Title: The Gift, Epilogue
By Dragoni
Warning: Yaoi alert! That's Boy/Boy love. Not your thing? Don't read it. But don't flame me, either.
Disclaimers: I don't own the Ronin Warriors - I'm just playing with them a little bit. This is fanfiction, I did not make any money off it. (Believe me there!) The only thing that's mine is the idea for the story.
[Cye]
It's a beautiful day today. The sun's shining, the temperature is just pleasantly warm... a cool breeze plays through the treetops, blowing gently off the smoothly rolling waves of the lake.
Kento squirms a little beside me and I nudge him silently, reminding him to stay still. Almost everybody's here today. Almost. Rowen's parents weren't able to make it. His mother refused to come flat-out. She's on assignment in Africa... said she couldn't make it. His father said he'd be here, though. A grim smile settles on my features. Probably got too damn involved in that lab of his. Personally, I don't like either excuse. After all, it isn't every day your only child gets married.
Sage's family came, though... they're going out of their way to be kind to Rowen... to make up for his own parents' absence, probably. And Sage is here for him. So are the rest of us, and a bunch of our friends from the University. Even Yuli came, and his parents along with him. The former Warlords are here too, accompanied by Lady Kayura.
She's doing the honors today. There was never really any chance for them to get married in a church, so they devised their own ceremony. It's more like just an exchange of vows - simple, but so exquisite. Mia agreed to host it. Hell, she practically *begged* them to have it here. I have to admit, it's very nice... the lake is such a romantic backdrop.
They look so happy up there. Rowen's in a deep navy suit... Sage wears a pale grey one. They're staring so intently into each other's eyes, hands clasped as Kayura reads the vows the two wrote together. I'm glad for them. They've had a hard time of life; we all have. And they love each other so. They deserve happiness.
The ceremony is a short one, as they wanted. Sage leads Rowen down the pathway, heading toward the house amid our loud cheers. Out of the corner of my eye I see Mia crying, tears of joy. I catch the back of Ryo's shirt as he stands to leave and nod in her direction.
He grins a little, a tender look in his eyes. "I've got her." I just smile in return and fall in behind the rest, heading inside to the celebration.
[Kento]
Man, this is one killer party. I have to admit... my friends know how to throw one hell of a bash. They got Sekhmet to agree to play DJ... I never thought snake-boy had *any* sense of rhythm. Sure surprised me... he's got one kickin' beat goin' on.
Most of the guests agree with me... everybody's out on the dance floor. I spot Ryo and Mia from my spot by the punch bowl. The beat is anything but slow, but - will ya get those two? They're *waltzing* to it.
I grin, looking for the day's happiest couple. I'm not surprised to see them in the middle of the crowd. Those two can dance something unfair; together they're magic to watch. A dance circle is starting to form around them. This could be fun.
A surprised growl draws my attention, before I can go join the fun. Yuli's standing over the poor tiger, holding... Those can't be what I think they are.
I'm by him in just a couple of strides, yanking the - yup, I was right! - darts out of his hands. I don't even have to ask what happened. I can guess... and I'd rather not *really* know anything. When Ryo finds out, he'll be pissed.
The poor kid's practically in tears. I shake my head. I thought he was outgrowing that whiny stage. I guess everything takes time. "Hey, cheer up buddy! Blaze'll be alright."
He turns a teary glance at me. "Kento?" Great.. the kid's *really* upset. There's something here I'm not seeing. I cast an apprehensive glance back at the dance floor. They're all occupied. Guess that leaves... I swallow, hard. That leaves me to talk to the kid. I bite my lower lip, then force a cheerful grin onto my face.
"Yeah? What's up, kid?"
He's quiet for a moment, and my mind races, trying to figure out what's got him so worked up. Maybe he broke something. Or killed a bird. Hell... he fell and hurt himself. You can't always see wounds.
He sniffles a little, trying to get himself under control, and mumbles something under his breath. I lean in a little bit. "What did'ja say?"
"Are they going to leave now? Forever?" He lurches forward unexpectedly into my arms, crying into my shirt and wailing incoherently. "I don't want them to go! They can't go, Kento!"
