Epilogue

Richard woke in a cold, empty bed - the way his bed always felt when Asbel wasn't in it. He knew, however, that the following night would be an Asbel night, and that was enough to make him step out of the sheets with a smile upon his face.

Three months had passed since the day Richard and Asbel confessed their feelings. Or, more precisely, three months and one week; Richard always treasured that date, the one belonging to the happiest day in his life. Over that period, Asbel made a trip to the capital once every week. He'd leave Lhant late in the afternoon - when he was done with his work - to arrive in Barona late in the evening. There, he was always welcomed with a warm meal, a warm bed, and even warmer arms. He stayed for one night only, for Asbel had to get back to his duties, but that single night always granted Richard enough sweet memories to last an entire week.

However, the importance of the present day went beyond Richard and Asbel's romance. This happened to be the one-year anniversary of the day Fodra's core had been stopped - and the first time the entire party would get together after a whole year. Richard had offered to throw a private celebration in the castle, and the rest of the group had gladly accepted. And that was all to it at first; however, only a week before the actual date, it grew into something more. It had been an Asbel night; and at dawn, when the lord was about to leave, he said, "Hey, Richard, why don't we use the party to tell everyone about... about us?"

And so, in Richard's head, celebrating-saving-the-world day turned into coming-out-to-his-friends day.

Now, morning had turned into afternoon, and it was a matter of minutes until Asbel and Sophie's arrival. Richard paced around the room that had been specially decorated with sopherias, trying to prepare himself for the first, and hardest, revelation.

Two voices in unison soon claimed his attention; "Richard!"

He turned to meet Asbel and Sophie, all but running in his direction, and then hugging him both at once. They pulled away, and once Richard saw their beaming smiles, he couldn't help but feel a weight lift off his heart.

Sophie said, "Asbel, look at all the sopherias!" and soon dashed away, her eyes shining as they took in the stunning decoration. Asbel and Richard were left chuckling, and once the girl was far enough, they exchanged glances.

"I missed you," Asbel said, gently taking hold of Richard's hand.

Richard squeezed his lover's fingers, before replying, "So did I, Asbel."

"So... we're doing this, right?"

There was a pause. Richard shifted his eyes towards Sophie's direction, and saw her playing with one of the sopheria arrangements. He watched as she moved a flower just a bit to the left, only to return it to the initial position, and then adjust it to the right.

"How... how do you think she will react?" The king asked, hesitantly.

"Richard, don't worry about it. It will be okay," Asbel replied, and then, raising his voice, he added, "Hey, Sophie, come here!"

In reflex, Richard tried to move his hand away from Asbel's - but found his fingers tightly bound by his. Richard's heart increased in pace; would Sophie find the way they were holding hands strange? Would she suspect something? Would she be disgusted?

...And why did it matter? They would be telling her everything now. And how would she react? Would she hate Richard? Would she never forgive him?

She now stood in front of them, tilting her head to one side. Asbel said, "Sophie, we have something to tell you." He gave his lover's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Richard, why don't you begin?"

Richard felt his mouth go dry, and he looked at Asbel in desperation; but he was met with calm eyes, and a sincere smile. His heart steadied a bit, and he mustered enough courage to say, "Sophie, Asbel and I... we are..."

The words suddenly escaped him, but Asbel intervened, "We're together, Sophie."

The girl blinked, tilting her head in her usual fashion. She waited, as if expecting Asbel to say something more, but once he didn't, she blurted, "We three are together right now."

"N-No," Asbel stuttered, realizing that his words were misunderstood. "I meant that... w-we..."

"Asbel and I are in love."

Richard had no idea from where he summoned the boldness to say it, but the words left his lips, and it was too late to take them back. He was about to regret it deeply, except...

Sophie was smiling - her usual beautiful, radiant smile. She looked up, purple eyes shining, and said, "I'm happy."

Richard realized that Asbel was also grinning, but the king himself couldn't do anything other than blink in confusion. Sophie must've misunderstood it again, he thought. In an attempt to clear matters, he asked, "Sophie, why... why are you happy?"

She tilted her head, still smiling. "Because when two people are in love, it means they're happy, right? And if you and Asbel are happy, then I'm happy, too."

"But... Sophie, are you not shocked? We... we are both men."

"I know," she stated, not understanding Richard's bewilderment. "Does it make a difference?"

