A/N; I've noticed the blatant lack of KuroTomo. So, here I am! Too bad it's so tragic…
Disclaimer; Tsubasa is to CLAMP, as your spleen is to me. 8D

Wholly Hollow

The night's oppressive stillness make it so that his ragged gasps permeate the air along with hers. The sky was clear, and the stars twinkled brightly. The sight sickened him.

Why can't there be rain? Why can't nature fold and bend to this horrible scene, and why… why won't she stop bleeding?

"I told you not to get in the way!"

She smiles. "Why… you sound angry, Kurogane."

"I am!" he barks back, his right hand gently sliding through her thick black hair and to the back of her neck, pulling her closer to him. "Stupid woman…"

Why is she smiling while her life ebbs away?! Why isn't she crying? Why is she so calm in the face of death, while I am… terrified at the prospect of losing her?

"You look sad."

"I am!"

"Don't be so melancholy, Kurogane."

He can't help it. He grits his teeth and bends low, on his knees, pressing his forehead to hers. "I can't lose you," he grounds out, wrapping her small, soft, bleeding body into his arms. "Not you."

"If not me, then who else?" The same small smile plays on her lips. "Not you, surely."

Why won't you see that I need you, dammit?! Why won't you stop bleeding…

"Why would you sacrifice yourself!?"

She touches his face and kisses his cheek. "Because I want you to live."

The corners of his eyes feel hot and he holds her near. "I can't…"

"You can."

"… live without…"

"You will."

"… you."

"You must."

It is some sick game, he is sure. She is testing him. She will be fine when he confesses something rash that will tie him to marriage, he is sure of it!

Please stop bleeding…

"I serve," he murmurs, cradling her head to his chest, "you. And only you." The heat that pools around his eyes threatens to spill over and he swallows. It is a difficult task. "Who will I serve without you?"

"My sister."

"Don't make jokes at a time like this!"

"But what better time to make jokes than now, Kurogane?" Her voice is quieter, more breathy. She is struggling to even speak. And she is right.

"Don't… please don't leave me." He is a child once more, without his parents, facing his own demons that want him, want him for his want of her. "You can joke all you want… but… please…"

"Do not beg. It does not suite you, no matter how adorable it is."

She is short of breath, and he knows that he must, must see the Time-Space Witch once more, and soon, because…

Why would you leave me, why would you leave me, why would you leave me, why would you leave me; why, why, why?

"Ku… ro…" she gasped, the grip of her fingers relaxing on his chest. He closes his eyes and breathes.

"I'll be right here," he hushes, letting one scortching tear trail from his eye to her pale face. "Don't worry; I'm here." He cries, and breathes in the scent of her resonating warmth

one

last

time.

: I can't save your life,
Though nothing I bleed for is more tormenting.
I'm losing my mind and you just stand there and stare as my world divides :

- Fin -