Our actions shape the future, ours and those who come after. We don't know the impact our actions will have down the road, and often times that ignorance is a blessing. Though we may be curious, knowing can hurt. Then there are the times, when our actions are to the betterment of those we care for. Drake Ampora was dead, and with several eyewitnesses to verify it as self-defense, Kankri was in no trouble for it. He was upset at having killed another living being, but given the alternative he was willing to live with it.

Life went on for everyone else. Cronus and Eridan moved back into their apartment now that their dad wasn't a threat anymore, and Kankri spent a lot of time over there as well as at his own home. He and Cronus practiced relentlessly for the play until finally the day arrived, one week after Drake Ampora's death. Kankri stood behind the curtain, eyes wide as he took in the size of the crowd. He could see his aunt in the front row, sitting beside officer Pyrope, and Mindy Serket, holding hands with the latter. As the room continued to fill up, he shuddered, turning to go back to the dressing rooms.

"I can't believe I'm actually going to do this…" He complained to Cronus as he entered the room, catching him as he was pulling on the top of his costume. Cronus grinned. "Relax Chief, it's not so bad." Kankri glared at him, pointing to the dress he was supposed to wear. Their drama teacher had opted for him not to wear a wig, instead getting his cousin Porrim to style it for him. The dress had been a combined effort from all three of the Maryam girls, and as such it was absolutely gorgeous.

"You're not the guy being forced to dress up and act like a girl." Kankri grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest nervously. Cronus smiled and walked up to him, wrapping his arms around the smaller boy. "Relax. It'll be ok. You make a great Juliet. And I promise no one will make fun of you." Kankri slowly relaxed and sighed. "You better be right, Cronus…" The Ampora grinned and kissed his cheek before yanking off Kankri's shirt to force him into the dress. The curtain would rise soon, and they both needed to be ready.

"What's here? a cup, clos'd in my true love's hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end. O churl! drunk all, and left no friendly drop To help me after! I will kiss thy lips; Haply, some poison yet doth hang on them, To make me die with a restorative." Kankri said the lines perfectly, a faint tremble in his fingers as he felt the eyes of the crowd on him. How many knew he was a guy? How many were going to make fun of him? He swallowed hard as he leaned down to deliver the kiss, feeling Cronus' very small smile against his lips. For some reason, just that little bit was enough to reassure him, and he continued the rest of his part, and when the curtain fell on the end of the final scene, he breathed a small sigh of relief.

"Not bad Chief." Cronus told him. Kankri resisted the urge to whack him. They went about the final bows amidst a storm of clapping, Cronus and Kankri's fingers gently intertwined. After it all Dolores threw a party back at the house, all of their friends gathering to congratulate them on a job well done. Then came the toasts and music, and Kankri found himself slipping out to the back yard to escape all the noise and people. Cronus followed him and they stood for a moment in the quite night, silent as they looked up at the cloud covered sky.

"Looks like it might rain." Cronus said softly after a little while and Kankri nodded. The music from inside drifted out to them, changing to a slow song and Cronus grinned, turning to face Kankri and bow. "May I have this dance, my lady Juliet?" Kankri blinked at him in surprise a couple times then laughed softly, giving an awkward curtsy in his jeans. "That you may, my Romeo." He was blushing furiously as he said it and Cronus grinned wider, wrapping his arms around Kankri's waist. The shorter boy's arms went up around his shoulders as they slowly danced in the grass, both of them content.

"I wish we could stay like this. Just the two of us." Kankri said quietly, head going down to rest on Cronus' shoulder. Cronus hummed softly in reply, kissing his foehead just before a drop of rain fell from the sky. That drop was followed by another and soon it was raining, soaking them through. "We should go inside." Kankri said, his feet still moving in denial of his words. Cronus smiled, leaning his head down to kiss Kankri softly. "It's only water." He murmured.

Kankri smiled, kissing him back as they danced in the rain.

End.

Ok some thanks are in order, for everyone who posted reviews and supported me through this endeavor. Special thanks go to Consuming Endless Nightmare, for being my most consistent reviewer. Thanks also go to everyone who read the story all the way to the end, and even those who quit halfway. At least you tried to read it, right?

I have to admit, this is the first time I've finished any story since the fourth grade, and to top it off, this was my first ever fanfic. Since I don't seem to have done too badly, I've already started planning more, namely one titled "Cowboys with Swords". It will be a DirkJake/JohnDave focused fanfic, and if you're interested, keep an eye out for it. I'll have the first chapter up before you know it.

Thank you again to all my readers and reviewers.