Richard opened his mouth to speak - and then closed it on second thought. There was no misunderstanding. Sophie was right; they loved each other, and that was all that mattered. In all her innocence, she was the one who could truly see love without the taints of society's prejudices. She saw love in its purest form.

"It doesn't, Sophie," he finally answered, smiling.

In response, the girl held a hand to Richard, and the other to Asbel, closing a circle between the three of them. Her face was radiant in its happiness.

"That means I have two daddies now."

The sky had been a deep azure when Asbel and Sophie arrived, but now it possessed a pronounce tint of orange. The duo from Lhant had settled in their chambers - at Sophie's insistence, she would sleep alone, and Asbel would stay with Richard - and then returned to the room where the party would be held. Now, in addition to the decoration, a generous buffet waited for the remaining guests. Richard had to be quite stern in order to prevent Asbel and Sophie from eating before the rest of the group arrived.

Malik was the first to walk into the room, announcing his presence with a deep "Seems like I'm early, eh?" The trio turned to his direction, smiling; although, individually, they had seen the captain a few times in the past year, it was the first occasion they all were together at once.

"You're perfectly on time, Malik," Richard declared. "Flawless punctuality, I must say."

"You flatter me, Your Highness," he replied. "It's good to see you outside a formal meeting, King Richard."

"Yet you insist on addressing me formally. You contradict yourself, Malik," he said, chuckling.

"It's hard to force an old man out of his habits." He then turned to Asbel and Sophie. "How is my favorite little family?"

"We're great, Captain," they both answered in unison, and then laughed at each other.

"Good, good!" Malik paused, taking a moment to stare at both Richard and Asbel. The pair flushed under his gaze, exchanging a nervous glance, and the captain couldn't help but smirk. "I'm sure you two are great as well, eh? In more ways than one." He winked, teasingly.

Asbel stuttered for words, but Richard intervened; "Malik..."

The captain froze at the king's serious tone.

"...Thank you."

Seeing Richard's voice and expression soften, Malik smiled. "You're both welcome. I'm glad I was able to help a couple of awkward lovebirds."

True to Malik's words, the young couple flushed embarrassingly. Richard tried to regain his composure by offering to show him the buffet table.

Asbel pouted. "Oh, so he can eat?"

"Well, Asbel, we are now past the scheduled start of the party - so everyone can eat."

"Don't worry, Asbel," Malik interrupted, smirking, "I'm sure Richard will let you eat all you want when you two are alone tonight."

Both men turned crimson, while Sophie simply tilted her head in confusion. "Why would Richard let that, Captain?"

"Oh, I will tell you later, Sophie," Malik replied, with a hearty chuckle.

Asbel's face gained another shade of pink. "C-Captain! Don't teach her that!"

A high-pitched voice interrupted their exchange; "Is Captain Malik being silly again?"

The group turned in the direction of the newly-arrived guest. Cheria stood by the door, arms crossed, frowning.

"Really, Captain! I can't turn my back on you for a minute, and you're already filling Sophie's head with- I don't even want to ask what! UN-BELIEVABLE!" She rested a hand on her hip, the other pointing a finger at Malik's apologetic (and amused) face.

"Cheria!" Sophie ran towards her, hugging her tightly once they were close. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Sophie," Cheria answered, smiling gently. "I'm sorry for not stopping by Lhant more often, I've been so busy!"

The rest of the group now stood around the newcomer, greeting her fondly. "I did hear wonders about your relief foundation, Cheria. Your new project is absolutely fantastic," Richard said.

"Indeed," Malik added, "I keep hearing about it and I can't help but feeling proud."

Asbel looked confused. "Um... What is this new project everyone but me knows about?"

"Asbel!" Cheria blurted out, "Why am I not surprised? You never pay attention to anything!"

The lord scratched the back of his head, an embarrassed smile on his face. He had to admit Cheria was right.

"Asbel," Richard started, "Cheria's foundation is creating an academy for healers."

Cheria smiled. "Richard is right. Since very few people can use magic, we'll be teaching a more accessible form of healing - medicine!" Her voice rose with her excitement. "The healers who graduate will be sent to many parts of the world, so people everywhere will be able to get treatment. We're already sending small groups to remote areas, too! They have no doctors there, so..." She paused. "Sorry, I didn't mean to lecture!"

Despite Cheria's apology, the rest of the group was grinning. Her passion for helping others was admirable, and if it was up to them, they wouldn't mind letting her go on and on about her efforts. "You shouldn't apologize, Cheria," Malik spoke for the party, "I'm sure everyone agrees that seeing you this happy is enough to make up for the lecture." He paused, smirking. "I do, at least."

