I kissed Aiko and Ren after Kyoko completed her regular ritual of tucking them in. I looked at our two miracles and couldn't contain my smile. Life took so much from me. Gave me innumerable pains. Drowned me in myriads of sorrows. But yet when I looked at Aiko's smile, when I saw Ren's little eyes glow with joy, it felt all worth it.

We left the room and Kyoko closed the door softly. My eyes wandered in all directions searching for something to take away what came next. The dreaded interrogation. Kyoko was going to ask everything. God, I wished I could press a stop button, and just be with her. But I had to answer her questions.

I slowly turned towards her and as I expected, her eyes were questioning me. I gently cupped her face in my hands and our eyes locked.

"Kuon, I…" But before the question could be uttered, I caught her lips in a gentle kiss. Our lips touched and for a moment, the world disappeared. I kissed her softly, relishing against the warmth of her lips. She kissed me back. The demure in her gentle hands on my chest made me smile. My hand snaked across her back and my thumb drew small circles on her back. She melted in my arms and the kiss became more urgent. Our hands travelled across each other's length. The pressing need of air urged me to pull away.

Reluctantly I let her go, my gaze never leaving her.

"Do you trust me, Kyoko?"

She looked away and my heart sank.

"I don't know who to trust anymore, Kuon. I'm sorry."

The harsh reality behind her words struck me hard. But I couldn't run away from her forever.

My fingers ran through my hair, in a futile effort of relieving some exasperation.

"Then let's go, love." I extended my hand. She looked back quizzically.

"Go where?"

"To tell you the truth." Her eyes widened in shock. Apparently she didn't think I would give in this easily. But sometimes…enough's enough.

Gingerly, she placed her hand in mine. I squeezed it gently.

"Try to trust me. Okay?" I requested. She nodded slightly.

My eyes scanned the surrounding. The door was locked. The kids were asleep. But light from the room across the hall was illuminating the dark lounge.

I lead the way. She followed.

"Kuon, why are outside Hiroshi-san's room?"

Instead of answering, I opened the door. Inside was sight bewildering to her, I assume. I looked at her. Her eyes were wide as she witnessed Hiroshi-san hugging a sobbing Katane-san.

Katane's eyes widened as she beheld my figure. She bolted upright and our eyes locked for the longest moment. In the trance, I dropped Kyoko's hand and slowly moved in her direction.

She was the one to break the trance. A smile broke across her beautiful face and ran into my open arms. I gathered her up in my embrace and held her closely as she sobbed.

Every tear that seeped through my rugged shirt was acid to my skin. I hated to see her cry. My hand cupped her face. She snuggled into my wrist. I tenderly wiped the straying tears.

"I missed you so much…" she sobbed.

"So did I." My voice was weak. I did miss her, terribly.

"I will never ever forgive you for putting us through this. Never." Her lips curled into a ghost of a smile as she chided.

I lightly kissed her forehead. She looked at me, smiled the gentlest smile and kissed my cheek.

My attention was took next my by Hirsohi. He was grinning.

"Come here, bastard." I chuckled at his remark. Our chests smashed as we hugged. He stroked my back in an elderly manner.

Damn. In my bubble, I forgot about Kyoko. My head snapped in her direction. She was as still as a hunting dog when it was near a bird. Her forehead was creased with frowns. She was biting her lower lip, hard.

Lord, I really knew how to mess things up. She looked straight at me. Or rather she glared.

"Kuon, what is going on?" Her voice was guarded.

"I'm sorry for putting you through all this. I really…"

Kyoko's head snapped towards me, cutting my stupid excusing.

"Stop apologizing, Kuon. Quit stalling and tell me the truth!" Her words were bitter but she had earned them.

I sighed.

"Meet my parents, Kyoko. Hizuri Kuu and Hizuri Juliana."

She was dumb struck. Her frown lines deepened as she stared in disbelief. God, I was a rascal!

I knew exactly what she was thinking.

