Chapter 2: Breathe My Last, and I Still Love You.

Nani. Okay. I like that aho, don't I, Rukawa? Hm? What? You don't know? Kuso. I'm talking as a third party again.

Rukawa's face was plopped on his chin and he was gazing at the scenery of the city. Sakuragi was staring at him, sub-consciously. Rukawa's hair was as fine as silk, and as black as the night. His skin looked soft and supple. Just like a girl's. His lips were slightly parted, and looked as delicate as petals. His slender frame carried off his beautiful features perfectly.

Sakuragi's head turned and looked at his feet, unsmiling. His head was throbbing, as he had slept late. "Baka." Rukawa's unfeeling call woke him from his trance. "Your toes are not a sight to behold. We are at the temple." "Teme." Sakuragi started, but Rukawa ignored him and walked out of the carriage. He inhaled the new air of the bustling capital and paced behind the Emperor into the temple. Sakuragi hastily followed.

"Hanamichi, daijoubu desu ka? You haven't been yourself." Haruko walked next to him, looking concerned. "Daijoubu. I just slept late. Okay okay, I'm just fine. Period." Haruko stood rooted on the ground, astonished. Sakuragi had always been ultra nice to her. even since young. His tone of speaking to her was always sweet and gentle. It was different then. Ever since Rukawa Kaede.

Rukawa put his hands today and prayed silently. His eyes lifted. "Bless my parents in heaven. Kami-sama." And don't make me even like that do'aho. How can the sole heir of the Rukawas be homosexual? Smirking, he stood up and walked out of the temple, looking at amulets sold by roadside hawkers.

Rukawa. You fell in love with Sakuragi Hanamichi because he saved your life. and saved you from having regrets while you are in the netherworld. He is your benefactor. He has been good to you. That is why.

The answer sprang into his mind as time passed. Sakuragi was sitting under the Sakura by himself, looking thoughtful.

Yokata, he haven't noticed me.

Rukawa's eyes adjusted to the flourishing pinks of the sakura blossoms and started to notice how flawless the beauty of the blossoms blended with Sakuragi's figure. The sight made Rukawa forget himself. "You came to me like a gift from Kami-sama. Sakuragi-san. Maybe, just maybe, I would be able to truly love you." His mask disappeared then, a smile appearing on his mouth and his blue eyes softened. "This is Fate. I did fall for you at first sight, although I never noticed it until now."

Sakuragi was almost at the point of hysteria. The Rukawa business was driving him crazy. "Nan de. He gives me a warm feeling. I never felt that before. Not even from Haruko-san, who I like. or should I say used to like? After he came, everything changed. I brought him here. It is my fault. But if I don't bring him here, he would just kill himself. Argh. Things are getting a little confusing. No, scratch that. VERY confusing."

"Sakuragi. We need to talk."

Sakuragi jumped and fell to the ground. "Sorry to startle you," Rukawa extended a hand. At that moment, it was as if time has stopped, as if they were the only ones left in the world. Sakuragi's hand touched Rukawa's, and a glow seemed to appear at their touch. Sakuragi smiled tenderly at Rukawa as he stood up. Slowly. they embraced.

"Gomen ne. Caused you so much trouble. I heard you." Rukawa whispered softly into his ears. "It must've been Fate. That trouble-maker." Sakuragi nodded, relishing the precious touch on Rukawa's tender skin. "Till death do us part?"

"Iya," Sakuragi released himself from Rukawa's grip. "Till the end of time." "Till the end." Rukawa echoed, and placed a kiss on Sakuragi's lips. Haruko was standing behind them, tears trickling down her cheek. "Sonna." Ayako strode next to her. "How can that happen? They only knew each other for a day." "Iya." Haruko whispered, and repeated again and again, her hands clutching the sides of her kimono. Rukawa and Sakuragi looked surprised as they saw her and Ayako standing there, and watching them.

At that moment, the Emperor walked out of the temple and looked at Haruko concernly. "Why are you crying?" "Rukawa. Hana. They love each other." Haruko collapsed on the ground, her look blank. She was gazing at nothing, and her eyes showed emptiness. The Emperor was in a rage and pointed a trembling finger at them. "Guards! Take them away to the execution chamber!"