Cheria giggled, blushing softly. "Always so gallant, Captain!"

"Heh, when one gets this old, they have to rely on flattery to seduce pretty girls," he teased.

There was a collective laughter as Malik was playfully slapped over the head by the healer, and once it faded away, Richard stepped in to show Cheria the buffet. She quickly noticed the grilled chicken - of course, Richard made a point of instructing the cook on the party's favorite dishes - and she was in the process of grabbing a generous serving when everyone's attention was once more turned to the entrance.

"Heeey, everyone! Sorry for being late!" Pascal stood by the door, her arm wrapped around a very flushed Hubert's neck.

"It's your fault we're late, Pascal! If you didn't-"

"Shush, Hu, it's party time! Can I get a banana cocktail before you start nagging?"

For the third time, the party flocked to greet the newcomer - or, more precisely, newcomers.

"Hey, Hubert, Pascal!" Asbel said, "You two came together?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Hubert retorted, pushing up his glasses. "Your observational skills are as remarkable as always, Brother!"

Asbel scratched the back of his head sheepishly, and Richard intervened, "Come, Hubert, I'm sure it was a rhetorical question." He turned to the Amarcian, "Are you staying in Yu Liberte for your research on Duplemar, Pascal?"

She grinned. "Yep! And Hu was even as nice as to..."

"P-P-Pascal, don't-"

"...Let me stay at his house!"

Hubert flushed to a deep scarlet, his gaze dropping to the floor as the rest of the party stared at him, full of smirks.

"Guess you've made some progress, eh, Hubert?" Malik teased.

The lieutenant looked up, still red, his face twisted in his usual frown. "T-There is no progress to speak of!"

Pascal, whose arm had never left Hubert's neck, now turned sideways to wrap her other arm around him. "I don't know about any progress, too! All I know is that..." she paused, pressing her lips against Hubert's cheek, "We're the bestest of friends!"

For a while, Hubert remained frozen, his eyes wide as he stared at the Amarcian who still had her arms around his neck. Then, as if suddenly realizing he was being watched, he mumbled something unintelligible and shoved her away gently - or as gently as a shove could be. There was a collective laughter that only hastened Hubert's transformation into a tomato, and the poor lieutenant stuttered his way out of his embarrassment; "I-I'm getting something to eat!"

He shuffled to the buffet table, with Pascal trailing behind him. However, Asbel's voice stopped them on their tracks; "H-Hey, you two... Mind waiting a bit? Richard and I have... something to say."

Upon hearing Asbel's words, Richard felt his breath grow short and his heart slip out of pace. His gaze wandered along the many pair of eyes that now turned to him, and he felt more exposed than he had ever felt. What he was about to do was too difficult. It was too much for him. Even with Asbel by his side, it seemed as if the space between them was an abyss; he felt alone, and lost, and scared. His terror only escalated with every passing moment, as those inquiring eyes seemed to burn holes through his skin.

But suddenly, he felt something different. Warm fingers, enveloping his own; and he turned to see Asbel, smiling as beautifully as ever. And he knew he wasn't alone, and he would never be alone anymore.

Taking a deep breath, Richard finally spoke. "Everyone, Asbel and I..." - and a second voice joined his own - "we're in love with each other."

At that moment, the five faces that had been staring at them reacted in their own unique way.

Sophie merely smiled. She had already heard this confession before, and she was happy to hear it again.

Malik, in turn, gave his typical smirk. The revelation was no news to him, although hearing it formally was certainly amusing.

Pascal squealed and started a succession of little jumps, blubbering almost incoherent words in the highest pitch her voice had ever been heard.

Cheria blinked in confusion for a fraction of a second, and then smiled softly. Her initial surprise was quickly replaced by the notion that this was, in truth, almost expected. In her eyes, only a subtle hint of sorrow could be seen.

And Hubert...

"YOU ARE WHAT?!"

Asbel jumped back in astonishment from Hubert's outburst. He would've fallen quite ungracefully if Richard hadn't been quick enough to hold him; however, the fact that Asbel was now neatly enclosed by Richard's arms did little to alleviate the situation.

"Y-You... What are you even thinking, Asbel?!" The indignant lieutenant took a step forward to grab his brother's collar, wrenching him from his lover's arms. "You're both men! How do you expect to-"

Hubert was interrupted by the pressure of a large hand on his shoulder. Malik spoke, "C'mon, Hubert. Don't tell me you didn't see this coming."

