“...” When did I become so j a d e d ? And why is it that I spurn every glimpse of c o m p a s s i o n ? All I have yearned for are answers to all of my questions, and yet, I did not realize I had them already.... He had not died in vain even when the light left his eyes. He saw her face as he passed, the final imprint that he had lived and loved and that was enough to part ways from being with her. Her fists clenched around the cold metal of the railing. You were always a smug b a s t a r d, always trying to be the h e r o when no one else wanted to.. It was not that she wanted anyone else to perish in his place, but she had to wonder why he had seemed so happy to leave her side. What had he left her with? Soon, a pair of arms wrapped around her middle. A familiar scent caused her nostrils to flare ever so slightly, a warmth spreading in her chest. He left her with a second chance, one to find love and find the passion to love life again. He would never have wanted her to be so unhappy, so upset, and s e l f i s h. He would have wanted her to fall in love with herself and another again. Why did I want to w a n d e r this earth alone when I have the choice to wander it with another? I haven’t been a l o n e since you have been gone, but for some time, I have felt e m p t y and a n g r y that I could not correct my mistakes... But I will never regret loving you and still do, but you are gone and I can tell you, knowing you hear me, that I have found love again and it is b e a u t i f u l. Still, it was evident to the one holding her that she was dwelling on his memory. “For what it was worth, I am saddened we lost a comrade, but I am grateful that he at least left you here with me,” Her breath is caught in her throat as his low, comforting, almost silk like voice flowed into her ears. “He left me strength, passion, and relentless elegance in its purest form, and I thank him for that. You may miss him and that is fine, but know that I will love you enough for him and I for all of time.” The voice finished. Her eyes were watering. When had this ever happened last? Zada wanted to swallow, but a lump in her throat was preventing this. Her head slightly turned to view the others, soon her tightening grip on the railing relaxed and soon pulled away to turn and face the other entirely. A bittersweet, almost uneasy smile on their face. “I love you just the same, if not more, and I always will, for you have shown me that I can love again and that I still have much of it to give.” ... “And you can continue giving it to him as well, but just know I will never leave your side and even if I do, him and I will always love you.” Zada fought a gentle smile and instead let a glistening set of tears fall down her face. The smile came anyway and she hugged the male close. Arms wrapped around his neck and she pressed her face into its hollow. His grip on her tightened as he moved her in closer and hugged her tighter in response. A kiss was soon pressed into her temple. “ A l w a y s ?” ... “ A l w a y s. “
