It was as she was cleaning her son's room that she stumbled onto the picture.

Torako's fingers halted. Her mouth fell open as she stopped to examine the familiar face that she had spotted on her son's desk. This man… She picked up the frame and carefully observed the photograph within as she held it between her hands.

She had never forgotten his face. How could she? Fujimoto Shiro had saved her life. He'd brought her back from the brink of death nearly nine years ago, allowing her to have the chance to give birth to her son. To her Ryuuji.

So these are yours then? she thought with a rising sense of wonder. There was a smile on her lips as her fingers slid down one of the boys' faces. She hadn't imagined him to have kids, even if she had sensed a gentle heart between that harsh exterior. No, there had been an aura to him back then that had seemed too guarded, too angry. He'd been someone who didn't let himself open his heart to others, even as his hands tenderly cared to the sickly.

For a moment, she wondered what could have happened to change him so much. Then, as she stared at Shiro's wide grin and at his sons' happy faces, Torako realized exactly what had been the cause behind it.

"Of course," she murmured softly. Her lips curved into a knowing smile.

The photograph was soon returned to its rightful price. Torako stared at it a bit longer, still equal parts stunned and pleased by her discovery. She exited her son's room with that feeling curled up in her chest and made her way to her own.

It must be fate, she thought then. That this man's children ended up befriending her own had to be more than just mere coincidence. Torako was grateful for it either way. Little Rin was a common topic brought up around her household. Ryuuji was always eagerly waiting for his pen pal's letter to arrive. His enthusiasm caused Torako such pleasure. It was a relief to see Ryuuji and the other kids making friends, even if those friends were several hours of distance away.

It was a pity they lived so far. Torako contemplated with the idea of taking the kids for a visit one day. She hoped she could find the time. She would love to see the kids play together and she was interested in having the opportunity to thank that man face to face again. He'd run off so quickly after helping them. Torako found out why after, of course, but she along with the rest of the people he had saved silently wished they'd had the chance to fully express their gratitude. Some had sent letters to him when the Myou Dha had first joined the Order. Torako hadn't been one of them back then, torn by the unrest that the change brought to the sect and the negative attention her husband was steadily gaining. It had not been an easy transition, and by the time things had died down, Torako had forgotten about contacting him.

She wasn't going to put it off for any longer though, not now that he had appeared in her life again. She still wished she could say the words in person, even treat the man to a meal. But as she slipped into her room and headed for her desk, she thought, This will be enough. At least for now.

She picked up a piece of stationery and began to write.

Dear Fujimoto-san,

My name is Suguro Torako. You may not remember me but we met once almost nine years ago to this date. It was during your visit to Kyoto, to Kongou Shinzan. The winter was harsh up here then and the condition of our people even worse, but you arrived just in time and prevented us from being taken by the miasma. The gratitude that I owe to you, that all of us do, will never fade. It is because of you that I am here today, and that my son, Ryuuji, is alive and well. Thank you. I hope you will forgive me for having taken so long to say these words, though I am sure you never sought them in the first place.

Speaking of my son, I am sure you must have realized already why I am writing to you now, after all these years. My Ryuuji has become quite fond of your son, Rin. He talks about him often and is always eagerly awaiting Rin-kun's responses. I hope they continue to be friends for a long time. You son seems like he is a lovely boy, both of them do.

I hope it isn't too forward of me, but I pray that we may once again meet in the future. I know my husband would be happy to see you again. Tatsuma-san always did speak fondly of you.

If you are ever in Kyoto, please visit us again and bring your children with you. I'm sure they would be delighted to get together with their friends here. You will always be welcome here.

Once again, thank you for everything.

Best,

Suguro Torako