Epilouge
Said and Done
"Luke." Said redhead stilled his hand, stopping his pen from scratching the surface of the parchment before him and lifting his eyes to stare at his father. "Stop and think about what you're doing-"
"I have, Father," Luke insisted, shoulders drooping in annoyance. "I've thought about it all week. I haven't changed my mind."
"Luke," Duke Fabre spoke again, "this is another being's life you're agreeing to take care of."
"I know."
"And that means it shall be your responsibility-"
"I know," Luke cut in again. "That's what I want."
"Luke-"
"What your father means to say," his mother cut in, placing her hand on her husband's shoulder, "is that we want you to understand how serious this is. This is a very big decision you're making, one that's not going to only affect you."
"I understand that, Mother, I promise I do," the redhead assured. "We talked about it. This is what we both want."
"Then there isn't much else we can do." Susanne gave her husband a kind yet stern look. Sighing, the duke leaned back in his seat and waved his hand at his son, gesturing for him to continue. Smiling in satisfaction, Luke turned his attention back to the document before him and signed his name on it with a flourish. Then he snatched it up in his grip and stood.
"I'll be right back," he stated, then spun around and bolted out of his father's office before either of his parents could stop him. Duke Fabre sighed again.
"I'm not so sure about this idea of his…" Susanne rubbed his shoulder affectionately.
"He's not a child anymore, dear. He's grown. Besides…" she turned her eyes to the window, watching her son dash through the hall and out of sight. "I think he'll do just fine."
xxx
Luke darted through the twisting hallways of his family's manor, finally reaching the courtyard out back. In the center of the cobblestone circle was a large, circular garden of dirt, kept in place by large, sparkling silver stones. All throughout the dirt were dark, blood red and pure, creamy white roses, all surrounding a single pillar of granite, with a single word engraved on it.
ASCH
He found her lying on the bench in front of it, sprawled out on her back staring up at the memorial towering above her. When he burst through the door, she tilted her head and smiled at him.
"Someone's in a hurry," Kuro teased, and he smiled through his slight panting, holding the paper still clenched in his fingers up so she could see it.
"I got it." She blinked at him, her chocolate orbs widening as she sat up.
"You did?"
"I did." He walked over to her, taking a seat beside her and holding the parchment out for her to see.
~Certificate of Adoption~
(To House Fabre)
Kuro Kimkuthian
Guardian Signature:
Signature:
On the line next to the words 'Guardian Signature', Luke had scribbled down his name. Now he revealed the pen he'd taken from his father's office and handed it to the brunette beside him.
"All you need to do is sign it," he said softly. Hands shaking, Kuro took the pen between her fingers, eyes not leaving the certificate in front of her. Then she carefully took the paper from him and placed it on the wood of the bench. She glanced up at him, smiling.
"This is really happening," she said in disbelief. He grinned at her.
"It's yours if you want it." Kuro looked back to the parchment, pen twitching in her hold, then touched it to the paper and scrawled out her name.
After she'd finished, she stared at it for a while, then slowly handed it back to him.
"So… that's it," she stated quietly, turning her eyes back to him. "I'm like, really your sister now." Luke smirked as he reached out to ruffle her hair, careful not to disturb the barrette in her hair.
"Just about," he agreed. "Happy birthday, Kuro." She giggled.
"A few months late there, Lukie-boo."
"Yeah, I know… I really am sorry about that."
"Don't worry about it." Kuro reached out and hugged him tight. "You gave me the best gift I could've ever asked for. Thanks, Luke. For everything." Luke smiled and held her close.
"It should be me thanking you. I never could've gotten this far without you."
"Yeah, you could've. It just wouldn't have been as fun." He laughed under his breath.
"Regardless, you've helped me a lot. It doesn't come close to anything I could say or do, but…" Luke pulled away, meeting her gaze with a soft smile. "Thank you, Kuro. For everything." She grinned widely and winked.
