Author's Notes: Based on another story, but I scrapped that and started over. This is what I originally wanted to do, because only IruAnko is love. Hope you enjoy.

Diverged Road

By Essyllus

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I got lost on the road of life.

On the second morning of the honeymoon, he has to leave. He apologizes profusely as he quickly dresses, whereas she says nothing. She is too hypnotized from his close touch, from the way he was her solace last night. She never wanted him to leave, but it is his duty, it is his duty. Closing her eyes and gripping the bed sheets around her, she dreams of his gentle arms tucked around her body, that one moment in her life when everything was all right… And at this moment… it feels like a one night stand.

Something from deep within her spirit moans irony.

"It will only be a few weeks," he says. She breaks away from her daydream and flips away the sheets. It has never been in her nature to feel sorry for herself, because life as always, just happens. She refuses to look into his eyes, to silently beg him not to go, and he gazes back at her dark ones when she does choose to look. She loves the smile he gives her, full of newlywed joy, and perfectly proportioned to his face despite the wide scar across his nose. She kisses him tenderly there and he rubs her neck, giving her the last bit of comfort before he would have to leave.

"I promise I'll be back. Just don't go anywhere," he teases.

"Dont'cha know?" she murmurs into his ear, remembering just the precious things long ago. "I love you with all my heart."

She watches him depart and she absently touches the scar on her neck. It feels unnatural and familiar at the same time, and she can't pinpoint exactly why. Ruffling through her thick black hair, somehow, it feels like she should have been the one who was leaving.

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"Sometimes I feel like I don't know you. And I don't."

"Don't worry about me."

"I'm…"

"I'm still here, and you know me." She turns to him.

"What happened in the past is who I am. I'm not hiding anything."

"Tell me when you're ready?" She blinks.

"No. When you're ready."

He looks at her with curiosity. She loves that look he gives her, full of fatigue and of loving patience, and she reaches to touch his jowl. She faintly smiles and is grateful because despite… because she is lucky enough to find him.

"Darling, I've been waiting all my life," she says.