I put my last book on my shelf and turn around putting my hands on my hips to look at my new room. I finally had everything put away, and I couldn't be more relieved.

We did it. Finally. It took a while—and getting together took even longer—but it doesn't matter now. We're together now. That's really all that matters.

I now live under the same roof as all my boys, and it feels great. I'm practically giddy. No, scratch that, I am completely giddy. We're not separated and they all come home to me, and me to them. I never have to lay in bed at night wondering if one of the less desirable parents made an appearance at their son's house. No more abusive parents to worry about. I'll always know that for the most part, they're all safe.

At first, Uncle and Erica were concerned about us all moving in together so quickly (though not all that quickly, it'd been 3 years before we decided it was time), but after some long discussions (mostly telling them we're adults and can make our own decisions and mistakes, though their concern was appreciated) and promises to check in regularly, they finally relented. Not that they could argue much, considering we're all over eighteen. They've been around us long enough and realize how strong our bond is. And they don't live all that far away. Their support has been amazing and I wouldn't have anyone else as honorary parents.

Plus they trust us.

Trust your family. Words every one of us live by. And so much so, that I got a wall hanging with those words printed on it. I also got one saying "Family is a choice," and I want to see if Silas would be willing to make me the last one I want: "Family First." All of these things took me far too long to understand, but now they are so important to me, because I get it now. These boys are my family, as are Erica, Uncle, and Jessica. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't think I could ever be happier. As long as long as they want me, I'm here.

I feel arms wrap around me from behind, and I lean into their chest, laying my hands on their forearms, inhaling the spring soap. I sigh contentedly.

"You look like you're thinking deeply about something, sweetheart," he murmurs in my ear.

"Just thinking about how happy I am," I respond, leaning my head back onto his shoulder.

"Happy?"

I nod. "Mmhmm. Happy we don't have to worry about that awful school, or any of its less than desirable inhabitants. Happy we don't have to worry about crazy stalkers with ill-conceived agendas." I smile. "Happy to be with you all. That's really it. Just...happy."

I feel him smile into my hair. "Mmm. Yes. And we are happy to have you, as well." He let out a little chuckle. "To be honest, all that other stuff, which ended a couple years ago, mind you," he teased, "never really hindered our happiness, wouldn't you agree?"

He's right, as always. "Yes, but it was a pain in our behinds."

"You're right. But it's behind us now, and we can look forward," he squeezes his arms tighter around my waist, "forward to family. This family."

I turn in his arms to face him. I wrap my arms round his neck, bringing his face down to mine and give him a soft kiss. I pull away slightly, meeting his steel eyes, "Yes, this family. Our family."

He touches his forehead to mine. "Our family," he echoes. He kisses me this time, and it's longer. It's sweet and loving, but it still sends shivers down my spine. I don't think that'll ever stop. Kissing nine different guys, all whom are very different from each other, I think can keep it feeling like the first time for—I hope—the rest of our lives.

We pull apart again, and I smile at him. "And my, hopefully, impending graduation from the Academy," I say brightly.

He gives a smile right back. I stare at it. My left hand comes around to his lips and I trace my fingers over them. "I remember when you first gave me this smile. It was quite the shock to the system," I joked.

"Do you now?" he questioned with an arched brow.

"Mmhmm." I nodded. "It was the day after my first real squabble with North and I flipped him. I had only recently learned to do that, you know." I raised an eyebrow at him.

"You took me to the lake," I started, lost in the memory now, still absentmindedly tracing his lips, "and you told me about your childhood...about your mom. You were telling me how the boys weren't used to having a girl around, and you were telling me how strong I was. Then you smiled this full smile at me, and I wasn't expecting it—it made my heart race. It was beautiful." I looked into his eyes now. "I love your real smiles, Owen. I'm glad you show them more often now."

His smile gets even bigger. I giggle, looking at his mouth, again, wanting to cover it with mine once more.

"You give me reason to, sweetheart." He tucks a loose piece of hair behind my ear. "And as long as you're around, I'll always have it." He pecks my nose. I bite my lip, blushing a little. They still do that to me. Another thing that will probably never go away.

I poke a finger into his chest. "Just don't get rid of that little one, your millimeter one, either. I like that when you give it to me, it's like we share a secret."

H grabs the hand that poked him and his eyes shine in humor. "Really, now?"

