Disclaimer: Chrono Cross isn't mine, in case you hadn't guessed. If I'd created Chrono Cross, then Harle would be alive, Karsh would marry Riddel, Guile really would be Magus, all those Trigger characters wouldn't be killed off, and there would be a lengthy hot-tub scene involving Norris, sex toys, and a can of whipped cream (kidding!!). Anyway, CC belongs to those all-powerful geniuses down at Square. Too bad.

Third Wheel

"Dario?"

"Yeah?"

The two Devas were sitting precariously on the railing overlooking the sea. "Have you ever thought about what it would be like if none of whatever it was had happened, if we had all stayed in our separate worlds? I know what I would have done – and it involves me, Riddel, and a Jacuzzi – heh heh. Karsh laughed silently. Knowing he could joke about it made him feel good.

"I don't know. Perhaps since you and Riddel never would have found me, and I'd have stayed there for the rest of my days. But…" Dario trailed off. "I think I would have left, and moved on. There is always something more left in life, and you can always move on. I might have even remembered, eventually."

"What about Riddel?" Karsh asked.

"Life goes on," Dario said. "I might have never even remembered her… sad though that is."

Karsh couldn't believe what he was hearing. "So what, you'd just hook up with some other woman?"

"I could never think of it now, but if I couldn't remember anything, how could I know any better?"

Karsh shook his head. "If I were in your shoes…"

"What?" Dario asked.

"Never mind."

"No, I'd really like to know." Dario asked curiously.

Karsh heaved a sigh. "I just can't see how you could ever let Riddel go. Beyond space, time, memory… she's someone that will always be there… Someone… who…" He shut his mouth before he gave away more than he cared to.

"You have to let go of everything, eventually." Dario said quietly.

Karsh's voice was barely a whisper. "Some people are very hard to let go of."

"I'm sorry."

Karsh laughed ruefully. "How long have you known?"

"Probably longer than you think. I'm your best friend, after all."

"You're not the one who should be apologizing. I'm being as ass. It's just so… stupid."

"There's nothing stupid about loving somebody."

Karsh vaulted off the railing and faced Dario. "There's something stupid about wanting to kill a friend so close he's like a brother because I… happen to be infatuated with his fiancé!"

"It's more than infatuation when it goes on all your life, Karsh."

"So what?" Karsh yelled. "What are you going to do about it – just hand Riddel over and say 'Oh, she's all yours, Karsh!'"

"Riddel is not something to be parceled out like a porcelain teacup." Dario said, annoyed.

"Of course not! It's ridiculous! That's the point! I've been perfectly happy going on as I have before – thinking that you didn't know diddly-squat about it!"

"You weren't perfectly happy."

"You're right – I was miserable!" Karsh's voice cracked. "But it was fine then – you were happy! She was happy! The whole fucking world was happy but me, and you know, I was fine with that!"

"I can't… do anything to help you, Karsh. You've been my friend since I could crawl, and I would do anything for you… except this one thing." Dario climbed off the railing as well. "I love Riddel, more than I have anyone in my life. I want to be with her for as long as I live… I'm so sorry, Karsh." He began to walk away.

Karsh snorted sarcastically. "Like I was expecting anything else… Riddel deserves the best anyway, and god knows that isn't me."

Dario paused for a minute before going inside. It pained him to see his friend like this… but there was nothing he could do. Dario hated being helpless. He walked inside without saying another word.

Karsh fell to his knees. I would rather I could just hate Dario in peace. But I could never truly hate Dario. But I can sure as hell hate myself. He bit his hand, forcing himself not to cry. A man doesn't cry. A Deva doesn't cry.

Karsh cried anyway.

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Ouch! I tried to end it with a happy ending for Karsh – my muses wouldn't let me! Argh. Well, if I get enough reviews pleading more (which I highly doubt will happen) I might continue it with a more… pleasant ending.