I blanch slightly. Psychology is definitely *not* my best field... how the hell do you reassure a crying child?
"No way, buddy! They're only going for a bit." He sniffs again, looking up at me, wide-eyed. I rush on. "They're just heading out for a couple of weeks. They'll be back."
"But... won't they..." Tears well up in his eyes again and I wince inwardly. "They'll move away... and I won't ever see them again!"
*That* was what he thought? Damn, that makes it a *lot* easier! "Naw, kid... It's not like that at all! Mia said they could live here... she's got too much room as it is. They're staying right here!"
His little face brightens. "Really?" I nod solemnly and dry his face with my sleeve. "Sure... I wouldn't lie to ya, kid! Now what say we go tear up the floor a little, huh?" As we head back out to the dance floor, I deposit the darts on top of a cabinet. He won't find them there. Maybe a little later I'll teach him how to *really* play.
[Cye]
The music stops suddenly, taking the living ball of energy that is the dance floor with it. I twist about, trying to find the reason for the sudden change.
Sage is standing up by the DJ booth, a mic grasped firmly in his hands. I smirk. I know what's next. Following his directions, I stand and join about one half of the crowd on the far side of the room. I was kind of wondering if they'd do this, actually.
I smile as Rowen's steady fingers work Sage's tie loose. He twirls it around his finger for a minute, grinning like a fool, teasing Sage with his glance. Smirking, he turns so his back faces the assembled crowd.
"Good luck, m'friends!" Without further warning, he launches the fabric over his shoulder, spinning quickly to see it land... quite squarely on Kento's head. I can't stifle a giggle as he is immediately surrounded by joking friends, slapping him heartily on the back and asking who the lucky girl is. He shoots an affronted glance at me, but I don't care. I wish I had my camera with me. That was just too good.
A loud tapping sound breaks up the revelry, and we all turn back to the front, where Sage is down on one knee by his love. I quirk an eyebrow expectantly. He's not going for Rowen's tie. Surely he didn't manage to...
Sage lifts Rowen's leg, planting a teasing kiss on the ankle as his hand roams up the other's pant leg, pulling out a...
Oh, my god, he did. He triumphantly pulls a silk and lace garter off the blue-haired one's leg, deftly flicking it in the air and catching it. I wonder how he convinced Rowen to go along with *that* one. Now it's his turn to throw it.
And he does, flicking it over his shoulder. It flies over the crowd easily. We all reach up, trying to capture the elusive circlet. I almost fall over as I feel it loop around my fingers, sliding down my hand to my wrist. I stare at it in surprise. I hadn't actually though I'd *catch* the damn thing!
The whooping of the crowd brings me back to reality sharply and I grin. I've been to so many weddings, but I've never caught the garter before. This is going to be... interesting... to say the least.
Rowen grabs my hand and leads me over to the chair he just vacated, pushing me down on to it firmly. Sage leads Kento over, and I have to fight a smile. Kento's actually *blushing.*
Rowen and Sage launch into a rather convoluted explanation of what's to happen, just in case somebody doesn't know it already. I take the opportunity to pat Kento's arm reassuringly as he squats beside me. He squirms a bit and reddens a little more. It's rather cute, really.
[Kento]
Oh man, this is crazy. I can't believe my luck... or lack of it, anyway. At Sage's direction, he puts the garter on. Over his pants - I'm almost disappointed. I'd kinda hoped to find out just how his creamy skin would feel under my hands. Hell, that'd fuel my dreams for months.
He's looking right at me. I know I'm blushing... My face feels so hot. His brilliant aqua eyes glint mischievously as he slides it a little farther up his thigh, responding to the crowd's demand. I shift uncomfortably. It's not just my face...
I try to shake it off, grinning with my typical bravado.
"Are you ready?" God, they are such showboaters. Sage and Rowen are working the crowd. My grin becomes more real. They're enjoying it, too.
"Sure thing, buddy!" It's the answer they want. I'm ready for a lot... I'm just not sure Cye'd appreciate it in front of all our friends. One of these days I'm actually going to tell him how I feel. Just not now.
