"Tea?"

Rin leans across the table slowly, tilting her head as she gazes upon Len with curiosity. Her fingertips swirl around the top of her water glass absently.

"Yes- if you wouldn't mind joining me," he responds, returning her searching look with his own. "It would be only the two of us- since things have been a bit busy lately, and we've rarely had a chance to talk by ourselves. A simple chat together, if you like."

She ponders his words, and Len turns his sight to the barely touched breakfast on his plate. Ever since he bought that bottle from the girl on a whim- was it only a week ago?- he's been fighting with himself. It's as if two sides of him are battling for dominance- the rational side that told him what he wanted was impossible and wrong, that said he couldn't just force Rin to love him, and the crazed part of him that demanded to see this through to the end, to at least make his own feelings known because maybe, just maybe, she might return those feelings. It was both worth the effort, yet completely terrifying at the same time.

The day after he had purchased said bottle of love potion, he had tried to find that girl again, to have her explain the full effects of it and at least help him understand what it would do. Unfortunately, she was nowhere to be found, vanished without a single trace she had ever been there. He was left only with a choice- to throw away the bottle and forget, or go through with his hazed plan.

Seeing Mikuo frequently visit Rin, often taking her for walks and publicly courting her without a care in the world- helped him decide on what his choice was. The entire point of tea tonight is to do it- to finally use the potion. He had stared at it each night, daring himself to pick it up and use it, but had failed to bring himself into actually doing it until now.

"You know, I think that would be lovely," Rin speaks up, drawing him from his rambling thoughts. "I love the sound of it."

A chill races through Len's spine. "You would? I'm glad. It will be my pleasure," he tells her, offering her a genuine smile.

Hers is far brighter than any light in the room. "I do love spending time with you. I apologize for not having as much free time as usual." He doesn't miss the sweet gleam in her eyes.

"It's no problem at all, Rin. I understand." You much prefer the company of him. His own dark thought takes him by surprise, more malice than he intends flowing through it. Have I come to loathe Mikuo, because of my own emotions? I tolerated him before, but simply the mention of his name irks me now.

"You're so kind to me, Len." Rin rises, brushing down the front of her simple pink gown. "Please excuse me. I'm sorry, I have some things to take care of- but I promise you I will return soon. I look forward to our evening together."

"As do I," he reciprocates earnestly. "I'll see you tonight, then."

She nods, and he watches reluctantly as she turns away and disappears from the room, her footsteps fading from his hearing.

Am I truly going to do this to her? If I do, she will never forgive me- unless the effects are permanent. Damn… I wish I knew the full use of the liquid.

Frowning at his still full plate, he pushes it away from him. "Meiko!" he calls, tossing his napkin to the table and getting up from his seat as the brunette steps into the room. "Take this away- bring me a few scones in my study."

"What? But Your Grace, you've barely eaten-" she starts to protest, mature, feminine worry in her voice, but Len doesn't stay in the room long enough to listen to her concerns. He hurries away, his fingers running through his hair with slight irritation.

Maybe focusing on his work will distract him from what he wants to do- what he will do. Perhaps he can truly contemplate what he wants, and decide if this is truly the best answer.

What if she does love him? What then? Has he even had time to think of a response, of how he would approach her? If he pours that potion into her tea and she finds out, their relationship will be ruined- and that will most likely kill him. To be distrusted and hated by her may be worse than a death sentence.

There is also the other option; in which she feels absolutely nothing for Len and her heart has been taken away by Mikuo. How could he deal with such a fact, not that he isn't already facing such a possibility? It's not as if he can change her mind simply by force of will. He'd have no choice but to sit by and allow her to be happy with someone else, even if it tore him to bits inside.

He lets out a frustrated groan that echoes down the hall, rubbing his temples and inhaling deeply. Somehow, someway, he has to have an answer at the least.

Tonight, he'll hopefully get what he desires- just as that girl said.

...If only he could realize what it really is.

.X.

The next few hours pass by ever so slowly.

Len arranged for tea-time later in the evening, and then buried himself in his documents, his stomach in knots that seemed to increase in number and tightness the closer it came to his meeting with Rin. Even with his mind consumed with properties and numbers, he couldn't stop himself from wondering what exactly his cousin was out doing- if she's with Mikuo again and sharing his laughter, falling more for him, or allowing him to steal her right from his grasp.

How twisted his heart has become.

