Elliot nodded his agreement to that sentiment, his thoughts momentarily going to the Stones. Leah was here for support and Lilah had given a quick goodbye, but Brandon and Kori hadn’t bothered. The farewell messages he’s gotten from a few other people he barely knew was enough to make up for all the people who didn’t. Elliot hadn’t expected half those messages. It touched him, that even people he barely spoke to had taken the time to say goodbye to him.
His smile came back when Evan mentioned the now legendary hoe jokes. “Hoe jokes never get old,” he reaffirmed, the somber tone not matching his expression.
“Those kukri you gave me? I want you to have those back. My regift to you. Can never have too many weapons handy, right?” It wasn’t like he’d need them anymore, and Rae and David weren’t all that adept with knives.”If you want them, that is.” And if you can convince Rae to give them to you.
Elliot’s fingers tightened somewhat around Evan’s hand in what was meant to be a comforting gesture. “You could’ve asked, but no, I was definitely the best Hagen for the job. And I’d say the Don wasn’t allowed to cry, but the consigliere won’t hold it against him.”
Evan explained that their friendship wouldn’t end after his death, and Elliot closed his eyes, nodding. “To be remembered and not forgotten. That’s the most reassuring thing about all of this.” His eyes shone with unshed tears when he finally opened them again. “What I told Rae about moving on eventually? It applies here, too. Just because I’m gone doesn’t mean you should never have another best friend.”
“Two very important people who made up for all those selfish bastards who wouldn’t help me get medical supplies,” Elliot agreed, half-smiling. “You did help. Probably more than you’re willing to admit. No one else deserves the title of godfather more than you do. Teach him…” He paused and moistened his lips. “Teach him how to defend himself, when he’s old enough. Help him like you helped me.”
Elliot let out a calming breath that wasn’t so calming when his lungs screamed at him. It was getting harder and harder to breathe with each minute that ticked by. He bobbed his head, but it was impossible to take much comfort from what Evan was saying. Impossible only due to the fact that Elliot… really didn’t want to die.
“Sunshine can’t die.” It was a vague, somewhat random comment that his friend may or may not have understood. Rae had one very important reason to keep on living, but Sunshine, the nickname that served as a reminder of her optimism, that was what Elliot worried most about. Exactly what Evan assured him wouldn’t happen. Rae wouldn’t become like Evan and Leah used to be.
“Are you ready?” Elliot took comfort in the fact that Evan would be the one to end it for him, but on that same note, he felt guilty asking his friend to shoot him. That wouldn’t be an easy thing to get over. Elliot wanted to give Evan one last chance to back down, but… there was no use in delaying the inevitable. Elliot was already feeling the change, the disease, claiming his body. “I want it done before I… before I turn. I don’t want to be one of those… things.”