside my own mind."
Boffo wrapped his arms around him and granted his request, kissing softly along Linksano’s neck and relishing the tiny moans and squeaks that escaped his throat, his voice free of worry and containing only pleasure. Anything for you, Oscar.
-----
Dan was laying on 90s Kid’s bed, clinging to Tenderheart Bear for dear life, and slowly inhaling the scent of 90s Kid’s shampoo from the bear’s soft fur. This was it. Today was the day. That’s what Nimue had said, that the team should be arriving at some time today. After Dan had heard the news, he’d rushed right home to shower and shave and dress in his best suit, before returning to the base. Boffo had been kind enough to allow Dan to spend the night in 90s Kid’s room so that he could be there the second 90s Kid came back. Soon. It had to be soon. Dan had been waiting for so very long, all he could remember was waiting. But now, his waiting was almost over.
Dan smiled as he stroked Tenderheart’s furry head, remembering the day he’d given this bear to 90s Kid. That was the day they had both confessed their love for each other, the day Dan had completely given his heart to 90s Kid. 90s Kid. His sweet, kind, loving 90s Kid. His brave, strong, amazing 90s Kid, who would never give up the chance to be a hero. He’d been gone for three whole months, doing incredible amazing things, saving the world. As for Dan…what had he been doing during that time?
He’d completely fallen apart. He’d given up on everything he’d wanted to do, broken every promise he made to 90s Kid about staying strong and keeping himself healthy. He was disgusting, weak, pathetic… he didn’t deserve 90s Kid. It would only serve Dan right if 90s Kid never wanted to see him again after learning this sickening truth.
It would only serve him right if he never get to kiss 90s Kid and be filled with that surge of energy that was more powerful than any drug ever could be. It would serve him right if he would never get to hear 90s Kid tell him that he loved him again, if he never again felt 90s Kid’s arms holding him, protecting him from anything that could do him harm. What had Dan done to deserve any of that?
Dan pressed the plush bear into his face and moaned, a few tears starting to trickle down his cheeks. “I’m sorry, Kid-”
“Dan!” The voice was like a bolt of lightning electrifying his body, causing Dan to sit up and stare in shock, unsure if he could believe his eyes. It was as if all the color came back into his world, as if all the bright and shiny wonders this world had to offer were once more clear to see.
90s Kid was there, standing before him, alive and well, the same goofy grin that Dan loved more than anything plastered across his face.
“Kid?”
“Dan! Dan, it’s you! I’ve missed you so much!” 90s Kid lunged at the man, knocking him backwards onto the bed, as he wrapped his arms around him and kissed him fiercely. Dan kissed back just as eagerly, clinging tightly to the teen, wanting to melt into him and forget that they had ever been separated.
Eventually they grew a bit breathless and needed to pull apart for air, which is when 90s Kid noticed that Dan’s eyes were red and watery, and still leaking tears.
“Dude, it’s okay. I’m okay, I promise,” 90s Kid said as he squeezed him tightly again, kissing the top of Dan’s head soothingly.
“I-I was just s-so s-scared!” Dan cried, his words quickly becoming sobs. “I-I thought I’d n-never see you again! I-I thought you were h-hurt or that y-you w-were d-d-dead!”
“Shhh. I’m here, Dan,” 90s Kid soothed softly. “None of that junk happened. I’m not hurt or dead at all.”
“Thank God!” Dan moaned, so weak with happiness now that he was practically melting into the mattress. 90s Kid used what remained of his strength to pull Dan closer, where the two lay entwined in each other’s embraces. Dan couldn’t stop crying or kissing 90s Kid now, and 90s Kid kissed him back while stroking his back and soothing him gently. “I-I-I was g-going crazy without you! Oh K-Kid! Kid I love you! I love you, Kid!”
“I love you too, Dan,” 90s Kid murmured against the side of Dan’s neck before he nuzzled and kissed it gently, hoping to relax the older man. “It’s okay now. I’m here. I’m home. I’m with you, just like I’m supposed to be, and I’m not going anywhere, dude. I’m staying right here with you cuz I...I m-missed you so much, D-D-Dan...” 90s Kid turned his head, not wanting to upset Dan further with his own tears, but Dan quickly tilted his head back toward his before kissing 90s Kid deeply.
“I-I missed you too,” Dan said with a sniffle before he nuzzled against his cheek. “It was so hard...so painful without you, Kid.”
“I know, dude.” 90s Kid nuzzled Dan’s cheek in response before he displayed a proud smile. “But Boffo told me how strong you were, Dan. He said you were totally strong and brave and awesome, just like I knew you’d be.”
Dan quickly looked down, ashamed. “I wasn’t strong, Kid. Without you here, I almost fell apart.”
