Okay everyone, I'm back for a limited time! Or perhaps longer...whatever it is, here is my newest story. I will be doing my best to avoid the knives and daggers that are sure to be thrown at me for publishing a Renton/Anemone story, but it's been hiding in my files long enough and I saw enough support to bring it out of hiding. So as always, please read, enjoy, and REVIEW! (Ducks and covers to avoid said daggers and knives that are sure to be thrown at me...)

Two years. It's been two years since the end of everything. I live with Renton, Axel, and the kids now trying to raise me and Dominic's daughter the best I can. I'm out of my wheelchair and walking again, which has been a nice relief after having so many problems getting around. I miss Dominic dearly after his death, as I'm sure Renton does Eureka after she disappeared out of his life. Slowly but surely the world is starting to rebuild itself after the horrors we all went through. Holland and Talho are expecting their first child, the entire crew is here with us in Bellforest trying to help rebuild the city, and GekkoState is officially disbanded. We're all still good friends though and usually talk on a daily basis. Nowadays the skies are clear and blue, the trapars gone, and all seems well. But for Renton, nothing seems well in his life. Day after day he works on restoring that old windmill, and we all wonder why. Seeing him day after day though, I notice the sadness in eyes, the determination of hoping she'll come back someday. But we all know she won't sadly. With no more archetypes around, ref boarding a thing of the past, and feelings changed, I'm sure it's been tough on all of us. But each day as I watch him come home from work, I feel this sudden twitch in my heart, a new bounce in my step, and with each day, it grows more and more, making me all warm inside. It's not a burning passion or a wild obsession, but the same loving feeling that I had with Dominic. I'm not really sure if it's love or not, but every time I see him, I can see the tiredness in his eyes and the warm smile he gives me when he walks in the door. And with a gentle 'hi' to each other, he goes into the living room to relax as I take care of dinner for all of us. Every day this happens, I feel more at peace with myself, like this is where I belong. Actually, I think it's the way it was meant to be for me. "Anemone!"
"Yes Maeter?"
"Is pukey okay?"
"Now Maeter, what did we tell you about that?"
"I'm sorry. Is Renton okay?"
"I'm sure he'll be fine. Go play now."
"Okay." and as she walks away, I give her the same warm motherly smile I give my own daughter as she helps me in the kitchen.

The next day we all went out together as we had planned on from a while back to take a boat cruise that was supposed to last the entire day. As always the skies were blue, butterflies and birds were flying in their happy patterns, and the sun was warm and comforting to our still tired souls. With Elena holding onto my left hand, I couldn't help but notice how she continued to look like her father more and more every day. Walking past the old windmill heading towards the docks though, I noticed a soft sigh come from Renton's lips while he stared at it. "Renton, it'll be alright. You can work on it again tomorrow."
"I know Anemone. Thanks." his soft voice made my heart race a little bit and my face blush. Still, I didn't want to say anything. As long as he was by my side at that moment, that was all that mattered to me. So I just looked forward again to chat with the others while trying to hide my hidden feelings.

Later on in the morning after we had sailed off a little ways from the shores and home, I was sitting on the deck in one of the many supplied beach chairs that were available for patrons to use. I was in a long satin white dress with a red bikini top taking in the sun and trying to take it easy, which is something that I don't usually get to do. It was going great, that is until one of my favorite friends came along and disturbed my sunbathing.
"Hey Anemone. Enjoying yourself I see."
"Hi Talho." I said softly. She looked the same as she always did nowadays, but her purple and white jumpsuit still made me wonder sometimes what kind of look she was going for style wise, especially how well it showed her nicely developed stomach while she was pregnant.
"How's he doing?"
"Still the same as always." I softly sighed as we looked towards the stern of the ship where Renton was standing and staring out. "No real changes yet."
"I feel so sorry for him. The girls that he loved disappears out of his life and leaves him with three kids while trying to pick up and put the pieces of his life back together."
"He's doing his best Talho, and right now that's all we can ever ask for."
"I know Anemone. But still, he's got to open his heart back up soon. Living his life like this forever will only cause him more pain on top of what he's already been through."
"Yes, I know."

