heartbreak is one thing, my ego's another

KOA

Why didn't anyone suggest they just talk? Actually, no- someone did (thanks, Ronin), which is really how they've wound up here, Koa forcing himself past his insecurities to finally voice the way he feels. And even though he knows it could well get him murdered (thanks, Ronin), the young Dragoon finds he's elated, buoyant with the confession's weight off his shoulders and the potential of a future that could, now, come. He may not have a wedding scrapbook or the names of his kids picked out, but that doesn't mean he's not a dreamer. All he's ever wanted is a goal, a reason.

Maybe it could be her.

"It's a date," Koa promises, ardent gaze never leaving her face as his fingers continue to trace hers. It's about as un-romantic a setting as possible, with the Dragoon concussed, his blood on Flora, the bar a disaster beyond the hidden door. And yet to Koa it's absolutely perfect, an apt culmination of their years-long dance. He has no idea, of course, about his competition, no way of knowing that even now Flora's deciding between him and a blue-eyed Captain. As far as Koa is concerned, this is the beginning of their happily ever after.

The poor, naïve fool.

"I'd very much like to kiss you now," the Dragoon declares through a grin like sunshine, "If the offer still stands."

With each love I cut loose, I was never the same
Watching still living roots be consumed by the flame

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!