FALLING.

Chapter twenty.

Hi! Here I am, after a long time (five months?!) I apologize for the long absence, been a bit busy. Anyway, I know this chapter is a little short, but do not fret! Chapter twenty-one will be up soon! Thank you so much for reviewing and still reading this story! I know I take too long to update sometimes, but I promise you I'll never stop writing about these two, I just love them too much!

Enjoy!

The glade was silent that morning —or was it afternoon?—except for the rush of the river and the whooshing of the wind. She was still amazed by Ryoga's words; they had come to her ears floating in the soft breeze, caressing her senses. He loved her, he'd said. But she knew the meaning of his words; he was saying goodbye to her body.

Her mother had talked to her before him; she had recognized her voice even before she realized it was her. It was such a pity that she hadn't been able to meet her before coming to this place… before dying.

It had been the only times she had heard anything aside from the sounds of the glade, and she couldn't help but wonder if that was what eternity would be like for her. Would she listen to them whenever they visited her grave and talk to her, as well? Would she see another soul, or talk to someone again, ever?

Her eyes filled with tears, and a lump formed in her throat. An eternity of solitude. How will she withstand it?

Suddenly, the wind started blowing harder, sending her hair in all directions; it became so strong she even stumbled a little when she ran to the makeshift bedroom, looking for shelter. The sky darkened and raindrops started to fall ominously. It was the first time something disrupted the calmness of the place since she had first woken up there –who knew how long ago—and she felt a bit anxious.

Ukyo jumped on the bed and braced herself, waiting for the storm to end, when a weird sensation churned in her stomach. Something she had thought she would never feel again.

"This can't be…" she said to herself in awe. The feeling grew stronger, as well as her hopes, until it became undeniable.

He was there.

Her breathing became elaborated, matching the high speed of her heartbeat. She fisted the sheets, leaning anxiously forward, and waiting.

Lightning stroke, thunder rumbled. A shadow danced outside the room.

Her heart stopped when he slowly entered the room, raindrops falling from his hair, and stood there, looking at her with expectation and a hint of nervousness; his bright eyes shining with so much emotion she forgot how to breathe.

They stood frozen in place, with their eyes locked, and she thought she could lose herself in his gaze. It was just so surreal she thought she was dreaming.

"Ukyo?" He finally spoke and his voice rang in her ears with such firmness that she woke up of her haze. He was really there.

"Are you dead?" She inquired, the thought coming to her in a rush.

"No…" He hesitated.

"What are you doing here, then?" She asked tremulously, her voice quivering.

He dedicated a sad smile to her, "I came to say goodbye…" The softness in his voice made her snap out of her numbness and she jumped right into his arms, kissing him desperately.

He responded with the same fervor, holding her tightly to his body, carrying her back to the bed. He sat down with her in his lap, her legs still straddling his waist, holding her close to his body.

Ukyo took his cheeks and looked straight into his eyes.

"I love you," she said, "I love you with all my heart. I should have said it sooner, but…"

"I love you too, Ukyo." He brushed his fingers across her hair. "I think I've been in love with you since this whole mess started." He snorted.

She kissed him again, unable to stop herself.

"I can't imagine how it's going to be like without you…" She rested her forehead in his, closing her eyes. "All this silence, all this quiet. There's nothing here that doesn't remind me of you."

His breath itched in his chest, she could feel it.

"You'll be okay, baby."

Her whole body shook with that last word. It had so much endearment in it that it reached her very soul.

"What are you going to do now?" She asked him, still a bit shaken. She wanted him to be happy, no matter what happened to her.

"You don't have to worry about me;" he gave her a one-shouldered shrug, "we just have to worry about this moment."

"You're right," she smiled, caressing his cheek, "after all, you promised."

The smile he gave her was meant to be reassuring, but she could see through it. Something was wrong. She was about to ask about it but his next words stopped her.

"We don't have too much time, baby; I'm not welcome here."

"Then we'll have to make the most of it…"

Ryoga looked at the beauty resting in his arms, taking a deep breath. He didn't know how much time had passed since he had arrived, for time didn't exist in that place. Though he was sure no amount of time would ever be enough for him when being with her for the last time.

He looked at her face, burning it in his mind. Maybe she wouldn't remember him, but her memory would be the only anchor to sanity for eternity. His hands had learned every curve of her body; the feel of her soft, warm skin; his senses had delighted with her scent, forever held in his nostrils. Her deep eyes would be a refreshing ocean amidst the merciless flames.

She brushed her lips against his again, and again, sinking him in the most bittersweet agony. Kissing her would never be enough.

"I love you," she said, setting his heart on fire.

"I love you," he answered, for there was no words that could define his feelings better. They did not exist.

The storm had somewhat subsided outside the tent-like room, but now the wind had started blowing harder. It was time to go…

Not yet… Please, not yet…

She seemed to understand.

"Time to go home?"

"There's no home without you."

"Ryoga…" She sat, brushing his hair. "Please don't make this harder…"

"You're right, I won't." He took her hand and kissed her palm. She'd never know how hard it'd be for him. She didn't need to. Ever.

She frowned, looking tired.

"What's going on? Something's not right."

Her eyes began to close.

"It's alright, you have to sleep now…" He kissed her lips once more, because he just couldn't get enough of her, and helped her rest her back on the mattress.

"I don't want you to go…" She pouted, breaking his heart. Ryoga covered her naked shoulders with the blankets, kissing her forehead.

"I don't want to go either, but I have to."

"I know. I love you." She said as she closed her eyes.

There was a lump in his throat he knew would remain there for eternity.

"I love you too, baby. I'll love you forever."

She gave him the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen, which was permanently carved on his brain, and the most wonderful feeling of peace settled in his racing heart.

It didn't matter that she would not remember him. It didn't matter that she would return to her old life, locked in a futureless engagement. It didn't matter that he would spend the rest of his existence dreaming of her.

She had a new chance. She had a new chance to lead a happy life, to find a new love, to be whatever she wanted to be…

She was going to live, and that was all that mattered.

He touched her lips with his once more, brushing a strand of hair from her face, leaning carefully not to wake her up, and murmured softly into her ear…

"Just promise me you'll be happy…"

And I'd give up forever to touch you,

'Cause I know that you feel me somehow;

You're the closest to Heaven that I'll ever be,

And I don't want to go home right now.

And all I can taste is this moment.

And all I can breathe is your life.

'Cause sooner or later it's over,

I just don't want to miss you tonight.

And I don't want the world to see me,

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand.

When everything's made to be broken,

I just want you to know who I am…

"Iris", The Goo Goo Dolls.