“What do you mean?”
Dan gulped and pulled down the collar of his shirt, revealing his neck. 90s Kid studied it, frowning when he noticed several scratches and faint marks along the skin. “What happened, Dan?” he wondered, faintly tracing along the healed wounds with his fingers.
Dan shuddered before swallowing thickly. “I-I did that. I was…out of my mind without you. Usually I can ignore the cravings because I can throw myself into being with you, but when you were gone and I had no way to talk to you, or know if you were even okay, I-I couldn’t handle it. I started thinking about all these horrible things that might have happened to you, and I needed to stop, so I focused on something else: pain. It’s worked for me before, when I didn’t have any access to drugs, so I tried it again.” He admitted in a shamed voice.
90s Kid’s stomach turned as he imagined Dan hurting himself, but he quickly pressed a kiss to one of Dan’s wounds and tried to smile.
“That wasn’t a good thing to do, Dan, but I understand how scared you were, and I’m glad you stopped. I bet Boffo helped you with that kind of stuff, right?”
Dan’s eyes closed, his shame growing. “Boffo…I was terrible to him, Kid. He only tried to help me, him and Ted and Dolly, but I refused to let them. For a long time I stayed hidden away from the world, trapped in my room, not doing anything or seeing anyone. I-I even stopped going to my meetings."
90s Kid’s face grew alarmed. “You what? Oh Dan, how could you do that?”
“I don’t know,” Dan moaned, rolling over so he didn’t have to face 90s Kid’s upset stare. “I don’t know what I was doing or thinking! I was so lost without you, Kid, and I almost ruined everything! One night I ran out of the house, blew a huge chunk of money, and I…I almost...used again.” Dan let out another sob and curled into an even smaller ball. He’d had to confess, he couldn’t hide anything from the man he loved, but now he had to face the consequences of his decisions.
“Dan,” 90s Kid said, his voice low and serious. “I’m very disappointed and sad to know that happened. You’ve been so strong and good at staying clean all this time; how could you almost do that again? Not just to yourself but to us?” His voice sounded pained, which hurt worse than any cut Dan had given to himself.
Dan whimpered, burying his face in his hands. “I’m sorry…I’m s-sorry…I-I told you I w-wasn’t strong…I-I’m so w-weak and helpless…I’m nothing without you…b-but I don’t deserve you…s-so you can h-have…your ring b-back, Kid.”
With shaking hands, Dan tried to remove the beautiful band of silver and red from his finger, before he stilled when larger, warmer hands covered his.
“I don’t want your ring, Dan. I gave it to you and it’s yours forever now. If you give it back, I’d just have to go find another one, and I do not have the cash to shower you in jewelry right now, dude.”
Dan rolled back over to look up at 90s Kid in shock, taking in his soft, warm smile in confusion. He had removed his sunglasses now and allowed Dan to see his calm blue eyes, though one was a bit swollen at the moment.
“I-I don’t understand. Aren’t you b-breaking up with me?” Dan winced just at the thought of losing 90s Kid, which caused the teen to bend down and kiss him again.
“I wouldn’t propose if I wasn’t totally sure about this, Dan. I may be sad and hurt and a little mad about what happened, but I love you, man. I love you so much that I can’t imagine not being with you. That hurts way more than what you did.”
“B-but I almost wrecked everything,” Dan protested.
“Yeah, but then you didn’t, Dan,” 90s Kid replied. “Even though you wanted to, you still stayed clean all this time.”
“Only because Boffo and Ted stopped me!”
“That doesn’t matter,” 90s Kid insisted firmly. “Even the strongest dudes and dudettes need help to be strong sometimes, Dan. Once Boffo and Ted helped you recover, you kept away from that junk again, right? That totally takes strength in my eyes, dude.”
Dan’s eyes filled with tears again. “You’re the one who should be called strong, Kid. What I’ve been through is nothing compared to what you’ve been through.”
“Dude, the stuff you went through is still totally harsh and important,” 90s Kid tried to reassure him, but he fell silent when Dan reached out to gently touch the swollen skin around his eye, looking at it with dismay.
“You’re the one who’s been through something harsh. You worked so hard to protect the world that you were hurt...I’m so sorry you had to suffer like this for us, Kid.” Dan wanted to ask what happened to 90s Kid to cause the injury, but he didn’t want to stir up bad memories for 90s Kid so soon after he’d returned. They’d have that conversation another day.
90s Kid caught Dan’s hand and brought it to his lips. “It’s okay, Dan. I’d suffer a million black eyes if it meant I could be sure you and everyone else were safe. Don’t worry about that junk, though, cuz it doesn’t hurt now. Nothing hurts now that I’m with you again.”
