Jericho gasped for air, coughing a mixture of blood and water. His body felt sore yet numb but he looked around him. He was on the muddy bank of river which lead into the ocean. Marcus, thankfully, was beside him. He looked normal, no scales or talons, he wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or worried. Slowly, he took off his shirt and wrapped it around his wounds. Wincing as the cold fabric touched his open wounds. It wouldn’t do much to stop the bleeding, but he figured it was better than nothing. Getting up he he began to shake Marcus awake, “C’mon man we made it.” He was relieved that it was over. Marcus was back and he was determined to make their second chance count.

No response.

“Marcus, this isn’t funny. Cmon.” Jericho shook him again but Marcus gave no response. His heart sank to the bottom of the river. “Marcus please get up.” He patted the unconscious boy’s face, his skin colder than the river. “This is the part where you get up and we hug.” Jericho’s voice cracked. “It would be stupidly cheesy and heartwarming” Jericho began to hold Marcus, softly crying into his hair. “Please, just be unconscious. I’ll wait for you for to get up, I’ll stay right here beside you.”

Minutes turned to hours, and the cold had quickly enveloped them both. Marcus had not moved since they emerged from the water, he laid motionless. “I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry. I-I never meant-“ Jericho held him close and began to plead, to anyone who would give a damn. “Please…”

Slowly, his hands began to warm and a dim light began to illuminate the dark. Looking up, he saw an golden yellow field surround them. It was bright and warm, and slowly he saw color return to Marcus’ cheeks. His wounds began to close and chest began to slowly move. Removing is impromptu bandage he saw that the stab wounds were healed without leaving a scar. Just like Angela’s healing spell.

Just as quickly as it appeared the field vanished, but Jericho felt different, he felt… strange, but in a good way.

“JJ?” Marcus mumbled, sounding more tired than hurt. Jericho hugged Marcus tightly until he laughed and tapped Jericho rapidly, “Can’t breathe JJ.”

“Sorry, sorry.” He laughed and took a look at Marcus, other than bags under his eyes he looked fine. “I’m just, so happy you’re back.”

Marcus smiled, “I’m happy to see you too- “ Marcus was cut off by Jericho who gave him an affectionate kiss. Once parting Jericho laughed at Marcus’ ‘deer in headlights’ expression.

Once recovering Marcus punched his shoulder, “Don’t laugh, the hell is wrong with you. Do you do that to everyone you kiss? No wonder your single!”

“Only you.” He wiping the tears from his eye and winked, “Only with you.”

“They’re over here!” Angela shouted from the distance.

Looking back, Jericho and Marcus saw the group diverge on them. Jericho didn’t remember much after that, but what he did remember was holding Marcus’s hand on the way back home, the weird looks from Caspian and a good night's rest beside Marcus