"See this coming...? Wait, do you mean..." And finally, looking at the rest of the group, Hubert realized he was the only one in the room shocked by the revelation. "How... how did you all..."

Asbel scratched the back of his head, blushing slightly. "It's okay, Hubert. It's probably a brothers' thing. I was also the last to figure out your feelings for Pas-"

He was interrupted by Hubert's hand pressing against his mouth, as the lieutenant yelled a flustered 'SHUT UP'. They both turned to look at Pascal, finding the Amarcian blinking in confusion, a faint tinge of pink upon her cheeks. She then stuttered something about wanting to eat banana pies, and ran off to the buffet table, drawing a round of laughter out of the rest of the group (other than Hubert, obviously).

The flushed lieutenant exhaled, attempting to calm down, and then turned once more to his brother. "I suppose I can't judge you. It's indeed impossible to control who you fall in love with." He then gave Richard an apologetic glance, and shuffled after Pascal.

With both Hubert and Pascal gone, Malik stepped up, "Well, I suppose we all should grab a bite now." He watched as Sophie and Cheria moved first; then, once they were out of earshot, he turned to Asbel and Richard, smirking, "Though you two should leave the grabbing and biting for later."

"C-Captain!" Asbel blushed, his color reminding his brother's a few moments ago.

Richard, whose cheeks had also reddened a bit, said, "At least he didn't blurt that remark in front of Sophie."

Malik gave his usual hearty chuckle, and moved to eat with the rest of the party, leaving Asbel and Richard alone. In their new-found privacy - relative privacy, given that the group was still within earshot - they interlaced their fingers, and gave each other hands' a gentle squeeze. Richard turned to see Asbel's heterochromatic eyes shining, his mouth curved into a smile, and he was tempted to feel those lips with his own - but with everyone being so close, he didn't dare it.

And yet, before Richard realized it, Asbel leaned in and pressed his lips to his. He remained there for a second, and then moved away with a deep blush upon his cheeks.

"C'mon, Richard," Asbel said, face still pink as he lead his lover through fingers that remained interlocked, "Let's go join everyone."

And Richard smiled, his heart as warm as the fingers around his own.

As late afternoon shifted into early evening, Richard carefully observed his esteemed guests. Being the host, it was his obligation to make sure no one lacked for food, drink, or amusement; but he had a second - and greater - reason to pay close attention to his friends: he wanted to see how they reacted to his and Asbel's relationship.

To Richard's delight, everyone was more than accepting. Sophie's smile was as radiant as it had been when she first heard the news; Malik never stopped teasing them; Pascal went on and on about how utterly adorable they looked together, and squealed loudly whenever they made any form of physical contact; and even Hubert, who had been shocked at first, apologized for his outburst and gave his sincere approval.

And yet, one pair of eyes still held a subtle hint of sorrow to them. Even the beautiful smile that accompanied them could not conceal the truth from Richard; he knew quite well how it felt to hide one's suffering behind a mask. The longer he looked at that expression, the faster his feeling of guilt escalated, until he was compelled to do something. He was terrified that he might choose the wrong words and only increase the sorrow behind those eyes, but he could no longer remain in silence.

"Cheria, may I have a word with you at the balcony? The evening breeze is quite pleasant this time of the year."

The girl turned, a little surprised, but quickly went back to smiling. "Sure, Richard. And the breeze in Barona is pleasant all year round, in my opinion."

He smiled back, walking with her to the balcony. "I certainly agree with that, but I didn't want to boast about my city, as lovely as it is."

Cheria chuckled, and once they stood outside, feeling the fresh wind and gazing at the soft glow of Gloandi, she asked, "So, what is it you want to talk about?"

Richard took a deep breath and cleared his throat, before answering, "I would like to fund your project, Cheria."

His words were followed by a long pause. Cheria's gaze fell to the floor, where it remained for a few moments, before returning to the monarch's face. "Richard, are you... are you offering that out of guilt?"

He froze. Cheria's eyes were locked upon his, and he felt trapped under her gaze. He fumbled for words, but found himself unable to produce any, and his eyes fled her face in shame. How could she see through him so easily? What must she be thinking right now? Certainly about how despicable he was - to steal the man she loved and then make the condescending act of offering money as consolation. And he couldn't even hope to make Asbel half as happy as Cheria could; unlike her, Richard wouldn't be able to marry him, or bear him children, or even spend more than one night a week by his side. He should never have talked him out of his engagement, much less chased after him - not when he was so unworthy of his affection.