"Demo, Anzai!" the Empress pleaded. "Hanamichi is your nephew after all."

"I don't care, he turned Haru-chan into that state. He can't be forgiven, blood ties or not." The Emperor boomed.

Sakuragi and Rukawa struggled as the guards took them away into the carriage separately. Rukawa was shaking his head, yelling and Sakuragi shouted at the top of his lungs. "Oji-sama! Don't. Don't be so cruel. After all these years, have you no feelings for me? If that is so, I'll rather die!" Sakuragi's eyes were filled with tears. "After all these sixteen years. I don't have any true love. My parents never showed affection to me, and gave me all those unnecessary luxuries! Now that I have found true love, you want me dead. Do-shite? Do-shite."

Rukawa's eyes were overflowing with tears as well. After he lost his whole family. his friends, he would lost his true love as well. "Not fair. Kami- sama! If you are there, listen to me! No matter what you do to try separate us, you will never succeed! Kami-sama, you HEAR me?" Rukawa yelled, his eyes squinting against the sunlight that was reflecting on the structure of the temple.

"We don't accept this here. You both are sinners. I show no mercy there," the Emperor said in reply coldly. Hisashi and Akira were in shock. Akira stood out and said firmly. "I agree with them, Oto-sama." "Nani?" "Do I have to repeat myself?" Akira's eyebrow twitched. Anzai's eyebrows furrowed in anger. "Akira, if I hear that again, I'll drag you to the dungeon too, understand?"

Akira tried to rebel, but as he looked into the Empress's saddened eyes, he heaved a sigh. "Wakatta." He retreated, feeling apologetic. He wanted to help them badly, but he could not do anything. Akira gazed at the Emperor desperately. "Oto-sama." his voice saddened. "Hana-chan is my best friend. Has been my best friend. ever since we were young. I don't want him to leave, Oto-sama."

"Urusaii, Akira. You want your mother to be upset about you again?" the Emperor said, his eyes cold. "You have already been appointed as the Crown Prince, you know. You are the heir to the throne. Don't do this." At last, everyone left the temple, back into the palace. Rukawa and Sakuragi were locked up together in the dimly-lit dungeon. No one was in sight, and walls of stone were everywhere.

"Gomen nasai," Rukawa's eyes did not meet Sakuragi's. "I caused you this." "Maa. Ano, can I call you Kaede-kun?" Sakuragi said softly as he sat down beside Rukawa. He nodded. "I call you Hana-kun." Sakuragi tilted Rukawa's face towards his own with his fingers gently and kissed him gently. The kisses slowly turned more passionate by the second and Rukawa inserted his tongue delicately into Sakuragi's parted lips.

Sakuragi was surprised by Rukawa's initiative, but ignored it and both of them started exploring each others' mouth. In no time, Rukawa's figure loomed over Sakuragi as the latter was unable to keep his balance and collapsed into the ground. Rukawa broke the kiss and nibbled on his neck as he moaned softly. His nibbles lowered to Sakuragi's chest as he removed the chihaya and his tongue was wringing wildly on his nipples, causing Sakuragi to moan louder.

"Ka. Kaede." he called out lovingly as he felt Rukawa's warm breath against his bare skin. Perspiration trickled down his forehead. Rukawa continued to lick and nibble on his nipples, much to Sakuragi's joy. His tongue then trailed down to the belly and lashed at the belly-button for a moment before moving on. He removed Sakuragi's hakama slowly, as he panted.

"Kaede-kun."

"Nan da?" Rukawa relished the sight of Sakuragi's rock-hard rod. Rukawa was silent for a while. "Sokka. I shall do something about it." But before they did anything, they heard sounds and Sakuragi quickly dressed, feeling rather disappointed. Rukawa smiled slightly at him. "At least, we have something to remember in our present lives." "Hai. We shall die, but our love never will. I vow, that we will be in love again." Sakuragi smiled at him, as the soldiers entered their cell and took them to execution. "Towards our future lives." On that very day, three pm, their heads separated from their bodies and they breathed no more as their tears and blood merged into one.