Flashback

"Kuon, you never told me about your parents. Where are they?" She asked, brushing my hair with her fingers. My head laid in her lap as I looked at her.

"They're gone, love," I whispered.

"I'm sorry," she murmured tenderly.

I took her hand, brought it to my mouth and kissed it, repeatedly.

"Don't be. I'm perfectly alright without them. I have you now," I murmured, planting butterfly kisses all over her hand.

She smiled at my antics. Her fingers kept brushing my hair. I closed his eyes with her hand still held at my lips. She didn't say a word. It was too serene.

PRESENT

She bit her lip hard. It broke and a drop of cherry red blood trickled down her chin.

My heart nearly stopped, seeing the extent of her fury. She was holding back. Holding all the rage inside until the last straw was finally drawn. I just hoped it doesn't go to that.

"Kyoko,..."

"Don't." she ordered through clenched teeth, cutting my plea. I wisely held my tongue for reasoning with her was a lost cause.

I looked towards my father. He understood the message. He and mom left the room.

An eerie silence reined the room.

"Would you take a seat?"

Without replying, she made her way to the couch. I followed her. Once seated, I started from the very beginning.

"Kyoko, I am no ordinary business man."

"I had guessed this much by now," she replied icily. I let her sarcastic remark slide and continued.

"My parents ran Hizuri Corporation before me. When I turned 16, they came to me and asked me to run away with them. I didn't understand their request then. How could've I? An unsupervised teenager with piles of money around him would never even consider leaving it all behind. Neither did I. They went into hiding. I knew the business. That was all I was ever taught. At first Lory ran it. A year of aimless life made me crazy. So I joined the company. Learned the ropes and by 18, I took over. My company was my life. My everything. I nourished it. Expanded it. But I still was unaware of the real roots of it. Lory showed me the dark side of my world. We were benefactors of the government. We ruled the weapons and agriculture departments of Japan. The stock market lived and breathed us. Naturally when you walk on such path, you make enemies. And my parents made quite enough for me."

I paused to gauge her reaction.

"Who is Lory?"

"He is sort of my godfather. He and dad started the business together. He owns 35 percent of the shares. You'll meet him soon."

She nodded.

"Why did you work in two completely opposite fields? Agriculture and weapons are polar opposites of each other."

Her concern and attention was impressive. Her mien had softened.

"Well, the weapons were the initial product of Hizuri Cooperation. Then after a ten year success into the business, Dad went to the desolate parts of the country. He got an epiphany of sorts and realized he wasn't making the kind of difference he thought he was. Agriculture is the most important cycle of an economy after all. He decided to contribute and slowly we became a part of the cycle."

Kyoko eased a little into the couch. We were merely a foot apart but the tension was palpable.

"Kuon, this really doesn't explain your going away or you drugging me," she exasperated.

"Well, I made enemies."

"Competitors?" she hinted vaguely.

I shook my head with a hint of a smile at her naivety.

"Kyoko, a country isn't only ran by the politicians or secured by the army. To keep millions alive, a few hundred have to be sacrificed. To feed millions, you need powerful men. Men like me. The ones who stand with the government. Help to arm the military. Provide defense agencies, make money. But it's not that easy either. Our lives are always at stake. There are oppositions that want us dead. Do you know that killing one right person could create chaos? One person can become the lynchpin which can initiate a war? If a person like me is assassinated and suppose the clues lead to an opponent nation, the results could be disastrous."

The horror of my own words swept across me and a chill ran down my spine. She seemed confounded.

"Saying these things is easy. Living them is worst than hell. For years, the mafia war was stirring. Six years ago, Fuwa Sho attacked my Hokkaido base. I answered with an attack of mine. Those attacks served as the instigators and the games begun. Either people like me who supported the system would survive or the ones who want to ruin the system would."

"Sho was the reason you sent me here, didn't you?"she inquired, quietly. She looked lost and broken. Yet there was a light in her emerald orbs. My ray of hope. She wasn't going to leave me. I knew from the way her hands just cupped mine. The way her eyes reassured me.

