Title: In Twenty Years
Author: Sicilian Maiden
Pairing: Narumi Ayumu/Yuizaki Hiyono
Fandom: Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna
Theme: #5—"ano sa" (hey, you know...")
Rating: G
Disclaimer: All characters of Spiral are the property of Kyou Shirodaira; I allege no possession of said characters. I only request to take them to over-rowdy soccer games and force them to play at gunpoint.
Summary: Where would I be?

Because it's been asked, this takes place after the end of the anime where both Hiyono and Ayumu are roughly in their early twenties. Thanks Aurora for helping me clear it up.
Edit: Thanks to Chainedheart999 for the help. Sorry for that lousy mistake. I forgot to re-edit. I hope you're okay with sharing the dedication! (: If not, than chapter 9 is all yours. :D

-o-

"Ano, Narumi-san?" a quite voice pulled my attention from the new cook book I had boughten the other morning.

"Hm..." I replied. Yeah, I know. Way to show emotion.

The whole day had seemed to drag on and on. From the moment I woke up, I knew that today was going to be bad. Not, "you're going to die" sort of bad, but rather, the, "you are going to be asked impossible questions and be forced on pain of death to answer" kind of bad. When that girl popped up at my doorstep demanding some sort of edible nutrients, I cursed myself for ever telling her that my door was always open. She had been crying, what else could I do?

And the worst part... She took full advantage. It had been a nonstop inquiry since she arrived. It was like receiving the fifth degree at a full lock-down prison. I suddenly felt bad for all those criminals I had put behind bars.

Staring longingly at a picture of freshly made souffle, I awaited her question. When she didn't outright respond to my somewhat over exuberant mumble, I looked up from my book to see her watching me intently as if studying my every move; critiquing my body language in search of answers.

"What?" I asked a bit to harshly when I noted her unconscious flinch. The usual spark in her golden eyes was slowly beginning to die away.

"Look," I tried to softly explain, "I'm sorry if I sounded mad. I'm not. It's just been a long day." I hoped she would see the sincerity that I was trying to hide. It's not as if I wanted her to be scared of me—truthfully, I was sort of scared of her.

A few days back, I had been called onto an assignment involving a thirty-seven year old male and his thirty-two year old girlfriend. I had never been put on a negotiation case before but I guess there's a first time for everything. Before I was to knock and request to speak to the man, I needed information on him and the young woman. That's where she came in.

One call, and I knew who he was, where he was born, his grandmother's maiden name, and the exact date of his first baby steps. She was that good.

Sadly, even with my negotiation skills of mad woman during, that time of the month—I know, good analogy—I stilled seemed to lack getting through to him. Again, that's where she came in.

Even more unfortunately, her soothing voice and winning argument were still not enough to keep that bastard from killing his girlfriend, and then taking his own life... right in front of her. I wasn't able to protect her from the sound of the woman's screaming, pleading voice, and the sight of all that blood hitting the walls. I wasn't able to comfort her when she stood slightly awestruck, staring blankly into the tiny, one room apartment. I couldn't bring myself to hold her when the reality of it all finally caught up to her and the tears and sobs racked her body.

I felt horrible later; like I too wanted to commit suicide. Why couldn't I just reach out to her and at least ask her how she felt—if she was okay. But no. I had to play the part of the unfeeling detective who just needed to make a few bucks and move on in his life.

Well, that put me where I was now... waiting for some kind of response. Earlier, she had asked me things like, "Could I have done anything differently?" or, "Was it my fault?" or my favorite, "Do you hate me?"

So now, after all the questions had died down and the silence had grown uncomfortably unbearable, she had gained enough courage to ask one more.

"Narumi-san?" she tried again.

"...Yes?"

Another pregnant pause and then she took a deep breath, "Where do you see yourself in twenty years?"

My world came to a stop. She had my full attention now. Closing my book, I set aside and shifted in my chair so that I could gaze at her tentative features.

"Twenty years?" I restated the question to myself as I let it roll around in my mind. I wanted to answer this right.

"I guess..." Wow, this was so much harder than I though it would be.

Quickly shaking her head in a Hiyono-like fashion, she threw her hands in defense muttering, "It's okay. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"No, no. I do it's just... I'm not exactly sure where I'll be in twenty years. It's a long time from now. No one knows the future for sure." That seemed about right.

"Oh... I guess so," she mumbled, her eyes downcast. I could see the disappointment and defeat in her body as it sagged into the couch was currently sitting on.