Soon lunchtime had come and everyone had joined up the dining room to eat together in what felt like ages. Everyone seemed to be so happy while chatting amongst each other, yet to me, it felt like something was amiss. Scanning the room, I quickly found out why. Renton was missing as always. To me though this was of no surprise as he didn't like being in crowds much anymore. But these were our friends of whom we loved and cherished. "Elena, I want you to go over with Hilda, okay? Momma will be right back."
"Okay!"

Heading back up to the deck of the boat, I slowly scanned around the area before finally noticing him on the port side leaning over the rails staring out over the calm sea waters. Walking up next to him, I gently put my right hand on his left while holding my hair out of my face with the left. "Beautiful view, isn't it?"
"Yeah, sure is." Looking at him, I could tell his mind was going a million miles an hour as always as he tried to figure out what to do in his life, how to put it all together, and from what I always knew, how to get it all to fit into place.
"Renton, why don't you come downstairs and join us for lunch? The others are waiting for you, you know."
"You're right. Sorry about that Anemone"
"It's okay. Come on, I'll even let you hold my hand if you'd like."
"Sure." he replied softly. Staring into his soft blue eyes as we went downstairs to join the others, he took my left hand as I took his right, and I finally felt like his heart was beginning to open up to love again. I just hoped in my heart that it was for his best interests.

Later that evening we finally got home around eight after a long and most wonderful day of relaxing under the sun and sea breezes. Renton actually spent a lot more time with the kids of which he never normally did. And to our surprise, Maeter even called him papa for a change. We were all shocked when that word first came out of her, but Renton only smiled and held her in a tight embrace of which she happily gave him a hug in return. I even thought I saw a light tear come out of his eyes, but I think he wiped them back before anyone else could catch it. Didn't matter though. If it helped crack the barrier he had built over the last two years, it was worth it. Walking home with four tired kids in our arms, I was sure I saw a faint glimmer of light in all of their eyes. This day had been the most time that Renton had spent with them in just one day, and it looked like they enjoyed it. "Hey, papa?"
"Yes Maeter?"
"Can we spend time together like this more often?"
"Sure, as much as you kids would like. I'm sorry I haven't before. I'm just having a hard time opening up to others right now."
"It's okay papa." Maurice cheered on happily. "As long as you're with us, our momma always will be too."
"Thanks Maurice, that really helps. You three are really good kids. I just wish your mother was here to see all of you grow up. I think she'd be proud to see how you all turned out."
"Us too papa." I had to smile as I listened to them. I knew deep down in my heart how much the kids missed their mother, but they were still somehow able to at least take me into their lives and let me care for them as well, which was a major confidence boost after what I had been through. Still, I couldn't help but wonder what the kids really saw in me as a parental figure in their lives. I loved them all like they were my own, and in ways I wished they were. But for me to be their mother now would be the greatest gift of all.

The following day was done in my usual manner. Get the kids to their schools, get shopping and chores done for the day, drop lunch off to Renton, and do my own things as I went along. While in the market, I once again ran into Talho and Holland who were doing some shopping of their own. "Hey Anemone."
"Hi Talho. How are you today?"
"Doing well thank you. How about you?"
"I'm fine thanks. What are you shopping for today?"
"Just the usual things as per needed for a pregnant woman like me. Renton working today?"
"Yeah, same place as always. I wonder what for though? He knows like the rest of us that that windmill will never work without any trapar to make it spin."
"It's probably something that's keeping his mind off of Eureka, Anemone. Have you ever tried talking to him about it?"
"No, I haven't. I'd hate to break his heart more than it already is."
"You know, I can tell you're in love with him."
"L-love? Is that…even possible with me?"
"You have Elena, plus you do help raise his three kids. To me, that seems like you're a family already."
"But…I still love Dominic. How can I fall in love with the person who is in love with somebody else?"
"You have just by being the shoulder he can lean on, Anemone. Without Eureka, he didn't have that anymore. He needed someone who could help heal the scars of the past and open up the closed doors on his heart. And you were the one he somehow chose when he took you in."
"Perhaps you're right. But how did I do that?"
"Of that I don't know. Only time will give you that answer. But I'm sure that in one way or another you'll figure it out eventually."

