𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 | 𝐣𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝

𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐱

warnings : none
notes : nearing the end :)

     The arrival back at the Hideaway was grim—Ultima still had  one more challenge left. The sudden presence of the Crystal in the sky had not gone unnoticed at the hideaway as everyone bombarded the group with questions. It was known as Origin and it seemed like Ultima was luring Clive and Joshua to it. Your home was gone—Twinside was wiped off the map and you were powerless to do anything. Dion seemed to be taking it even harder than you were. As of now there was no way to get to Origin so Otto told everyone to go away and clear their heads.

     Days passed as Clive and Jill left the Hideaway to help soothe the worries of their allies but you stayed behind with Joshua. You couldn't help but notice that Joshua had been treating you with extra care. Then one day he approached you as you were studying an old text book, "______, are you busy?" He asked rounding the corner. Marking your place before shutting the book you looked up shaking your head, "Mm no what's the problem?" You asked smiling warmly at him. He shook his head, "No problem. I just wanted to take you somewhere." He said flashing you a warm smile. You raised a brow as you pushed your seat back standing up, "Okay where's that?" You asked curiously tilting your head. He shook his head once more, "It's a surprise. Come grab your things and meet me at the docks. let's hurry before the sun begins to set." He said walking away down the boat docks. You thought it was suspicious how secretive he was being but you were quite interested. Grabbing your weapon and satchel you rushed down to the docks and quickly got on the boat to an unknown destination. You kept pestering Joshua on where you were going but he didn't give in.

~•••~

     Hiking up a small hill you panted, "Goodness Joshua this is quite the hike you've taken me on." You laughed softly. Joshua had already made it to the top, "Come on not much further my love!" He waved ushering you to hurry, "We're going to miss the sunset." He added. Huffing you picked up your pace, Finally you reached the top of the hill and joined him. the view was absolutely gorgeous wild flowers of various colors swaying gently in the wind as you overlooked the calm oceans of Oriflamme. "This is gorgeous Joshua. How did you stumble upon this? I've never been here despite it not being far from the old capital." You asked in amazement. "Jote and I found it during one of our many travels. Do you remember during your birthday celebration many years ago? A man gave you a bouquet of flowers and a note alongside it?" He asked the smile never leaving his face. You nodded, "Mhm vaguely." You replied. "That was me I was trying to give you a hint that I was still alive and I still loved you. I picked those flowers from this very spot. That day I saw you I nearly gave away my identity." He confessed shyly. It all made sense, it really was from him and you weren't going mad. "I-I thought i was going insane. I knew it was you." You said relief in your voice. It was true Joshua had never forgotten about you.

     Joshua took a step towards you, "Close your eyes." He said softly. You obliged his request and shut them. You heard him rustle around around before he finally spoke, "Open." He said. When your eyes fluttered open you saw him on one knee and he held up a delicate silver ring beautiful gem in the center of it. You gasped your hand covering your mouth as you looked into Joshua's eyes in disbelief. "A-are you?" You asked voice wavering. He nodded, "Yes I am. ______, I have loved you since the day I met you. You're the only thing that kept me going all those years we were apart. This ring is a symbol of our love. Please will you do the honor of marrying me?" He said his eyes glistened with tears and his face a red as he looked at you with a charming smile. You nodded, "Yes oh goodness yes Joshua of course I'll marrying you!" You cried out as you fell into his arms tumbling onto the plush grass below. You were crying happy tears as you laid on top of him, Joshua peppering your face with soft kisses. Slowly you two sat up sitting now in the field of flowers. "Your hand love." He said. You held it out as he slipped the ring onto your finger. "I'm the happiest man alive ______ and I have you to thank for it. I pray this ring will remind you of how much I loved you even when I'm gone." He said pressing a kiss to your hand. You frowned and your brows knitted together, something about his words made you feel nervous. It was as if he was prepping for the worst to happen—like he was dying. "Joshua is there something you're not telling me?" You asked voice quiet as you squeezed his hand. His thumb rubbed circles on the top of your hand and he shook his head, "No, it's just with my illness I never know how bad it will get. I love you ______ and I don't plan on leaving you ever. So please don't worry." He tried to reassure you. You believed him and nodded, "O-okay. I love you too Joshua." You smiled leaning forward to press a kiss to his lips.