"That's what I'm here for." He ruffled her hair again.
"Come on. Let's go make this official."
"Right behind ya."
They took off for the Kimlasca-Lanvaldear castle, heading for the audience hall, the certificate clutched tightly in Luke's grip. But when they pushed open the doors, they saw a few faces they hadn't expected to see. Crowded up on the platform where the thrones resided were not only King Ingobert and Natalia, but Guy, Anise, Jade, Tear, and the most surprising of all…
"Peony!" Kuro greeted happily, smiling at the Malkuthian emperor. The blond ruler winked at her.
"Hey there, kiddo."
"Peony, guys," Luke called, he and Kuro coming to a stop before the platform, "what are you doing here?"
"Well half of them live here," Guy replied, gesturing to the two Kimlascan rulers and Tear, who blushed, "and the rest of us wanted to be here when they told you."
"Told us what?" Kuro asked, glancing sideways at her brother, who shrugged, just as lost as she was. Natalia giggled and smiled at the two.
"Well, as you know, both Kimlasca and Malkuth have signed and approved a new peace treaty."
"Uh-huh," Kuro confirmed with a nod. "We were there at the summit."
"Yes. And, as you may also know, Fon Master Ion-" here, Luke deflated a bit, and Kuro grabbed his hand, "-acted as a kind of symbol of the former peace treaty." The two listening blinked, looking at each other.
"That's right," Luke murmured. "Ion became Fon Master just after the treaty was signed."
"And with Ion… gone," Anise spoke carefully, "and a new treaty in place, there's no one symbolizing it anymore." Kuro still seemed confused, but Luke's eyes were widening as realization was slowly dawning on him.
"So we figured," Peony finished, motioning to Ingobert and himself, "that what better person to be such a symbol, then a little girl who lived through it all. Not to mention she lived and cared for people in both places." Everyone looked at Kuro expectantly, who was standing still, chocolate orbs wide and shocked as she stared at Peony.
"You," she said finally, pointing at the emperor, "want me-" now she turned the finger to point at herself, "-to be the new symbol of the peace treaty?" Peony grinned.
"If it's alright with your guardian," he said, and now everyone turned to Luke. Luke felt his face heat up a bit and swallowed. But this was what he wanted, what they both wanted. His signature was on that certificate, and this is what that meant. He turned to her with a serious look on his face.
"If you want this, I won't stop you," he said, and she stared up at him for a few heartbeats, then grinned, swiveling her head back to the party on the platform.
"Alright, cool!" she said, pumping one of her fists. "Let's do it!" The others cheered and clapped, the members of the former party coming down and all of them – again with the exception of Jade – formed a huge, awkward group hug. And then everyone was chattering away about parties and ceremonies, and Kuro just stood amidst it all, beaming.
Here I am, Kishi. I made it.
xxx
Nighttime rolled around, the ocean blue hue of the sky replaced with an inky blackness, the half moon shining brightly. Luke and Kuro walked along the perimeter of Baticul's upper level, hand in hand as they strolled beneath the stars. Kuro blew out a breath and ran a hand through her dark locks, ever aware of the old metallic accessory tangled in the strands.
"Well, today's been one hell of a day." Luke laughed.
"Yeah, it has." They were silent for a while, and then Luke said, "You know, this time, what, three years ago? Four?" He shook his head. "I never would've imagined I could get all this just from answering a simple question." Kuro giggled.
"It's hard to believe, isn't it? How far we've come, all that's happened… everyone we've lost…" Luke nodded slowly, switching his thoughts over to the sword currently resting on a shelf in his room. "Oh, hey," Kuro suddenly said, and the redhead halted his steps, twisting to watch her. She reached into her pocket with her free hand and pulled something out; a dark, folded wad of fabric Luke instantly recognized. The brunette smiled at him and gave the garment a shake, and they stared as Asch's glove tumbled open. "Here," she said, passing it to Luke. He took it carefully in his fingers, eyes following the lines of the intricate design on the back of the old glove, then shook his head and handed it back.