Instead I smile and reach out, only to have my hand intercepted by Rowen's. I look up at him, confused. He just shakes his head, and the crowd hushes in anticipation. *I* obviously don't get something here.
"Now, is that the way you're supposed to get the garter?" The question gets a laugh from the crowd.
"No!" Aw, shit. They couldn't mean...
Rowen takes the tie from where I'd stuck it around my arm and coaxes my hands behind my back. He uses the tie to keep them there, whispering in my ear as he tightens it. "Ya gotta use your teeth." I can hear the smile in his voice. "Good luck."
I can feel Cye's gaze on me, but I can't return it. Instead I just lay my head in his lap, nipping at the thing's lace border. Man, I can feel my body trembling. Why can't I just hold myself together?
I shift uncomfortably as an image of what we must look like pops into my head. Gods, it's almost too much! Forcing my mind to other things, I shift my head slightly, getting a better grip on the garter. I feel him shift beneath me, hear his soft inhalation.
I can't hear our gathered friends anymore. My world exists of his scent, his feel against my cheek, heaven all around me. My eyes raise to his. They don't hold the lightness they did earlier. Surprise, yes... But there's something *else* there now, in place of the earlier laughter.
I know it's not what I want it to be. I start tugging on the garter, determined to get it off before I do anything I'll regret.
I can't help myself. I feather a light kiss on his toe before I pull the garter all the way off. With the final gesture, my world erupts in sound.
[Rowen]
I smirk knowingly as I watch my friends' flushed, uncertain features. So Sage was right... He'd told me Kento had a thing for Cye... Cye doesn't appear to have anything against it, either. They could be such a cute couple... And I'm definitely *not* above giving them a nudge in the right direction. I'm just glad that Sage and I have such good aim.
Sage... it almost doesn't seem quite real. He's over by Sekhmet, but just as I spot him he thanks the other and turns away. The soft strains of a waltz fill the air. I didn't know he even *liked* this music.
He stands before me, holding out his hand for mine. Light sparkles off the silvery band on his finger, and I smile slightly, knowing its mate adorns my own hand. I slide into his arms and we head out to the floor. He leads, but I don't mind... it just feels right to dance with him. We don't talk... we don't really need to. I sigh slightly, closing in until I can feel myself pressed against him, letting myself drown in his ice-violet eyes.
Cye breaks the moment, tapping Sage on the shoulder. "I've not had a chance to dance with Rowen. Would you mind horribly...?
Sage throws a glance at me. I told him about what had happened between the two of us. I had to... my conscience wouldn't let me alone! And he understands. But he's giving me the choice again. I just nod at him. I don't mind.
He leaves me with a bow. I smirk. Ever courtly, my lover is. It's kind of cute, really.
Cye takes his place... this time I lead. He's a pretty good dancer. I guess that shouldn't surprise me... but it does anyway.
"I'm sorry." His first words catch me by surprise, and I almost lose the beat.
I look at him curiously for a moment. I know what he's talking about. But... "You shouldn't be..."
He shakes his head stubbornly, interrupting me. "It was something I shouldn't have done. I honestly knew better... I just," He flushes a little bit and looks down. "I'd just wanted you for so long." I can feel myself tense a little. So can he... he rushes on. "Oh, I know it's not meant to be. I'm not blind. I'm happy for you and Sage! Honestly, I am. Part of me envies your happiness... I just hope that we can still be... friends?"
I grin down at him. He sounds so hesitant. "A'course we can! I'm not in the habit of dropping friends." I bite my lower lip... I hope I'm not going to push *too* hard... "You know, There's someone over there who's been wanting *you* for a long while." I throw a significant glance at Kento, who's over talking to the kid.
He looks at me, puzzled.
"Kento?"
I nod. "Just give him a chance, ok?
I release him and watch as he walks over to the slate-haired warrior. He says something... I smile slightly at the surprised, happy look that crosses Kento's face.
/Do you think it'll work out?/ Sage's voice fills my head and I nod. I'm sure it will. They just need a little bit of time.
