This is the end my loves.

Please enjoy.

Read. Review, all that good jazz.

Until next time, and next story!

-Daedricgurl

Final Chapter

(Same day)

It was the time of day that still had birds calling to each other and made a methodical way of their movements. Roderich watched them, mostly blind as he was; merely could see their shadows, so he listened, adrenaline pumping through him still. He couldn't yet feel the pain in his throat or hands. His hearing tuned in to every noise, just in case. But Vash had killed him, Vash wouldn't have had it any other way. That man would probably rather be fired then let anything happen to Roderich; let alone anyone in their little 'group'. He'd killed for them, as could be seen.

Roderich could hear Vash talking in the police cruiser, only the lights flashing now. Honestly, Roderich couldn't remember ever hearing them by this point. These events must have just happened too fast. Slowly he's starting to feel heavy and weak, especially in his chest. Then, he looks up right as a familiar car pulls in. Elizabeta comes tumbling out. That's when he suddenly feels like pains of his body. Things stop moving in slow motion, his torn hands tremble and he just begins to wail. Tears falling heavily once again, moaning in pain, the trauma and events… He was so scared; rather he'd been so scared. It all just came and hit him at once.

Elizabeta has folder him into her arms, Roderich wraps his own around her, careful not to rub his bloody hands on her dress; though she couldn't have cared less for that. She's crying too when she sees his injuries. She's leaned back, stroking his cheeks, brushing back his hair and wiping away his tears.

"Good God you're alive. Oh good God..."

Her voice is trembling, gentle with him like only he's allowed to see this side. Roderich sobs into her touch; she brushes away his tears yet again. She didn't blame him for crying, not at all. Then she kisses him, and he kisses her back. The taste is salty from all the years, and she won't let go, and he can't either. They were so glad to see each other, the feelings palpable in the air.

They've pulled away for air; Roderich only gives small hiccups, a few dry sobs dragged from his breathing.

"Why, oh why did I ever let you leave? This would have never happened, I…I…"

"P-please Liz, don't feel guilty over this. I-it was fate. I believe…" a few stutters through his labored breathing and rasping voice.

"Roderich…" It's Gilbert, there the apparition stands before them. He looks very sad, but also understanding and relieved. Both are a little stunned, something off and not right about his presence. Gilbert reaches out, trying to dry the tracks that stain Roderich's cheeks. Rough voice pulled from their chests, vocal chords vibrate at words that aren't theirs; bouncing off houses and trees to be carried on the breeze.

"He'sdead…" The fingers that can only prick cold through his skin moves to the bruises around his neck. Only temporary soothing touch. "Icanfinallyrestnow,youknow…" Their attention now caught. Now that they're paying attention, what is being said seems to dawn on them; Gilbert's purpose was to save Roderich from this one man, now dead in the house. By calling out to Arthur, who contacted Vash, so on, so forth. On the side it helped Roderich re-attach himself to Elizabeta, but was this really a happy ending? Not in the long run.

The wind kicks up, the tips of his gored fingers tingle. Like dust, or milk into water; Roderich was forced to watch Gilbert's shimmering form.

"No!" He's jumped up, reached out, and mangled hands almost connecting with Gilbert's. They slide right through, another desperate cry. He'd really liked Gilbert! He didn't want him to go!

"Manup." That shimmering face glowed, radiating with a smile. Angling his head to look at the sky. "I'llkeepwatchfromheaven.Justdomeafavor,ja?Don'teverforgetaboutme."

"Such a thing would be impossible! Gilbert! Thank you!" But Roderich felt those words did not even convey how he felt.

Seeing Gilbert's brilliant smile though, he knew it'd been enough. That was the first time anyone had ever thanked him. Being an ex-Nazi, it was also the first time he'd ever saved someone.

Just like that, Gilbert slips through Roderich's fingers. Blood and tears flow to the ground. Though he'd been blind, he'd watch each grain float into the sky.