"You keep it." Kuro sighed in exasperation.
"Why does everyone want me to keep it?"
'Well, you were kinda the one who took it."
"Because I figured you or Natalia would want it!" She huffed, but twisted the article of clothing back up into a ball and shoved it into her pocket once more. "It doesn't even fit me…" Luke shrugged nonchalantly.
"It's not like I would've worn it either."
"Why not?"
"It would have to go on my left hand."
"So? What's wrong with that? You are a lefty, after all." Luke smiled at her.
"True, but that's not it." He tugged on her arm, and they started walking again, falling in-step beside each other. She looked at him expectantly, and he sighed, but the smile on his face didn't waver.
"Kuro, there's something I wanna talk to you about…"
xxx
They stood together, staring out across the seemingly endless sea of flowers, their soft white petals glowing beneath and around their feet. The sky was dark, a sign of the fast-approaching night, the blue hue having long disappeared and replaced with smoky purples and indigos, the moon growing a tad bit brighter with each minute that ticked onward.
"You're supposed to make a wish when you light it," Luke was saying, as Tear examined the orange dyed paper lantern in her hands. "Then when you let it go and lose sight of it, your wish is supposed to come true." Tear smiled, turning her head to see Luke's face.
"Alright, then let's light it." Smiling as well, Luke reached around the blue-eyed girl and carefully placed his hands over hers, the two of them now holding the lantern together. The redhead focused his concentration on the wick ring in the center of the lamp, and a few seconds later, it burst into a small flame. He tilted his chin so his mouth was near her ear.
"Make a wish, Tear," he whispered, closing his eyes. Tear shut hers as well, and they both silently made a wish. Then Luke felt Tear's fingers loosen, and he pulled their hands away, freeing the lantern and allowing the light to float off into the sky. The girl in his arms gasped softly in awe as the single spot of color danced in the light breeze, drifting further and further to the horizon. Slowly, Luke wrapped his arms around her waist, and she leaned against him, their heads resting against the other's as they watched on.
"It's so beautiful…" Tear murmured, and the green-eyed boy behind her hummed. Luke glanced sidelong at her, staring at her, with her head tipped back on his shoulder, watching the flickering light as it continued its journey into the sky. He took in a deep breath through his nose; it was time.
"Tear." She blinked her icy blue eyes, tilting her head to see his face again. "I… I need to tell you something." Tear furrowed her eyebrows slightly in concern.
"What is it?" Luke turned her so she was fully facing him, taking her hands in his. Her face broke out into a bright red blush, and he felt his own face heat up but didn't let go.
"Tear, I… I love you," he blurted out, and Tear's eyes widened. "I've loved you for the longest time. And maybe that hasn't been that long, with me being gone and all. But I know, I can tell… that you're the only one I want to be with. You're the only girl for me." He took one of his hands from hers and reached into his pocket, and Tear covered her mouth with her now free hand as she watched him pull out a small, dark box. Her eyes shone with unshed tears as she looked up and once again met his gaze. He was smiling.
Then he flipped the lid of the box open.
"Mystearica," Luke asked softly, "will you marry me?" Tear's shoulders shook as a muffled sob escaped her throat. But when she took her hand away from her lips, she was beaming, smiling through the water that now dripped down her cheeks.
"Yes," she said, half-choking on another sob. "Of course I will, Luke." A huge grin split Luke's face, and he picked her up and spun her around in his arms. He heard her laugh, and it was one of the most beautiful sounds he'd ever heard in his life. Then he set her back down and took the ring out of the box, slipping it onto her finger. It was a sparkling silver band with a dazzling pale purple stone in the middle. She giggled as she examined it, then tipped her head back to meet his emerald eyes.
