Hey all, long time no see~ :)

I've regrettably been working on one-shots for my Deviantart account because they're quicker to type up and push out, but now that I have a few minutes to breathe and actually write something, here's the next chapter to Pieces of Me! :)

I must warn you that this chapter is kind of cheesy and more sappy than what I usually produce, but I felt it was necessary because of what happened between Kaori and Mikoto.

Also, I figured I'd put a humerus spot in this because... Who doesn't love seeing jealous/possessive Mikoto when his woman is being hit on? ;)

NOTE; kinda on the short side and not entirely edited, but what else do ya expect of me? I'm the queen of procrastination when it comes to editing. ;Db

PIECES OF ME

CH XIV

Together At Last

Kaori woke up that morning with a smile on her face, feeling a very familiar heat pressed against her back and strong arms wrapped around her bare waist. She slowly looked over her shoulder and noticed Mikoto was still fast asleep with his face pressed against the back of her head, making a warm feeling settle in the pits of her stomach. She felt happy and comfortable for the first time in weeks, and not at all bothered by the fact that he'd shown up to apologize and they ended up in her bed later on that evening.

Between the built up tension from her memories taunting her and his own desire that had been weld up for far too long, she knew it would have been inevitable to avoid. They were simply too tempting for one another, and made do with christening almost every surface of her apartment.

She wanted so badly to reach back and run her fingers through his hair, but at the same time, she didn't want to wake him up.

Although, she had been completely unaware that Mikoto had been awake for almost an hour at that point and was simply enjoying her being held so close to him.

"Morning," He muttered against her shoulder, pressing two long kisses to her skin before shifting so he could lean on his elbow to look down at her.

Kaori smiled and rolled onto her back to better look at him, "So you are awake. Did you sleep good?"

"Mm," He smiled small, "Best sleep I've had in a long time."

Reaching up, she touched his cheek gently, "I think I have to agree with you, kind sir."

He smirked and leaned down to kiss her, "Kind sir my ass," Nipping her jaw, he continued his way down to the nape of her neck and sighed contently, "I missed you."

"I know," She closed her eyes and ran her fingers through his hair gently, "I've missed you too. It's been too quiet in my life to be real."

"I agree," He lifted himself to look down at her again.

Kaori suddenly grinned, "I hear you've turned into quite the antisocial asshole, Mikoto."

"I assume Izumo said that?" His smirk never left his face, "Just another thing I can thank him for when I get back there."

"Oh?" She blinked, "Did something happen?"

Mikoto shifted and with the hand that he'd had laying on her stomach, laced his fingers together with one of her own and brought it up to rest beside her head, "He told the boys that he and Saruhiko were secretly meeting with you, and then he proceeded tell us all that there was a man that you work with that's highly interested in you and extremely jealous of him."

Kaori frowned, "Don't hurt him. He's harmless."

"I won't, unless he touches you," Mikoto leaned down and nuzzled the side of her face before pressing his lips to the shell of her ear, "After what happened at the club, I don't ever want to see another man touch you like that."

She shuddered from the sensations his breath against her ear and neck gave, "Mikoto."

"I can't help it," He sighed, nuzzling her neck with his nose before inhaling her scent and letting a deep, throaty, almost growl-like sound reverberate from his chest.

Kaori smiled small and used her fingers that were still laced in his red tresses to hold his head against her neck with a gentle pressure, "Mikoto?" He grunted for her to continue, "If you ever break up with me again like that, I'll have no choice but to castrate you. Do you understand?"

She felt him smirk against her skin as he chuckled, "I do."

"Good," She grinned, "Because if you didn't agree, I was going to have to hurt you."

Mikoto eased himself out of her grip and gave the hand he was holding a squeeze, "You don't have to worry about that, Kaori. I'm not going anywhere this time, and I'm not going to let you down again. You have my word on that as a King, and as your lover."

"How honorable of you to boast," She smiled up at him, "I was only teasing, Mikoto."

"I know, but I'm not," He smiled small, "I want to do right by you this time."

She felt the butterflies assault her stomach at his words, "Mikoto," Dragging her fingers through his hair, she pulled him down for a kiss before flashing him a teasing grin, "You know, you could always start sucking up by giving me a back rub every night for a year, and then maybe running me a hot bath by candle light. Oh, and there's also the fact that Izumo was sending me with food over with Saru, so those dishes need to be brought back. And then there's–"

Mikoto silenced her with a deep kiss and shifted himself so his body was on top of hers. He felt her shudder underneath him and grinned into their kiss, situating himself between her legs with his knees propping them open to prepare her.

