After it Ends, it Begins

"Racine, are you all right?" asked Vetti.

Racine didn't answer. Instead she gazed outside towards the streaking lights that represented hyperspace. Her arms were hugging her knees close to her chest as she sat and watched the stars fly by the viewing platform.

Concerned, Vetti squatted down beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Racine, are you all right? You didn't answer when I called for you," he asked once again as soon as he was sure he had her undivided attention.

Racine's eyes looked tired to Vetti as she replied. "Oh, I'm sorry, Vetti. I guess I got so used to using my brother's name that I seemed to have forgotten my own." She let her head fall into her arms as she let out a hoarse whisper. "There are some moments where I think I have forgotten myself altogether."

Vetti draped an arm over Racine's shoulders and gently shifted the young noblewoman to where she was leaning on his chest. "A wise man, one much wiser than I, once told me that this was just one aspect of growing older. Who we once were changes as the world around us does. You were once a rambunctious little girl who loved her brother dearly, and although parts of you changed, even when I met you as Michel, you were still that little girl who loved her brother.

"Now though, you find yourself at a crossroads, at a point in your life where that little girl is but a memory in your heart. She's still there inside of you, but she's not all you are anymore. Now, you are a brilliant orator and symbol of hope for thousands. You are a woman capable of great things, the greatest of which is compassion for your fellow human being. There is no shame in becoming who you are."

Racine shifted slightly in Vetti's hold. "And what of you, Vetti?" she asked. "Are you happy with the change that has been wrought in you?"

"And what," Vetti asked, "kind of change do you think took place within me?"

There was a soft smile upon Racine's lips as she answered back. "I believe that you were finally allowed to be the man you were always supposed to be. A kind, yet firm, man who wants what is best for his people."

Vetti's hand shook, as well as his voice, as he responded. "I never thought you would think so kindly of me."

Racine turned slightly and stared directly into the blond man's eyes. "Why would you think that, Vetti? If you believed that I could change, why did you think that I would not see the change in you?"

"I was a monster, Racine. How could anyone hope for me to change into something better than that?"

Racine brought her hand up to rest on Vetti's chest. "There was something about that final, climatic day that caused us all to believe things would change for the better, Vetti. And the first thing I believed had already changed was you. I allowed myself to become acquainted with this new you, and before I knew it, I had fallen."

Vetti spoke softly, "Racine, I-"

He was interrupted by Racine placing her forefinger on his lips in order to silence him. "Quiet, Vetti, you're ruining the moment."

Vetti was confused as to what type of moment she meant, until she brought her face close enough to kiss him. He smiled gently, before complying with her demands and softly kissing her on the lips.

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FIN

AN: Hope you liked the one-shot. Reformed!Vetti x Racine ftmfw. Just saying.