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Sir is there, standing in his low-slung sweatpants and faded shirt, looking tousled and relaxed and so fucking sexy. He smiles at Carter, offering a hand. Happiness blooms in Carter’s chest as he takes it.
They’re standing in a field. There are daffodils as far as the eye can see. It’s all blue sky and green grass and yellow flowers.
The air is fresh.
The wind is the perfect cool temperature as it kisses his warm skin.
He’s not hungry.
He’s not thirsty.
Everything is perfect.
Everything is safe.
Something moves in the daffodils, bright yellow rippling. Carter doesn’t approach with caution. He just smiles and goes forward. Hopeful. Naïve. This place is too pure for something bad to happen. He’s not afraid.
There’s a body in the daffodils.
Naked.
Bloody.
Carter stands there for a moment, trying to figure out what he’s seeing. Trying to make sense of it.
“Casey?”
“Carter!” Casey sobs, trying to look at him. Something is happening to him. Something… not right. As Carter stands there watching, Casey’s body begins to bruise and break. The marks bloom angry on his flesh. A rainbow of pain.
But no one is touching him.
“C-Carter… help me.”
“I can’t – I – there’s no-” Carter gasps for air, feeling a spin of panic. “Who’s hurting you, Case? Who is it? How do I help?”
Carter sobs as he watches more injuries bloom on his friend’s body. In desperation, he throws himself over Casey, trying to cover him, to protect him from whoever is attacking him. “Stop! Leave him alone!”
This can’t be happening.
This can’t be happening.
Carter has to save him! He failed the first time, but he can do it now. He can fix this. He can save Casey. He can. He knows it.
He just – he doesn’t know how.
“Stop it!” Carter begs as Casey’s body continues jerking beneath him. “Don’t hurt him! Stop hurting him! Hurt me!”
Casey looks at Carter, his eyes fading, going lifeless. A tear runs down his cheek. It’s bloody. “You left me, Carter. Why did you do that? Why’d you leave me?”
“I’m sorry!” Carter sobs, clinging to Casey harder. “I’m so sorry!”
Something comes around Carter’s waist. An arm. Heavy. Secure. Too strong. He’s pulled away from Casey, sir whispering things like, “Shhh,” and, “You’re alright, sweetheart,” and, “Just breathe for me,” as he drags Carter away from his dying friend. Carter tries to reach out for Casey, fingertips brushing the silky soft petals of the daffodils.
“Casey!”
“You chose me,” sir whispers. “Remember?”
“But – but I – I – but-”
