Loss and Longing

Hartley had loved James for longer than he cared to remember.  The handsome blonde had wormed his way into the musician’s heart very early on in their friendship, protecting the younger, frailer Rogue when he was so new to the business of criminality that he might as well have been a child, teaching him the ropes, showing him how to react to others to gain the most respect and when to keep quiet so your arms would remain in one piece.

It was always James who had stood up for Piper when Digger had made nasty, spiteful digs about his sexuality, when Len had doubted his ability as a Rogue, and he’d even given Fury a black eye once.

So when James, his best friend, suddenly turned on him, Hartley was beyond shocked.  Homophobic crack after homophobic crack, waves of hate, of loathing, aimed solely at the younger Rogue.  Well, ex-Rogue now; they’d never take him back after what he’d done.

Hartley dealt with the pain the only way he could; he ignored it.  Days turned into weeks, and they were no closer to escaping the mass of pursuers howling for their blood than they had been at the start of this ridiculous adventure.

Then, everything changed.  The hate was gone, the malice, replaced by something new and strange and frightening as the Trickster’s mask cracked and broke, revealing only kindness and love.  Flushed cheeks and stuttered words, embarrassment taking over, and maybe even...a kiss?

“Not him, not now!”

James had loved him back.  Had hidden himself away, denied himself, all because he believed that Piper needed protecting.  And he had protected the redhead, at the cost of his own life.

Staring up at the stars, Hartley sighed, clutching his flute to his chest and missing the blonde with every fibre of his being.  But it didn’t matter; they’d be together again soon.

“Wait for me.”  He murmured, knowing James was listening.