That same night after the children had been put to bed, I went downstairs myself after getting changed for the night. In my usual pink satin nightgown and robe, I went into the living room to read my favorite book stretched out on our sofa while Renton sat in his favorite rocking chair and watched his usual favorite shows along with the news before going to bed himself for the night. Looking up at him on occasion, I could still see the hurt in his eyes along with the pain and grief in his heart as it continued to rip away at his soul. But this time, I just couldn't sit by and let him suffer anymore. I had to somehow let him know how I now felt about him and how I would, in some way or another, heal the wounds that continually effected him. "Hey, Renton?"
"Yes Anemone?"
"Can we talk?"
"About what?"
"You."
"Me? What for?"
"Well…I've been watching over you the last two years now, and each day I can see the pain you always carry with you. Even the others have noticed it. I was…just wondering if there was a way I could help you heal the suffering you've been going through."
"What makes you think I'm suffering?"
"I can see it in your eyes." I said softly as I stared into his deep blue eyes. "I know you're trying to hide the pain you've had ever since Eureka disappeared, and I hate it. All it's doing is dragging you down."
"I know Anemone, but I just need more time. I'm sure she'll come home…she has to…"
"She isn't Renton, that's the thing. With no more coralians, trapar, or scab corals, this world is never going to see them again. Eureka disappeared when the coralian race did from our land, as did all LFO's and KLF's."
"But she has to! She's got…kids…" and as the tears started to well up in his eyes, I quickly went to his side and let him rest his head on my shoulder. "Who…are waiting for her."
"I know Renton." I then held him close to me, his head on my left shoulder as he drained out whatever sadness he had in him. I knew there was more, but I didn't want to have him go into a rage or fury on me. "We all do. But there's always the time where we have to eventually face reality and move on with our lives."
"How can I do that Anemone? She meant so much to me. I practically gave my life to protect her, and nearly killed myself in the process. All I did was for the love of the girl who, in the end when we had no time, finally fell in love with me. How can I forget something like that?"
"I never said you had to Renton." and when he pulled himself back so we could look at each other face to face, his soft blue eyes were full of tears as they pierced into my soft lavender ones. "All I want to be able to do for you is heal the wounds of the past so you can go on with your life happily."
"Really?"
"Yes Renton. You may not realize this, and I'm still not sure if I am either, but I…" and I froze right there. For a few brief moments, I wasn't really sure if I was able to tell him how I felt or if I should just let it go. But my heart at that very moment was aching for his love, yearning for his warm embrace, and wanting to hear the words I was trying my hardest to say at that very moment. "I…"
"You what, Anemone?"
"I think, over these last two years we've been together like this, I might have fallen in love with you."
"In love…with me?"
"Yes. But you don't have to reply to that now, as I would hate to force you into that kind of position. All I want is for your happiness to maybe be ours someday if that's ever possible. If not, I'll just walk away and let you live your life how you are now. I'll even move away as to avoid any tensions between us. But seeing your smile is all I want in my life right now."
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, I am." giving him the softest stare that I could, I softly kissed his lips and looked at him one more time. "But I'll give you as much time as you want to think about this, okay?" but he then surprised me with the next move. With a soft caring look he had never given me before, Renton softly placed his hand on my left cheek and said with the softest tone "Thank you Anemone. I never thought anyone could care for me like that again. I promise tomorrow that I'll let you know what my answer is."
"Okay Renton."