Dan moaned softly before he wrapped himself once again around the younger man and began kissing and touching him in an eager yet gentle way. 90s Kid also started lightly roaming his hands all over Dan’s body, frowning in worry at what he felt. “Dude, you look kinda pale and you’ve lost weight again.”
“N-not that pale, Kid, and not that much weight...” Dan mumbled shyly, running his fingers along 90s Kid’s arm in a bashful manner.
90s Kid held Dan tighter and buried his face in his neck. “Oh, dude, don’t worry. I promise I’m here to stay and I’m gonna take good care of you again. I’m gonna make sure you eat well and sleep good and start feeling better so you won’t hurt anymore. I’m really sorry I was g-gone so long, Dan. I w-wish I could have been here p-protecting you...” The tears finally started to show and 90s Kid let out a choked sob. All of his emotions had been held in for the sake of the mission, and now his defenses were at last breaking.
Dan held 90s Kid as tight as he could in his thin arms, kissing along his neck in an attempt to calm him now. “It’s alright, Kid. I know you’re going to take care of me, you always keep me safe. I’ve got you, Kid. You’ve taken care of me all this time, and I’m so grateful. You can let it out, sweetie...” Dan had already had his moment to break down, now it was his turn to let 90s Kid have his emotional release.
90s Kid did feel better as Dan held him and simply let him cry, even though he hated crying. Finally, he sniffled and pulled back, wiping his swollen eyes with his t-shirt. “I love you, D-Dan,” he murmured as he pressed his lips to his again, crawling on top of his boyfriend. “I l-love you so much.” 90s Kid didn’t think about anything else at the moment, only knowing that he needed to show Dan how much he cared for him as soon as possible.
“I love you too, Kid,” Dan whispered, feeling his body grow light and floaty with euphoria as they were both stripped of any barriers that lay between them. He kissed 90s Kid over and over, finally feeling safe as 90s Kid whispered loving words into his ear.
With 90s Kid was home, lying in his arms, Dan at last found the love he had craved for so long. He needed 90s Kid more than food or water, more than air or cocaine, or anything else in the world.
“I love you so much...m-my hero...my 90s Kid...”
-----
Harvey sighed in contentment as he lay back on his bed. “Ah, this is the life. I should never go without the finer things this long ever again. Whaddya say, Kid? Should I order up some wine, caviar, and a pair of masseurs for the both of us?”
Linkara chuckled as he started to undress for bed. “You must be feeling better if you’re already thinking about your next shopping spree. I think we can skip the first two, but I wouldn’t say no to a massage.”
“I’d offer, but I’m still not feeling a hundred percent,” Harvey joked, before breaking off in coughing fit.
Linkara frowned and quickly reached out to touch his arm. “You okay? You want me to get you some cough drops?”
“No, I-I’m fine,” Harvey said, shaking his head as he caught his breath once again. “Seriously, Kid, don’t worry. After what we all went through in that kooky world, this is nothing.” Harvey looked down then, and Linkara realized he hadn’t gotten the chance to talk with him about his trial.
“Are you sure…you’re alright?” Linkara asked slowly, sitting down beside the older man on the bed and looking to him in concern. “Back there it looked like you went through something pretty rough.”
Harvey sighed, laying back against the pillows as he was forced to remember what he’d encountered in his trial. “If I gotta be honest with you, Kid...the water was probably the easiest part.” Linkara reached for his hand, silently urging Harvey to continue. “While I was in there, I kept hearing voices of my own, telling me to just give up, stop fighting, let myself drown.”
Linkara squeezed his hand. “But you didn’t listen."
Harvey closed his eyes. “It was hard not to.”
Linkara instantly looked concerned. “Why was it hard?”
“You...did you see the stuff I was holding, Kid? The stuff I plugged the hole with?”
Linkara shook his head. “We couldn’t see what you were doing, it was invisible to us.”
“I figured that. It was all clothes, clothes of all you cats. Ninja’s mask, the Doc’s goggles, your jacket, your hat...Charlie’s school jacket...” Linkara squeezed his hand tightly. “I got to look at that jacket for the first time in so many years...got to touch it...then I saw...saw his hospital gown.” Linkara’s eyes widened with horror. “It brought everything back; Kid...all the pain he was in...the way I just had to sit there and w-watch him die...” Tears leaked out of Harvey’s eyes. “I saw it and I just w-wanted to give up...I just wanted to see him again and make it all stop hurting...”
“Oh Harvey...” Linkara leaned in close and hugged Harvey tightly. “I’m so sorry you went through that. I didn’t want you to start hurting again.”
“I know, Kid, I know,” Harvey murmured, breathing heavily as he worked to control himself. “It’s okay now...it’s not hurting so much now.”
