Tsukushi was late…again. This was the third time this week. All week long she had been extremely busy at work . She knew that her husband Tsukasa would be less then pleased. This whole week felt like a battle between the two of them. She had tried to explain to him countless times just how important her job was but so far Tsukasa didn't seem to comprehend anything she said. She knew she needed to think of a different way of explaining things to him as she quietly entered their home. How could she explain it? As she pondered this question she heard a rather loud, irritated huff. She looked up to see her husband trudging toward her his eyes clouded over with anger and annoyance.

"Tsukushi! Where have you been? Did your job hold you up again?" he questioned her in a strained voice.

"…Yes, it did." She replied looking away from his eyes. She wasn't really sure why she felt so bad. He was over reacting.

"Huff, stupid woman! You are always so late! Do you know I planned on us having dinner together at 6? It is now 9:30. Dinner is completely ruined thanks to you! I can't believe I even got you a present."

"Don't call me stupid you are the stupid one…wait did you say present? Why did you get me a present?" Tsukushi suddenly asked looking perplexed.

"What do you mean why? Do you really not remember what today is?"

"Uhmmmm," Oh no, Tsukushi had forgotten something. Was it their anniversary? No. Was it Valentine's Day? No. What was she missing?

Suddenly, Tsukasa's mad face fell away. Now he wore an extremely odd expression. It looked pained and sad, "Baka, you really don't remember. I knew it. You are working yourself way too hard. Quit your job Tsukushi. Let me take care of you."Tsukasa pleaded softly.

Tsukushi was taken aback. This Tsukasa was completely different from the one she was talking to a moment ago. She didn't know exactly how to respond," Tsukasa…you know I hate that. I don't want to stand behind you I want to stand beside you. And the only way I feel like I can really do that is if I work too."

"But, you can't even remember that today is your birthday. How can I allow you to continue to work baka?"

"It's my…my…birthday?" Tsukushi stuttered out stunned.

"Yes, it is." Tsukasa said simply.

"…oh…"

" 'Oh' is right you dumb bimbo!"

"Oi! Don't call me that!"

"Then, remember your birthday next time!"

"...I will…I can't believe I forgot."Tsukushi said blushing slightly.

"Good. Now here." He pulled out a delicately wrapped box from his pocket and handed it to her, "Happy birthday."

She carefully opened her present. It was a gold watch with the hours encrusted with diamonds.

"Tsukasa, why did you get me such an expensive watch?"

"Well, because… I thought I should give you something that would help even a baka like you keep track of time. I want you home on time. "

Tsukushi smiled a bit and replied, "A cheap $10 watch can do the same thing."

"Yeah, well I thought the more expensive it was the less likely it was for you to lose it. I mean you still act like a poor commoner…always attentively taking care of costly things."

"Oi! Tsukasa!"Tsukushi scolded playfully hitting him on the arm.

"Hey, let me put the watch on you."Tsukasa gently grabbed it from her hand and securely and clipped it around her small wrist , "No more being late." He then pulled her into an embrace.

"Okay, Tsukasa."Tsukushi said snuggling closer to his chest.