"Wait, Hiyono," I said not realizing the use of her name. Her head snapped up and her caramel-eyes were suddenly glowing with her own internal flame again.

"Narumi-san, you just..."

"I know what I did," I shot back, (my face grew hot), when she began to giggle uncontrollably. She grasped her sides in an attempt to quite herself but to no avail. She toppled over sideways and pulled her legs to her chest—her arms wrapping around her knees.

"Do you want to know where I see myself in twenty years or not?" I knew I got her attention. She immediately composed herself and sat back up placing her hands in her lap.

"Yes please," she replied.

"Okay, in twenty years, I think I'll still be here, living in this old, rundown apartment trying to keep my job at the police department." It was a dark and solemn answer but it was a decently honest answer as well.

Her head cocked to the side and I watched her untamed hair glide down her shoulders. It was the first time I remember seeing them down from those pigtails she had grown accustomed to.

"Narumi-san?"

"It's sad but true." I grabbed my cook book and began thumbing through the pages absentmindedly looking for an idea for dinner. Then, as if my mind would stay restless until I voiced the rest of the my thoughts, I blurted, "Do you know where I'd want to be?" I didn't wait for a response before I pushed on, roughishly, into dangerous territory.

"I wouldn't mind living in a wonderfully, spacious house with two children and a loyal, loving, tenderly sweet wife. I'd love to keep my job at the department and maybe open my own PI wing." I couldn't stop myself. It was as if years of bottling my feeling had finally forced myself to uncork this bottle and let myself flow free. I watched her eyes begin warm at this new, happier me and I wanted to keep that look in her eyes for as long as possible. Unable to quit, I continued, "I'd strive to maintain a steady income to support my family and I would be the parent that the children would fight over when it came time for "Parent Show and Tell Day." And do you know the part of that life I want the most?" This time, I wanted her to answer.

I got my wish. "What Narumi-san? What is the part Narumi-san want's the most?"

"I want you to be that wife. I want you to be the mother of my children. I want you," I finished. I guess nearly seven years of harboring and hiding these feelings from her had finally worn me down.

A bright blush painted her face and she sat, completely bowled over by my comment. She slowly rose from her spot on the couch and made her way over to me. For a moment, I was sure she was about to slap me. But when she leaned down and placed a soft kiss on my forehead, I felt a warm sensation run through my body.

She hadn't outright rejected me. When she smiled and laughed, I basked in the sound her voice made and turned my gaze upward to meet hers.

"Well," she paused her laughter, "I guess we have twenty years to find out don't we?"

-o-

Hola! I'm so sorry for the long delay. Between chemo, school, sports, my position as sophomore class president, and all the other stuff that comes with life, I didn't have any time to write. Fortunately, it's 12:35 on this lovely Sunday morning and I decided to type something out for you. It has not been beta-ed (can you tell? XD) so I'm sure it sucks. Yet again, my apologies. I know this is a little more angsty and OOC but I hope that someone out there enjoyed it. Thanks to everyone that's stuck with me on this fanfiction roller coaster.

Jewely2951: Thanks for the wonderful review!

sasukesgirl89: Your reviews always seem to encourage me. Whether you meant to or not, thanks!

4thFromTheFurnace: Hola cheese! I read your updated story! It was adorable. I assume that now we are even, no? returns giant bear hug Eh... chessines is good. There shall be no tears here! Have fun at school! (not)

Sony89: I'm glad I'm not the only one. Did that sound mean...? It wasn't supposed to. Thanks again for the uplifting reviews. They really help a girl out.

Juuroku-sama: I'm much better now that you've reviewed! XD I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter! I feel as if this new one is not going to be very good. Oh well, you let me know what you think okay? I value your opinion.

Tetsu Deinonychus: What a name! I love it. Thanks for the sweet review.

BeAuTifuL SmiLe: I'm glad you giggled. We need more giggling in the world toady. Hope you enjoyed!

Hreapca Dana: I'm happy you enjoyed it so so much! To you, my dear. I hope you like it.

Aurora: I love your name. "A cute piece of meat" was actually coined from my older sister describing a guy across the street when we were walking in Seattle. I then proceeded to yell, "My sister thinks you're a cute piece of meat!" Oh yes... it was hilarious. Hope you liked the new chapter.

Pure Essence: I'm glad you thought I was adorable. I know this one was kind of a curve ball. Do you think it worked? Let me know okay?

ConfusedJelly: Thank you for the kind words! Enjoy madam.

Well, that's all folks. I'll try really hard to update relatively soon. I go into surgery on the 19th so I'll see what I can do.
Ciao bello!