Rachel’s love had burned him through, brighter than all the stars in the sky and hotter than the Phoenix flame. As much as it hurt, it was ever slowly starting to heal.

Celes’ breath brushed against his shoulder, and Terra’s heartbeat fluttered beneath his hand, and for once, sprawled across one of the Falcon’s overplush sofas, he felt peace. Kefka could keep the world, if it meant having the next few moments.

But he had to open his eyes at Edgar’s teasing tsk.

"Huhn," Locke sighed, perfectly happy with remaining inert. "When’s the last time you gave me a hug?"