I Need You

"Always desperate to save others, but not this time." Dorian's voice was soft, and I knew it was because he was bleeding out. Dying.

"No, please," I begged.

He shook his head, forcing a smile. "Can I kiss you?"

I closed my eyes, wishing this was all just a dream. "Anything," I said. If only he would go. I couldn't watch him die.

The blade went into his back, that damned noise making me want to throw up.

"I love you, Snow White. Always have and always will." He gently pressed his lips to mine and moved them tenderly.

The blade went in again. And he caught his breath.

I cried out, kissing him back with all the gratitude and love in my heart.

For all the years he cared for me without ever asking me to reciprocate.

Images of each time he was there and loved me unconditionally flashed through my mind.

The night I told Professor Pops, the brothers, and Kenmei, I never wanted to see them again. I awakened with my mother's blanket over me.

At the time, I hadn't realized who had done it.