L/R

How wonderful it would have been to fight by Terence's side one last time. Dion didn't want Terence to see him die, or worse, fail. And he couldn't bear to witness Terence's death, had he allowed them to stay together.

As your soldier and lover, I will die for you. Terence had whispered those words one night, years ago, when he believed Dion was deep asleep. The sentiment both enthralled and deeply saddened Dion. It was spoken as if that had always been the purpose of Terence's role since they were young—to die for Dion, no matter what.

"Why would my words sadden you?'

Dion's eyelids slowly peel open, fighting against the blood caked on them. Above him, studying him like an angel sent to retrieve a corpse, is Terence.

"I never wanted anyone to die for me," Dion says, but he can't feel his mouth moving. "Why are you here?" He thinks he's still falling, but it feels like Terence is cradling him. He can't see their bodies or where they are. He can only see Terence's serene face and a murky light above him that might be the last remnants of Ultima's essence.

A hand wipes blood off his face, then curls itself around the back of his neck. "I saw you fall. I had to catch you," Terence answers. Dion's chest rumbles like he's laughing, but no sounds of laughter are heard.

"I told you not to follow me." Another hand grasps Dion's gloved one, tight enough to convince him that Terence must be here, wherever they are, and not a dying manifestation of his memories.

"I've always followed your orders." Terence's voice has been straight, with little emotion; now a fissure is forming, and his words are filling with water. "I, I wanted to disobey you just this once."

You're stubborn, Dion wants to say. You're more stubborn than I am.

The hold on him squeezes and pushes Dion into Terence's chest. He smells clean and like a home Dion wishes they could have had together. He smells like promises Dion quietly made to himself because he didn't want to disappoint Terence if he broke them.

Are you real? Am I dying? Am I dead? Dion thinks, and he knows Terence must hear them, but he doesn't respond until Dion says, "I'm sorry."

"You've nothing to apologize for, my prince." There's no point, no reason, to feel apologetic anymore.

Dion goes without speaking for a long time. He wonders if he'll notice when he transcends to the other realm. Or if this nothingness—where he can feel Terence's touch and feel his heartbeat against his cheek—is the last stop.

He still has more to say. "I wish I could see you again."

Something cool and soft presses against his forehead. "I'm right here. We're going together."

Dion doesn't ask where they're going. It doesn't matter, as long as he's with Terence.