Later that night as I lay in my bed, I couldn't help but wonder if what I did was really worth the effort. But when I remembered that I kissed him for the first time, I just felt my heart race and my face turn hot as I blushed. Tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable, I was almost too anxious to sleep. I was afraid he'd turn me down, breaking my heart in the process. But then, what would happen if he said he cared for me too? Would we last? Would we always be together? Would we even get married? Just the thought of me walking down the aisle as Renton's wife made me smile and giggle quietly under my covers as anxiety continued to take over my body. "No Anemone! I must sleep!" I then told myself. "I can't answer properly with no sleep, plus I have kids to get moving in the morning!" so I finally got myself relaxed and into a peaceful slumber, hoping that my dreams would eventually come true.

The following several days after that were hectic, but happy. I was kind of disappointed that Renton didn't tell me what his answer was going to be as he had promised, but I gave him the time he wanted as I had promised so that way the situation wouldn't go spiraling out of control. On this morning though, the kids were a little more rambunctious than usual, making it somewhat of a pain getting them off to school. "Elena, sweetie, come on! You don't want to be late!"
"Coming momma!"
"Maeter, Linck, Maurice, let's go kids!"
"Coming Anemone!" they yelled back to me in chorus. This was almost a daily occurrence for me, but I loved every minute of it. But what surprised me and shocked the kids was Renton, who in a rush gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before nabbing his lunch and heading out the door for the day. "Uhh…Anemone, what was that for?"
"I'm not sure Maeter. Perhaps your dad is in a good mood I guess."
"Oh, okay."
"Well, let's not worry about that now. We have to get you kids going before you're all late!"
"Okay!"

Exhausted from running around all morning, I actually took my time heading home and decided to stop by the shop to see how Axel was doing. I don't usually get to see him in the mornings since he's up and gone before we are. Of course, he is the main breadwinner of the family so far as well. "Morning Axel!"
"Anemone. What brings you here?"
"Just stopping by after dropping the kids off at school."
"I see. Renton get off okay this morning?"
"As always. He has to since I'm the one who keeps him on schedule."
"That's good." he said in a somewhat grumpy tone. But I was used to that. Axel always was a stern one, but was still loving of us and the kids. "I just wish it was one that earned a little money for us instead of me doing it all the time."
"I'll work on that, I promise."
"You do that. Well, I had better get back to work then. You doing the usual as always?"
"Yes I am sir. I'll have dinner waiting for everyone when you get home."
"Alright. See you then."
"Okay." and with a gentle wave I saw myself off and on towards the market as usual to get things for the nights dinner. I was only allowed an allowance for that and the things we needed to live. Since I didn't have a job myself, I wasn't usually allowed to splurge on myself, which would've been nice on some occasions. "Anemone!"
"Hi Gidget! Nice seeing you around here."
"You too! Wow, you're absolutely glowing today!"
"I am? Oh my, I must be sweating a little hard. I have been busy this morning being on the run with the kids and chores."
"Not that kind of glowing, but more like a happy one. But anyways, what are you up to?"
"Nothing new really. Still recuperating a bit, but I'm getting better day by day."
"That's good. Oh, by the way, I am noticing you eyeing that boutique across the street. Is there something that you want?"
"Several things Gidget, but since Axel is the only one who works right now, I have to keep on a tight budget."
"Oh dear, you poor thing. Oh, I know!"
"What?"
"Come on! I'll treat you myself! You deserve it anyways!"
"Hold on! Wait! Gidget!"

An hour and six new dresses later, I was finally on my way home with my purchases thanks to a very loyal and yet caring friend. I had the usual color choices; pink, white, lavender, and even a rose and a couple of light blue ones. I tried to stray from anything that would remind Renton of Eureka, but I knew anything with the colors I picked would do it. But as I started to walk home, the question was would he decide to stick with the love he once knew or go to the one that loved him now?

I eventually arrived home about forty minutes later with all the errands for the day done. Now it was onto the chores, which usually meant cleaning, dishes, and laundry. Typical housewife stuff if you asked anyone around me, but in my eyes, it was just a daily routine until things changed otherwise. Going into my room, I carefully laid out my new dresses, inspecting each one carefully for defects since I was particular of how things looked and were made. But as soon as I knew I was happy, I tenderly hung them up in my closet before going back to make my bed. As usual I pulled off the blankets and sheets before taking off my pillows. But what surprised me was what was under them. A folded note, tucked and placed there as if it was done with the gentlest of care, was laying there with my name on it written in cursive lettering. Right there my heart began to race as I became short of breath. Scared to death, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to open it or not. I knew all too well it could've been a letter of rejection. But I also still hoped it was one that would make the dreams I had at the moment come true. Closing my eyes and sighing, I opened them back up and carefully opened the letter.

