AN: Here we go, as promised…

Kohta:

The look on Kaede's face as I prepared what used to be her favorite foods when she had lived with us, was priceless. Her eyes seemed to light up with something that was new, even for her, and the room seemed to shine with her radiance.

I'd never seen anyone scarf down food the way she had, and it reminded me of when "Nyuu" had first started living with us. I shake my head, somber with memories of the past. They had always haunted me, and even now they did, even when the memory sat in front of me in the flesh. My eyes dared not to leave her, as if she were a spirit that could fade if my eyes left her own. Her face showed that of someone that had faced horrors I can't imagine, and so seeing her find simplistic joys illuminated what really matters. The necessities. And she, believe it or not, was a necessity to me.

My mind kept wandering to how I would leave Yuka, because that was really the only answer. I wouldn't be able to hold up the pretense of a happy marriage whilst knowing that everything that mattered lied in this girl before me. This shattered angel that was filled with pain I couldn't compare to in a thousand years. Her eyes alone told a tale of misfortune that her horns proved true, and I knew that every day was yet another struggle. It depressed me to know that the world had so drastically destroyed that which was better internally than all of us combined.

She stood up, done with her late breakfast… more of a midday meal if any… and I did the dishes whilst she bathed herself. She assured me that she could handle herself, and that if she needed anything she would yell, however masculine temptation struck me more than once. But my respect for her outran the impulses that were making my very hands tremble. I shook my head, trying to force myself to concentrate on the matter at hand. Dishes. It stuck me then how stunningly boring of a chore it really was, and I began to grow impatient for Kaede to finish with her bathing. I mentally scolded myself, noting that patience was a virtue I had yet to possess. Although, if memory served well, Kaede had a similar problem.

I thought back to our childhood, and a slow (yet sure) smile bloomed upon my face. I closed my eyes, feeling as if I could so much as bask in the very sun that had shone that day, brighter than any other simply because of her presence. How the smallest things never ceased to amaze her, and how her naivety was never to be confused with ignorance. I wished that I had known how special she really was… wished that I hadn't taken her for granted. I felt a tear forming in the corner of my eye, and I willed it with all of my inner being to go away. I couldn't have Kaede seeing me cry over a former memory, especially when the cause for tears was no longer there. For she was alive, and not just that, but residing with me for the time being. I didn't so much have a reason to cry, unless it were to be out of joy.

I could hear her walking down the hallway, and I opened my mouth to ask if she was alright as I turned around to face her, but all my words became trapped in my throat at the sight of her. Her skin was… barren, and in her arms were her own soiled clothes.

"It would seem a defeat of purpose if I put dirty clothes back on directly after bathing myself, wouldn't you agree?" She murmured, her eyes meeting mine full on. It took everything I had to keep my eyes from straying, and I wouldn't have been surprised if I had heart failure there and on the spot. Although, that would be a bit dramatic, even for the situation. I barely managed a nod, and a slight smile came upon her, and I needn't ask her why.

"Um… There should be clothes in the bedroom, something of Y-Yuka's would surely fit you, or so I would assume." I stammer, not knowing much of women and sizes and clothing and what not. She nodded briefly, heading back down the hallway and taking a left at the bedroom door, my eyes not leaving her for a second.

I take a deep breath, wanting to both save myself from embarrassment and wanting to save Kaede from my own male faults. If only she even knew.