Summary: Originally posted for NNT Week: Happy Ending. Years of dead ends and false hopes, seeking a miracle. Nothing will stop Ban from keeping his promise. (Spoilers for NNT Manga ahead).

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Ban's arms wrap around Elaine, lift her body from the petals. How many times has he held her like this? Cold, lifeless.

Never again.

Countless years of literal hell, of getting the shit beat out of him again and again, of knowing Elaine was waiting and not being able to reach her. Countless years of hoping for the impossible. And he actually found it, right before they escaped.

His entire life has been taking. Taking pain and punishment and learning to be strong. Taking from others to survive, to entertain himself, to fight. Taking lives to bring about change. He always thought it his greatest strength. Until he learned to give.

His palm settles over her heart and he lets his power bleed out. Finally, a good use for his endless life.

What if you gain eternal life and nothing good ever comes your way? The words echo, haunting him.

Seconds slip by, minutes. And nothing seems to change. But Ban doesn't give a damn. He won't give up, he promised! Teeth clench and his hand shakes. More, he has to give more. And it doesn't matter that it hurts, like fire sliding through his veins as his life flows into her. That it leaves him weak and vulnerable. Really, what's a little more pain? He died the moment her heart stopped beating,

The faintest thrum beneath his fingers makes his breath hitch. "Come back to me, Elaine. Please." His voice breaks on the word, a cry of his lost soul.

Petals drift by in the wind, swirling in a pink storm.

A beat this time. Once, twice. And when her lashes flutter open, those golden eyes light up the world.

They crash into one another, kissing desperately, joyfully.

And Ban knows. He doesn't have to live forever. He's already found far better than good.