@badthingshappenbingo prompt “Hurts to Breathe”. Bthb card and details will be at the end.)
Fingers digging into wrists, clawing at the hands squeezed tightly around his throat, crushing his windpipe and keeping him from drawing a breath-
He remembers the darkness closing in as his movements grew weaker, the fight draining from his body as the life did. He doesn’t remember anything after that.
What Ros does remember is waking up in his own bed, with the worst headache in his life, and feeling like he’s choking.
Jynx is there, sleeping at the bedside like Ros has for him so many times, chin resting on his chest. Ros briefly wonders why Jynx didn't just come sleep beside him instead of that position which looks like it can't possibly be comfortable, but when he goes to wake Jynx up with a word, he finds that he’s not capable of the action.
His throat aches intensely and his chest feels tight and strained and that he ache pounds behind his eyes again, like it’s reminding him it’s still there. So Ros reaches out and shakes Jynx’s shoulder, hoping that will wake him.
Jynx blinks slowly as his vision comes to him, violet eyes clouded with sleep. “...Ros? Ros!” He quickly sits and leans forward, cupping the tiefling’s cheek in his palm. “How are you feeling? Are you okay? Is anything broken? What’s wrong?”
Ros just shakes his head and tries to answer at least one of the rapid-fire questions, but the only thing that comes out of his mouth is a low croaking noise. It’s painful so he stops and touches his throat delicately. It’s wrapped in bandages. He’s still trying to piece together what happened to him, as it’s all a bit of a blur, but nothing is coming to mind.
Jynx offers him a cup of water and he takes a sip gratefully. It soothes and hurts simultaneously and his chest tightens again. Sipping water and even breathing is painful, Ros realizes. Two things he usually takes for granted.
“I’m glad I was there when I was”, Jynx finally says, uncharacteristically quiet for the time being. “That drunk guy was off his rocker- I couldn’t get to you- I’m-” Jynx pauses and switches gears. “I’m just really glad you’re going to be okay. Though you are on bed rest, doctor’s orders.” He waggles his finger in Ros’ face and gives a faint smile. “Don’t even think about trying to talk yet.”
Ros just nods, but knows he won't even try. It hurts too much, more than he’ll ever let Jynx know. Every breath is an effort, every rise and fall of his chest means more pain. But he’s alive. That’s what counts.
Bad Things Happen Bingo Prompt: Hurts to Breathe Fandom: Original Requested by: @wildfaewhump Character(s): Ros, Jynx Word count: 397