"Richard."

The monarch looked up, meeting Cheria's eyes. They still had that edge of sorrow, but now he could see something else underneath - compassion. The one feeling that Cheria would never renounce.

"You shouldn't feel guilty about being with Asbel. It's not your fault that you fell in love with him, or that... that he loved you back."

Richard's eyes were wide, and he tried opening his mouth to speak, but struggled to form a single word.

"You know," Cheria resumed, "Asbel is... he is happier than he has ever been. I can tell. I've... I've always watched him." She paused, stealing a quick glance back at the room, before returning to look at Richard again. "I know you've always watched him too, Richard. If you pay attention, you'll realize that what I've said is true."

Almost automatically, Richard looked inside. He found Asbel standing, saying something to the group. He could not hear what it was, but then the lord gracefully performed a variation of the Windorian greeting, in an obvious attempt to boast. The rest of the group clapped enthusiastically, and Richard saw it - the beaming smile on Asbel's face. His lips forming words that undoubtedly were 'Richard taught me'.

Richard raised a hand to his mouth, trying to hold back forming tears as he suddenly realized how foolish he had been. He had always worried about being unable to make Asbel happy - when Asbel had already been happy all along. And Cheria, of all people, was the one to point that out. How much had this hurt for her?

"Cheria, I'm- I'm so sorry-"

"Richard, please... I told you, it's not your fault. And, if you really want to make it up to me... do it by promising you'll take good care of Asbel, okay?"

Richard was almost speechless. The girl in front of him was truly an angel. He felt a smile return to his face, and said, "I promise, Cheria. Making Asbel happy is... what I want the most in the world."

Cheria smiled back. "It's settled, then. But if you break your promise, I'll kick your butt, okay?"

They both laughed in unison, brightening the mood around them. Once it died down, Cheria grew serious once more. "I... I may never be able to forget Asbel, but I can move on. I will move on." She paused. "Besides, now that I'm not getting married, I have all the time in the world to work with the relief foundation. And I realized that... to me, it means a lot more than having a husband and kids. In a way, the foundation is my family." She raised a finger to scratch her cheek timidly. "I guess I fell in love with it."

Richard watched the sheer passion in the girl's eyes - the passion that was not directed at one person, but at the whole of humanity. The passion to help each and every person.

And it was amazing.

"I want to fund your project, Cheria."

Her brow furrowed. "Richard, I told you-"

"No, Cheria. I really do mean it. The way you talked about your foundation - the way you always talk about your foundation - it moved me. I admire you deeply, and I want to help you in whatever way I can."

Cheria placed a hand in front of her mouth. "Oh, my! To be admired by the king himself! I'm honored!" She smiled as the monarch chuckled, before switching to a more serious tone, "Thank you, Richard. I really appreciate it." Then, gesturing to the group inside the room, she added, "We can discuss business later. Right now, I think our friends must be missing us."

Richard smiled, following Cheria back inside. They arrived to a very lively scene; from the looks of it, Asbel was still showing off the results of his makeover into a gentleman.

"Oh, Your Highness!" Malik remarked, upon noticing Richard's presence, "You proved to be an even more gifted instructor than myself."

"Indeed," Hubert added, "You brought about quite the miracle, King Richard."

Asbel was frowning, about to protest, but Richard intervened, "Please. I did nothing spectacular. I was the one lucky to have such a wonderful student," he finished with a loving glance at Asbel, which effectively cleared the frown from his face... and prompted a squeal from Pascal.

"You guys are just so perfect!" The Amarcian exclaimed, falling back into the couch and nearly spilling the sixth glass of banana cocktail she had been drinking. She then paused to chug the rest of her drink, mumbling something about 'can't let any go to waste', and placed the empty glass on a nearby table. "Heeey, Richard! Can I have another one?"

Before Richard could answer, Hubert burst out, "Absolutely not! You're already past drunk, Pascal!"

"Aww, Hu!" She shuffled in the couch, moving to throw her arms around Hubert's neck, who was sitting next to her. "Pretty please? You're my best friend, right?"

"And it's exactly because I care about you that I'm not letting you drink any further!" He stopped to untangle himself from Pascal, a red flush across his cheeks. "A-And will you stop with this 'best friends' talk?"