~Owari~
By Dragoni
Warning: Yaoi alert! That's Boy/Boy love. Not your thing? Don't read it. But don't flame me, either.
Disclaimers: I don't own the Ronin Warriors - I'm just playing with them a little bit. This is fanfiction, I did not make any money off it. (Believe me there!) The only thing that's mine is the idea for the story.
[Cye]
It's a beautiful day today. The sun's shining, the temperature is just pleasantly warm... a cool breeze plays through the treetops, blowing gently off the smoothly rolling waves of the lake.
Kento squirms a little beside me and I nudge him silently, reminding him to stay still. Almost everybody's here today. Almost. Rowen's parents weren't able to make it. His mother refused to come flat-out. She's on assignment in Africa... said she couldn't make it. His father said he'd be here, though. A grim smile settles on my features. Probably got too damn involved in that lab of his. Personally, I don't like either excuse. After all, it isn't every day your only child gets married.
Sage's family came, though... they're going out of their way to be kind to Rowen... to make up for his own parents' absence, probably. And Sage is here for him. So are the rest of us, and a bunch of our friends from the University. Even Yuli came, and his parents along with him. The former Warlords are here too, accompanied by Lady Kayura.
She's doing the honors today. There was never really any chance for them to get married in a church, so they devised their own ceremony. It's more like just an exchange of vows - simple, but so exquisite. Mia agreed to host it. Hell, she practically *begged* them to have it here. I have to admit, it's very nice... the lake is such a romantic backdrop.
They look so happy up there. Rowen's in a deep navy suit... Sage wears a pale grey one. They're staring so intently into each other's eyes, hands clasped as Kayura reads the vows the two wrote together. I'm glad for them. They've had a hard time of life; we all have. And they love each other so. They deserve happiness.
The ceremony is a short one, as they wanted. Sage leads Rowen down the pathway, heading toward the house amid our loud cheers. Out of the corner of my eye I see Mia crying, tears of joy. I catch the back of Ryo's shirt as he stands to leave and nod in her direction.
He grins a little, a tender look in his eyes. "I've got her." I just smile in return and fall in behind the rest, heading inside to the celebration.
[Kento]
Man, this is one killer party. I have to admit... my friends know how to throw one hell of a bash. They got Sekhmet to agree to play DJ... I never thought snake-boy had *any* sense of rhythm. Sure surprised me... he's got one kickin' beat goin' on.
Most of the guests agree with me... everybody's out on the dance floor. I spot Ryo and Mia from my spot by the punch bowl. The beat is anything but slow, but - will ya get those two? They're *waltzing* to it.
I grin, looking for the day's happiest couple. I'm not surprised to see them in the middle of the crowd. Those two can dance something unfair; together they're magic to watch. A dance circle is starting to form around them. This could be fun.
A surprised growl draws my attention, before I can go join the fun. Yuli's standing over the poor tiger, holding... Those can't be what I think they are.
I'm by him in just a couple of strides, yanking the - yup, I was right! - darts out of his hands. I don't even have to ask what happened. I can guess... and I'd rather not *really* know anything. When Ryo finds out, he'll be pissed.
The poor kid's practically in tears. I shake my head. I thought he was outgrowing that whiny stage. I guess everything takes time. "Hey, cheer up buddy! Blaze'll be alright."
He turns a teary glance at me. "Kento?" Great.. the kid's *really* upset. There's something here I'm not seeing. I cast an apprehensive glance back at the dance floor. They're all occupied. Guess that leaves... I swallow, hard. That leaves me to talk to the kid. I bite my lower lip, then force a cheerful grin onto my face.
"Yeah? What's up, kid?"
He's quiet for a moment, and my mind races, trying to figure out what's got him so worked up. Maybe he broke something. Or killed a bird. Hell... he fell and hurt himself. You can't always see wounds.
He sniffles a little, trying to get himself under control, and mumbles something under his breath. I lean in a little bit. "What did'ja say?"
"Are they going to leave now? Forever?" He lurches forward unexpectedly into my arms, crying into my shirt and wailing incoherently. "I don't want them to go! They can't go, Kento!"
