"Did I get lost while I was gone? I traveled space for much too long, but there's a planet that I have found and you are far away for now." – Yellowcard, 'Space Travel'

1

Unconditional love and affection is tied between persons with a glittering, eternal ribbon of destiny and sacrifice. There are things worth dying for; there are other things for which it is worth leaving everything behind to save and protect. Whether or not you believe in true love, it is undeniable that a powerful force can sometimes exert itself unconsciously on an individual when their heart is involved. Believing in true love won't make this story true, but it makes it easier to believe.

A distant star faltered slightly as time, space and a changing atmosphere manipulated its light before it caught the attention of a beautiful red-haired princess lying on a soft, plush bed beside the open balcony doors. Her blush crimson eyes fixed on the distant glow with strange sorrow for she understood that its light had traveled to her for billions of years and its source may have - perhaps without her ever living to see its final flash - already burned out.

"Kakyuu, my love, when you get the sorrowful look in your eyes, it makes me want to kiss your thoughts away," said a tender female voice. Her slender arm wrapped over Kakyuu's bare stomach and clutched her left hand, gently turning the silver band on the third finger.

"I know they will burn out, Oukyuu," Princess Kakyuu stated with lingering sadness, "but all light returns in some form."

Princess Oukyuu smiled and pressed her face into the small spot below Kakyuu's ear causing a tremulous giggle and playful shove from her sweet, orange olive-scented lover. Kakyuu continued to laugh as she brushed strands of teal hair from Oukyuu's face and pulled her closer once more, gazing into her aqua eyes. Their hands wrapped around one another as their legs entwined and Oukyuu pulled her princess closer.

"I will protect you forever," she whispered. Their lips met in Kakyuu's response as the dusk finally slipped into night and the world was theirs alone.