The day he met Shulk was a day he did not expect to alter both his reality and his dreams. It had seemed unfathomable at the time that this mysterious injured man could affect him so greatly. He would simply take him in and nurse him back to health; his duty as the Hero-King – and to satisfy his own personal kindness – required him to do it.

But he did not expect to admire his soft blue eyes or his silky blonde hair or his adorably charming smile.

He did not expect to want to hear Shulk's sweet laughter and angelic voice every moment of the day.

He did not expect to form such a strong bond with Shulk that it inevitably lead to the development of the emotion he hadn't quite grasped yet: love. And as a result, he could quite let Shulk go once the blonde returned to a normal state of health.

The Hero-King's very existence revolved around the boy that captured his heart and tied it with chains, binding them together for what the Hero-King hoped would be eternity.

His days were spent with this boy that he knew so little about, but felt as though he knew forever and in a past lifetime. The bluenette promised himself that he would dedicate every fiber of his being to Shulk.

He was surprised and touched when on one fateful day, Shulk promised the same to him.

He was surprised and touched when the blonde's declaration of love reached his ears.

And he was surprised and pained when the blonde informed him of his departure.

The Hero-King understood the reasoning, he truly did: he, too, had to save his people, his world at one point in time. But he did want to understand. He wanted to deny the words he was hearing and enclose himself in a false sanctuary.

But he could not do that, for the sharp reality would always come back to haunt him, taunt him, mock him.

So they said their goodbyes and their last sweet nothings. And as the bluenette stared into Shulk's eyes, he could detect the saddening feeling of hurt tainting his oceanic eyes.

And as they held each other, both relishing each other's warmth, he could feel the sudden onset of tears.

And as he was kissed upon the lips, his world became the nurturing home of only one feeling: heartbreak.

Left alone, the Hero-King found that the tears had released themselves from their emotional prison. Even now, they continue to roam for sorrowful freedom.

The Hero-King reminisced upon the bittersweet memories that he had locked away, occasionally unlocking it to hear again the words that he would never forget.

"I'll forever love you Marth; I promise that we'll meet again."

Standing in the fields in which he found Shulk, the bluenette smiled.

"I'll forever love you as well, Shulk."

And as his words faded into the cool breeze, he noticed a figure in the distance waving at him, calling to him.

And as the figure moved closer, the Hero-King realized that the promise made so long ago was fulfilled.

Another kissed was shared.

Tears now aimed for joyful freedom.

And a sense of poignancy was felt between them.

Something's off...*pushes Marth and Shulk's cute faces together* There. Perfect.