The sky outside his study window changes from blazing scarlet to deep navy, and he sighs, placing his remaining unfinished work off to the side and leaving his desk. He wanders to his room, searching for the right outfit. It won't be a very formal affair, but he wants- perhaps foolishly- to look regal, like someone worthy of Rin's affection.

Though, what is the point? Simple appearance cannot change how someone feels. He's setting himself up- and for what reason? Rin may knock him from his high and be disgusted that he has even thought of these things.

….Gah, thinking about his actions is only worsening his stress. One way or another he'll have to choose a path.

He picks up the bottle of liquid from his vanity and rolls it in his palm, wondering what the name of this creation is. So small, yet able to make his wishes become reality with a few small drops? Could it really be so simple?

Perhaps… he should taste it himself. His curiosity is overwhelming- maybe if he knows the effects of the potion, he'll better know what choice to make.

Uncorking the glass, Len hesitantly allows a small drop to sit on the skin of his finger. Though the room is vaguely lit, the clear substance glitters as if holding the entirety of the night's stars. He gazes at it in wonder- this? This small concoction is enough?

He'll find out.

Raising the drop to his lips, he registers the faintest scent of roses, along with something else he's uncertain of- though it seems a little familiar.

I wonder what was put into this…

Just as he is about to touch the droplet to his mouth, a knock at the door makes him quickly withdraw his hand, nearly losing the liquid to the floor.

"Your Grace," Meiko's voice emanates echoes through the wood, sounding cool yet still a tad concerned from earlier. He feels ashamed for giving the older woman worry. She is the only member of his staff that has treated him like a child of her own. "Lady Rin is awaiting you in the parlor."

"Thank you- I'll be down in just a moment," he responds. He brushes the drop back into the bottle, his nerve long since gone. It's not something he wanted to do, anyway, and maybe it's best she stopped him.

But, if he himself is afraid of the potion, should he really be giving it to Rin?

Flicking back the hair falling into his eyes, he straightens his collar, slipping the tiny container into his pocket. He takes a deep breath and leaves the room.

Meiko has disappeared from view, allowing Len a rush of relief that he wouldn't have to face her examining gaze. Casting a sidelong glance down the hall, he shakes off a strange chill and continues on to the room where his darling cousin waits for him.

Entering the lavish parlor, he's taken aback by Rin's appearance. Sitting casually against the thick cushions of the loveseat, she's dressed in a slim, silvery gown that takes his breath away. Lace lines the bodice, and the sleeves bell out in a graceful manner. He's not sure where she managed to find such a garment- but it suits her incredibly well. Her short blonde curls are loosely scattered at her shoulders, framing the cherub-like porcelain of her face, and her lips color akin to a pink rose.

"Len." Her voice makes him snap to, and he quickly removes his stare from her figure as she picks herself from her seat. "There you are."

He tugs a bit at his frilled collar, feeling heat build under his skin. "Erm, hello, Rin." Where is his composure? Her stunning visage caught him off-guard. He had expected her to dress finely, but this is completely overwhelming.

Forcing himself to focus, he sends her a languid smile, taking a few more steps into the room to bow. "You look beautiful," he says with honesty, allowing the words to tumble from his throat.

Her cheeks color with a faint blush, and she returns his smile brightly. "Thank you, Len. It means quite a lot coming from you."

"Please, sit back down," Len gestures, moving to take the seat beside her. "This isn't a formal affair, you understand."

"I'm well aware. Frankly, I'm a bit glad," she tells him softly, brushing down her dress and sitting with grace beside him. He marvels at how easily she moves- her every motion is fluid and lithe. The girl seems to exude beauty. Perhaps, however, he's just more attuned to her actions than others. He'd be hard-pressed to admit he hasn't found, nor has he tried, to find fault within Rin's innocent demeanor.

"I'm a little tired of stuffy formalities," she murmurs, gazing down at her fingers as they twine together in her lap. "Truly, I wish we were all as casual with one another as you and I are, Len."

"Hmm? Why is that? I thought you enjoyed such things," he inquires, scanning her expression. "The parties, formal dances and etiquette- do you not like it?"

"In ways, it is nice, and has its own intrigue, but… It's unsatisfying," she continues. "I enjoy being able to talk freely with someone, rather than calling them by title or being expected to bow before them. I love the idea of being able to make acquaintances with someone in a more natural way, than with such rules and de rigueur."

