"I told you today was special," the lady excitedly exclaimed to the man she clinged onto. He seemed to smile as he commented, "Right as always, Yuzuriha."

Subaru was agape as he stared at her. Ten years was a lot of time for her to grow. She was taller with a slender build. Her face lost a childish cuteness and developed into a beautiful shape. However, her clothes reflected her vibrance and maturity. She had a high-waist dress that reached her knees. The skirt portion was a gray shade with a thick white belt at its band while the top was a bright purple. A pair of wedged enhanced her height.

"It's the first time seeing in…" she counter her fingers. "Wow a decade. Time really flies. How has…um…the afterlife been?"

Afterlife? Subaru wondered. He's not dead. Then he remember what she said when she first arrived:

I suppose spirits really do enjoy their offerings

Of course they believed he was dead. The omyouji and his danna's fight on Rainbow Bridge wrecked the structure and without a body...it's not hard to assume his death. Well no anymore. Subaru exhaled as he admitted, "I wouldn't know since I'm not dead."

A shocked expression registered on her face, "T-That's impossible. When Rainbow Bridge collapsed i-it buried you."

"I left before then," the man pointed out.

As quickly as the shock came it vanished with a pained smile, "Well then that's good. You got away."

Her final words lingered in his head. Though it sounded casual Subaru sensed some tension in her voice. Was she mad? Then again, he was supposed to help save the world, but shirked his responsibility—leaving a fourteen-year-old girl and her adolescent companions (along with their two elder members) the burden.

Yet without warning whatever malice Yuzuriha harbored was dispelled once the male she was with wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Her face melted into one of adoration. It was…sweet. Subaru thought how his sister wanted him and his spouse to act like the couple on countless occasion.

The lady realized her former Seal was staring at her, "Oh right! Subaru-san this is my danna, Kusanagi Shiyu. Kusanagi, this is Subaru-san."

Kusanagi cracked a small smile and extended his hand, "Hajimemashite (1)."

The green-eyed male accepted the gesture, "Hajimemashite, Kusanagi-san. If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been married?"

"Four years!" Yuzuriha chirped.

Four years? Subaru echoed in his mind. That meant she was married since she was legally an adult. It wasn't long but he could see in their eyes they were truly in love—like him and Seishirou…

On that note, Subaru glanced at his watch. Its electronic screen read '16: 13'. He had to reach Ebisu to meet with his husband. But with this new restructured Tokyo, Subaru was uncertain he could find his way on time. He also realized he left his cell phone at home. He really was such an airhead.

"Something wrong, Subaru-san?" Yuzuriha asked. He glanced back up, "Um…I have to get to Ebisu soon but I forgot how to get there."

Kusanagi spoke, "We were heading to Westin Tokyo (2) to meet with Imonoyama-san for lunch. We could show you the way if you want."

Though Subaru honestly wasn't sure if it would be fine for Yuzuriha to meet Seishirou, he also didn't want to make his danna wait. Finally he decided that if he was going to suddenly reappear, then he should at least show the reason why he left before the 'Promised Day'. Subaru accepted, "I'd be grateful."

~~~~~AllHailEccentricness~AllHailEccentricness~AllHailEccentricness~~~~~

Seishirou felt a presence stalking him. It didn't intimidate him, after all the Sakurazukamori name was infamous in the underground. Assassin attempted to kill the man for the boost in reputation and the money bound to come with it. A foolish thing in Seishirou's eyes, but he didn't need to bring more of his work home with him— his Subaru-kun would have a fit.

He glanced at his watch and frowned. He had to meet Subaru within the hour so he had to make this confrontation quick and without mess. The assassin cut into a disgusting abandoned alleyway. Leaning again a wall the Sakurazukamori pulled out a cigarette and placed it at his lips. His amber eye shut as he pulled out his lighter. His hand kindled the flame once it ignited the cigarette. He listened to the bustle of the street. Only one sound defined itself above the discord.

CLICK! CLACK! CLICK! CLACK!

The tread of high heel shoes. The movement was fluid and confident gait that stepped—almost strutted—towards him. A trail of smoke was blown as the footsteps halted at the entrance of the alley, "I didn't expect to see you again so soon Kyoko-san."

~~~~~AllHailEccentricness~AllHailEccentricness~AllHailEccentricness~~~~~

OH man Seishirou's got a stalker! Why? Find out soon!

Authoress' Notes:

1) Hajimemashite: Only said when you meet someone for the first time. It means 'nice to meet you'.

2) Westin Tokyo: A hotel located near Ebisu. This is where I stayed when I visited Tokyo.