"Yes," I say matter-of-factly. "Like we ate all the chocolate in the world, and we're hiding it from Luke and North, though for different reasons, obviously." He snorts out a laugh, but quickly smothers it. Owen would never admit it to anyone else, but one of his favorite things in the world is chocolate. He doesn't indulge often, though, says it's a good exercise in self-control. Whatever. I look back up from him, my attention being drawn away from his lips. I lower my voice to a volume that's more of a whisper, "It's also kind of sexy," his eyes darken a little, "it usually comes out when you've got your serious face on, and you're trying not to show too much outward emotion, but something made you crack the tiniest bit, and you just can't help yourself and it escapes, but clearly you don't care that it's showing, otherwise you'd quickly mask it, which I've seen you do, but not very often."

He just stares at me. Did I say something wrong? I tilt my head in question at him.

"You continue to amaze me, Sang. I think you know us better than we know ourselves."

"Isn't that how it usually is?" I tease. "I'm pretty sure the same goes for you guys with me."

"Touché," he smirks. He starts to back up, sliding his hands into mine, backing towards the door, pulling me with him. "Come on, North made lunch, I'm sure he's anxious to feed you. He doesn't think you've eaten enough lately." Owen looks intently at my face. He frowns. "He may have a point."

We walk hand-in-hand down the hall and down the stairs, making our way to our brand new kitchen. Everything has been put away by the Taylor brothers, as they know best how to organize everything to make things run efficiently. With such a large family, efficiency is key. I knew they'd be able to do it.

I walk over to the island where North is standing with four sandwiches in front of him, his back turned towards me. I take the chance to jump on his back, my arms catching myself around his neck.

"Baby!" he says, startled.

I'm giggling like a maniac. "Hi, North Star!"

"Baby, don't do that, you nearly gave me a heart attack, and you could've hurt yourself," he reprimands me, while moving me to his front, nudging my legs until they wrap around his hips. He leans backwards against the counter, supporting my butt with his arms. I think I hear Owen chuckling behind us.

I pout at him, "I'm sorry, North."

His face softens. "It's okay, Baby." He leans down and kisses me softly. He pulls away and I grin at him. I smell the food and realize how hungry I am. "Owen says you have a sandwich for me?"

He looks surprised momentarily, but recovers quickly and takes one hand from underneath my butt and reaches behind him and hands me a plate with a sandwich on it. I take it with my right hand, but keep my left hand around his neck so I don't fall. This isn't going to work. I loosen my legs to try to get down from North's arms so I can go eat, but he just tightens them around me. "North, you can put me down now," I whisper, thinking maybe he didn't realize I had to go sit down and eat.

"Nuh uh, you're fine," he says, unconcerned. My eyebrows furrow, and I look behind me at Owen. He looks at me with one eyebrow raised. I silently try to ask him if he could help me get down, gesturing with my plate.

"Mr. Taylor, Miss Sorenson needs to eat, and she can't do that in her current position. It's a bit inhibiting, and might I say, unsafe." I send him a grateful look. He returns it with a nod and a smirk.

"Shit. Yeah. Sorry, Sang Baby," he apologizes while putting me down carefully so my sandwich doesn't fall.

I give North a smile, "It's okay North Star. Will you come sit and eat with me?"

His face lights up, "Of course I will, Baby." He grabs the three remaining plates and we go to the kitchen table with Owen, who pulls out a chair for me before sitting down next to me. North sets a sandwich in front of Owen, and at the two spot across from us. He sits across from me and starts to eat.

I look at the empty place at the table, "Who's is that?" I ask—I didn't think I heard anyone else in the house—though it is quite a large home, so I might have missed something.

North looks up at me and looks at where I was pointing, and looks to me again. "It's Doc's. He had to quick do something, said he'd be back quickly, and to make him whatever I was making you for lunch." I nod, and start on my sandwich. Yum! Turkey and avocado. My favorite. I hum, enjoying the taste of my sandwich.

I feel a hand lay itself on my thigh and give it a squeeze. Swallowing my bite, I turn to Owen and smile at him. I peck him on the cheek.

"Mmm, my favorite. It's so good North!" I exclaim. North is looking at me, eyes shining, lips smiling. "You're welcome, Baby."

"So where are the others? I mean, besides Sean," I question. I thought for the most part, we were all free today. That means they were supposed to be here. And they're not. How rude.

