A few years on, Jade and G’raha shared a calm walk together along the tranquil pier of Old Sharlayan, beneath a night sky brimming with stars. Such peaceful moments had always been scarce, but tonight granted a rare respite.

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“They say that time heals all wounds, but honestly, I disagree. Time merely teaches us how to carry the loss. Some wounds run so deeply, not even a lifetime could truly mend them. And even then, you must consider the scars left behind and how deeply they—”

She had been doing this more frequently, particularly over the last year-taking things overly literally, overthinking them. G’raha merely smiled, a gentle chuckle escaping him as he gazed upwards at the stars. He could feel the intensity of her gestures through the subtle shifts of her hand in his; it was endearing, a silent yet vivid conversation.

The pair continued their slow, leisurely walk toward the pier, embraced by a cool yet gentle breeze that intensified slightly as they approached the waterfront. After four years in Old Sharlayan, the familiar scent of the ocean was comforting, though it always seemed stronger along the docks.

Lost in thought, G’raha admired the stars-a sight he cherished deeply after his time trapped beneath eternal daylight. Without breaking his gaze from the celestial expanse, he leaned gently toward Jade and whispered softly:

“You’re doing it again, Jade.”

His voice carried warmth and amusement.

“W— I— er…”

She stammered, abruptly brought back to reality, blushing with embarrassment as she hugged his arm tightly.

“…I simply liked the quote…”

She muttered quietly, pouting slightly and leaning forward to hide her reddening cheeks, though her ears gave away her embarrassment. He chuckled warmly.

“Enough to dissect it quite so thoroughly?”

He tilted his head slightly, glancing down at her with a playful, teasing grin. She looked up, smirking shyly, before they both laughed softly. Jade pressed closer, resting her head comfortably against his arm.

They arrived at their favourite spot-a quiet bend on the pier, free from ships, offering the perfect vantage point to admire the brightest stars and the gentle murmur of the nearby waterfall.

“Magnificent, is it not?”

G’raha breathed deeply, absorbing the beauty of the night sky.

“Truly,” Jade agreed softly, “one never quite becomes accustomed to it.”

“For which I am grateful.”

The serenity of the moment enveloped them both, Jade sinking peacefully against G’raha’s shoulder.

“…I recognise that pattern,” she murmured, lazily gesturing toward a cluster resembling a hammer. “Byregot’s hammer… I used to search for it nightly with my sister.”

G’raha leaned his cheek gently against her head, careful not to disturb her calm ears.

“Every evening, we’d sit beside the flower bed. I’d try counting the stars, and inevitably, I’d awaken the next morning in bed, hens clucking outside…”

Her voice softened with nostalgia, captivating him with this rare glimpse into her past. Slowly, G’raha wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her closer. She leaned further into him, her eyes still lost among the stars.

“I’d stumble downstairs each morning, half-asleep, clutching the little straw moogle she made me… She’d always ask if I remembered how many stars I’d counted, but of course, I never did…”

Her voice began to quiver gently, tears welling up. He held her tighter, sensing her comfort despite the emotion.

“What was the moogle’s name?” he asked softly.

“How do you know I gave it a name?”

“You always name the things you love.”

She chuckled lightly, conceding his point.

“…Mr Fuzz,” she admitted reluctantly.

“Mr Fuzz,” he echoed with gentle amusement. “Perhaps not the most imaginative, but…”

He paused as she tilted her head slightly to look up at him.

“…I find it charming.”

“Well, I was only four… or five.”

He chuckled softly, warmth radiating from his smile.

“They would be immensely proud of you.”

“G’raha, I wouldn’t even be here if not for you.”

“That doesn’t alter the fact they would be proud.”

A quiet moment lingered.

“And besides, I wouldn’t be here without you, either.”

“Hah, you’re welcome, crystal boy.”

They laughed gently together as he held her even closer. A thoughtful silence passed between them.

“We rarely have moments like these anymore, do we?” Jade sighed softly.

“Aye. One never imagines moments like these becoming luxuries.”

Playfully, she poked his cheek.

“I did warn you about the joys of parenting, G’raha~.”

“Yet, I would not trade it for anything.”

“I know, I know.”

Another pause, gentle and reflective.

“Even after four years, I’m still not used to it… being a mother. It still feels surreal.”

“I suspect it always shall.”

“…Much like this view, isn’t it?”

She adjusted her wedding ring slightly, looking lovingly at him.

“I feel I don’t say it enough these days, but I love you.”

He smiled tenderly.

“And I love you as well.”

His voice conveyed quiet certainty, easing her lingering doubts. Her ears relaxed slightly with relief.

Suddenly, she felt the urge to confess something deeper.

“G’raha, years ago, when I became a Reaper, I—”

“You need not force yourself.”

“No, I need to say this.”

Seeing her resolve, he nodded gently, listening attentively.

“Becoming a Reaper made me feel like I lost part of myself-part of what it meant to be truly alive. Despair overwhelmed me, and I only made things worse. I hurt everyone… especially you.”

Her voice trembled slightly, fists clenching tightly. G’raha gently placed a reassuring hand atop hers.

“I know,” he whispered gently. “But you did what you believed was right. You acted out of a desire to protect everyone. I understand that fully.”

She looked up as he continued earnestly:

“I traded everything to save the Crystarium, the shard, and all of you, even planning to sacrifice myself. We were both determined that the other should not bear our burdens…”

She reached out, cupping his cheek lovingly.

“We simply wished for the same thing…”

“To protect one another…”

They spoke softly, voices blending in harmony. He squeezed her hand gently.

“And because of that, we are both still here, despite it all.”

“Thank you, G’raha, for everything.”

They embraced lovingly, turning their gaze back toward the stars, their hearts lighter than before.

“I wonder if the children have fallen asleep yet,” Jade yawned gently.

“That likely depends on the story Y’shtola chose tonight.”

She chuckled softly.

“Perhaps we should bring them next time—let them count the stars too.”

“Perhaps we might procure some Mr Fuzz toys for them. I hear they are quite popular.”

She scoffed playfully, halting their walk to turn him around, gently challenging him.

“I swear, if you tell anyone about that…”

“I propose a deal, then…”

He intertwined his fingers with hers, leaning in closely.

“I shall remain silent if you agree to repeat this evening next week.”

She smiled warmly, eyes sparkling.

“How about every week instead?”

His smile brightened.

“I would dearly love that.”

“Then it’s a date.”

Fin.