for once cucali dies instead of paloma in one of my fics

"Don't bother," Cucali coughed blood as she laid her hand over Paloma's. The girl had been reaching for her bandages, but it was clear the damage was too severe. "Ain't... nobody can patch me up now."

"Cucali," Paloma's voice wavered, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "Cucali, you can't..."

"Sheesh, you fuckin' crybaby... you can just get me back once I'm dead, you remember that? Don't go forgettin' important shit like --" Cucali seized up, choking on her own blood as the pain took her. Paloma's alarm only paused when she seemed to recover from her moment.

"Fuck it..."

"Shall, shall I kill you then?" Paloma took Cucali's hand in both of her own. Cucali squeezed her hand, a vacant smile playing over her lips.

"Nah. You'd probably just make it worse. How's..." Cucali coughed again. "... how's about you sing for me instead?"

Paloma swallowed, blinking away her tears. "If, if that's what you want, Cucali."

She sang Cucali's favourite songs, the old Alternian war hymns. When Cucali's grip faltered and relaxed, Paloma paused, looking down at her.

"I... I love you..."

Paloma leant down to kiss her, ignoring the blood on her lips which mingled with her lipstick.

And on Prospit, Cucali rose again.