Part X-2: Touch

*I couldn't fit this in Part X, so I pulled a Final Fantasy and made it a X-2. This happens after Lucca and Robo leave camp, but I don't have a good way to slide it in, so it'll be an add-on. Regardless, I hope you enjoy it!*

It was the dead of night, the campfire's warm light dwindling down. Marle awoke, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. As she looked around, someone caught her eye. Magus was sitting near the fire, legs crossed, lost in thought. Everyone else was resting for what was ahead. She crawled over to him, sitting up and leaning on him. His arm moved up to wrap around her shoulders.

"It's almost time," she muttered. "What do you plan to do after we defeat Lavos?"

"I'm going to look for my sister."

Marle looked up at him, her eyes heavy. Magus looked down at her and gave the faintest of smiles. They moved forward, locking lips in a soft kiss.

When they parted, he gently turned her around. His fingers hooked into her ponytail holder and pulled it out, releasing her hair. He combed through it, feeling the soft strands between his fingers. There was a faint scent of vanilla that emanated from her. She let out a sigh, relaxing her body. One of his fingers hooked on a knot, making her wince.

"Sorry," he muttered.

"It's okay."

Magus took that as a sign to continue. His mind wandered, remembering when he would brush Schala's hair every morning. The room would be filled with Schala's soft humming, and he would have a smile on his face. Oh, if only things could have stayed that way. But if they hadn't, Magus thought, then I wouldn't be where I am today. With Marle. His fingers escaped her blonde ponytail, hovering under the ends.

Looking back, Marle saw that Magus' eyes were glazed, his hand shaking. "Magus? Are you okay?" He blinked twice, bringing himself out of his daze.

"Yes. I was just thinking." Sighing, she turned around and cupped his face, drawing him forward so their foreheads could touch.

"Something's on your mind. Tell me."

He chuckled, pulling her in for a kiss. "It's nothing you need to worry about, I promise," he reassured. His hand found its place on top of Marle's and their fingers intertwined. She smiled, leaning into their handlock. A simple touch was all they needed to relax, to feel safe in each other's presence.

As they leaned in for another kiss, Magus heard a rustling in the nearby bushes. He pulled away, standing and positioning himself in front of Marle. Lucca walked out of the shrubbery, shocked to see they were awake.

"Oh. Hello Marle, Magus. Sorry for… interrupting," she greeted with an awkward wave. Another rustle from the woods and out came Robo.

How did we not notice them leave? Magus wondered. He looked down and saw that Marle was thinking the same thing.

"Apologies. We did not mean to wake you."

Marle shook her head, smiling. "No harm done, Robo. You two get some rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow." They both nodded their agreement, falling asleep beside each other.

She looked back at Magus, who was moving to sit beside her. He took her hair in his hands and pulled it back into her usual ponytail. Once he was done, his arm came around her shoulders, draping his cape around her. Marle closed her eyes and snuggled into him. He had a tinge of pink on his face, but paid it no mind as he tenderly rubbed Marle's shoulder. The touch lulled her to sleep, soft snores soon filling the silence. He placed a lingering kiss on her forehead before focusing his attention to their surroundings.

Tomorrow, they would fly to the Black Omen, confront Queen Zeal, and hopefully defeat Lavos once and for all.