"Martin, what will the world be like after this war?"

"Hopefully much quieter... And more peaceful. I hope to travel back to Noonvale with you after this... So that I may rest and live a life of peace."

"You are well liked in Noonvale, Martin... I'd be honored if you returned for good."

*short pause*

"Rose, You are a good friend... I really don't know how far I would've gotten without you to help me on this journey."

"You are a good friend, too, Martin. And if it weren't for you, me, Grumm, and Brome would be stuck in that forsaken prison or lost in the woods somewhere... But, sometimes... I just..."

"What is it, Rose?"

"Sometimes I feel that... You're more than just a friend to me. I feel... Different when I'm not around you... I feel... Incomplete..."

"Rose?"

"Martin... Please, just promise me one thing... Don't die out there... Please come back alive and well. I want you to come back to Noonvale with m... Me."

"Rose... I... I don't quite know what to say... I mean, I've also felt that way, but... I must concentrate on my plans... It's getting late... You'de better be off to bed."

"Yes, Martin... But, can I give you something first, for good luck?"

"Why, of course, Rose. What is it?"

*Rose advances to kiss Martin*

"Rose, no! I mustn't... *Accepts a tender, long kiss from his hearts deepest desire*

"... I love you, Martin. Be safe."

"I love you too, Rose... You stay safe, too... I... Don't know what I'd do if... Something came between us..."

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I know that they never kissed in "Martin the Warrior," but Rose and Martin were obviously very much in love... So, therefore, this was neccesary. And I also think Martin would've tried to avoid the kiss, as well... But, once Rose's soft and gentle lips graced his, he could no longer hold back (this also clarifies that his tongue presence is actually there to accentuate Martin trying to resist the kiss by saying "no" rather than give the impression of 'juicy' kissing... Despite popular belief.)

I never thought that Martin would really be a 'Fabio of Mice' after years of abusive slavery... But that's just me. Hence the scarring.

"Martin and Rose" are (c) both Brian Jacques and 'enguin Putnam'

"Last Kiss" is (c)