He's surprised she feels this way, but for some reason is interested by it- the train of thought she possesses is truly astonishing. "I see... You're right, Rin. It is far more pleasant talking with someone like you, than with some of the much stiffer busybodies who hold to rules," he says lightly, considering her words.

Rin gazes at him, and she seems to grow a bit flustered. "You're so sweet. Normally anyone else would chastise me for having such thoughts- yet with you, I can freely be myself. Thank you, Len." Her entire expression glows.

"No, no, don't thank me," he quickly protests, waving a hand. "The pleasure is entirely mine, Rin." His heart soars with elation, and he's almost embarrassed by how smitten he is by her. A few words of praise and he's lost to everyone but her.

"If only I could talk about these things with Mikuo as well," Rin says with a sigh, clasping her hands tight in her lap. "He's just as set in the accepted ways as any other. If I could only change his mind, even a little, it would be quite the accomplishment for me." She laughs to herself.

Len's smile fades a bit, swallowing down an unbidden retort he would never want to say in front of the blonde girl. The sound of Mikuo's name considerably dampened his high spirits. Must he be spoken of? This is my time to talk alone with her, and still that tealet finds a way to appear in conversation.

At this thought, he is reminded of the light weight shifting in his pocket, the fragile bottle's image returned to mind. Again the decision faces him. To use the potion…? Maybe then, she would think of none other than I. The selfishness within that simple desire appalls him the moment he considers it.

"Len? Are you alright? You've suddenly become very pale," Rin says, and he jumps when her cool palm presses to the top of his hand, not expecting the gentle gesture.

He frowns, shaking his head. "I- I'm sorry, I was just deep within my thoughts." Her touch stings him, sends electric shocks racing through his arm.

"What is it that captured your mind so fully?" Rin inquires, refusing to let the subject go.

His gaze avoids hers; as if he can look into those bright sapphire eyes and lie to her. And of course, he'll never tell her of his own dirty scheme. He himself despises what he's become- the last thing he wants is Rin disgusted by him as well.

"Nothing, I was-" He clears his throat, "-I just realized that I had yet to make our tea. Forgive me, Rin." The lie itself burns his tongue, each syllable painful to utter.

The girl leans back, shrugging her small shoulders nonchalantly. "That's what bothers you? Please, Len, don't fret over such triviality. It's not so important-"

He abruptly rises from the loveseat, interrupting her mid sentence. "I know, it's really not terribly pressing, but please give me a few moments to brew the tea. I have a specific type I know you'll love, and I simply have to have you try it."

"Oh, well… alright, I suppose," she relents. "If it means so much to you… I'll gladly await your return. Surely it must be amazing tea." Her eyes tease him, gleaming with playfulness he loves.

"It most certainly is. I'll be back in just a few minutes," he promises, flashing her a convincing smile, before leaving to return to the kitchen.

She trusts me. Her trust weighs down on me so heavily, as if dragging me down… His thoughts take a self-loathing turn as he enters the kitchen, and he simply stands there, fuming over his actions. I am the worst. To betray her… is it really the right thing?

A horrific, painful mental image of her- beautiful and clad in the most glorious of wedding dresses- walking toward a grinning tealet groom, slashes through Len's heart like a dull knife.

If Rin was to be taken away by someone else, he wouldn't be able to bear it. It would tear him to shreds.

With shaky fingers he finds teacups, preparing water and locating tea. He dare not call for a servant; he must be the only person to know of his deception. Thankfully he's had many late nights of work, and has done this before.

While he busies his hands, his mind runs through the many reasons why he should not be doing this. It's so risky. The effects of it are completely unknown- that little girl could have been lying and it's really poison, meant to sully my family name and ruin me. It's impossible to know what will happen once Rin drinks it, and- if she dies, I'll never forgive myself.

Am I really falling so low as to drug the only person I love? Am I such a- a filthy person? He swallows hard. I don't know which choice is right, but in the end…. it comes down to this moment. I have to choose.

Too soon it seems the tea is prepared, two floral-designed cups of black liquid sitting side by side on a decorative metal tray, and he tugs the crystalline bottle from his pocket.

For a moment he simply stares at it, and the oddest urge to throw the bottle out a window and be done races through his bloodstream. His grasp is tight around the small thing- white knuckles against clear- just enough not to crush it. It fits neatly in his palm, smooth to the touch. A deceptively lovely object that has more power than he likes to admit.

