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The knight lays there, in the midst of mud and ruby rivers. Sunlight gleaming on his armor. He feels calmer than he has ever felt in his life. Finally when he has nothing to lose, Finally when he has fulfilled his oath.
His vision forever blessed with the sight that the heavenly beauty his beloved is. God indeed has favored him. Vox feels almost jealous if not endlessly grateful as it was The Lord’s will that he managed to save his prince.
Foolishness of childish dreams shattered the moment arrows pierced his vulnerable skin. At last Vox knows playing a hero, chasing after glory will not bring no fortune nor the lost lives of his dear friends. However he did recover from his mindless ambitions. His darling will be safe. Oh what a joyous thought. His future king will live, he will rebuild what was burned to the ground.
Memories flash across his mind, each and every one of them centered around one person and one person alone.
Vox met him when he was only seven years old, deer eyes peeking from behind the queen’s gown at him with hesitation. Protectiveness came naturally to him when he was met with such delicacy.
Back then they were just Vox and Shoto. Vox and Shoto who played hide and seek, Vox and Shoto who miserably tried to plant hydrangeas but all they managed was angering the gardeners and nannies for making a mess. Vox and Shoto for whom the big world only brought wonders.
Mayhaps it was love at the first sight but Vox knows the realization of his own feelings revealed themselves on the day of his ceremony of knighthood. When his prince gowned in rich and grace and shining sword placed upon his shoulder. When he rose his head and two pairs of eyes lit their surrounding world on fire.
No longer was Vox able to deny his hidden affection from himself. He did not dare to confess his true emotions to anyone. For years he carefully locked them inside his ribcage. And if anyone guessed the suspicious pattern of his partners who only ever possessed purple hair, they did not say a word for which Vox was immensely thankful.
Laying there, the knight’s armor clutched by his prince’s hands, Vox was the happiest he has ever been. Pain forgotten, life forgotten, death forgotten. In those moments he existed for his love, he took another breath for his love, he kept his eyes open for his love.
And if anyone questioned him as to why his everything mattered only when it was of use for his love and Vox would tell them,
But what silk waves could compare to his beloved’s hair. The stars gathered all did not shine as bright as the eyes of his beloved when they were the night sky itself. Pulling him into the bottomless pit. No song was more melodic than the voice of his beloved. No cotton sheets were more softer than the gentle touch of his beloved. What flower’s aroma could be sweeter than his beloved’s scent.
The kindest soul that his beloved has. The most gentle heart that his beloved has. The unwavering bravery character that his beloved has.
Because the mere glimpse at his darling made him sightless towards all the despair and agony of the cruel world. Made him deaf to all the screams and screeches of horror. What he could only call magic encircled him when his darling was by his side.
Vox rose a single hand towards his crying Lord. Crystal tears falling down his face. He was hesitant to sully the perfect skin with blood and dirt but he needed to memorize the shapes of his for the last time. The curve of his cheek, the turn of his nose, the bow of his lips.
Irony of the fate brought a subtle smile to the knight’s face.
His lord, his grace, his holiness, his childhood friend, his beloved, his Shoto. It was already too late for broken promises of forbidden earning. All the deepest secrets were shed a light the moment two lips closed the distance between them. Vox did not have any regrets. Not when he finally laid with his darling’s face framing the world. And truly what a beautiful place this world is. He did not want to part with it but he was not afraid of doing so anymore.
The knight wished to reassure his prince that there was no need of tears, no need to give such a mournful expression to his gorgeous face. That he wished to see that blinding smile just once more. However no sound could leave his mouth. His throat felt as used whetstone.
Slowly the bits of strength in his hand also left him. The only thing left was to lay and keep his eyes open. Coldness was starting to numb his body. He was sure he could no longer sense his digits. His damn armor preventing him to feel the touches of his prince. Oh how much he desired to feel them.
His wish was unspoken yet his beloved could reach to his mind without words as he was pulled to his arms. Oh yes, words were futile devises. No sounds were needed between the conversation of souls. Eyes translating the foreign language of God.
Because the Sun that his beloved is, warmth surrounded his cooling body. Vox buried his face in the crook of the neck. Taking in the sent outmatching thousands of flowers and more.
He remained motionless, content with being by the side of his one and only true love. Vox felt cradling touches as fingers brushed his hair, as hand secured him closer. Butterfly kisses flapped their wings across his forehead.
Closing his eyes he tried to capture every single thing creating this moment. He could not get enough of it. Greediness just a human trait.
And yet
Life was seeping away with each breath. The colors of the world were clashing together. Sooner the lights were becoming deemer until finally he fell into the darkness.