"Don't worry, I'll do all of those things for you," He murmured in a deep voice, leaning down to kiss her neck before giving his favorite spot a little nip, "Until then, just relax and let me help you with some more of that pent up tension."

Kaori could only nod as her eyes fluttered, letting her hands wrap around his neck as he continued to pepper the skin of her neck and collar bone with kisses.

She felt a sudden jolt as his fingers brushed her most sensitive spot, giving him a curious look as it was unusual for him to use his digits for foreplay. He just gave her a lusty gaze before he claimed her lips again, earning a soft moan from the woman he was so desperately craving after such a long wait. With the swirl of his thumb on her button of nerves and his fingers doing such naughty, wonderful things to her insides, Kaori's legs began to tremble as she held onto her lover tightly.

With the way he teased her and the amount of passion he delivered in their kiss, it didn't take long for her to reach her peak. He only pulled away far enough so he could look at her with a grin, noticing the familiar flushed cheeks and glassy expression in her eyes after he'd given her much needed release.

"That was new," She giggled, looking up at him through hooded eyes.

Mikoto shrugged and, much to Kaori's embarrassment despite the wave of arousal that crashed over her, let her watch as he licked his fingers clean while giving her a very seductive look, "Is it bad that I wanted to kiss you first before we got started?"

- x -

"Well, well, well!" Kusanagi looked over as the door opened to reveal a very welcomed face back into the bar, "I thought I'd have to go looking for you both myself, but it seems Mikoto's still in one piece and no one's hurt."

Kaori giggled and thanked Mikoto for pulling her jacket off her with a gentle tug, "Well, it was you that would have caused problems, so I hold you responsible if he-who-will-not-be-named goes missing."

"I only told him that so it would motivate him to go back to you faster," Kusanagi said in his defense, "Clearly it worked, seeing as how you're both here right now."

"Yeah, yeah," Kaori grinned.

Mikoto shot Kusanagi a smirk before he looked around, "Where is everyone?"

"Anna and Tatara had a feeling you two would be here today, so they took all of the boys out to give you both a moment to breathe," The bartender said with a smile.

Kaori walked over and smiled back, "Misaki and Rikio must be pretty excited."

"They are," Kusanagi chuckled, "I wouldn't be surprised if you get attacked when they all return, but from who first, I don't know. Tatara was pretty ecstatic this morning, too."

"That's okay, there's plenty of me to go around," Kaori was beaming, causing Kusanagi to watch her with a smile and Mikoto to sigh contently.

The sharp eyes of Kusanagi caught onto Mikoto and grinned, "There, that's better. It's about time you're relaxed and actually not a danger to us all."

Kaori looked at Kusanagi and then to Mikoto, "We talked about that. He promised that he wouldn't be a recluse anymore."

"I assume that you're keeping your apartment and that he'll be a semi-permanent fixture there?"

Mikoto nodded but said nothing.

A comfortable silence fell over the three of them as Kaori enjoyed a freshly brewed cup of tea while Kusanagi and Mikoto talked about what was currently going on in their territory. It wasn't until the bar door slammed open that Kaori looked over with a bright grin on her face, her eyes landing on the russet haired vanguard with his tall, silent companion in tow.

Yata's eyes went wide as they landed on Kaori, "Mum!"

Kamamoto and Bando also looked over and quickly followed Yata inside as the young boy launched himself at the woman, "You're back!"

Kaori giggled and held onto all three of them as they all got close to her, "I missed you too my hellions!"

"We're so glad you're okay!" Kamamoto said with a teary smile.

"So does this mean you and Mikoto are okay now?" Yata asked excitedly.

Kaori grinned, "That's right!"

"Hey now, I want a turn and I'm sure Anna would like one, too!" Tatara said as he crossed the room with the tiny girl in maroon following closely behind him.

Yata and Kamamoto reluctantly let Kaori go while Bando stepped aside for Tatara, who enveloped the woman in a tight hug while Anna grabbed her by her waist. Kaori felt her eyes water as the two squeezed her tightly, almost as if they never wanted to let her go.

"Oh, Anna," Kaori felt a small spot on her clothing become damp as she looked down to see the beautiful, doll-like girl teary eyed, "Don't cry."

She looked up at Kaori and smiled small, but didn't say anything. She simply hugged her once more before stepping back.

Tatara on the other hand, grinned brightly and reached up to ruffle the Red King's already unruly, messy hair, "I knew you two wouldn't stay separated for very long!"

"Heh," Mikoto swatted his hand away before walking to the counter to take a seat.

