Chapter 30
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Warning: Huge amounts of sap. Reading may cause cavities. Enjoy the last chapter, and let me know if you have any desire/ideas for a sequel/side story. I'd be more than happy to write it if I had any good ideas. And thank all of you so much for reading, and for all your wonderful reviews!
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Kuja placed a single white lily on the gravestone, then stepped back. As he stared at the flower, he felt Blank's arm come up and wrap around his waist, drawing him close against his lover's side. He sighed in contentment at the closeness, though the feeling was overshadowed by his remembered sorrow.
He read the inscription on the stone to himself.
White Dragon
A noble sacrifice
took the life of one
most loyal
We shall not soon see his like again
He felt a suspicious burning in the corners of his eyes, but refused to let the tears fall. He had cried already for Zaruyon, he would be strong for him now.
Kuja strove to remember Zaruyon with as much detail as he could, and was only startled out of this reverie a good deal later when Blank shifted awkwardly at his side. He suddenly realized that they had been standing next to the stone for quite a long time, and it was probably best that they return to the castle.
He briefly leaned his head on Blank's shoulder, drawing a bit more comfort from the touch, then stepped away from him and turned to his right to face a larger pair of golden eyes.
"Thank you so much for staying with us, Caranteth. Are you sure that you cannot remain longer?"
I am afraid not, Kuja-Child, Caranteth replied. The snow drake colony needs me; I am their protector. I have been away long enough as it is. I am happy, however, that events worked out in your favor. I shall carry the good news back to the colony.
Kuja smiled and stroked the side of the huge muzzle. "Thank you, Caranteth," he said. "You are a great friend. Please do come back to visit us some time, though."
Caranteth smiled with his eyes. I will do that, Kuja-Child. Thank you, and goodbye.
Without more warning than that, Caranteth leaped into the air and was soon a mere speck, vanishing quickly into the distance. Kuja watched him go until he couldn't see him any longer, and then turned back to Blank.
"Shall we return to the castle?" he asked.
Blank nodded and stepped forward, putting an arm around Kuja's shoulders. "You okay?" he asked softly as they began to walk back up the stone garden path.
Kuja nodded wearily. "I'm fine. I do miss Zaruyon, but I suppose that grief is only natural; he was a good friend."
"No kidding," said Blank. "If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be around today. Caranteth too. And you, of course." He leaned over and kissed Kuja's cheek.
Kuja felt himself blush. "I am glad that Zaruyon's death was not wasted. It was a noble sacrifice."
"Well, don't dwell on it too much," Blank said. "We honored him today, as was his due, and I know you miss him, but feeling sad won't serve any purpose but to give yourself pain. We should do something to take your mind off of it."
"Perhaps," said Kuja softly, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Suddenly Blank stopped and stepped in front of him, placing one hand on each of Kuja's shoulders. He looked Kuja right in the eye. "Hey," he said firmly. "I love you, okay?"
Kuja smiled at him, and the pain in his heart eased. He leaned forward and kissed Blank gently. "I know. I love you, as well."
Blank took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "That's... that's good," he said, and Kuja was surprised to notice how nervous he sounded. Blank continued, "Because, well, I have something for you."
Kuja looked at him curiously as Blank fumbled for something in the pocket of his tunic. "I've been meaning to give this to you ever since I woke up," he said. "But I wasn't sure if it was the right time. And I kind of think it is now. The right time, I mean. At least, I hope it is. Anyway."
He finally withdrew a small box and opened it. Kuja's eyes widened in amazement at its contents: a small, golden ring. Gold, like the eyes of his dragons. Like the eyes of Blank. He knew his mouth was hanging open, but he couldn't seem to stop himself from gaping. He looked back up from the box at Blank, who was blushing.
"Well," said Blank with an embarrassed look. "Anyway, it's a ring, obviously. I mean, it's a promise ring. I wanted to give you my oath..." and here he looked up at Kuja, and even though Blank's eyes were covered, Kuja could feel them boring into him. "I wanted to give you my oath that, if you'll have me, I'll stay with you. Forever."
Kuja was completely speechless, and once again had to tilt his head down to stop the burning at the corner of his eyes from becoming tears. The difference was, these were tears of joy. Not trusting his voice to be steady, Kuja nodded. Blank removed the ring from the box and slipped it deftly onto Kuja's finger.
It was a perfect fit.