Linkara knew Harvey was putting on a brave front for his sake. He bent down and kissed his lips softly. “Really, Kid, it’s okay.” Harvey closed his eyes, another tear sliding down his cheek. “He wouldn’t have wanted me to give up either. He’s waiting to see me again, but not now...now I’ve got other people depending on me, so it’s okay. I’ll see Charlie again one day but for now, I’m so lucky to have you and Junior and everyone else in my life."
Linkara traced a finger softly down Harvey’s cheek, brushing the warm water away. ”I never thought those trials would be so torturous.” Linkara thought back to the ways in which Linksano, Ninja, and 90s Kid had been hurt, and felt somewhat lucky about what he’d been forced to endure in comparison. “I’m really sorry, Harvey. I’m sorry about so many things...I didn’t want any of you to go through all of that crap.”
“I know you didn’t, Kid,” Harvey said, nuzzling against the younger man as he continued to wipe the tears away. “I’m not blaming you...I know everything we went through was for the good of the mission.”
“I want to believe that,” Linkara muttered as he settled down beside Harvey, pulling him close once again.
“Of course it was, Kid,” Harvey insisted, the words bolstering his spirits as much as Linkara’s. “We kept that evil dame and her mooks from getting a very dangerous weapon. Even though it hurt, going through all that protected a lot of people.”
“I just...I wish I could have protected you better.” Linkara looked away as he started to tear up, his body shaking lightly. “I’m so sorry Harvey. I should never have let you get captured. All of this mess was my own damn fault...I d-don’t even know how you guys can d-depend on me as a leader anymore...”
“Kid, we trust you as a leader because you’re one of the greatest people we know,” Harvey reassured, holding Linkara as tightly as he could. “We’d follow you to the ends of the earth if you wanted us to.”
“I know that, and that’s what scares me,” Linkara confessed, tears sliding down his cheeks. “Y-you all really would do anything for me...even w-when I don’t know what I’m d-doing...I lost my mind during my trial. I nearly got m-myself killed and I...oh God, I attacked 90s Kid,” Linkara let out a sob as he remembered this, his body shaking harder. “H-how could I have done something like that? I h-hurt everyone on this team!”
“Hey, hey,” Harvey said softly, kissing him to still his words. “Junior knows that you weren’t yourself, and you’re going to be able to make things right with him soon. And my getting taken was not your fault, Kid,” Harvey said seriously, stroking his cheek. “You saved me just like I knew you would. You’re a hero, Linkara.”
Linkara sniffled and tried to listen to Harvey’s words. “I-I just try to do what’s best for the world, every day...b-but I’m just an ordinary man, Harvey. I don’t know how all of you don’t realize that.”
“You’re far from ordinary, Kid. I’ve never met anyone else like you, someone who cares about the world and everyone in it so much. Someone who took in so many people out of the kindness of his heart and stitched them into a team, and a family.” Harvey’s eyes grew watery again, but he was smiling. “Don’t ever think that you’re not a good man.”
“I...I want to be good,” Linkara admitted, sniffling again a little. “I try so hard, but I know I’m a jackass a lot of the time...”
“We all have our bad moments, Linkara,” Harvey continued to reassure him as he held tight to the younger man. “What’s important is that you’re sorry for what happened and that you’re gonna do your best to make things right with the others.”
“I will,” Linkara quickly agreed, smiling as Harvey dabbed at his face with his handkerchief. “I’ll make it up to 90s Kid and everyone else. I swear I will, Harvey!”
Harvey smiled at him proudly. “That’s the hero I know and love. You mean so much to me and to the others, Linkara. Never forget that no matter what happens, we’re all in this together. We’re more than just a team, we’re family, and we love each other through good times and bad.”
“I love you so much, Harvey.” Linkara pressed close to the singer, kissing him eagerly, passionately, wanting to convey the depths of his feelings through his actions. Harvey eagerly responded before pulling back and coughing again. “Are you okay?” Linkara quickly asked as he reached for the bag of cough drops he’d brought in with them. “I’m sorry, Harvey.”
“D-don’t ever be sorry for laying one on me,” Harvey joked before popping the cherry flavored medicine drop in his mouth. “Normally I’d be all for it, but just give me a day and I promise I’ll return that smooch with a vengeance.”
Linkara laughed and rested his head against Harvey’s shoulder as he pulled up the blankets around them. “I’ll hold you to that, hon, but for now let’s get some rest.” Harvey nodded and shifted slightly so he could wrap his arms around Linkara’s body, wanting to fall asleep while holding his boyfriend. “I really love you,” Linkara repeated softly, his hands sliding atop Harvey’s and holding steady.
“I love you too, Linkara. I’m glad we’re finally home.”