She hated seeing him like this. His perfect figure, pacing back and forth across the floor, his gray-green eyes haunted by the troubles of the war. He was so strong, yet so weak at the same time.
He sensed her watching him. Turning slightly, he saw her beautiful, pale face, her kind eyes swimming with worry. He turned to watch the setting sun. For some reason, he couldn't bear to watch it, knowing his friends were suffering another lonely night.
She stood, quietly, softly. She joined him as he gazed into the oncoming night. Taking his hand, she rested her head against his warm shoulder. Gently, she rubbed his back, feeling the tension built up in there.
He, on the other hand, felt her tighten her grip on his hand. As if in a dream, he pulled her out onto the balcony, running his fingers through her golden hair, hoping she wouldn't sense his worries.
She knew him well enough to know he was troubled. She touched his arm as he pulled her into his arms. Resting her head against his chest, she murmured words of comfort to him. She knew how much he wanted to be out there with the army, watching over his friends. But she knew he was also longing to stay with her, to protect her. And she hated to see him split in two.
He couldn't focus. His friends, or his love, such a hard choice. But he knew he must follow his heart. So he packed. He gathered all his items and waited for the morning to come.
She felt her heart breaking. He was leaving her, but she knew he must leave, even though his heart was also breaking at the thought of leaving her. She watched as he silently got ready to leave. As the dawn swiftly approached, he gently took her in his strong arms. Tears poured down her face as she stroked his golden hair, her amber eyes filled with sorrow. Finally, she spoke.
"Come back to me, Senjinn." Her voice cracked. "I love you."
"I love you too, Shira. I promise to return to you."
Then his lips met hers, and the world became perfect, for one last time.
