Author's Note: AU coda to Glühen episode 13. References to the Dramatic Collection II and Dramatic Precious drama CDs. Written February 2003.

The soft murmur of the waves is familiar in the way scenery from his past is; an echo of what Aya thought he had forgotten. Kikyou stands there with the same smile, and his laugh is as clear as it was two years ago, and two years ago before that. In a way it is heartening to know he has been waiting, four years and counting, and Aya tells himself that perhaps this was always how it would end, and how it was always meant to.

He notices, vaguely, that the blood is gone, and the rain no longer falls.

"Ran-kun. Finally." Kikyou holds out a hand in mock-invitation, and his smile widens.

"Finally," Aya echoes, and this time there is no need and nothing to choose. His eyes close, and he offers up a last apology to all those fallen or left behind, the deaths he could not prevent and the lives he will not see: kyou, asami, sena, youji ken omi -

Aya-chan -

- and sighs, soft enough for the waves bury the sound, and feels something else leave with that whisper of breath.

And Ran opens his eyes, and smiles, and takes the offered hand.