On the Saturday, her team had a little downtime. Everyone was exploring on their own. Mitsuki waited for Aya to contact her and was a little surprised that he didn't. She gave in to her curiosity and texted him.
"What are you up to this weekend, Ayachan?"
"Surgery at 10:30 for a broken leg." Mitsuki thought to herself, that explains it!
"Ug sounds…intense."
"It is Shane Wilson's broken leg.(A famous basket ball player). But don't tell anyone!"
"That is exciting. Can I visit?"
"Actually, no, there will be security. Yuko san wants to see you though. She was really happy to hear you are in town"
Mitsuki met Yuko san for lunch. She lived in the same apartment complex as Aya. Emily was with her at the time. Mitsuki catches up with Yuko and finds out he only gets alternate weekends off and Yuko and Aya's father take care of Emily on the weekends. Emily has more questions for her than anyone else. Finds out that Aya tried one or two relationships after Kate died, but now he focuses on his job and daughter. He is a very good dad, does everything for his little one. She is unconsciously falling for the new Aya. By the time Aya came home, tired, his daughter was fast asleep in her bed, and Mitsuki was reading something by her side, sitting in a chair.
He paused at Emily's bedroom door and leaned against the frame. In a hushed voice he says "I am surprised Yuko let you stay so late."
"I convinced her I am a grownup now." Mitsuki replied.
Aya smiled, whispered thank you to Mitsuki as he walked over to Emily. He planted a kiss on Emily's head, and sat on the floor, his head resting next to hers, facing the ceiling.
"How was Emily with you?"
"She was a delight. Keep an eye on her or I might just steal the little cutie."
Their talking made Emily stir. Aya rubbed Emily's back and she was asleep again. It was getting late and Mitsuki really need to be up early the next day. Mitsuki quietly got up, and walked to Aya, whispered good night in his ear, Aya nodded, barely registering what she said. He was so tired that he started falling asleep. She could see him up close, he was the same beautiful Aya she remembered. Same long hair, always covering his face. She brushed some hair away from his forehead and noticed few grey hair near his temples, no doubt from all he had been through. That just made him look more handsome. She could smell his scent and blushed as she realized she liked it very much. Before she knew what she was doing, Mitsuki kissed Aya, gently putting her lips on his. The soft touch of her lips woke up Aya, his eyes wide open and his face is flushed. Mitsuki quickly pulled away, muttering an apology. She felt her face getting hot, as she turned around to leave. She felt Aya tug on her hand.
Aya: "Mitsuki…"
Mitsuki cut him off, and said as fast as she could: "I am sorry, I don't know what happen. It is getting late, I should go. Please let me go."
Aya: "It is very late, but…we should…" all the talking made Emily stir. "Daddy, are you back?" she said, half asleep still. Aya let Mitsuki's hand go and turned to his daughter. "Yes, honey, its me. Hush now, go to sleep." Mitsuki felt very embarrassed. Before he could look at her again or say anything, Mitsuki left. While in her Lyft ride, thousand things go through her mind. Was Aya mad at her? She receives a text from Aya, she is anxious that he was upset. "Sorry, I couldn't call a taxi. Need to stay with baby. text me when you reach home safely.." is all he said. It only took 10 minutes for her to get home. "No worries. I am home."
Aya couldn't sleep all night. He thought about Mitsuki, how much she had matured, and how her behavior had changed with him…but most of all he thought, why now? He was just getting the hang of being a single parent, and as much as he wanted more from that kiss, it also made him a little angry…she was going to be here only for a few more weeks. He didn't need this additional complication right now. He was up for a fellowship and really needed to concentrate on that.