Notes: A continuation the 'Travels of a Ryassophore' one-shot series. I would suggest reading the stories previous to get a basic gist of how this'll be going, an it's greatly suggested as... this is the end and all that jazz.

Warnings: This story contains various plot devices, and if it ends up being continued/finished... There is light slash, meaning little more than soft kissing. Any criticisms of this or flames will be looked at and promptly posted for others to mock at.

Finally, any reviews are appreciated, especially those which contain constructive criticism. Thank you!

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The World of Ends

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Finite

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/Travels of a Ryassophore/

Cole awoke only a few hours later, the light of the morning sun filling the room with warm light. He sat up some and looked down at the still, sleeping form beside him. He hesitated and didn't move for a good while as he built up the courage to gently touch Al's shoulder. There was another pause as he looked at the contrast of their skin tones, but was brought back to focus when Al stirred from the prolonged contact.

"A-ah," Cole said, smiling softly down at him when his eyes opened. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean t'wake ya just yet..." He retracted his hand. "How're ya feelin'? Well enough t'try t'sit up?"

"Perhaps... I could be propped up?" The man looked at Cole hopefully.

Cole nodded and looked around the room thoughtfully. "There's not a lot o'pillows or anythin' that I can see, so..." He moved, carefully, to sit in front of Al with his back against the headboard, his legs parted so that one was on either side of the man. "I'll be yer prop. What do ya need me t'help with t'get ya propped up?"

"Could you possibly help roll me over?" Al shifted some, bring up his arm to lightly push against the mattress. "I could do it myself, but I don't want to move too fast and undo the healing the young shrine girl did."

"A'right." He leaned forward and, as gently as he could, supported Al's weight as he moved onto his back and guided him to rest against Cole's chest. "There ya go." He moved his head to rest the side of his against the other's. "'ow's that? I'm not hurtin' ya, am I?"

The man let himself relax slowly. "No, this is fine, provided it's not bothering you." Al sighed softly and let his eyes close, pulling the sheets up around the two of them.

"Nah, not at all." He moved one arm to wrap around Al's waist to steady him and the other to intertwine their fingers together. "'ey, since yer feelin' better, mind if I ask a pers'nal question?"

"Please, feel free." Al smiled softly as he spoke, feeling Cole's hand rest comfortably on his hip.

Cole let go of Al's hand and lifted his to touch the cheek opposite of him, leaning to the side some so that when he tilted Al's head toward him they were crookedly face-to-face. He flushed heavily when the tips of their noses brushed together, but he managed to ask in a calm, soft voice, "May I kiss you, Elya?"

The man raised his own hand to lay on the back of Cole head and pushed him down. Lips met lips in a small connection. Pulling back just slightly, Al smiled. "You can do it again, if you want."

Cole swallowed hard, his whole face completely red, but he managed his boyish grin. "I don't know, it might not be healthy for ya in yer condition..." Despite, he leaned down and kissed him, the hand against Al's cheek moving to join his other hand by resting on the opposite hip. He pulled back to break the kiss after it had lingered for a few sweet, gentle moments. "I..." He closed his eyes as he rested his forehead against Al's. "I guess ya already know, but I like you, a lot... an' I don't care 'bout the assassin stuff, so..." He trailed off before opening his eyes halfway and grinning. "... if ya wanna keep traveling or settle down somewhere, I'd like t'do it with ya."

"I was hoping you'd ask."

/from the traveling diary of a wandering Ryassophore/

...to be continued as we please (signed, kris-et-dan)