I blanch slightly. Psychology is definitely *not* my best field... how the hell do you reassure a crying child?
"No way, buddy! They're only going for a bit." He sniffs again, looking up at me, wide-eyed. I rush on. "They're just heading out for a couple of weeks. They'll be back."
"But... won't they..." Tears well up in his eyes again and I wince inwardly. "They'll move away... and I won't ever see them again!"
*That* was what he thought? Damn, that makes it a *lot* easier! "Naw, kid... It's not like that at all! Mia said they could live here... she's got too much room as it is. They're staying right here!"
His little face brightens. "Really?" I nod solemnly and dry his face with my sleeve. "Sure... I wouldn't lie to ya, kid! Now what say we go tear up the floor a little, huh?" As we head back out to the dance floor, I deposit the darts on top of a cabinet. He won't find them there. Maybe a little later I'll teach him how to *really* play.
[Cye]
The music stops suddenly, taking the living ball of energy that is the dance floor with it. I twist about, trying to find the reason for the sudden change.
Sage is standing up by the DJ booth, a mic grasped firmly in his hands. I smirk. I know what's next. Following his directions, I stand and join about one half of the crowd on the far side of the room. I was kind of wondering if they'd do this, actually.
I smile as Rowen's steady fingers work Sage's tie loose. He twirls it around his finger for a minute, grinning like a fool, teasing Sage with his glance. Smirking, he turns so his back faces the assembled crowd.
"Good luck, m'friends!" Without further warning, he launches the fabric over his shoulder, spinning quickly to see it land... quite squarely on Kento's head. I can't stifle a giggle as he is immediately surrounded by joking friends, slapping him heartily on the back and asking who the lucky girl is. He shoots an affronted glance at me, but I don't care. I wish I had my camera with me. That was just too good.
A loud tapping sound breaks up the revelry, and we all turn back to the front, where Sage is down on one knee by his love. I quirk an eyebrow expectantly. He's not going for Rowen's tie. Surely he didn't manage to...
Sage lifts Rowen's leg, planting a teasing kiss on the ankle as his hand roams up the other's pant leg, pulling out a...
Oh, my god, he did. He triumphantly pulls a silk and lace garter off the blue-haired one's leg, deftly flicking it in the air and catching it. I wonder how he convinced Rowen to go along with *that* one. Now it's his turn to throw it.
And he does, flicking it over his shoulder. It flies over the crowd easily. We all reach up, trying to capture the elusive circlet. I almost fall over as I feel it loop around my fingers, sliding down my hand to my wrist. I stare at it in surprise. I hadn't actually though I'd *catch* the damn thing!
The whooping of the crowd brings me back to reality sharply and I grin. I've been to so many weddings, but I've never caught the garter before. This is going to be... interesting... to say the least.
Rowen grabs my hand and leads me over to the chair he just vacated, pushing me down on to it firmly. Sage leads Kento over, and I have to fight a smile. Kento's actually *blushing.*
Rowen and Sage launch into a rather convoluted explanation of what's to happen, just in case somebody doesn't know it already. I take the opportunity to pat Kento's arm reassuringly as he squats beside me. He squirms a bit and reddens a little more. It's rather cute, really.
[Kento]
Oh man, this is crazy. I can't believe my luck... or lack of it, anyway. At Sage's direction, he puts the garter on. Over his pants - I'm almost disappointed. I'd kinda hoped to find out just how his creamy skin would feel under my hands. Hell, that'd fuel my dreams for months.
He's looking right at me. I know I'm blushing... My face feels so hot. His brilliant aqua eyes glint mischievously as he slides it a little farther up his thigh, responding to the crowd's demand. I shift uncomfortably. It's not just my face...
I try to shake it off, grinning with my typical bravado.
"Are you ready?" God, they are such showboaters. Sage and Rowen are working the crowd. My grin becomes more real. They're enjoying it, too.
"Sure thing, buddy!" It's the answer they want. I'm ready for a lot... I'm just not sure Cye'd appreciate it in front of all our friends. One of these days I'm actually going to tell him how I feel. Just not now.
