Chapter Text
They didn't have even a second to react when they were finally freed of Belos's control. Their body completely gave out.
"RAINE!"
Eda screamed their name as she flew towards them. She landed and caught Raine's limp figure before they collapsed. Carefully, she lowered them safely to the ground. She pushed the hair away from their face, revealing their round glasses speckled with sweat and dirt, perched in front of closed eyes.
"Raine," she whimpered, hoping for a response, but they didn't move. She waited for something to give her a miniscule glimmer of hope, waited for a word, any sign at all, but nothing happened.
Eda's eyes dampened. At first, she tried to suppress it, but she caved. She wasn't ready to lose them, and she was tired of pretending she was okay after several similar occurrences.
Her wings lowered, and she reverted out of her harpy form. Now she was just Eda– the valiant fighter always staying strong for everyone else. Eda, always protecting those she cares about, no matter what, even at her own expense. Afraid to let them see the darkest parts of herself. Any other day she would hide her vulnerability. But this time she wore her heart on her sleeve.
Her head at Raine's chest, she burst into tears.
Others gathered around the pair, at a distance. Hunter clutched at Willow's hand. Luz covered her mouth. Camila hugged her. Amity glanced at Gus with concern. But they all remained silent as Eda sobbed.
She squeezed their hand, her eyes burning, shedding for her best friend, her partner, her beloved Rainestorm.
Her crying quieted. Briefly, she was sure she felt Raine's hand twitch, but it was so brief, she thought she must've imagined it. She couldn't deny it, though, when she felt Raine's hand squeeze hers back.
Her breath caught in her throat and her gaze shot towards Raine's face. This time a familiar pair of forest green eyes met her mismatched irises. A few more tears trailed down her cheeks, stinging as they went-- but they were no longer tears of heartache.
Eda's heart seemed to flutter in her chest. "Raine–?"
Trembling, Raine slowly lifted their strong, gentle hand to Eda's cheek. Eda clasped her hand over theirs and leaned into it. Raine traced their thumb over a few stray teardrops on Eda's face.
"It's okay," they said in a strained voice. "I'm here."
Eda moved her hand to their face and cupped their cheek. Teary-eyed, she pulled them closer, closed her eyes, and tilted her forehead against theirs with a smile. Raine closed their eyes, too, relaxing against her touch.
Eventually Eda pulled away, to give them some space, and let them take a moment to breathe. They stared at each other, just watching each other's faces, for Titan knows how long– relieved, happy, together, safe at last. At peace.
And that was all they did, really. Watching each other, dreaming of the future awaiting them.