"So," Kusanagi grinned as he looked at Mikoto, "Did you have fun last night and work out all of that pent up sexual frustration and tension?"

Mikoto shot Kusanagi a short glare that told the bartender all he needed to know, making him grin wider at his King.

"I swear you two are worse than teenagers," Kusanagi sighed and shook his head before looking over to the group as they continued to surround Kaori and tell her all about the happenings while she was absent in their lives, "I'm really happy that you two are back together, though. I didn't think you'd ever come out of that angry, depressive state otherwise."

"Don't make it sound like I need her to survive or anything..." Mikoto said with a droll stare.

Kusanagi matched his stare with his own, "You may not need her to survive, but she's more important to you than you're willing to let on. Although, I think this time you learned your lesson."

With a grunt, Mikoto looked away from his friend to watch the others while Kaori giggled and grinned at their stories.

. . .

Later that day after receiving a call from her work, Mikoto walked with Kaori to her apartment to get her uniform before walking with her to the restaurant she was currently employed at. As they walked, he held her hand in a firm grip with their fingers laced together.

"Are you going to come pick me up from work?" Kaori looked up at him with a smile.

Mikoto nodded, "Yeah, I'll be there."

"I take it that you'll also be coming in to intimidate the assistant manager that I'm sure Izumo told you about?" She suddenly grinned, knowing that was exactly what he planned on doing.

He never bothered denying it, giving an indignant snort, "Obviously."

When they finally arrived, Kaori led him inside and looked around for any of her female coworkers. It wasn't busy like she'd originally thought it would be, but she only saw one other girl running around taking orders and delivering meals.

"Ah good, you're here!" Aida turned to Kaori and grinned, "Your biggest fan was just asking about you and was wondering if you were actually going to come in."

Kaori sighed, "Of course he's working today..."

"And, who might this be?" Her coworkers eyes landed on the tall King behind her.

Kaori grinned, "This is my boyfriend, Mikoto."

"Boyfriend?!" She went wide eyed, "I thought you had a bad breakup!"

"She did," Mikoto looked at her, "But we're back together now."

She stared up at Mikoto and felt her cheeks heat up at the stunning, intense gaze his amber orbs gave, "Oh, I see..."

Kaori smiled as she turned to Mikoto, "I should be done around supper time if you're coming back."

Mikoto grunted slightly and nodded before looking over to the doors leading into the back, where a tall male stood watching the two with an obvious jealous expression on his face.

"See, Kenji!" Aida beside Kaori grinned, "I told you she'd be here to help, but it seems she's brought a surprise with her."

The man, Kenji, smiled politely as he approached but it was obvious that the look he wanted to give the tall red head was anything but pleasant, "Hello. You must be Kaori's friend?"

"Actually, he's my boyfriend," Kaori looked up at him, "Kenji, this is Mikoto."

Kenji frowned slightly as he tried to hide his displeasure, "I thought you weren't dating for a while."

"We took a break," Mikoto said with a rough tone, his amber eyes narrowed slightly at the tall male.

Kaori looked up between the two and frowned, "Can we talk about this some other time? The customers are beginning to stare..."

"Let them argue," Aida whispered with a grin, "It's about time someone puts Kenji in his place."

A nervous laugh escaped Kaori's mouth, "Yeah... About that..." She looked up to Mikoto and touched his arms gently, "Remember what Izumo said. You don't want to start anything here, Mikoto."

"So you're the guy that broke Kaori's heart?" Kenji eyed Mikoto up and down before sneering, "What she's doing with a guy like you is beyond me."

Kaori felt Mikoto shift and frowned, noticing that his body was now turned around to fully face the assistant manager and his amber eyes were narrowed dangerously.

"I don't give a damn what you think," Mikoto said in a very oddly calm voice, although Kaori knew better than to ignore the dangerous undertone that only someone that knew the King very well could pick up, "I suggest you learn to admire from afar, because I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon."

Kenji snorted, "As if that threat would scare me off. Kaori, seriously, why him?"

"Uh..." She looked at Aida for help but frowned when she grinned and waved at her to go off and tend to the few customers in the restaurant, "Kenji, you're just going to have to understand that Mikoto is–"

"I wish you'd stop saying Mikoto, because isn't that a girl's name? It's hard to take him seriously when all I can picture is him wearing a skirt."

Kaori's eyes slowly crept up to Mikoto's face, noticing he was fighting against himself at this point. She noted that he more than likely restrained himself so he didn't have a lawsuit on his hands for lamb-basting Kenji into the next century.

What surprised Kaori the most out of all of this, was when Mikoto leaned down towards her with his eyes still on the male in front of him to whisper in her ear.

