Though it did not come as a surprise, the death of George Asami; former Duke of Dio, was devastating. The people of Japan came to the Asami family cemetery to morn his death. Lady Asami Margaret sobbed into her son's arms as her best friend was laid to rest in the ground. Asami Ryuichi too, found himself with tears falling from his eyes. His grandfather had been the closest thing to a father he had after his own had died. He had loved the old Alpha as if he were the father Ryuichi had lost.
Ryuichi's gaze was drawn away from his grandfather's burial as a strong hand rested upon his shoulder. Soft arms wrapping around both him and his once again heartbroken mother. The God Dio, George Asami's father and the Goddess Omiya, George's step mother. Both with tears in their eyes. Rain began to fall from the sky. Soaking the mourners below.
Akihito raced around the small cottage. His heart broken by the sad news on f George Asami's death. He had sent a letter to his love, filled with words of love and comfort. He prayed to Omiya that it would help ease his lover's pain.
Frowning, Akihito examined the bedding in the guest room. Finding it lacking, he raced out to the markets to find better. Wishing to return to Akihito but not willing to leave his grieving mother behind, Ryuichi decided to bring his mother with him. The Lady Asami would be living with them for an undetermined time. It was a decision that Akihito agreed with, but it still left him nervous.
Ryuichi stepped free of the carriage, a lightness entering his grieving heart at the sight of his home. Turning, he took his mother's hand and helped her out. She stood in he drive, her golden eyes taking in the small cottage before her.
"Oh Ryuichi, it is just lovely!"
Ryuichi chuckled. His mother and Akihito shared similar tastes it seemed. As they approached the cottage the door opened, revealing a rumpled Akihito. Lady Asami chuckled at the sight. Already charmed by her son's lover.
Akihito rushed over to them, cursing very low. "Lady Asami, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"Me too dear child. Please, call me mother." Lady Asami reached out and cupped Akihito's chin. Lifting it, shock gripped her. "It is not possible!"
Lady Asami, Ryuichi and Akihito gathered in the sitting room. Lady Asami fondly gazed upon the furniture there as well as at Akihito. So much joy filled her aching heart at the sight of them. There were things she had thought to never see again.
"Lord Honor Takaba was a great craftsman was he not?"
"Mother?"
"The Late Atlantian Lord loved to carve things. He made toys for children, furniture for his people. His own home was filled with his crafts. Everything as beautiful as what had come before. You see this little symbol? Honor carved it into everything he made.
"Akihito, your grandfather was so very talented."
Ryuichi frowned, confused. Akihito however, was just curious. "How did you know?"
"I often visited Atlantis. It was a beautiful island. Filled with one of a kind life. It was tragic when Our Goddess Omiya sent it to the bottom of the sea. Not that I could blame her.
"The priestess of her Atlantian temple was a traitor. When Omiya gifted your mother, Sora with you; the priestess killed your family and took her mother captive. I knew when the war began that Sora had been killed. I had been so filled with joy to hear of Omiya's gift of you, but fear had filled me.
"Your mother was on her way to Japan when she was captured. She was to come to the family estate with us. You would have been born in Japan.
"But here you are Akihito Takaba! Alive and well." Lady Asami hugged Akihito tightly to her chest.
"Mother, what are you saying?"
Akihito turned to look at his lover. "My mother was Sora Takaba. It was her death that set off the war."
Ryuichi was shocked. He stared at his young lover. Seeing him for the very first time. "You're not a magicless Beta?"
"No." Akihito looked down at his hands. "I am sorry to have lied and deceived you. In truth, I am a male Omega."
"Oh my God Dio!" Ryuichi breathed. Akihito flinched. Ryuichi knelt before Akihito, taking his lover's hands in his own. "I am not angry Akihito. I am overjoyed! I had thought you to be dead all these years. Yet you have been here, right by my side for two years!"
Tears formed in Ryuichi's golden eyes. "I had never thought to be reunited with my true mate."
A week later, Ryuichi proposed, an no it was not because Akihito was his true mate suddenly brought back to life. No, Ryuichi had been planning to propose for a few months. However, he had not retrieved his family's onyx ring. Now with his family's ring and mother's blessing, Ryuichi got down on one knee.
"Akihito Takaba, will you do my the greatest honor imaginable? Will you take me as your husband and mate for the rest of our lives and until the end of infinity?"
"Yes." Akihito whispered. He flung himself at his lover, sending them both unto the floor. Laughing, Ryuichi slid the onyx ring onto Akihito's finger. The magic worked into it, allowing the ring to fit his fiance perfectly.
Akihito sat up, his knees straddling Ryuichi's waist. Reaching into his skirt pocket, he pulled out a blue velvet pouch. "Ryuichi, I wish to give you this as you are the love of my life. Weather you be my true mate or not."
Tears gathered in his eyes as he pulled open the pouch. Reaching inside, he pulled out a sapphire blue ring set with tiny silver purple opals. The jewels were one of a kind. Created for the Takaba family by the Goddess Omiya herself. "I have had this ring since the day I was born. It is my family's ring and the only item my mother had been able to smuggle out of Atlantis. She used her bond with plant life to keep it hidden. Ryuichi, will you accept it?"
"Yes." Tears fell from Ryuichi's golden eyes