"Yes. He was the reason you were transferred to this part of the country. It's a small place. Not known for any sort of trade or huge business. It was perfect for your safety."

The place really was perfect. But my security detail on her was still intact. My people were always around her. They made sure she never found out about the dangers.

"But how come Sho didn't find me for six years? Or did he give up?"

"I hoped he would. But he never gave up. You are his ego. A guy like him would go to crazy lengths to protect his ego."

"But he never found me," she tried to reason.

"My men made sure that never happened."

"Your men?" she looked angry. Then all of a sudden, her eyes widened.

"I kept you under a security check ever since I met you. It got strong after my supposed-death." I probably should've noticed her sudden change in expressions before continuing.

Out of the blue, she rose up and scudded towards the door. Hastily, I hurried after her. I grabbed her hand but she yanked it away. I hadn't seen her face but I could feel the tears streaming down her cheeks. Confusion dazed my comprehension.

"Kyoko, wait!" I hollered.

She halted. Turning towards me, I was served with an icy glare. But I was right. She was crying…

Then her words pierced through my heart like nothing before had.

"My name is Tsuruga Hime. My husband is dead. Leave my house this instant."

Her voice was guarded as she spoke through gritted teeth.

I stood there, dumbstruck. Time seemed to stop. My heart crumbled, the shattered pieces piercing my very soul. For what I saw in her eyes was much worse than pain. Much worse than tears…

There was nothing. Hollow orbs. The light in her eyes dead. She looked at me, yet I felt as if she was looking through me.

She reached for the door. My conscious snapped out of the shock. I made a dash for the door, shutting it before she could leave.

She didn't turn towards me. But continued to struggle for opening the door.

"What's wrong? Tell me," I begged, my hand on her shoulder. I tried to turn her towards me. I had to see her face. I had to.

My heart was pounding like a hound running in an open plain. My body drenched in the hotness of my fear. Fear of losing her.

I shook her right shoulder a bit hardly. She froze.

"Kyoko, love, tell me what happened, please," I beseeched desperately.

The temperature of the room seemed to drop below zero.

Slowly with a slight jerk, she removed my hand from her shoulder. Then she turned around. Her eyes were dead cold.

" . .Hime."

Her persistent argument enraged me. Enough was enough. She was not the only one who fucking suffered. I endured a hell lot too.

I did everything to survive for her. For Kyoko. No Hime was going to take her away!

Fury coursed through my veins.

I grabbed her shoulder and almost thrashed her against the door with my body.

She was balled over. Her widened eyes stared at me in bewilderment.

I looked down at her appalled petite figure. In a blink, my lips were crushing hers. Her hands struggled against my chest. Her lips resisted mine. But I didn't let her go. I poured out my frustrations into the heated kiss.

"Let..g..go.."

I wasn't going to let her go. But we were running out of air.

I was seething with frustration. Reluctantly I pulled away, all the while her words kept ringing in my ears.

Immediately, she lunged for air. We were gasping. A drop of sweat gradually rolled down from my forehead all the way to my chin and fell quietly on the floor.

I moved her face towards me with fingers curling around her chin. She protested a bit. But then our eyes met and my exasperation poured out as an urgent plead yet firm resolution.

"You are my KYOKO. Don't you dare forget that!" Each syllabus of her name had emphasis. It resounded through my body, and from her surprised look, it had affected her too.

A lone tear rolled down her cheek, startling me.

"You said you will tell me the truth. But why are you lying to me, Kuon?" her query took me aback. What was she talking about? For the first time, I wasn't lying.

"Why do you say so?"

"You said you had men looking after me, right?" I nodded, still not understanding what she was getting at.

She bit back a sob. I was confused and desperate to know the cause of her worry.

"Then how did you not know about Ren and Aiko?"She inquired suspiciously.