His free hand tangles in his hair, gripping to it tightly as he grits his teeth in frustration. Should I? Do I do this and seal our fate? A love potion with unknown consequences- is it worth the risk? Is it worth losing her?

He wants Rin. He wants to be happy with her, he wants to live with her and hold her in his arms and simply be with her. He loves her more than anything, treasures her. It's his heart's desire to have her love him in return- is that so wrong? If this potion reveals her true feelings, whether she loves him or doesn't, then it's okay. That's all he wishes for, isn't it? A chance for her affection.

Before Mikuo steals her away forever.

Growling unintelligibly, Len rips the cork from the bottle and tilts it over one of the cups, watching the liquid fall into ebony and disappear without a trace, as if it was never there. He put maybe a bit more than he had meant to in it, but it shouldn't matter much. He stirs the drink to make sure it's mixed well, while fear grows in his chest. What has he done? He's really going through with it- he's fallen so low as to let jealousy take over and rule him.

He really doesn't deserve Rin. Not after this.

He's almost afraid to return to the room with her, but he picks up the tray, pocketing the bottle once more, and takes a deep breath to calm his nerves. It's too late for regrets, isn't it? Now all he can do is finish what he's started… right?

Len pauses, staring down at the cup he tainted, and frowns. He could still stop. He could still change this, tell Rin how he feels naturally and find out if she's the same. It doesn't have to be like this- forced, wrong. He can change the course he's taken; he can-

"Len? Len, where are you?"

Her voice finds its way down the hall, meaning her quick arrival, and his lungs constrict in panic, thoughts taking a blank turn as he fumbles for a response. "A-ah, my apologies, Rin," he calls, leaving the kitchen to find his cousin walking toward him down the hall. "It took longer than I thought."

The girl tilts her head. "I was a bit worried you may've gotten lost," she teases, eyeing the tray as he nears. "Was everything alright?"

"Yes, just- it took me a bit of time to find the right tea." He ushers her back to the parlor, words getting caught in his throat. She may've become suspicious of him- and for good reason, he thinks bitterly.

Once he's sat her back down comfortably and placed the tray on the close-by small table, he returns to his place beside her. His palms are sweaty, his nervousness hard to hide. Damn… this is getting harder and harder to deal with. He had been so ready to stop himself, but she…

"Really, Len, are you sure nothing is bothering you?" Rin presses him, her tone firm yet gentle. "You seem on edge about something."

Struggling to keep himself in check, he shakes his head. "I've just… many things on my mind," he says truthfully. "Please, don't worry, cousin. It's nothing to concern yourself over."

"Of course it is. You're family, after all. I can't simply ignore you. Could I help in any way?" she asks, blinking her wide blue eyes at him.

"No, truly. I'll be fine," he reassures her, hoping he seems convincing.

She looks highly unsatisfied, but thankfully allows the topic to drop. "If you insist…" she murmurs, and reaches out for a cup of tea- the one he placed the potion into.

Alarm bells ringing in his mind, he involuntarily throws his hand out to stop her, his palm over the top of hers. "W-wait!" he halts her, before he realizes what he's done.

Perplexed, she narrows her eyes at him. "What is it, Len?"

His chest is constricting so, so tightly. "A-ah, it's hot, I mean. Please don't drink it fast." The lie slips from his tongue like liquid poison.

She stares at him a few moments, before laughing. "You are such a worrywart!" Brushing his hand away, she retrieves the cup, holding it delicately between her slim hands.

"Perhaps you're right." He chuckles uncertainly, unable to take his gaze off the steaming liquid. He feels like someone is crushing him from the inside.

Rin smiles ever so sweetly at him. "It should be I that is concerned over you." She giggles to herself, lightly blowing on the tea before raising the cup to her lips.

The words to stop her bubble again to Len's tongue, but it's too late- she's already sipping it, the potion down her throat and closing the door on any escape he may have had. His entire being freezes as she closes her eyes, a small sigh following as she savors the taste.

Seeming surprised, Rin looks at him. "You're right, Len- this tea is like nothing else," she remarks. "I'm glad you chose to share it with me. It's almost as if made of… liquid roses."

Liquid roses? He studies her face. "I knew you'd love it." Nothing- not a single change? I don't know if it's immediate or...? The potion might kick in tomorrow for all I know.

She takes another long drink from her tea, humming under her breath. "You must tell me what kind this is. It's rather soothing. I may need it far more often after this."

Maybe the taste is from the potion…? He glances down at his lap, thinking hard. That would explain a bit...

"Len, may I ask something of you?"

"Ah? What is it?" he answers quickly, forcing himself to be calm as he faces her.

She seems to pause a moment considering, before smiling. "First, why don't we go into your garden?"

"My… garden…?" he repeats, feeling he may have misheard. He rarely visits the place- he sometimes even forgets he has one. He leaves the business of tending the flowers to his servants, and doesn't bother with it. Why would Rin want to go there?

"Yes! Come with me." She sets her teacup down and takes his hand warmly in hers, pulling him up with an air of playfulness.

"Rin, I-" He falls silent, not really able to find a viable protest as she takes him from the parlor and off into the darkened halls of the manor, seeming to know her way far better than he would've thought.

A few moments later, and Rin pushes through a pair of doors, leading out into a beautiful garden. It's not a very large area, but the space is absolutely filled with flowers that start just a breath from where they stand, white blooming plants that wave lightly in the late breeze and shine with the stroke of moonlight from the clear sky above.

"When was the last time you came here?" she asks Len calmly, releasing his hand and clasping her own to her chest, taking a few steps away from him and delicately stepping over the flowers, deeply immersing herself in the garden.

The blond stares after her, watching her entire frame light up in ethereal brightness, the moon turning her gold strands platinum in the darkened garden, her dress shimmering as if made of gossamer. He swallows hard, paying more attention to the beautiful girl in front of him rather than the blooms.

"It has… been awhile," he replies, moving hesitantly toward her- as if she'll disappear in a burst of smoke and illusion.

Not looking at him, she instead turns her gaze up to the sky. "Isn't it breathtaking, Len?"

"...Yes." He moves to her side, taking in the view this time to retain a tiny bit of his sanity and finding he agrees with her assessment. "It is. But, why did you want to bring me here, Rin?"

"I thought that maybe you would appreciate it as much as I do." Now she sees him, and he finds his gaze captured by her own, much like the day they met. "I love it here. Do you know why?"

"I…" Len blinks, the words unsure as he speaks. "... Do you love flowers?"

She laughs at his response. "Not just that, dear cousin."

Reaching down, she plucks a fully blossomed flower from the grass, raising it to her face and inhaling the scent deeply. Smiling to herself, she continues. "I do love flowers, yes, but… not only because they are beautiful. They are also strong, able to bend in the wind and not break, while charming the sights of all who look their way… Until they're picked ever so easily from the ground."

Uncertain of where her thoughts are headed, he frowns. "If they're picked, then surely they weren't strong enough."

Her responding soft chuckle rings strangely within him. "Surely not. But that is beautiful in its own way… isn't it? Pretending to be strong, even if you're not- until someone finally sees through your façade and pulls you out of such an act."

She turns to confront him fully, the blossom's vibrant green stem pinned between her pale fingers. Grasping his hand and closing it around the flower, she encloses him with her own, her skin exuding a pleasant heat. Len can just barely make out a light dusting of red across her cheeks.

"Beauty and strength are truly two of the most used façades. Yet, in the end, we all want to be plucked away from those things by someone special who is not fooled by them."

"Rin?" He can't understand her expression- nor what she's trying to tell him with her cryptic words. It's frustrating as well as intriguing.

Their connected gazes break as she studies the flower. Quiet engulfs them both a few moments, before she finally speaks again.

"Len, I… I wish that somehow, it would be you," she murmurs, almost to herself. "I wish that you were the someone special that would save me from myself."

He can feel his heartbeat drastically change pace at her words, fluttering excitement in his lungs. "W-what are you-?"

Her hands tighten over his. "...I've wanted to say this some time, but I couldn't… find the right words. Len, I… I love you."

A cool rush of relief ebbs through his entire body, far too powerful and mind-numbing. She loves me- myself, not Mikuo, and that means- is this real? I can't possibly be imagining this-

He removes his hands from the flower, tugging the fragile girl toward him and embracing her far tighter than he ever has. He could practically sing with elation. Nuzzling into her hair, he revels in the lovely sensation of her body so close to his. He couldn't care about anything else at this moment- the only thing that matters right now is her and her alone.

"I love you, Rin," he finds himself mumbling over and over, as if to convince her of his feelings as well as ease his mind. "I love you so much."

The girl freezes slightly at the abrupt action, but doesn't resist, leaning into his chest. "Truly?"

He pushes her just far away enough to look into her eyes, to communicate his own honesty to her. "Yes, of course. I would never lie to you."

The smile she graces him with is incredible. "I'm so happy, Len." Her fingertips reach up to lightly graze his face, sending tingles everywhere under his skin. "I'm so happy that it's you."

Something bubbles up within him and he cups her cheeks. Her skin is silky and smooth, and her eyes are sapphire in the dark, catching the slightest glint from the moonlight. Rivalling the beauty of a simple flower- far more precious than anything. A sweet miracle. His miracle.

He leans in, hesitating just a moment before contact to savor the moment and the feel of her light breathing, and then bringing his lips to hers in a gentle meeting.

The most euphoric feeling he's ever felt rushed through his entire bloodstream, her mouth soft and pliable beneath his own, and his mind whirls with a strange combination of happiness and excitement, his thoughts sinking into oblivion-

Something slams into Len at that moment, images he's never seen before flitting through his head- blood, Rin in odd clothing lying sprawled in a street and decorated in crimson, screaming, the shine of metal, the sound of breaking wood and fear etched on her face, so many moments of confusion and fear and panic he can't breathe what is going on-

"Unfortunately for you, this is reality."

Dark words uttered by someone dangerous replays brokenly within him- the one who laughed at the blond's distress as his beloved was ripped from him again and again- and other images flashed by, a gun shining directly in front of his face, crazed cackling, there is so much blood, too much, Rin, no-!

Len yanks away from the girl in front of him, surprised to find her pushing at him as well. His chest is heaving as he struggles to push past the icy grip of terror that's taken hold of him, unable to comprehend what he just saw.

Except- he knows what it was. He knows who they were, that it was him and Rin before and he remembers so much of those times, when they were torn apart so often.

"Len?" Rin's voice has changed, taken on an odd edge.

They stare at each other, both trying to understand, to make sense of the mesh of memories that came from nowhere. The air has turned strange, thick with dread.

"Rin, I… That…" He looks at her with new eyes, the girl in front of him blending with the girl from the images. But- how-?

Her knuckles are white, gripping the flower so hard he can see watery liquid through the cracks in her fingers. "...What was that, Len? Why are we… here? Who are we really…? I don't understand anything-!"

Her voice cracks, and at the same time she doubles over, the blossom falling from her grip as she coughs hard, covering her mouth. When she pulls her hands away, his eyes widen at the sight of blood.

Horrifying realization takes hold of him as she coughs again, her legs giving way and just being saved from falling face first into the flowers by his swooping catch. He holds her trembling form in his arms as the dread grows and envelopes him, dragging him to his knees.

"N-no, Rin…!" he breathes, the words frail and painstaking. The potion. It must have kicked in, it's poison and it's hurting her, he never should have used it this is his fault-

"W-what's happening to me…?" she forces out, one hand clutching the front of his coat and the other pressing against her chest, swallowing agonizingly. "Why…?"

"I'm so sorry," he bursts, holding her closer as he confesses. "I never should have done it, Rin, I'm sorry, I didn't know-"

"You did this?" The bewilderment in her voice makes him flinch. "You… did this to me…?"

"Please, I- I never meant for this! I thought it was- was just a simple love potion. I was an idiot, I- please, Rin, forgive me," he pleads weakly, his eyes becoming watery with tears. Damn him. Damn him to hell for this. He's being ripped to shreds inside. He hadn't thought it through, wasn't sensible, hadn't thought to test it, what has he done to her?!

Her breathing is becoming uneven, and blood is trailing down the corner over her mouth as wracking coughs leave her throat. Her grip is like an iron vise on his shirt. "A… love potion? You used… thinking that…" she struggles to piece together sentences.

"I thought- I thought you loved Mikuo, and I was selfish enough to put you in danger. I just wanted you to love me the same way I loved you and I never- I never wanted this to happen." He frantically wipes away the crimson from his mouth with shaky fingers. "All it was supposed to do was make you realize my feelings and- and- I should have known."

"You loved me so much as to… drug me…?" Rin's eyes pierce his. "Is that really… love at all?"

"No, you- you don't understand!" He tries to reason out his own words to her. "It was all I could do, all I could think of. I thought you were going to be stolen from me."

A halfhearted, fleeting smile rests itself on her lips, startling him. "I understand… perfectly."

Her body shakes again, and she gasps painfully, twisting the knife of guilt embedded in his heart. Her image again melds into the one of her in the deepest recesses of his memory, dying and bloody, tearing at his soul with sharp claws.

"Rin, please hold on just a little longer, I will go find someone to help-"

"No!" She shakes her head furiously. "Don't go. Don't leave me. It no longer matters. Stay with me... just another moment."

Len is fixed to the spot as she chuckles blackly, the mere act causing her distress.

"Even though you did something so despicable… even though you did it out of your own selfish whims, I... I do not hate you, Len," she murmurs quietly. "Despite that, I still love you. As wrong as it is, I do believe that…. you didn't mean to hurt me."

"Of course not, Rin, I never would have given you that potion if I'd have known this is what would have happened! I love you!" he answers, trying to convince her.

"...I'm glad." She makes a small humming noise, and then her eyes close. Her grasp on his shirt slackens considerably, and Len is left staring at her in disbelief.

"...Rin? Rin, wake up! Please, please wake up!" he whispers frantically, unable to bring his voice any higher as hot tears drip down his cheeks. "No, this isn't what I wanted! I never wanted to lose you like this! What have I- what have I done?!"

He killed her. He killed the girl he loves. What a wretched, disgusting being he is, for having been so selfish. This is his punishment. He hates himself, hates the girl who gave him the poison for dooming them both.

He gently lays Rin's doll-like form down in the bed of flowers, fumbling with his pocket and drawing out the wicked bottle. If possible, his glare would cut through the glass. He wants to throw it out of his sight, but a different thought crosses his mind, somehow more appealing.

He still wants to be with Rin. He's already ruined her life and his own, and there is only one other way out of it, to be with her- if she'd have him still after what he's done.

A way of repentance. Would it be considered the coward's way out, or would he be lucky enough to call this an equal exchange? His life and hers- would that be acceptable for him, to be reunited with her?

The shimmering liquid sloshes as he uncorks the bottle, his mind already made up. Tipping the substance into his mouth, he swallows ashiness and the aromatic aftertaste of rose petals, completely emptying the glass. She had only drank a bit that he had given her- surely in such a large dose, it would be much faster in working its way through his willing system.

I am… so sorry, Rin. I've never hated myself more- for being weak, selfish, helpless. Even in this life, I couldn't save you. I hope one day, you can forgive me for this.

If we could, I hope that we meet again.

.X.

The sound of clashing metal resounds through the large hall.

A sword flies at inhuman speed, cutting suit after suit of armor down in seconds, only for them to easily pick themselves back from the ground, their bodies reassembling, shreds of metal reforming.

The silveret pauses a moment, the corner of his mouth quirking with a disgusted sneer. "I honestly can't understand the logic of a human. To take your life after having stolen another's- isn't that simply a coward's move? Of course, not that I mind the way it all played out. It was quite entertaining, actually, to watch him pine after her and allow his love to turn to obsession and jealousy. He gave in so easily to my trap… it was nearly unbearable. The Soulmates become weaker and weaker each time they pass through the cycle."

He examines the sword in his hand, admiring the long, shining blade in his hands, the red and black hilt cool under his icy touch. His red-eyed reflection stares back at him in the metal, and he catches a flash of the next life in its gleam. His smile grows, spreading wide across his face.

"Yes… I love the destruction forthcoming with this. A stalemate between two controlled killers with twisted ideals. Surely this will be quite the story to watch unfold. After all, there is nothing I love more than chaotic evil clashing with lawful good. I wonder… which piece will move into check?"

A/N: This has been beta'd by the fantastic Piriluk, who actually read through this 6k mess and helped fix it up hahaha.

And so the Cantarella arc comes to a close in tragedy once again, leaving an opening for our next dramatic arc! Mmm, can you guess it? It's one of my favorite song series. :3

I had a lot of fun with Cantarella, haha. Struggling just a bit with the next arc, which is mostly because for the last month my muse has been dryer than a desert thanks to my short hiatus, but hopefully because I'm now home I'll be able to get something actually accomplished. I couldn't wait any longer to post this chapter, and I absolutely had to get it out here, so here you go!

Next update will most likely be sometime before or around my birthday next month, depending on how much I get written out before then. So, I'll see you next chapter, ne? Thanks for reading!

Read on~!

~Disclaimer~ I own only bottles of poison and loves long lost.