Welcome Home.
Ah it has been a long time. To hear that voice, that I've always been longing to hear...
I stared into her golden eyes. A hint of delight and ... longing was reflected. I gave a soft smile. I've missed you too, my dear.
How have you been? I wanted to ask. But somehow, I just couldn't. All these emotions were bursting out of my heart, but they never left my lips.
We remained in silence for that moment, just staring at each other.
... I-I... I ...
My mind was blank. He's back. Ikuto's back. After all these years... it seems almost distant now, to feel his presence near mine.
All I could really make out was a "Welcome Home".
I felt a familiar wetness on my cheeks. Wait what...?
I stared in mild shock that Amu was crying. I felt guilty, and also relieved.
I felt guilty that I had left her alone. Promising her that one day I would come back for her, but never giving her an exact date.
She always waited. Patiently. For me. Me.
I was relieved that she hadn't left me for another man. I would have understood if she had moved on - I never truly did anything for her... But she stayed.
I... I love her so much.
Ah... Men shouldn't cry... What am I doing?
The both stared at each other with a certain fondness. A certain gentleness.
Ikuto slowly inched a step closer to Amu, arms held out, welcoming her into his familiar embrace.
They were both entwined, in each others' arms.
'Finally,' they both thought.
"I've missed you." Ikuto finally whispers.
Amu stared up at him. "Me too...Ikuto." She smiled at him.
Their faces moved closer, lips soon closing the distance between each other.
All those pent-up emotions poured out, in one kiss.
They broke apart, both slightly flushed and panting.
"I love you," they both whispered.