"I love you too," she said, and he lifted a hand, gently pushing a strand of her beige hair behind her ear and cupping her cheek before leaning in. They both closed their eyes, and their lips met-
"Awwwwww!" Luke's shoulders drooped as he reluctantly pulled away from Tear and turned to stare at a starry-eyed Kuro, who stood farther back the way they'd come. He glared at her, and she shrugged with a grin. "Hey, you guys are adorable! Don't let me stop ya!" The newly engaged couple blushed fiercely, and Luke jerked his head, signaling for Kuro to walk away. The brunette held her hands up, then gave them a wink before pivoting on her heel and disappearing. The redhead sighed, returning his attention to his fiancé.
"Still sure about your answer?" Tear laughed.
"Yes, positive. She's not that bad."
"We'll see." Luke beamed as the beige-haired girl giggled again. He leaned towards her once more, and she lifted her face up, intent to meet him halfway. But instead, he placed his lips by her ear again. "Guess what?"
"What?" Tear could hear the smile in his voice as he answered.
"My wish came true."
xxx
Luke's heart was thrashing wildly against his rib cage, so fast that he thought it was probably unhealthy. He stood at the altar, a pure white arch with blood red roses from Asch's memorial twined throughout it. Jade was behind him, the appointed minister of the event (because who better to help Luke start the next chapter of his life than the man who invented the process it started from?), and the others were waiting somewhere at the other end of the aisle, waiting for their cues to walk down. The aisle was lined with a thin, pale blue carpet that had a minty green trimming; the main colors of the whole event, intended to represent both his and his bride's eye colors (Kuro's idea, not his). The chairs laid out before him, each one occupied with a guest, were the same ivory color as the arch, and ribbons decorated the arms of them that matched the red color of the roses. To the right of him, he heard an organ start to play, and two figures appeared at the end of the aisle.
Guy was wearing a typical Malkuthian formal suit, decked out in the royal blue and gold colors of his birth country. Natalia was wearing a one-strapped dress, the same green color as the trimming of the carpet. It hugged her bust perfectly, and dripped down like a waterfall from her waist, ending just above her ankles and showing off her matching green heels. The color looked good on her, matching her olive eyes and golden hair beautifully as she and Guy walked down to the altar, a respectable distance between them so the blond man wouldn't have a heart attack. When they stepped up in front of Luke, each of them bowed politely. Then Natalia stepped off to the redhead's right, and Guy over to his left, standing behind him in the place of his Best Man. He gave Luke a reassuring smile that he returned gratefully before focusing his attention back on the world before him. Now three figures were waiting at the other end.
Florian was dressed in a cream-colored outfit that very closely resembled what Ion used to wear, minus the headdress. He was holding a small minty green pillow in his hands that had two small, shiny objects resting on it. Instead of her usual pigtails, Anise's dark hair was mostly down, hanging to just under her chin, two thick strands of it pulled back and braided as it fell down the back of her head. Like Natalia, the little girl was wearing a dress that was the green color of the carpet and Florian's pillow, two thick straps over her shoulders to hold it up, tapered slightly with a pale blue ribbon tied around her waist and then trailing to her knees. Sandal wedges were on her feet and a woven basket was in her hands, one of the green-haired boy's hands resting on the edge as he peered curiously at its contents.
Then Luke turned his emerald eyes to Kuro. His sister was wearing the dress Tear had personally picked for her, a strapless pale blue gown that was fitted in her upper half, matching the color of Anise's ribbon. The bottom part of it was ruffled, and trailed like liquid down her legs. It was cut shorter in the front, ending just under her knees, and fell down to her ankles in the back, showing off her silver sandal flats. Amazingly, her hair fell down her shoulders in soft curls, her silver barrette nestled in its usual place above her ear. She was bent over slightly and whispering to Anise and Florian, and they nodded at her with bright, smiling faces before stepping down the aisle together, Kuro a step behind. All three of them took turns reaching into Anise's basket and pulling out a fingerful of flower petals, which varied in color from white to red; rose petals again from the garden of Asch's memorial. Then they dropped the petals onto the ground, repeating the actions as they walked to the end and decorating the carpet with the petals. When they reached the altar, Kuro took her place on the right side as Tear's Maid of Honor, and Anise and Florian both hurried over and stood behind Guy.
Luke glanced over and caught Kuro's eye, her chocolate orbs sparkling as she grinned at him. He smiled back, and then the organ changed its tune. An organ instrumental version of the Grand Fonic Hymn, translated to sheet music via Kuro and Tear, rang out through the courtyard, and all the guests stood and turned, facing the back. Luke swallowed and licked his lips as he caught sight of the final two people to walk the aisle. One of them was Teodoro, who'd flown in from YuliaCity for his granddaughter's wedding. And beside him, holding his arm, was the bride herself.
Tear looked absolutely beautiful. Her wedding gown was the traditional white color, and had no straps, but was fit around her chest area in a flattering, not too over the top way. It billowed out into a fuller skirt at her waist, falling all the way to the ground with a short train trailing behind her. The dress also had a beaded floral design on the upper part of it, the skirt clear and smooth as silk as it fell. Her beige hair was pulled back into a bun, with a small chunk of it sliding its length down her back beneath it. Her veil was fitted around it, used as a hair band to keep the strands in place, and the white curtain fell down to her waist behind her, a portion of it falling in front of her face as well. In her hands was a bouquet of white and pale pink roses, bundled in paper and tied with a matching pink ribbon.
Her eyes met her husband-to-be's, and she smiled at him, a gesture he returned whole-heartedly. Kuro had been right; as soon as he laid eyes on her, all feelings of apprehension and fear drained out of him, and al he could think about was the fact that that beautiful girl standing over there was his. He felt himself relaxing, his heart fluttering to a more normal rate, and he couldn't stop grinning.
Tear and her grandfather stepped down the aisle in time with the music, and when they reached him, Teodoro bowed to the redhead lightly, and Luke to him. Then the man kissed Tear on her forehead and stepped back, allowing Luke to lead his bride to her place at the altar. All the guests were seated, and after a moment of silence, Jade began the service. He talked about some stuff for a while, but it all sounded really fuzzy to Luke's mind. He was so focused on the girl in front of him, her hand clasped tightly in his. Finally, the colonel reached the part he was waiting for.
"Luke, do you take this woman, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to hold, respect and cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Luke spoke, his voice ringing clearly and confidently throughout the courtyard. Tear's eyes began to water.
"Tear, do you take this man, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to hold, respect and cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?" Jade continued, and Tear nodded.
"I do," she said, voice shaking slightly as she blinked back tears. Luke smiled softly at her. Jade turned to Florian and Anise.
"The rings, please." After a nod from Anise, Florian hurried forward, handing his pillow to Jade, who took the shiny gold rings from him, and the young replica hurried back to his place. The colonel handed the couple their respective rings, which they slid onto their new spouse's finger. "By the power vested in me-" everyone up at the altar that was acquainted with Jade snickered quietly here, "-I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Luke carefully reached out and lifted Tear's veil over her head, revealing her face.
Then he leaned forward and kissed her.
And everyone went nuts; standing and applauding the newlyweds. When they finally parted, Luke looked over Tear's shoulder to Kuro, who stood in her place, clapping for them. Her eyes and cheeks were pink as tears dripped down her cheeks. When she caught his eye, she grinned and mouthed 'I told you so.' Grinning back at her, Luke and Tear turned to face their audience.
"Ladies and gentleman, introducing, Mr. and Mrs. Luke fon Fabre!"
Luke's grin widened at the words.
He definitely made the right choice.
xxx
For the next few hours, Luke's life was perfect. There was music, and food, and some of the younger kids (and 'younger kids' pretty much meant Anise, Kuro and eventually Florian) were running around the courtyard dancing and just being random. The reception had been arranged in the small courtyard behind the manor, where Asch's memorial was. Actually, it had been his idea, and Kuro had backed him up. By having some part of the wedding there, Luke felt as if his deceased original was with him, and he wondered if, had the situation not gone as it had, Asch would've came. He didn't feel as if he could rightly say, but he could practically hear the other redhead telling him not to screw up. But it was surprisingly comforting, and made Luke smile.
As expected, Kuro played a huge role in planning the wedding. Luke and Tear went to her for advice, suggestions, and opinions, which of course his adopted younger sister had no problem with providing. The brunette also demanded she get to be in charge of decorating, as in free reign over the whole process. Luke hadn't been quite as willing with that, but Tear assured him she was fine with it and that Kuro would pull through, and it would be amazing.
And of course, she had been right.
Kuro had eventually enlisted the help of Anise and Florian, the trio having become a lot closer while he was gone. Since the day Kuro officially became part of House Fabre, the two younger kids hadn't left the city, not to mention Kuro's side. The shop vendors of Baticul's lowest level, where most of the shopping was done, had taken to calling them the Three Musketeers. Luke had been present the first time it occurred, and when he heard it he froze in his tracks and looked at the brunette leader of the trio. But all Kuro did was smile and hurry along, not saying a word. It had happened quite a few more times, but now Kuro laughed it off, as if it was just a silly nickname to her. But she'd tell Luke, on the nights they'd lay together, staring up at the sky because neither of them could sleep, that it made her think of Kishinuma and Viola, and how it was really hard to keep a happy face because Florian didn't know about it and Anise didn't seem to be putting two and two together. Luke had told her he was proud of how strong she was being for all of them, and together they worked through it.
The courtyard was decorated in the two main colors Kuro had picked for the wedding; pale blue and mint green. The tables they'd spread out were covered with thin white sheets, then two thicker, silk sheets – one blue and one green – were placed criss-crossed over it. The chairs were the same style and color as those used for the actual wedding ceremony, minus the red ribbons, which were replaced with sapphire and emerald ones. There were streamers in the main colors as well, hanging around the doorway and the lamp posts and ornamented the stone walls of the garden memorial. Similar to the day of his viscount ceremony, confetti was sprinkled along the cobblestone walkways, catching the light and sparkling as the many guests strolled around. And to top it all off, lines upon lines of paper lanterns were strung up above everyone's heads, identical to the one Luke and Tear had lit off the night they got engaged, just in the two main colors. All in all, the place looked great; the musketeers really outdid themselves.
After an hour or so of Luke and Tear going around thanking the guests and receiving pounds of congratulations, they gathered around in front of the granite pillar to cut the cake, which was another item on the To-Do List that Kuro took control of. The way she interpreted it, though, was amazing, and Luke thought it was perfect. The whole cake was four tiers tall, and each tier represented a stage in their relationship. The bottom tier was decorated in wavy lines, to symbolize the rocky start to their relationship. The second tier had little sparkly stars around it, to show Luke's change and the start of their love. The next one up was made to look like it had cracks in it, from when Luke was gone for a year. And the final one on top was blank, meant to stand for their future, how it was a blank slate for them to do with as they saw fit. The whole dessert was layered in white fondant and all the details on it were done in silver icing.
Kuro hopped up onto the stone wall of the garden, and provided music via her clarinet as the newly married couple stood together, a knife in their joined hands, and cut through the cake. The crowd around them cheered as they sliced a piece, placed it on a plate, and fed each other the first bite. Then Luke and Tear set to work cutting cake for the rest of the guests. Kuro had ended up stealing Luke's after Anise and Florian stole hers, then it became a game of 'Steal The Cake And Don't Get Caught' among the members of the wedding party, but gradually, as everyone took bite after bite of another's stolen cake, their tummies were filled with the delicious dessert, and it was back to talking and laughing.
A while after that, Guy clicked a knife against his glass to get everyone's attention. "Alright everyone, I'd like to make a toast!" he announced, then paused and looked at Kuro. "I said that right, didn't I?" A burst of laughter flew up as the girl beside him nodded. "Cool. Okay, so, Luke and Tear…" The blond shrugged his shoulders. "Man, where am I supposed to start with you two?" He chuckled and shook his head. "It's been a crazy ride, that's for sure. It's hard to believe that this time three years ago, a lot of the people we now call family…" as he said this, Guy gestured over to Kuro in particular as he swept the room, "…we didn't even know existed. To be honest, when you look back on it like that, it's kind of scary. To think, how would the end have been different if we changed some of the choices we'd made? How would things have turned out if we went back and re-lived it in an entirely different way. And then you realize, and I quote this from Miss Kimkuthian over here-" another soft wave of laughter rose up as Kuro shrugged smugly, "-that you're being an idiot, because this isn't the end. It's just the beginning." Luke smiled at his best friend, and the blond noble returned the gesture as he raised his glass. "To Luke and Tear!" The rest of the guests echoed the message, and then Luke stood.
"And I'd just like to say, Tear isn't the only addition to the fon Fabre family." Smiling, he raised his glass again, towards Kuro. "Welcome to our family, little sis." Again the words were echoed, and Kuro smiled at Luke, mouthing 'Thank you.' He winked at her.
Everyone sipped at their drinks and chatted as Kuro returned to providing some background music, along with some professional musicians who had shown up. But then, Kuro let out a loud whistle that caught everyone's attention once more.
"Alright guys!" she announced. "This next song is dedicated to the bride and groom! Get out there and shake your cute little booties!" Laughter rose up from her statement, but the couple obeyed nonetheless, standing and walking over to the cleared area of the courtyard reserved for dancing. They joined hands and Luke slid an arm around his new wife's waist, Tear's arm going around his shoulders, and the music started up, Kuro's clarinet sounding out, and with a smile, the newlyweds began to sway.
It's in the silences
The words you never say
I see it in your eyes
It always starts the same way
It seems like everyone we know
Is breaking up
Does anybody ever stay in love…
Anymore?
"Kuro used to tell me about her dream wedding," Luke said softly after a while. Tear smiled at him.
"Did she?"
"Mhm… And I remember asking her why she thought so much about it. And she told me it was because every girl always dreams about her wedding, because it'll be the best day of her life." Tear nodded, and Luke smiled. "So?" His wife tilted her head.
"So what?"
"Was tonight everything what you wanted?" Tear beamed softly up at him.
"No," she said honestly. "It was so much more. Thank you, Luke."
"Anything for you." He leaned down and bumped noses with her, grinning. "I love you, Tear."
"I love you too," she murmured in reply as his lips settled over hers.
I promise you
From the bottom of my heart
I will love you
Till death do us part
I promise you
As a lover and a friend
I will love you like I'll never love again
With everything I am
Kuro's song ended, and everyone clapped as the couple parted and bowed to one another. They joined together again as other couples slid over to the dancing area. Kuro had hopped away from the other musicians, taking a break and leaning against one of the lamp posts as she watched the others. Someone stepped up beside her, and she turned to see Guy.
"Not gonna dance?"
"Who am I gonna dance with?" she shot back with a grin.
"Oh, so you not being able to isn't your primary excuse anymore?"
"Not since Natalia made me learn a bit more, no." They chuckled, turning their attention back to their friends. "They look so happy together…"
"Yeah," Guy agreed. "It's nice to finally be able to watch everything come together, you know?"
"Yep." They were quiet again, watching the others dance, then Guy stood.
"You know, we don't have to be the only ones not dancing."
"What do you mean?"
"Kuro," Guy said, holding out his hand. "May I have this dance?" Kuro stared at him blankly.
"…I'm a girl, dude." He laughed.
"Hey, I'm better! Come on, give me a chance!" The brunette made a face that showed she didn't quite believe him, but accepted his hand anyway, and he led her over to the other dancers. She felt his hand quaking in her palm, but it wasn't as bad as he normally got. He was right; he'd improved quite a bit. But not wanting to push it, they only held hands as they swayed. It was still nice though, and Kuro found she couldn't keep the smile off her face as they moved along.
I see you look at me
When you think I'm not aware
You're searching for clues
Of just how deep my feelings are
How do you prove the sky is blue
The oceans wide
All I know is how I feel
When I look into your eyes
"If I may interrupt…?" Kuro turned her head to see Luke standing there, smiling at them. She grinned back at him, and he turned to Guy. "Mind if I steal her away for a bit?"
"By all means," the blond assured, passing Kuro's hand over to Luke's. The redhead smiled at him and tugged Kuro away to a more vacant part of the dancing area. Beaming, the two got into position, similar to the time all those years ago on the night of Luke's viscount ceremony. But over time, Kuro had grown, and she wasn't as short against him anymore. The fourteen year old was up to his chest now, and could easily place her hands on his shoulders as his went to her hips, and the siblings began to move along to the music.
I promise you
From the bottom of my heart
I will love you
Till death do us part
I promise you
As a lover and a friend
I will love you like I'll never love again
With everything I am
"Well," Luke began, "today happened." His sister hummed in response.
"Kinda hard to believe, huh? We actually made it." Luke smiled.
"Yeah, we did. Thanks for sticking around, Kuro." She shook her head.
"Would you stop with that? You don't have to thank me for that, and not so much either."
"I just want you to know-"
"I know Luke. I promise I do." He chuckled.
"I know better than to doubt you, Kimkuthian." Kuro grinned.
"And as long as you remember that, everything'll be okay, Lukie." Luke gave her a soft smile.
"That's not true…" He pulled her in a bit closer. "Everything's okay as long as you're with me."
Oh there are no guarantees
That's what you always say to me
But late at night I feel the tremble in your touch
What I'm trying to say to you
I never said to anyone
I promise
Kuro hummed in contentment, resting her cheek against his chest. Luke slid his arms further around her, wrapping her in a hug as he rested his chin on the top of her head.
Tonight was absolutely perfect.
And to think how much had to happen, how much so many people has to sacrifice to finally reach the happiness they'd been fighting for. But in the end, it had all been so worth it. If only…
"Do you think he's happy?" the girl in his arms asked suddenly, and Luke exhaled through his nose, knowing exactly who she was talking about.
"…You know what, Kuro? I bet, wherever he is, he's happier than we are."
"Lorelei knows he deserves it…"
"Yeah, I know…"
Asch… Thank you.
I promise you
From the bottom of my heart
I will love you
Till death do us part
(I do my darling I promise you)
I promise you
As a lover and a friend
I will love you like I'll never love again
With everything I am
I promise you,
From the bottom of my heart
I will love you
Till death do us part
( I love you I love you
I love you I love you)
I promise you
As a lover and a friend
I will love you like I'll never love again
With everything I am
He wasn't perfect. That was obvious, and Luke knew it. But he was okay with that. And he'd messed up a lot on the way here, but this journey would forever be something he would remember, not only because everyone in it meant something to him, but because it relayed the message he otherwise wouldn't have been able to tell.
That love was and could be deep enough to forgive, even when it was hard.
That mistakes were possible to make, and maybe not make up, but possible to come back from.
That you didn't have to be afraid to laugh at yourself, and not at others.
That bravery was inside of everyone, and everyone could conquer their battles as long as they called on it.
That loyalty could be a hard thing to act on, because sometimes all you want to do is run away, but you don't have to. You can fight.
That you could do what was right, even when the lines were blurred.
And above all else, that you always needed to just hope, hope that someday, things will be put to rights.
And that just kind of made him smile.
So he'd take it; flaws, hardships, mistakes and all, because once all was said and done…
You're everything I am
It had all been worth it.