Instead I smile and reach out, only to have my hand intercepted by Rowen's. I look up at him, confused. He just shakes his head, and the crowd hushes in anticipation. *I* obviously don't get something here.
"Now, is that the way you're supposed to get the garter?" The question gets a laugh from the crowd.
"No!" Aw, shit. They couldn't mean...
Rowen takes the tie from where I'd stuck it around my arm and coaxes my hands behind my back. He uses the tie to keep them there, whispering in my ear as he tightens it. "Ya gotta use your teeth." I can hear the smile in his voice. "Good luck."
I can feel Cye's gaze on me, but I can't return it. Instead I just lay my head in his lap, nipping at the thing's lace border. Man, I can feel my body trembling. Why can't I just hold myself together?
I shift uncomfortably as an image of what we must look like pops into my head. Gods, it's almost too much! Forcing my mind to other things, I shift my head slightly, getting a better grip on the garter. I feel him shift beneath me, hear his soft inhalation.
I can't hear our gathered friends anymore. My world exists of his scent, his feel against my cheek, heaven all around me. My eyes raise to his. They don't hold the lightness they did earlier. Surprise, yes... But there's something *else* there now, in place of the earlier laughter.
I know it's not what I want it to be. I start tugging on the garter, determined to get it off before I do anything I'll regret.
I can't help myself. I feather a light kiss on his toe before I pull the garter all the way off. With the final gesture, my world erupts in sound.
[Rowen]
I smirk knowingly as I watch my friends' flushed, uncertain features. So Sage was right... He'd told me Kento had a thing for Cye... Cye doesn't appear to have anything against it, either. They could be such a cute couple... And I'm definitely *not* above giving them a nudge in the right direction. I'm just glad that Sage and I have such good aim.
Sage... it almost doesn't seem quite real. He's over by Sekhmet, but just as I spot him he thanks the other and turns away. The soft strains of a waltz fill the air. I didn't know he even *liked* this music.
He stands before me, holding out his hand for mine. Light sparkles off the silvery band on his finger, and I smile slightly, knowing its mate adorns my own hand. I slide into his arms and we head out to the floor. He leads, but I don't mind... it just feels right to dance with him. We don't talk... we don't really need to. I sigh slightly, closing in until I can feel myself pressed against him, letting myself drown in his ice-violet eyes.
Cye breaks the moment, tapping Sage on the shoulder. "I've not had a chance to dance with Rowen. Would you mind horribly...?
Sage throws a glance at me. I told him about what had happened between the two of us. I had to... my conscience wouldn't let me alone! And he understands. But he's giving me the choice again. I just nod at him. I don't mind.
He leaves me with a bow. I smirk. Ever courtly, my lover is. It's kind of cute, really.
Cye takes his place... this time I lead. He's a pretty good dancer. I guess that shouldn't surprise me... but it does anyway.
"I'm sorry." His first words catch me by surprise, and I almost lose the beat.
I look at him curiously for a moment. I know what he's talking about. But... "You shouldn't be..."
He shakes his head stubbornly, interrupting me. "It was something I shouldn't have done. I honestly knew better... I just," He flushes a little bit and looks down. "I'd just wanted you for so long." I can feel myself tense a little. So can he... he rushes on. "Oh, I know it's not meant to be. I'm not blind. I'm happy for you and Sage! Honestly, I am. Part of me envies your happiness... I just hope that we can still be... friends?"
I grin down at him. He sounds so hesitant. "A'course we can! I'm not in the habit of dropping friends." I bite my lower lip... I hope I'm not going to push *too* hard... "You know, There's someone over there who's been wanting *you* for a long while." I throw a significant glance at Kento, who's over talking to the kid.
He looks at me, puzzled.
"Kento?"
I nod. "Just give him a chance, ok?
I release him and watch as he walks over to the slate-haired warrior. He says something... I smile slightly at the surprised, happy look that crosses Kento's face.
/Do you think it'll work out?/ Sage's voice fills my head and I nod. I'm sure it will. They just need a little bit of time.
~Owari~