[Keith closes his eyes. Death and The Black Paladin resonate. If that had been told to him ages ago he would have stared at them. He slowly lets go of Kravitz and steps back, slapping at his back. Bits of dead flowers fall to their feet.

He slowly smiles, something small and real lit from within by the swirl of feelings in his chest. Gratitude, affection, quiet calm and contentment. Worry still dances there and always will just by the nature of the islands.]

I knew you would. Well, that’s the lives we are leading. I know who I am. You know who you are. One way or the other we’ll be okay. And so no flowers grow out of me for keeping this to myself.

You’re the closest person to me other than Shiro. I will always have your back when you need it.