A/N: Yeah, I know, long time. I had a depressed bit, but I'm fine now and with lots of vigor after reading Mirage Shinkiro's work. So I sat down, told myself, 'Eroko, you're going to write this and finish it' and here we are. Enjoy the final chapter. Oh, and dropped rating because of lack of smut. I couldn't force it in, nor was I willing to...

Final Chapter; Embrace

Those words - they were truthful; this much Kurogane could tell just by looking deep into that bright blue orb with his own crimson ones. But even with the truth, came slight tears that seemed to make the blue glow even brighter as the mage sat next to him, hands fisted on his knees, and even though Kurogane was no fortune teller or wish maker, he could already come to subliminally guess upon what Fai was to say. "Kuro-sama.. Even though I promised myself I wouldn't, I think I have. I've grown closer to you then anyone else..." A small smile etched over Fai's lips, though the smile seemed a little frightened and timid to the ninja's eyes.

Fai was taking a chance; dropping all of his walls and expecting a spear through his heart. But Kurogane would not be the one to hold that spear. Instead he knew that he would be the one to raise the shield to protect the vampire; this was not a conscious thought, but something he knew in his heart, because he too had come closer to Fai then even he had initially thought.

And it made him so mad.

He was mad because even after all this time they had still been pawns, playing in the hands of those who would do anything for their wish. But no more; they would break away from the chains that bound them to the creator of the sick game that they lived. They would become players, rather then pawns, and Kurogane would see to it that Fai would not fall in this time, even if he had to carry the damned mage.

Almost like and instinct, the ninja reached out with his hand and let it rest on the back of the vampire's neck, drawing their foreheads together; the notion solemn and tender despite Kurogane's brute-ish personality. "I get it; you don't have to embarrass yourself by saying anything cute." Kurogane's voice was gruff, but that edge would never leave him, especially after being through all he had been through. Though this soft side was not something that Fai had expected, and he felt a warm tingle rise to his cheeks and they went red with indication of his bashfulness. Had Kurogane been anyone else or had his life been any different, then he would have though how cute and innocent Fai looked at that moment, but because Kurogane was who he was, he smirked and let go of the mage, letting the mage fall back a little. "Don't be going soft on me; we still have to finish this journey."

Those words brought Fai back to reality; he gave a small nod to the ninja, regaining his feet and offered a hand to help the ninja up. As they both stood their gazes never left each other in understanding though both the shinobi and the vampire held a slight intimate edge to their glances, their hands still touching, though barely.

It seemed to be a few moments before Kurogane finally made signal for them to leave the room, his hand moving from Fai's as he slid open the paper door, revealing Tomoyo. She smiled brightly at her ninja, hands clasped in front of her innocently. "I'm glad..."

Her small voice was kind though was bordering upon a small giggle as both the dimensional traveler's faces went a bright red, their minds wondering if she had been there the whole time. As Kurogane opened his mouth to speak, Tomoyo raised a hand to motion for his silence. "Don't worry, I was just coming to check up on you. I'd suggest you both take a walk and catch up before you go to see Sakura-chan and Syaoran-kun." This was indeed a good idea, and both of them knew it, giving stiff little nods as they pondered the princess' true intentions as she walked away, a little giddy.

But they both shook it off, Kurogane leading Fai out into the gardens where cherry blossoms lined a small rock garden with a small pond squat in the middle of it. It was visually appealing, and Kurogane would silently admit that it was more appealing now that the blonde occupied it, though the shook the thought from his head, crimson eyes rounding on the mage as he slowed and turned, a look of peace slightly hinted on his tanned face. Was it the comfort that hung in the air that brought a smile to Fai's lips? Or perhaps was it how close he stood next to the ninja?

Though it didn't matter – they both felt at ease, with a calm, comforting silence in the air as the breeze plucked blossoms from the branches and danced them around like a ballroom dance, drawing Fai's blue eyes to follow.

Then the silence was broken by Kurogane's scruffy tone; the one that the vampire had learned to love and take solace in, even despite how much he had wanted to scream in return and have a fit at how unfair it was to have the owner of the voice meddle in his life. But it was there, and it made him feel calm now, not distressed, so he relaxed towards the voice, resting slightly on the ninja's non-injured shoulder. The word – there was only one; his name, drew his attention to the crimson eyes and handsome semi-grin. "I know, Kuro-sama." He spoke aridly, his tone like a light breeze as his pale hand reached up to be gently set and contrast against Kurogane's darker skin.

There were no other words, just long stares of smoldering affection, all because Fai, being the witty little mage that he was, knew that Kurogane, being the though guy that he was, wouldn't speak on how they both felt, but it was it was there. They both could feel it, and no matter how many words went unspoken, there would be that knowledge – that unbreakable bond.

So they both remained there, in that caring embrace, neither wanting to ruin that quiet, caring solace that they had just built – the one just for the two of them.

~Owari.

Still looking for Beta Readers.

Current inspiration;

-Mirage Shinkiro, Aimo, Plantman-EXE

Listening to: A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton