(A/N: Brom and Selena's relationship is one of those big holes in canon that I love to fill in with my own thoughts. Unfortunately this is the only story I've ever written for them! If I could get a better feel for Selena I'd definately take off with these two, but for now this is all I've got.)

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES:

BROM AND SELENA

SWAY

"I have a surprise for you."

Selena didn't jump at the soft words that tickled her ear. She knew he was behind her long before he revealed himself. "Oh really?" The woman smiled softly and leaned back, feeling his strong arms wrap around her shoulders.

"Really, truly." Brom smiled as well, dipping his head down to claim the Black Hand's lips in a kiss. When she broke away, a glint of mischief in her eyes, he chuckled. "I know you hate suspense. Bear with me, my love." He took her hand in his and, after checking if the coast was clear, lead Selena through a well disguised break in the hedge he had been trimming moments ago.

"Are your eyes still closed?" Brom asked, carefully guiding Selena through the network of rose bushes, hedge, and other assorted plants. He knew each and every one by name, knew which ones were flowering and which ones were dormant, and could feel the steady pulse of their life beneath his dirt caked sneakers.

"Yes, they're still closed." Selena faked exasperation at the Rider-turned-gardener, eyes obediently shut. "I'm starting to think you're spiriting me away."

The man laughed softly. "I promise I'm doing nothing of the sort. We're almost there."

Not two minutes later, Selena felt herself slowed to a stop. "Can I open my eyes yet?"

"Hold on!" A whisper of the Ancient Language tickled the Black Hand's ear. For a moment, panic welled in her chest. Had it all been a ruse? Was he signaling reinforcements, triggering a deadly trap? She loved the man, but knew his twisted past and knew his passionate drive for vengeance.

But her wards never activated, and she noticed the whispered words had a singsong tone to them. Rugged crooning for light and golden palettes and music.

What in Alagaësia was he planning?

"Okay." Selena heard the giddy smile in his voice. "Open your eyes."

She did.

And she was speechless at what she saw.

They were in a small cathedral of crepe myrtles, their overarching branches forming a roof above their heads. The walls, spotted with roses, were woven from the azalea bushes that dotted the property. It was completely enclosed, but golden light cast russet shadows from lanterns hung in the trees and free floating orbs that lazily drifted here and there in the little dark emerald room.

Selena turned, trying to take in as much of the spectacular surprise as possible. Brom stood behind her, a huge smile on his bearded face and crinkles around his startlingly blue eyes. "Brom...I can't...I don't even know where–"

The man shushed her with a finger lightly on her lips. "You don't have to say anything." If it was even possible, his smile grew wider. "Happy birthday, Selena."

The woman blinked. Was it really…? Yes, it was! Even she had forgotten it. After years of neglect, of death and assassination and cruelty, she had forgotten her own birthday.

Selena threw her arms around Brom's neck, staggering him. He laughed aloud and wrapped his own arms around her waist. "Brom, this is incredible!" She mentally swore at herself as she felt tears leak from her eyes.

"I'm not finished yet." The man stepped back and began humming softly. It was only then that Selena realized there was soft violin music playing. Once she heard it, her other senses picked up the faint vibrations in the air around her, drawing her attention to the silk network of tiny vines that were trembling above their heads.

With an extravagant flourish, Brom bowed to the woman who had captured his heart. "May I have the honor of this dance?"

Selena took his offered hand, cheeks bright with blush. He took her in his arms, gentle and warm as always, and they swayed to the natural music around them.

Brom continued to hum softly, twirling the Black Hand around and admiring the way the golden werelights cast highlights in her chestnut hair. He was utterly fallen for her, totally and completely, and he knew it. Nothing could replace her. Though the hole left by Saphira could never be filled, this woman, this resilient, strong, incredibly talented and intelligent woman...she came very close. If it weren't for Morzan and Galbatorix, his duty and his vengeance, he really would spirit her away from here and hide her away from the injustices of the world.

By the Gods, he loved Selena. With every fiber of his being.

As the Rider-turned-gardener spun her around the little dance floor, Selena couldn't help but stare at him in wonder. Why did he love her? She didn't deserve him. She was so broken and twisted that she could barely stand to look at herself in the mirror. The blood of hundreds, possibly thousands, was on her hands.

The same hands that Brom grasped so delicately. The same hands that held little Murtagh close.

She had signed her soul over to a demon in a man's skin, had committed unspeakable acts in the name of what she had thought was love. Love that she had given, but had never received in return. Now she had someone that returned her romantic feelings and, as far as she could tell, practically adored her.

Selena loved him. It was one of the few things in her life that was certain.

Brom smiled again, and paused in their dance. Selena looked to him, slightly confused. The confusion vanished as he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her softly, then pulled her into an embrace.

He would never let her go.

Brom opened his eyes.

For a moment, he was still in the secret room he had grown that day. He was surrounded by deep, dark green and golden motes of dust floated around him, light dancing across his half open eyelids. He expected to feel Selena's soft form against his side, smell the grapefruit and vanilla shampoo that she always used before she saw him.

Instead he smelled pine.

He remembered he was in Ellesmera.

And he remembered she was gone.

At first, his heart ached. He had left her. He had left her and let her go and now she was gone and he wondered again how he could keep going.

But then he heard a voice.

"Brooom! Hey, I'm done for today! We gotta go back!" Eragon pushed through the brush to his left. "There you are. Did you fall asleep or something?"

The older Rider grunted and stood, snatching up his extinguished pipe. "You take too long."

"Master Oromis said I wasn't listening well enough the last few times." Eragon shrugged and fell into step next to Brom as he led the way back to the elf's hut. "You okay, though?"

"I'm fine, boy." His memories still tugged at him. "Tell me what you heard. We can review so Oromis doesn't scold the both of us."

As Eragon recounted the fruits of his exercise, Brom found himself inadvertently smiling.

Selena was gone, yes. But she had left him with something extraordinary. His son. His flesh and blood.

And she left him with the memories.

(A/N: Brom needs a hug. Eragon! Hug him! HUG YOUR DAD, DAMN IT!)