"Do you need this job? I'll pay for that apartment of yours, Kaori."

She frowned up at him but sighed when she saw the grin pull at Kenji's face, "No, I don't need it. I only have three shifts a week and the hours aren't increasing."

"Good," Mikoto straightened up, "I'll be back before the end of your shift."

He shot Kenji a warning glance before turning to walk out the door, leaving Kaori and Kenji standing there in silence until Aida finally walked up with a sly grin on her face.

"Wow, Kaori! He's pretty fierce, isn't he?"

Kaori looked at her and giggled uneasily, "You don't even know the half of it..."

"He looks like he's all talk and no bite," Kenji smirked, "Did you see how he walked out of here? I bet I scared him off."

"Yeah, I don't think so," Kaori sighed as she pulled Aida by the hand to walk passed the boastful assistant manager.

Kenji watched them and followed behind the two, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that he's not someone you should be threatening to lightly," Kaori looked over her shoulder to give him a meaningful look, "If I told you who he really is, I'm sure you'd think twice about insulting him."

Aida grinned brightly, "Ooouu, what does he do for a job, Kaori?!"

Kaori didn't answer her until they slipped into the back through the swinging double doors and walked over to to where her apron was hung on one of the many hooks.

"You know that man with the purple-tinted glasses that comes in to see me?" Kaori looked at her as she tied the white material around her waist, "He works for Mikoto and is his number two."

"Is your boy-toy like, a gang leader or something?" Aida's eyes were sparkling at this point.

Kenji hung off to the side with a scowl pulling at his lips, wondering just what he was going to be dealing with if he wanted to make Kaori see reason.

"Hmm, I suppose you could call him that," Kaori blinked and paused for a moment, "He's the leader of HOMRA."

Aida's jaw dropped, "No way... Seriously?!"

"You're fucking with us," Kenji looked at her, "A man that dangerous wouldn't be dating a sweet, caring girl like you. He'd want someone more durable and thicker skinned to handle his lifestyle."

Kaori looked at him and smiled beautifully, "Oh, I can assure you that he's the real deal. His full name is Mikoto Suoh, and the man that comes to see me is Izumo Kusanagi, who owns the bar HOMRA."

"Wow!" Aida beamed, "That's so cool! How in the hell did you snag such an amazing, powerful boyfriend, Kaori!"

She giggled and shrugged, "I went to the same school as the two of them, and that's where I met them. Mikoto and I have been together ever since we were sixteen."

"Dude, you have to hook me up! You can't hog all of those bad boys all to yourself," Aida grabbed her arm and gave her the best puppy-eyed look she could muster, "Pleaseeeee~"

Kaori blinked and grinned sheepishly, "Sorry, but I think all of the boys that are in your age-range are taken."

"Boo..." Aida instantly deflated.

Kenji watched the two as he tried to recover from the information he'd just learned, "Kaori, how could you date someone like him?! Don't you know that he's probably killed before?!"

"Oh, I know all about that," She smiled at Kenji, "I actually like being involved in the affairs of the gang, but he keeps me out of harms way when it comes to the dangerous bits."

The tall male gave his head a shake as he listened to her in disbelief, "Kaori, listen to yourself..."

"I'm sorry, Kenji. Really, I am... But Mikoto is and always will be a major part of me life," Kaori walked towards the door and offered him one more smile, "He's the love of my life, and I will always choose him."

I'm so proud of Mikoto in this chapter... -sniffs while dabbing eyes with a kleenex-

Anywhoo, sorry for the long wait and also, sorry that it's a little on the short side! I tried to type something out that would be longer, but it just didn't flow right with what was happening.

Aside from that, I'm going to be (finally) doing the introduction to Reina and Yata's miniseries soon as I'm done all of my upgrades to start university this September (AWWEEE YEAH)! I decided that although the chapters won't be super lengthy, I'll be having a more humerus side to their story line. ;)

As always, I love you all so very, very much! This series is probably going to be coming to a close soon, as I only intended on having it run up until it caught up to Series of Fortunate Events, but I haven't decided when the final chapter will be.

As for future stuffs with this series, I'm very (impatiently) waiting for the new K series about all of the seven Kings to start before I put together something else! I figured I would focus on finishing my Owari no Seraph story, and then work on the Reina/Yata miniseries along with a couple of requests I've gotten in the last couple of months.

Let's not forget about that pretty little list of goodies I have planned for this year as follow-ups for our darling characters here in HOMRA! Those are coming out soon, too! ;)

~ Kayori, out!