"Dear Anemone,

I'm still not sure what my answer is yet at this time, but I would love it if you would join me for lunch at the park by the seaside. If all goes well, hopefully I'll give you my answer then.

Love,
Renton.

Well that did it for me. I was in the shower, nicely dressed, and out the door before you could say LFO. If he wrote 'love' at the end of his note, I was almost positive that he would give me the love I was wanting to give him. "A picnic lunch? But how was he able to do that? Oh well, it didn't matter. I'm off to a lunch with the one I now love, so that's all that counts!"

I arrived at the park about another fifteen minutes later and per usual, it was packed with numerous people and couples who were out enjoying the sea breezes and the smell of the salty sea air. It took me what felt like several agonizing minutes, but I finally found Renton laying under the old oak tree on the parks tallest hill looking like he was dozing off in the warm summertime breezes. Walking over to him, I felt a warm yet nervous smile come to my face the closer I got to him. I almost felt like I was going to faint right then and there. When I eventually got to the point of standing over him, I fell in love with him harder than I had thought possible. There he was, a calm, happy expression on his face like he was dreaming of something that probably any man could dream about. But of course, I wasn't going to let him have that pleasure. "Wake up my dear Renton. If you don't make it to work on time, Axel will be very unhappy with you."
"Huh?! What?! I'm awake, I'm awake! What the…oh, hey Anemone! Jeez, had to wake me up like that, didn't you?"
"Rather you have someone else do it?"
"No, you're the one I'd rather have do it other than my kids." he chuckled. "Have a seat. I've got the food all ready for us."
"Okay."

Well what went from what I thought was going to be a typical half hour lunch soon turned into mid afternoon as we sat at the park with each other chatting and goofing around like we were teenagers again. In fact, that was exactly how I felt. "Thanks for a wonderful afternoon Renton, but I have to get going soon. We do have kids getting out of school shortly."
"That time already? I almost forgot what I was going to tell you." I paused and my eyes shot open right then and there. Was he going to say he loved me too? Or was it going to be the whole "I'm sorry, I'm not interested" routine? My heart was aching right at that very moment until he all of a sudden kissed me full and passionately. Slowly I felt my body sinking down until I was stretched out on the ground being held tight in his embrace. "I thought about my answer and this was the only way I could think of telling you. Though Eureka will always be in my memory, you have always been there for me and the kids supporting us, loving us, and treating us like family even though it was us who took you into our home and gave you a place to stay and live. I guess I never realized it until the other night when you looked into my eyes and showed me what kind of life I had been living until now. So, if you'll take me as I am, I would love to have you in my life Anemone."
"Of course I would Renton." I said softly as I looked into his eyes. "I was the one who fell in love with you over the last two years, and it was also me who confessed my feelings first. So if you're wondering about that, you have no need to worry. The only thing that concerns me is if your kids will accept me dating their father."
"I'll have a talk with them. If anyone knows them like I do, I'm sure they'll understand."
"I hope so. I would hate it so if I had to give you up due to them disagreeing with you."
"I wouldn't let that happen Anemone. I'm not sure what the future may hold for us, but with you by my side, I hope it'll be a happier one with less pain and suffering."
"It will be, I promise my love. It may take a long time, but I'll always be there to help heal those wounds and scars that have put you into more pain that you didn't deserve."
"Thanks. Well, should we go and break the news to them?"
"I'll let you do that tonight after dinner. I don't want a scene to happen right in front of the schools."
"That's true. Shall we go then?"
"Yeah." I replied softly. So hand in hand, we got up and made our way out of the park and towards the schools, hoping and praying that the kids would accept us now as we were.