North answers me, "Uncle had some last minute sick calls into work, so Gabe and Luke went to fill in the lunch shift, but they'll be back right after. We told Uncle we needed every one for dinner." Out of the corner of my eye I saw Owen shoot North a look. North freezes, sandwich halfway to his open mouth. What's that? Did he say something he shouldn't've?

"I mean, not that I don't want everyone here for dinner, I prefer it actually, but why does everyone need to be here?" I ask suspiciously, my eyes narrowed, looking between the two boys.

Owen controls his face and looks at me with a smile, "We just thought it would be nice to have a dinner together, seeing as we haven't had the chance to have all ten of us for dinner in a while. We've been so busy." I beam at him and North.

"That's perfect!" I squeal. I take the opportunity to jump on Owen, hugging him. He's momentarily surprised, but is quick to return the hug. He laughs at my exuberance. I think I hear North let out a sigh of relief, but I'm not sure. I'm too focused on and excited about the fact I definitely get all nine of my boys tonight to myself!

Owen continues talking from where he left off before I mauled him, "We also wanted to celebrate our official moving in."

"We're in?! All the boxes are unpacked? But I thought Luke—"

"Gabriel got fed up and took it upon himself to get Luke's stuff put away. I don't fucking blame him, though. Luke was being fucking irritating about it," North grumbles.

"I do believe Luke was being a nuisance purposefully. Every time he left his room, he let out an evil cackle," Owen chuckled. He found this funny, did he?

I playfully slapped at his chest, but he caught my hand with his, I mock-sternly told him, "Owen, be nice!"

He has a mischievous glint in his eye. "Yes, my dear," he purred, my eyes widened at his tone. He then quickly pecked my nose, seemingly satisfied with himself. I pouted at him.

Looking to North, I see him gaping at the man beside me. "You know, Owen, I don't think I'll ever take you seriously again. I don't think I can ever get used to it."

"Well, get used to it," Owen glares. "And you better take me seriously, or you'll be getting hours every day for the rest of your life." North eyes are wide and he starts sputtering, and I'm giggling maniacally.

"Don't worry, North, Pookie will keep our big bad Leader Number 2 in line, won't you, Pumpkin?" I nod and continue to giggle as Sean passes by me, booping my nose. I didn't hear him get home. How odd. I'm usually so attuned to the sounds around me, and Sean isn't exactly Mr. Ninja. That title is reserved for Luke.

He halts suddenly and turns to me, "Ah ah ah! What's our rule about giggling?" I can't stop them. The giggles just continue to pour out of me. I also may or may not know what happens if I giggle around Sean and I may or may not encourage it...

"Fine. If a doctor must." He rolls his eyes and lets out an exaggerated sigh. "One doctor-prescribed cure for the giggles coming right up!" And he swoops down crushing his lips to mine. Our lips move together for a moment, until we hear a throat being cleared. We pull apart, Sean winks at me and I blush, biting my lip. Sean moves to his seat at the table with the sandwich and sits down.

"Number 2, Dr. Green? And I would appreciate if you didn't encourage undermining of my authority," Owen snaps. I put a hand to his arm in a calming gesture.

This is a common topic of conversation between Owen and myself when we're alone. He had been wanting to be less formal with me now that we were together (and to some extent, the other boys as well), but was hesitant, due to how he thought some of the boys might see it as an opportunity to not follow orders. I told him it would probably take some getting used to, but that they were all Academy, and knew how it worked. He thought that his formal façade is what made him a good leader, and that losing that, he'd lose his position. He has his need for control, which I understand, he thought he'd lose that control. And he thought he almost did, when we had our re-rankings done once I officially joined the team—the Academy. I knew he was safe with his title, expecting him to stay leader, but to my surprise, we officially tied, and agreed to share main leadership. But it's been hard on him having someone with just as much authority as him, and it's something we've been working on.

I don't think it will get that way with the boys, but we'll see. We all still have a lot to learn about one another. Sure they were a team years before they met me, but they never been in a relationship with same person as one another. This relationship is still new compared to how long they all knew each other before they met me. It's also a very different kind of relationship than they had expected to be in. We're all learning here. We haven't had much time to figure out the kinks as we've been moving a thousand miles per hour since we met. But once I graduate (crossing my fingers), it should slow down a little. Or at least that's what the boys have told me.

