Hello! I'm back, and I come bearing gifts! Enjoy, lmao

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"What if Their Best Friend Died- Extra"

Maya's Goodbye

From the second that she woke up, everything hurt. Even breathing came as a challenge, liquid blood building up in her lungs, resulting in coughing fits and pained breaths.

May's strength came from the knowledge that her beloveds were close by. Chile and Devery both sat by her bed while her best friend stood at the foot. All eyes were on her, wide and hope filled. She smiled, knowing well that this would be the last day she could do so.

The hope was sad for that very reason.

"May, how are you feeling?" Kyle's voice was soft, kind. Maya smiled at him as brightly as she could and pushed herself up into a seated position.

It took a lot for her not to flinch at the pain shooting through her sore muscles, but she managed and gestured slightly to her notepad and pen sitting on the nightstand. Chile grabbed it quickly and handed it over while everyone watched anxiously.

'I feel better! Thanks to you all!'

Her writing was slower, slightly shaky, but she managed, handing it over to Kyle, who read it out loud. Ingall's shoulders lost some tension and he smiled slightly, dipping his head to her and exiting the room to give her and her partners some privacy. Devery let out a quiet sigh and Chile looked up, smiling warmly and reaching over to brush a strand of hair from Maya's cheek.

"That's good."

May nodded, accepting the notepad that Chile handed back. 'Yep! How are you two though? Have you slept at all?'

Chile did the same once more and exchanged a knowing look with Devy.

"We're fine, love. Don't worry about us." May's eyebrows knitted together and she frowned.

'I have to worry, you're my partners!'

Another look was exchanged and then Devy sighed softly, a light smile touching his lips. "We're alright."

May let out a quiet huff of disbelief, earning a little chuckle from Chile. She smiled at the noise, looking at her partners with sincere affection. She loved them both with her whole heart and she could never thank them enough for everything they'd done for her. Especially not with how little time she had left. Pain made her chest tighten and she coughed, not missing how both Devery and Chile tensed and straightened, reaching out to her helplessly.

Swallowing hard, Maya fought past the pain, and with newfound determination, she sucked in a deep breath. She didn't have much time left, so she'd make the most of what she did have. No more staying silent. She had nothing left to lose and nothing left to hide, especially not from her lovers.

"S-sorry, I'm okay." The two guys froze, at the strained sound and Chile's brows furrowed while Devery reached out to gently take May's hand.

"Why are you talking, love? Do you feel weak again?" It was obvious that Chile was fighting panic, trying to keep everything together like he always did.

"No." Well, that was a partial lie. She did feel weak, but not weaker than before. "I just decided not to hide anymore. I trust you both more than anyone."

Chile's eyes widened slightly and Devy squeezed Maya's hand a little, likely unintentionally. She just smiled softly.

"I think you deserve to see all of me. You make me feel safe, this is the best way I can show you that." May paused, breathing in quietly as Chile and Devery watched, cautious but affectionate. Truthfully she didn't really know what to say. 'Goodbye' seemed too straightforward, too rushed and abrupt.

Plus, Maya doubted they would react well to that. That was a speech she would save for Ingall, he was the one she needed to be forceful with, not these two. So, after a second, she just decided to speak from the heart. Nothing dramatic and nothing so straightforward it would freak them out too much. They needed some rest before everything finally ended, she wasn't going to take that away from them. "Thank you for everything."

"Of course! Anything you need we'll be here!" Kyle was quick to make the offer and Devery nodded slightly, cool eyes tracing Maya's face as though he was carving the image into his brain.

"I know you will." She reached out and brushed a hand across Chile's cheek. He caught it and pressed a soft kiss to her palm. "You're both amazing."

She flashed the brightest smile she could manage as Devy started mindlessly tracing patterns on the back of her hand and Chile returned the smile fondly.

"Can you promise me something?" Both became attentive, Devery leaning forward slightly and Chile turning more serious, nodding slightly. "Take care of each other. Please, no matter what."

"Of course, we always take care of each other." Chile replied, sounding slightly confused.

"Yes." Devery agreed. "It's part of being partners."

"I know." May said softly, a bit of pressure lifting from her chest. "I just… need to hear it."

Chile and Devery exchange a slightly concerned look.

"We promise."

"Always."

Maya smiled, satisfied. "Thank you. I love you both, so, so much. You are my world."

Both their expressions softened and Kyle shifted, leaning down to gently kiss her forehead while Devy lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles.

"And you're our world."

"We love you too. So much."

Relaxing into their touches, May felt like she needed to cry. A mixture of love, sadness, and relief almost overwhelming her.

"Thank you. Now, please, get some rest. I'm not going anywhere."

Another partial lie. She knew that this was her first and last time really talking with her beloveds, and, as they both settled down, Devery never once letting go of her hand, she felt herself start to lose her emotional war. Her vision hazed and, as they slipped into dreams, the first tear fell.

"Goodbye, my sweethearts. I love you more than you could ever know."