"Run -….!"

"I can't anymore, ….-kun!"

"You have to! They'll catch us if you don't…"

As the pair ran through the dense forest, they could hear shouts and curses behind them. They had no time, they had to escape. But as soon as that thought flashed through both of their minds, they came to a halting stop. Just five feet in front of them, the ground disappeared into a menacing gorge.

"Stop right there!"

"Don't move any further!"

Were the simultaneous shouts of their pursuers. The pair inched closer to each other as more and more of their pursuers appeared out of the woods and began to close in on them. Having no other choice, the two linked their hands, and slowly backed up until their feet were at the edge.

"…-kun, no matter what happens, I have always and will always love you…" whispered the shorter of the two.

The taller male turned towards the other, and after cupping his face with his hands, leaned in and gently placed his lips upon the slightly trembling ones.

"-… I as well. You have always been all I ever wanted, all I ever needed, and that will never change. No matter what anyone says, we are one, whether it be here on this Earth, or wherever we end up after leaving it."

Tears slowly slid down the shorter male's face as he slid his arms around his lover's back. Possibly for the last time.

"Yes…No matter where we end up, we will always be together…" And with that, they separated once more, though they kept their hands laced together. After gazing into each other's eyes, a decision seemed to be made between them.

Realizing what the pair had in mind, their pursuers began to panic.

"Wait! There's no need to go so far!"

"Step away from the edge and come back!"

The pair broke eye contact, and scanned over their enemies. The taller man decided to speak up.

"Go back and tell your masters that we are tired of being puppets! We are no longer willing to be controlled, and thus will do everything in our power to cut their strings."

With one final look at the shorter man before him, they embraced, and took a leap into the ravine, hearing the frightened shouts of the palace guards that had chased them so far from home…

…..

Even while shaking with eyes tightly closed, the shorter male spoke up. Possibly the last time he ever would.

"Seijuurou-kun, I was serious when I said I have always and will always love you. Even after everything that has happened, and with what is currently happening, I have never once regretted choosing you. I can honestly say that no matter what happens, I never will regret it, even in the afterlife."

With his heart beating as fast as they were falling, the red-headed male squeezed his lover tighter.

"Me too Tetsuya. I have never once regretted being with you. Even with everything that has happened with our families, you have always been my greatest treasure. You are the love of my life, the love of my eternity…"

As they free fall into the gorge, together in the other's embrace, they both couldn't help but think of what lead them to their current situation. While it had been a long journey, it all flew by so quickly in their minds. After all, don't they say that your life flashes before your eyes before you die?

...

10 years earlier…

In a small, discreet village on the border of two vast countries, were two little boys, each seven years of age, laying down together in a field of flowers. While both boys were rather short, one was slightly taller. This boy had fiery red hair with expressive mismatched eyes. One a stunning ruby and the other a shining topaz. The smaller boy had hair as blue as the spring sky and a pair of determined eyes to match.

"Tet-chan, I won't be able to come here to play as often anymore. My father is starting to make me take more lessons." Pouted the red-head.

"My father has started making me learn more as well. I believe I also heard him mention wanting me to learn self-defense as well. I don't want to though, Sei-kun, I don't want to hurt anyone…"

"It's okay Tet-chan. Self-defense is only to protect yourself, not hurting anybody without being provoked. Besides, I'll always protect you, no matter what!" The fiery red-head proudly stated.

"Really Sei-kun? Always?"

"Always…"

…..

Time went on, and gradually both boys had less and less time for each other. They were extremely busy, having many lessons in varying topics…

"Father, why must I learn to play the violin, it has nothing to do with running a country. If I want entertainment at a party, we could just hire a professional." Pouted the little boy. He was now eight, going on nine in just a couple months.

"Silence! You do not question me. You will follow my orders, and that is final!"

As the older man stalked out of the room, slamming the door in the process, the little boy couldn't help but sigh. 'I wonder how Tet-chan is doing…I haven't been able to go to the village for some time now. I really miss him…'

While he was lost in thought, his instructor came into the room. Finally lifting his head to look at the man, he once again heaved a heavy sigh and picked up his violin.

'If only I wasn't the prince of Rakuzan…'

…..

"Tetsuya! Where are you, Tetsuya?! You will attend your fencing lessons even if that means having the whole staff search for you!"

A bluenette boy watched the yelling man from the shadows in exasperation. Why couldn't he be left alone? He didn't like learning self-defense and martial arts. He very much preferred a nice book to a dull metal sword.

He noticed more servants show up to search for him, and decided to make his escape. The good thing about being practically invisible is that when you wanted to be alone, it was easy to make that happen.

As he thought about where he would go, he realized he hadn't been down to the village lately. 'I wonder how Sei-kun is…I hope he's okay, I heard his mom died recently. I wonder if his father is being too hard on him…'

While he was lost in thought, he didn't notice his father come around the corner. Coming to the realization that he wasn't alone a bit too late, he sighed in defeat as his father grabbed his collar and dragged him off to his fencing lesson.

'If only I wasn't the prince of Seirin…'

…..

Two months later…

"Sei-kun!"

"Tet-chan!"

Red and blue clashed together after excited shouts filled the still evening air. After not being able to meet each other for quite some time, the young princes finally got a chance to sneak out. Each of their kingdoms was holding a winter ball that night.

"Sei-kun, I missed you. Are you okay? Is your father being too hard on you? Do you get enough sleep? Do you eat enough?"

Questions shot off like bullets, and the red-head had to grab the bluenette's shoulders to get him to stop talking.

"I am fine Tet-chan. Rather, shouldn't I be asking if you have been eating enough? I know you have a small appetite."

After the two boys exchanged greetings and caught up a little on the other's life in the months they hadn't seen each other, they lay down in the grassy field.

A cool breeze flowed over them, and the bluenette shivered slightly.

"Come here, Tet-chan. I can't have you catching a cold."

Silently following the red-head's orders, the prince of Seirin scooted closer to wrap his arms around the other boy. Only in each other's company could they relax and let all the stress of their everyday lives melt away. Only in each other's presence could they sleep with both eyes closed. Only in each other's hands could they not have to constantly look over their shoulders…

Only in each other's embrace could they let go of their titles and just be…human.