Sean gives Owen a look, "Owen, I'm not undermining your authority, and neither will any of the other boys, including North. But we can't have you giving out unnecessary hours. You know us, Owen, we like to give each other crap. And this new-ish side of you, well, it's kind of prime opportunity," he teases. I'm not sure Sean's line of reasoning is making things better. "And yes, Number 2, we all know who holds the reigns around here," Sean ends with a smirk, winking at me, trying to lighten the suddenly serious mood.

Owen lets out a breath. "I know, it's all learning right now." Owen scrubs at his face with his palms. I wrap my arms around his torso in a hug. He drops an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close. I rest my head on his shoulder. I feel him kiss the top of my head, and I sigh at the contact.

"I love you, Owen."

"As I love you, Sang." He leans down to whisper in the ear that's not resting against him, "Thank you. You always know what I need." All my boys have their insecurities, Owen included. I'm just glad he doesn't resent me for my rank.

I turn my head and meet his lips, as just an extra little bit of comfort and reassurance. He welcomes the kiss gladly.

Giving Owen one last squeeze, I extract myself from him and turn to the other boys at the table, though Owen keeps an arm around my shoulders. "Now where were we? Oh, yes! Luke and Meanie are at the diner, the others are..." I trail off, encouraging them to fill me in.

"Shit. Right. Kota had to go to his mom's house, Erica wanted to talk to him. Vic, Silas, and Nate are at Victor's, and on their way here, and they're dropping Silas off at his house so Silas can get his car. They should be here soon," North finished, clearing his throat.

"So the last ones to get here will probably be Luke and Gabriel?" I question. I think the lunch rush at the diner lasts for about another hour and a half. North nods an answer.

"Alright!" I clap my hands together, for emphasis. "What am I making for dinner? It needs to be good if we're all going to be here." I grin at the three of my boys.

Sean cocks an eyebrow at me. "Who says you're cookin', good lookin'?" A giggle escapes me, but I quickly smother it. He gives me a mock-stern look. "We're all gonna cook for you, Pookie!" It was my turn to raise an eyebrow.

"What he means, my dear, is that he will supervise the kitchen in his doctorly ways, while Luke, North, and I cook, and the others keep you occupied so you don't try to help."

"But—"

"Don't worry, we won't let him touch the food or cooking appliances," he says, his voice laced in humor. That's not what I was going to say. I guess I won't be arguing this.

Sean gets a hurt look on his face, and dramatically clutches at his heart "Owen! You wound me."

"I'm sure you'll survive," Owen states drily. "You should know; you are a doctor." He uses Sean's frequently used phrase against him, making me giggle. I'm not quick enough in stopping this time and Sean shoots me a look and points a finger at me. I clamp my lips shut, stopping the giggles, but not the snort that escapes, nor the mirth running through me.

I hide my face in Owen's shoulder.

"That girl is trouble," Sean states, though I don't think to anyone in particular.

"Oy! That's what I keep fucking telling you! But nooo. No one fucking listens to Gabriel," Meanie exclaims, walking into the kitchen.

I pout at him. "Meanie..."

"No! Nope! Fucking no. Oy! Put that damn lip away." He pokes at it. "No pouting allowed tonight! Why? Because I fucking say so." He leans down to peck my lips, and simultaneously nips at my bottom lip. The sensation sends tingles down my spine, and I shiver a little.

North decides to speak up, "I thought you were at the diner? Shouldn't you have at least an hour left?"

Gabriel pulls out the chair next to me and plops down in it, grabbing my legs and pulling them into his lap. Owen shifts so I'm leaning into him at a more comfortable angle.

"Uncle let Luke and I go early. Luke's still there though, said he needed to talk to Uncle about something." I saw Gabriel cast a quick glance at me. I wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't been looking into his bright blue eyes. Okay. There's definitely something they're not telling me. I narrow my eyes at them in suspicion. Either they're getting worse at hiding things from me, or I'm getting better at reading them than I had even been before. Owen always said my perceptiveness was one of the first Academy qualities he noticed in me. Along with a desire to learn and do.

They all ignored my look, though. Either completely, or just giving me a smile. I crane my neck so I can look at Owen's face.

"Wait until dinner," is all he says, placing a kiss to my forehead. I just let out a sigh. I once again relax against him, deciding to leave it. I trust them to tell me. And if they don't, well...

I settle to listen to their conversations flowing around me. I love listening to their voices. They calm me and I would be content to do this for the rest of my life and never have to say another word. But I understand that they get just as much joy from my voice as I do theirs. Besides, Luke and North would freak out, due to their history, and I can't do that to them. I made the mistake once, and I never want to see North that way again.

