A Moment of Bliss… a Lifetime of Solitude

Author's Notes: A random snippet about my favorite couple. I may leave it be, but I was considering a continuation. Let me know what you think ^_^

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Even as he watched her fade away, even as the diamond tears flowing down her ghostly cheeks began to lose their sparkle... still he kept the smile on his face, if only for her. He had to be strong; that's how she knew him to be. Strong for everyone else, if not for himself. But the hollowness of his attempt was easily discovered, though only by her. Through auburn bangs that played gently in the winds of the mountain, gentle green eyes cried for him.

The others had already disappeared, perhaps already moving on to the next life, and even Chichiri had seemed to vanish into the background until only the two of them were left. Half of him wanted to run to her, to apologize for everything, to tell her how he felt, to beg her to stay and never leave him again, but he was never a truly selfish man. He wanted her to be happy, even if it wasn't with him.

But she remained, staring straight back at him, even as her true love called her from ahead... to the future. It was her last look back, and it wasn't a glance to waste. Her eyes caressed his fiery tresses, the amber eyes that held every memory of good or ill; they were golden, those orbs, just like his wild bandit heart. Floating forward in her ethereal silhouette, he felt a warmth as gentle hands cupped his face with the faint intensity of springtime sun.

You were always, always there. And yet, I never noticed until now how much you meant to me.

The words didn't sting, like he thought they would. Instead, they lifted his tattered soul from the hellish depths it had fallen to, moulding it like a master sculptor to her clay.

My Tasuki, we will meet again... I promise. There will not be a day I won't look for you in the bustling city I call home, until we are together once more.

"I'll look for you, too."

Don't despair... already loneliness haunts your unconquered spirit. Live life to its fullest, and may you find solace before returning to me.

"Miaka..."

Hush. Save those words until... until we both know them.

And she disappeared, her afterimage brushing lips with his. He reached out as if to hold her, but it was too late; only the faint scent of sakura petals remained to tease his nose, to enchant a mist over his gaze at last. Her words rang through the hollows of his heart, reverberating as if in an infinite chasm... they filled him with a hope... perhaps imagined, it was so small.

Then he felt the hand on his shoulder, strong and familiar. Tasuki didn't need to turn to know who it was, and responded by hanging his head to allow the rivulets to fall on fawn-colored boots. Broad shoulders shook to betray his quiet sobbing; hands clenched to visibly demonstrate the breaking of his heart.

"She wanted me to live for her..."

"Hai. There is still much to be done here, my friend," the other replied, crimson gaze sadly scanning the almost lupine features of his best friend. "She never wanted you to despair."

"Do you think she...?"

"Only time will tell, no da, and not in this life."

"That's what hurts... so god damn much. But if Miaka willed it of me... my soul, too, can cross time and be with her. Ne, Chichiri?"

"Yes," the monk replied, a smile teasing the serious features. "It will, no da."

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C&C will be appreciated, as always. Let me know if you want me to continue.

Link: Flames will be used for my magic arrows!

Right. Thanks Link.

Link: No prob. *grin*