I'm the kinda guy who wants to show you why,

Love can conquer all.

Don't be worried, Don't be scared;

Just know that I'll be there.

  "What are you scared of?"

A frown adorned her lips at my question. I shrugged, averting my gaze as 'Atalanta' simply looked at me, an eyebrow raised. "Why do you need to ask, 'Achilles'?"

"You looked pretty terrified back then," I whispered, as she stiffened. A dangerous glint sparked in her azure eyes as I spoke. "Like you couldn't shoot--"

"I'm fine, Achilles," She cut in sharply, turning on her heel. "What you are implying is nothing but a blatant falsehood."

"Then why are you trembling right now?"

I'm never gonna leave you;

I'm never gonna break your heart again.

I'm never gonna leave you.

"This is nothing!" I could hear her voice quake as she spoke, her eyes bright - as though she was about to cry.

I stood up, grabbing hold of her arm. Her sleeve rolled down to her elbow, exposing countless tiny white scars running up and down her pale skin. At the sight, she tensed, attempting to free herself from my hold. I tightened my grip, my other hand now taking hold of her shoulder.

"It's 'nothing'?" I questioned, resting my forehead against hers. She was evidently shaking now, stubborn tears pooling in her eyes. "Then what are you crying for, you idiot?"

My love's inside of you and that heart that pounds;

I'm never gonna leave, never gonna leave.  

"You're calling me an--"

"Yes, you!" I snapped, "Stop keeping things from me already. I'm your partner, aren't I? Shouldn't you trust me? How am I supposed to help you if you don't even--"

"I don't need your help!" Atalanta cried, tears now streaming freely down her face. "You don't know anything; stop prying into my life!"

"I want to help you because I love you!" I yelled, heat creeping up my cheeks at the realization. Shit. That came out of nowhere, didn't it..? "Dammit, Aoi, tell me!"

"You're letting your emotions blind you, Basil," She replied shakily, "Stop. Just... stop."

"Aoi--"

"Leave me alone. I don't need you."  

You're the only one I wanna hold;  

"Aoi, please--"

"Leave me the fuck alone!" I slammed the door shut, all the while extremely conscious of the tears still rolling down my cheeks. He was still out there; I could hear his pleas as I took a seat, reclining against the oak door. Damn it, Basil.

Why can't you understand? I don't want this.. I don't want you to get hurt.

More so if you knew the truth.

I felt the familiar pain in my chest, together with the constricting agony in my lungs. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't speak. 

But I was still content.

Maybe if I do this, he wouldn't have to get hurt in my stead.

I reached out, fingering the blade within my hands, positioning it right above my wrist. Its newly sharpened edge hovered over my pale skin, as I took a shaky breath.

If I did this, I didn't have to assassinate him.

A tear dripped down my chin, splattering against my skin. The first cut wasn't too deep; blood barely bubbled up to the surface. I dug the blade in deeper; my fingertips now slick with crimson, I could barely hold the weapon.

Countless times I repeated the procedure.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," I gasped, as darkness threatened to overcome my vision. "I'm sorry that I should leave. I'm sorry I never wanted to tell you.

"I didn't want you to be hurt more when I did this. I'm sorry.

"I love you too.." I whispered, a sorrowful smile claiming my lips. "Basil."

  Don't be worried don't be scared;

Just know that I'll be there.  

All I heard was silence.

"Aoi..?" I nudged the door open, frowning as I realized something was blocking the way. That same irritation was replaced by horror.. and realization as I saw what was beyond that door.

That something was her body.

Her corpse.

"Oh God, please.." I collapsed to my knees, taking her lifeless form into my arms. "Please.. no..."

Her eyes were closed, a small smile upon her lips. Her fiery hair lay limp around her shoulders, as scarlet as the blood accumulating upon her pale skin.

Countless, haphazard cuts lined her wrist, oozing with her blood.

She committed suicide.

And I didn't know why.

I'm never gonna leave you,

I'm never gonna turn my back and run.

I'm never gonna leave you.  

"Why..?" I whispered, tears streaming down my cheeks as I hugged her closer to my torso, brushing her hair away from her face. She looked so peaceful, yet regretful at the same time - like she descended into a place which was both paradise and hell.

"Why did you leave me? We promised to each other, didn't we? We'd always be there to support one another. Why? Why did you lie to me?

"I love you, Aoi," I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, my tears splattering against her pallid skin. "I'm sorry I never noticed you were in pain. I'm sorry I wasn't always by your side. I'm sorry. I always thought you were the one who was stronger out of the two of us.

"I'm sorry. I love you." 

But she will never give me her answer to that.

- E N D -

[I know I promised a happier one, but look what I did. Meh, it's crappy writing anyway. Hope you enjoyed - or maybe cried, which I highly doubt. I don't even know if this can be canon..]