I hear our front door close, and someone walking closer to the kitchen. Sounds like Kota.

I look up, grinning, just as he walks through the entryway. He meets my gaze and smiles in return, and starts my way. He looks happy, it must have been a good visit with his mom. I comment as such after he gives me a kiss and we murmur quiet greetings.

"Yeah, it was good. She's thinking about moving Jessica into my old room, and turning Jessica's room into either a crafting room or a walk-in closet for herself. I didn't know she was interested in either of those things," he looks a little flabbergasted at this information, "but I think that since she has the space now, she wants to do something for herself, and let Jess have more privacy."

North speaks up, "Does she want our help with any of it?" Academy boys. So kind and eager to help others. I think I swoon a little.

Kota shakes his head and says, "No, she didn't even want to tell me about it, but thought she should ask me about Jess moving to my room, just incase I had something against it. I don't obviously, because I don't think I'll ever move back there..." he shoots an uncertain look in my direction, and I catch it though I'm sure he didn't intend for me to see it.

I narrow my eyes at him, because yeah, I'm a little offended. "Dakota Jameson Lee!" I use my newly acquired "girlfriend" voice. Which is only slightly different to my "team leader" voice, and sounds similar to Erica's "mom" voice. It's a flinch-inducing tone.

And as expected, Kota looks properly chastised at my tone. I continue, "I don't know how you keep having these thoughts in your head that I'll leave you, and frankly, I'm a little insulted. I thought we were through this. I mean, we've talked about marriage," I hiss.

Kota looks at me pained. "God, sweetheart, I know, I know. But I just—"

"'But' nothing!" I sit up straight, Owen's arm falling from my shoulders, but it's not long before he's touching me again, as he takes my hand, trying to soothe me. But I am un-soothable right now. I don't care if that's not a word. I notice the other guys have gone quiet, North is glaring at Kota, Meanie has his face in his hand, Owen looks worried, and Sean looks like he's trying not to laugh. This isn't funny. I don't know how many times Kota and I have gone through this. I'm sick of it. I'm not leaving him, or them, dang it! Why can't he get that through his thick, genius skull! Oh, how quickly things can escalate.

I let a frustrated scream out, and stand up, causing my hand to be ripped from Owen's. I try to give the guys at the table an apologetic look, but I don't think I succeed, and I storm out of the kitchen. The last thing I hear before I'm out of earshot is a snarled, "You better go fucking fix this." Owen doesn't swear often, but you know he means business when he does, and if he uses the f-word, well...you better fix whatever you broke because he's about to break you physically—or not. I'm not sure. No one's never not fixed things.

On my way to my room, I cross through the foyer, and Victor, Silas, and Nathan have just gotten home.

"Aggele!" Silas exclaims with a huge smile on his face. His voice causes Victor and Nathan to turn to me. And all three of their smiling faces drop simultaneously at the apparent expression on mine.

I hear three versions of my name being said, questioning what's wrong. I open my mouth, but instead of words, a sob comes out, and the tears start to fall. Instead of facing them, I turn and run the rest of way to my room.

"Princess! Sang!" I hear Victor shout from behind me. I don't stop and just keep booking it to my room. I get there and slam my door shut, locking it. Not that it will stop any of them. I lean my back against the door and slide to the floor. I bury my head into my knees and let the sobs loose. Why does he do this? I love him, he loves me, what more does he need? We're living together now, for Pete's sake!

The door vibrates behind me as someone pounds on it. "Princess?" Victor sounds worried. Why do they always worry? Probably for the same reason you always worry, Sang. Point. Victor's voice floats through the door, "Princess, come on let's talk this out. Or just you and Kota can. Whatever you want, just don't cry. We can't stand when you cry. Especially when we're the reason." I'll cry as much as I want to, thankyouverymuch.

I let out a mental sigh. Maybe I'm overreacting. I should have let Kota finish. Maybe it would have let me understand. I probably should have been calmer about it. I should have... No! I need Kota to understand I'm in this for the long haul. We all are. At least...I think we all are. Wait. What if he's not worried about me, but it's that he's second-guessing his decision? Oh god. That thought brings a new wave of sobs and tears. I'm surprised the boys haven't unlocked my door yet. Usually they're in here faster than this. I'm not complaining about being left alone right now, though.

