Title: Crystal & Blue
Author: Lara Manic
Pairings: YukixYuu
Rs//Ws: G, none.
Setting: Feudal Japan, early 1600's.
Disclaimer: I own the storyline and any original characters mentioned.
Comments: Last part.

Yuu sat alone on the inner veranda surrounding his little garden. There was a look of utmost concentration on his face, and no one had disturbed him for quite sometime because of this, as when he was in such a contemplative mood he did not like interruption.

Across the castle, being treated by the clan physician, was Yuki. His health had taken a turn for the worst in the last few weeks and Yuu had ordered him bedridden, against the warrior's wishes.

He was startled from his thoughts by a paper-screen door sliding open behind him, then a sudden chill permeating from the figure whom emerged. Yuu stared at the blonde, a bit angered that the ice-water demon was moving about and not in bed.

"Yuki, you are supposed to be in bed resting!" Yuu said sternly, glaring at the other as he walked over and sat beside him.

Yuki was in nothing but a thin cotton kimono in the winter air, his skin almost paler than the white fabric. The front of it was open and Yuu couldn't take his eyes from Yuki's exposed chest. There was a concerned frown on his exquisite features when he spoke.

"Why do you have...so many scars?" It was an odd and timid question, but he'd never really noticed them before.

"Not all battles are won easily, my lord..." Yuki replied with a smile.

Yuu glared again, "I know this—"

"Look...it's snowing." Yuki's dreamy tone and words cut him off and he was surprised at the softness of them.

But the blonde was right, it was indeed snowing and he could tell from the way Yuki was smiling that he hadn't started it. Yuu turned his gaze to the skies and watched the snow fall for a long while, at the same time listening to Yuki's breathing. It was too soft, short and shallow, but the demon was trying to hide it.

Yuu looked down when a hand rested on his briefly, then lifted it to pale lips tinted blue. He was confused by this action but remembered the kiss given to him in delirium. Yuki was a strange man, with an odd way of doing things.

"Yuu..."

The nearly-blind lord looked up in shock, just in time for Yuki to catch him in a surprise kiss. It was gentle and sad, like a good-bye. It was also the first time Yuki had called him just by his name. Moments later, Yuki pushed him down carefully, a cold hand coming up and caressing his cheek in a ghost of affection. Yuu didn't know what else to do other than go with it, because something didn't feel right about the way Yuki was kissing him. He was confused at the disappointment he felt when Yuki pulled away, though.

"I wanted to try that sober..." Yuki murmured as he rolled off Yuu and onto his side, lying next to him.

The Phoenix lord stared at him, but he expression softened when Yuki drifted off to sleep a few minutes later. Taking note of the blonde's colder body, he scooted closer and lifted Yuki's arm and draping it over him as he curled against his warrior. At least his own body could keep the sick demona's warmer, since Yuu was always at a temperature above normal because of his heritage.

After starin at the blonde for a few moments, he too drifted to sleep.

A few hours later, Yuu felt a different kind of presence and jerked awake. When he sat up, Yuki's arm slid to his waist and he stared in something akin to fear and wonder at what he saw. On the other side of Yuki knelt a woman completely in white, except for her midnight hair, obsidian eyes, and blood-red lips. Her lips were curled in a sad, yet loving smile as she rested a hand on the blonde's shoulder.

"Who—"

She shook her head, 'It is time...' Her voiced echoed ethereally.

Yuu felt his vision go completely black and his body fell sideways next to Yuki's unable to contend with the woman's deep persuasion. When he awoke again, the ghostly apparition was long gone...and so was Yuki. A soft whimper slipped from Yuu's lips as he brushed blonde bangs from Yuki's closed eyes.

"Yuki...my Yuki..." He whispered to deaf ears.