She took a moment to stare at him, before moving away timidly. "But... aren't we best friends? Like Asbel and Richard?"

Hubert was about to protest in his usual fashion, when something dawned on him. He slowly turned towards Pascal, staring at her with wide eyes, and repeating her words in disbelief, "Like... Asbel... and Richard...?"

She nodded shyly, a soft blush on her cheeks. "Y-Yeah... just like them."

Hubert's gaze fell to his lap, his face redder than ever, as he suddenly grew conscious of the many spectators to the scene. Both he and Pascal remained in silence, fidgeting nervously, until Richard announced; "I suppose it is getting quite late. Hubert, would you mind taking Pascal to her room? I believe she will need your help."

The lieutenant looked up, nodded anxiously, and proceeded to stumble out of the room with Pascal around his neck. Once the pair was gone, the rest of the group took their time to share smiles and chuckles.

"I hope they can work things out now," Cheria said, smiling. "But Richard has a point; it's pretty late! C'mon, Sophie, let's go off to bed." She took the girl by the hand, and waved goodnight to the party. Sophie smiled and repeated the gesture, and soon they disappeared behind the doorframe, leaving the three men alone.

Malik didn't take his time before starting, "Well, then-"

"Captain, if you're gonna tease us again-"

"No, Asbel," Malik chuckled, "As tempted as I am to slip a comment about how eager for bed you two must be," he smiled as Asbel and Richard each raised an eyebrow, "I actually meant to be serious for once." He paused. "You... you do know this will be very difficult for the both of you, right?"

Richard felt the back of Asbel's hand touch his own, and he reached to interlock their fingers. "Yes, Malik. We do."

"I... I don't want to be grim, but I care too much about you two, and therefore I feel the need to warn you. As time goes on, hiding it will only get harder, and not spending enough time together will be taxing. Not to mention marriages and heirs, which both of you will have to face eventually."

Asbel squeezed Richard's hand. "We know, Captain. And we... we're prepared to face anything."

Richard nodded in agreement, and Malik smiled. "Good. I'm really happy for you both, you know." He patted their shoulders. "We all are."

The young couple smiled back, holding each other's hand tightly, as Malik left for his own room. Once the older man was gone, Asbel turned to Richard, still smiling. "We're finally alone."

The monarch smirked. "Oh, Asbel. I planned to wait until we were in my chamber, but if you're so eager, we can do it here."

"R-Richard!" Asbel blushed, letting go of his lover's hand to give him a playful smack on his chest. "If you keep joking about that, one day I'll accept and a servant might walk on the King of Windor doing something very embarrassing."

Richard laughed, and pecked Asbel on the cheek. "It would be worth it, though."

"Y-Yeah, right." He turned as if to leave the room, but caught a glimpse of something through the window. "Hey... Gloandi seems to be so bright tonight."

Making for his lover's hand again, Richard said, "Let's go outside, Asbel."

Asbel nodded, and they walked over to the balcony. From there, they could see the sleeping city, most lights gone at this time of the night. Beyond it, the ocean stretched for as far as the eye could see; but the most breathtaking view was, without a doubt, the beautiful green glow of the Valkines. It bathed the city in a soft light, and dominated the dark, moonless sky. Only Foselos could be seen behind it, revolving slowly in its endless endeavor to protect Ephinea.

And there they stood, in silence, admiring how right everything was. Despite the strife that had plagued the world only a year ago, and all the struggles that had happened before it, the planet now seemed like it had never known anything other than blissful, absolute peace.

Richard and Asbel were the same. So much had happened, so many battles had been fought, so many times they believed that they would lose each other - and yet, there they stood. Together. They had conquered the worst that came at them, and they knew they had the strength to face any obstacle that the future could bring.

They turned to meet each other's gaze. Slowly, Richard raised his hand to gently cup Asbel's cheek, and he felt warm fingers against his own skin as Asbel did the same. They were smiling, the same tender smile they always shared when they were by each other's side. Only a few inches separated their faces, and that distance was slowly reduced as they leaned in, and their lips met. They shared a deep, slow kiss, taking full advantage of their first moment alone after an entire week.

Once they had satisfied their cravings for each other's warmth, they pulled away, looking at Gloandi one more time before turning and heading toward their room, hand in hand. At that moment, they were sure that, as long as they remained together, everything would always be right.

And they knew that together, they would stand, until the end of their days.