*We last left our heroes after Thorn and Kuja finally realised their feelings for each other.*
Kuja: *Smiles at Thorn and then lays his head on his chest.* Do you think we should tell the others?
Thorn: Um... I don't know.
Kuja: I don't think I'll be able to keep it a secret...
Thorn: No me neither. Kind of thing you want to shout from the rooftops, isn't it?
Kuja: Well, maybe you want to do that... I just want to tell the gang. More importantly, I should... break up with Laurenza.
Thorn: Are you sure?
Kuja: Unless you don't mind being stringed along. *Winks.*
Thorn: Hmm... Are you really prepared to do that for me?
Kuja: Break up with Laurenza? Yeah... I mean, we haven't been the best of couples lately, have we? Unless throwing your partner out the castle is a new trend.
Thorn: Heh...
Kuja: I don't know how she'll take it, though. Come to think of it, I don't know how anyone will take it.
Thorn: Only one way to find out, I guess...
Kuja: *Nods.* Mmm... Can't we lie here a little longer instead?
Thorn: Sure.
Kuja: You're really comfy, you know?
Thorn: Thanks...
Kuja: I could lie here all day.
Thorn: We'll have to get up eventually.
Kuja: Ohh, why?
Thorn: Because rigor mortis isn't good for my complexion.
Kuja: Good point. Okay, let's get up then. *Looks around.* Now where did I leave my clothes?
Thorn: *Smiles some.*
Kuja: Oh, here they are. *Picks them up off the floor and starts getting dressed.*
Thorn: But... what are we going to actually say?
Kuja: How about this? 'Hey guys, Thorn and me are going out. What's for dinner?'
Thorn: *Laughs.* Maybe not.
Kuja: Then I'm stumped.
Thorn: Maybe... we should just let on gently...
Kuja: Yes, we should. But I still want to go to dinner. I need a cup of tea.
Thorn: Maybe we should go down.
Kuja: Maybe you should get some clothes on.
Thorn: Oh yeah, that could help...*Puts some on.*

*They go down to the dining hall and Tifanel is ladling out chicken curry onto plates from a big pot. He also has to keep Kitzie from jumping in the pot.*
Ana: Mmm, smells delish.
Tifanel: It's my secret recipe.
Laurenza: You say that about everything. Even toast.
Li: Hey, no one makes toast quite like Tif.
Kuja: Burnt to a crisp?
Tifanel: Do you want feedin' or not? Cos I could easily take away your share.
*They all sit down to eat Tifanel's 'special' curry.*
Kuja: *Nudges Thorn under the table.*
Thorn: Huh? What...?
Kuja: You know...
Thorn: I...
Kuja: Go on...
Thorn: I... can't.
Tifanel: What're you guys whispering about over there?
Kuja: Well, I suppose if you want something doing... Right. Yes. Okay. Now. Right. Well. Yes. Okay.
Li: What are you babbling about?
Lierlo: Is there something you want to say?
Kuja: There is actually, but it's the saying it part I'm having difficulty with.
Li: Well, you move your lips...
Kuja: Quiet you. This is a very serious, important announcement. So serious, and so important... Oh, I can't say it.
Thorn: Some of may react in odd ways... some of you might not understand. *He stands up.* We can't keep this from you any longer... please don't be alarmed... Me and Kuja... we're... in love.
*The gang all stare at them in disbelief, the smirks fading from Li and Tifanel's faces (Minus Kitzie and Cassandra who both seem to be very interested in the same ceiling tile).*
Li & Tif: *Spontaneously burst out laughing.*
Lierlo: It's not funny. Don't be so prejudiced.
*The two of them shut up.*
Lierlo: Well... As long as you're both happy, I guess it's okay.
Ana: No it's not okay! My dad's a queer!
Laurenza: *Is still looking slightly shocked. She pushes her chair back and leaves the room in a hurry.*
Kuja: Oh dear... I guess she didn't take the news very well.
Li: Hee hee hee...
Kuja: *Fires some Magick at him.* Maybe I should go talk to her.
Thorn: Maybe we both should...
Kuja: Okay.
Li: *Twitches slightly on the floor.*

*Thorn and Kuja go to Laurenza's room.*
Kuja: *Knocks.* Laurenza, can we talk?
Laurenza: Yes, come in.
*They go in. Laurenza is sat on her bed, looking distressed.*
Kuja: I'm sorry Laurenza, I should have told you first, in private.
Laurenza: I don't mind. You two go off and have a happy life together.
Thorn: We can't leave you here, wallowing like this...
Laurenza: No, no. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine, sitting here, alone.
Thorn: You're not alone, no matter what happens. No matter what any of us go through, both of us will always love you as a friend.
Laurenza: But that's not good enough for me! *Tears form in her eyes.* I still love you, Kuja. I have your child!
Kuja: I... I'm sorry. I… truly am sorry. *He pats her on the back.*
Laurenza: *Cries harder.*
Kuja: Laurenza...
Laurenza: Just leave me alone.
Kuja: Whatever. If you want to be left alone... Come on Thorn.
*Thorn looks at Laurenza piteously for a moment, and then follows Kuja.*
Kuja: My god, you know what?
Thorn: What?
Kuja: I felt sympathy.
Thorn: Well, there's a first time for everything...
Kuja: Oh, I feel awful. I know I'm devastatingly attractive, but why can't she just stop loving me?
Thorn: Love's a flood gate, you know. You unleash it and it never stops...*Thorn is playing with something on his wrist.* Even when they... die, you still...
Kuja: Oh no, I thought you'd got over that cryptic metaphors stage.
Thorn: Heh...
Kuja: *Puts his arm around him.* But she can close the gate, can't she?
Thorn: I don't know...
Kuja: *Kisses him briefly.* I hope so.
Thorn: *Smiles.*