I get a sudden thought and quickly make my way over to my desk and open my day planner. I flip to this month, and...yup, just as I suspected. I'm expecting my period soon. Sean says I get more emotional right before a period, and when he first told me that, well...let's just say it was just before my period. He was in the doghouse for that.

This time I sigh out loud, ending it with a hiccup. This doesn't lessen the hurt I feel right now, though. If it were any other time, there'd probably be less tears and steaming ears, and more of a rational argument. Oh, Kota. Remember when I said all my boys have their insecurities? Well, since meeting me, Kota's insecurity when it comes to me hasn't faded much, if at all. I really need to be more sensitive to it, but I'm not gonna just let him get away with it. I want to help him through it. Maybe the other eight will have some ideas.

"Sang, please talk to someone," Victor begs through the door. They sure do know how to wear me down. I take one more quick moment before getting up and opening the door.

Victor is standing at my door, a worried look on his face. "Go get Kota," I say flatly. "Please," I add. Victor doesn't move, as if he's waiting for something else. I give him a small smile, letting him know I'm okay. That must've been enough, because he nods, eyes blazing, and walks away.

I sag against the doorframe, defeated, eyes closed and forehead resting against the wood. I thought we had this figured all out. Kota and I have talked about this many times before and I thought we had gotten every concern out and squashed them all. Ugh! This is so frustrating. You know what? I'm just gonna listen to Kota. We'll figure this out...just like we did before.

"Sweetheart?" I hear Kota's voice to my left. It cracks a little with emotion.

I sigh and say, "Why? Why do you keep having doubts about us?" My voice quiet, almost desperately seeking answers.

"I'm so sorry. I don't mean to, but I keep thinking about our situation. I mean, the Academy has even said that not many groups like ours have–"

I stop him right there. "Right now, Kota, I'm talking about you and I. Just you and I. We'll worry about your group concerns later. But I think we need to work on the two of us first." And I do. I don't think we can work on his confidence in the group until we get his confidence in us—in me—where it needs to be for this relationship to continue to work. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but it's frustrating sometimes. I love these boys with everything that I am, though, and I'm willing to do anything, or nearly anything, to make this work.

Kota sighs and nods. "You're right."

"Okay," I start softly, "now why do you keep doubting my commitment to you?"

Kota scrubs at his face. He looks at me, his eyes tortured, and says, "I'm not good enough for you." His eyes tear up. I want to hug him, but I wait until he's finished. "I keep thinking about how much less I have to offer than the others, and how there are other guys out there you could leave me for." His voice catches on "leave."

I put my hands on either side of his face, and make sure he stays focused on my face as I talk to him. "You are so good enough for me. You know, you're starting to sound like Gabriel, before he figured his stuff out," I smirked. "And you have so much to offer. Your knowledge is so useful, your leadership skills are fantastic, and you're so good at reasoning, that you're one of ten pieces that can help make this group work. Every one of us has our part, and yours is just as important as the next guy's. And you are so caring and loving, and I love you for it. You love me so good, Kota. And I'm not just talking about when we're intimate, but in the little things you do for me. The everyday things." I start to rub my thumb across his cheek as I speak to him. A calming gesture, but also an added emphasis. "The way you hold me, when you tuck a piece of hair behind my ear, the way you run your fingers over me when you hold me, when you carry my purse willingly and without complaint, when you hand me my jacket before I leave the house...all of that shows your love for me, and I impossibly love you more each time." I feel tears running down my cheeks now, matching the ones Kota has. I wipe his away. "I love you so much Kota, and I don't ever want to imagine life without you. Please don't imagine it either. It will just eat us up until we both go crazy. I don't want that to happen," I finish.

"I don't want that either." His voice is hoarse from the tears. He pulls me into a hug and rests his chin on the top of my head. "God, oh god, I never want to lose you Sang. I can't. None of us can. It would destroy us."

"I know. And you won't. It would destroy me if I ever lost the nine of you. Probably even if it was only one of you. You are all a part of me—mind, body, and soul. Please don't let that happen," I practically beg, near hysteria.

"Never. We'll never let that happen. I know you love me, and I love you, but sometimes the doubts just slip in."

"I know, but it will be okay. If you ever have those thoughts, just request a moment alone with me, and we'll just cuddle it out. Or talk, if it's needed." I look up at him. "Okay?"

He nods a small smile gracing his lips. "Okay." And then those lips meet mine. Our mouths finishing out the comforting of each other in a slow, sensual kiss.