N/A: Another chapter. Another alphabet letter. Another theme. Ok this time it's sort of a point of view/contemplation sort of thing. I love Jubei's whole "protector" thing no matter how corny it is. I believe that he truly does want to protect Kazuki. That's why they belong together…

Darkness

Darkness. Darkness consumed Jubei. Jubei was blind. Jubei watched the world through Darkness. He saw nothing but a blanket of black and with his blindness he lived in shadows of old forgotten memories. He could only remember the shine of the golden sun, the deep blue of the never-ending sky, and the lush green of the grass. Dusty memories of the faces of the people he knew and the place he used to go were kept in his mind and cherished in his heart. He lived in darkness and these memories were the only thing he had for company.

The shine of the azure moon beamed his lustrous rays on the stoic man seeking sleep. But of course now with his eyesight at loss all he could do was remember how the moon looked when it shined and spread his wondrous light. Yes, all he could so was reminisce. All he had were fuzzy memories of the world he use to know. Even now he was forgetting little by little how the things in the world actually looked like. No matter how much he held on to those memoirs of light and skies, slowly they abandoned him. Trying to hold on to those memories was a like a man trying to cup water in his callous hands, eventually the water will seep through and be lost forever.

But from all the memories of the waking world there was one thing that the needle wielder would never forget. A pair of haunting amber eyes and a magnificent smile that only brought joy to his wounded heart. The flawless work of art named Kazuki. Kazuki, his Kazuki, the very reason he had been exiled to the world of eternal darkness. His betrayal lead led him to this punishment. The punishment of never being able to see he one that he held dear on his heart smile his beautiful smile. But he had deserved it and eventually he accepted his gloomy fate of darkness. But he would still do anything to ensure Kazuki's security. What suffering he would gladly endure just for the safety of his beloved. He had given Kazuki everything without hesitation his sight, his life, his heart.

Jubei turned in his bed. He couldn't sleep since his mind was racing with his thoughts of the world he use to perceive and the face of the one he loved. He would give anything, anything at all if he would see Kazuki's face just one more time. If only he could once more be honored with one of Kazuki's tender smile. If only he could witness the grand event of Kazuki's gentle laughter. If only he could lay his eyes of the masterpiece that is Kazuki Fuchoin. But all choices in life have consequence and this was his. Wishing would never change the way things were. He would always see the world though darkness.

Sleep wasn't coming easy that night. But sleep never did come easy to the protective man. If he was not remembering the past, he was worrying about the future. With his eyesight gone he was nothing but a pathetic man useless as a protector. He has sworn he would protect Kazuki from anything and everything that dared to hurt him. But how could he shelter Kazuki from trouble when he could hardly take care of himself?

Jubei's trains of deep thoughts were interrupted by a low pitched scrape and a soft rustle. Someone had entered his room and Jubei knew who it was. A few tiptoed steps were followed by a light tug of his blanket and a gentle creak as someone joined him in his bed.

"I can't sleep," Kazuki's soothing voice whispered softly in Jubei's ear. He wrapped his arms around his protector and cuddled close in hopes of finding sleep.

Jubei felt his stomach take a lurch and his heart start to beat faster. Kazuki was so close yet so far away. Kazuki's delicate arms were wrapped around his body but he would never be able to view Kazuki's stunning face again. But despite the hindrance of sight he would be able to feel. He would be able to love and care for Kazuki as passionately as a one person could ever love another. He found the meaning of his life and his sole purpose in the sleeping man next to him.

Jubei couldn't see but for some reason he knew. He knew that at that moment Kazuki was smiling in his sleep. Kazuki's beautiful face smiling only for Jubei. His smile's radiance filling Jubei with a strange sense of peace and spreading hope to his heart. From that smile Jubei understood. He understood everything.

Before the man bounded by darkness closed his eyes and entered the world of sleep a single thought lingered in his weary mind.

Sometimes in darkness all you need is a little light.