Her query struck a melancholic chord. The time of my departure from her world rehashed itself.

"I didn't know about them, love. I was never given the report. I never knew how you were doing in the six years. All I was told was that you were alright and safe," my voice was meek for melancholy was blended it in.

She wasn't convinced.

"But you are the boss!" she argued.

My head shook slightly.

"I'm not the only boss. There are two more."

"What do you mean? You are the owner of Hizuri Cooperation. Who are the other two?"

She was still pressed against the door frame. He bent forward and kissed her gently on the forehead. His lips sent waves of serenity through her.

Inhaling a deep breath, he moved away.

"Want to sit down?" Kyoko nodded. They went back to the couch. This time closer to each other. His hand laid in her hands.

"My dad, Lory and Shuuhei-san formed the Hizuri Cooperation. My dad was the face of the brand, Lory the man with the contacts and Shuuhei-san was the brains. Together, all three climbed the stairs of success quite swiftly. Shuuhei-san has never appeared in public. The first time I saw him was after the incident. He has a wife Irina-san. She works as an informant. She was responsible for your safety and security. I was never revealed your current life because according to them it may "stray" me from my tasks."

Kyoko looked relieved as if a huge burden just lifted off her shoulders.

"Kuon, I want to know what happened that day. Everything," she demanded tenderly.

And so I told her everything.

FLASHBACK

September 17th, 2008

The car smashed against the raging water, taking almost all the force to itself. The airbags did the rest of the job of saving myself. I, however, was caught in a shock. Fifteen minutes ago I was crooning sweet loving in Kyoko's ear, now I am drowning in water. The water was filling up. My knees were about to be drenched. The urgency to survive shook me out of my stupor. Immediately, my hands pulled at the seatbelt. It wasn't coming off! I needed to calm myself. I couldn't die here. Not like this. I had a family. A wife who was waiting for me. No. I needed to live.

Inhaling one deep breath, I unbuckled the belt. The water was drenching my torso. The car was sinking quickly. I took a quick look around me, finding only depths of water surrounding me. I still had oxygen left and the water wasn't up to the brim, yet I felt dizzy.

I blinked my eyes to ward off the black dots. I struggled to open the door but the pressure was too extreme. It won't budge. Neither would the bullet proof window.

I needed a plan. In a frenzy, I looked around, rummaging through everything. There had to be something. My hand went under the driver's seat and hit against something. My shot gun. I pulled it out. It was loaded.

I couldn't break the windshield; it was too sturdy. But the window was a choice. The water was up to my chest now. It was getting darker by the second. Or maybe it was the vertigo. Nonetheless, I aimed at the passenger side window. I shot, emptying the entire magazine. It cracked!

Clambering onto the passenger side, I kicked the glass. Water rushed in, filling what little space left. I drew in a lungful of air. And maneuvered myself out. My shirt got tangled in the broken shards. In one jerk, I ripped it out.

I waded my arms in an attempt to swim to the surface. I could hold my breath for two minutes. And it had been a few mere seconds only, but my head was spinning. The shore seemed to get farther and farther away. I struggled to keep my eyes open. Slight aching begin to take over my senses. Kyoko's image flashed before my eyes.

It couldn't be the end. Not like this. I had planned so much.. So much to do. If I died, what will Kyoko do? Sho will hunt her down and kill her. I couldn't stop the world from hurting her. I couldn't die!

But no matter how willful my struggle was, the blackout heralded itself. I closed my burning eyes, tears fleeing away silently.

Her smile was my last memory…

September 20th , 2008

I groaned as the lights blinded me. Blinking a few times, I accustomed my eyes to the world. My head turned to her side, where she was always sleeping. But it was empty…

As my brain deciphered the past events, I shot upright off the bed.

"God!" My hand dashed to my throbbing head. Slowly I looked around. I was a queerly neat room with a Dalmatian décor. Two doors, no window. The furniture was in various shades of black. The room was furnished with a crème hue. It was too pleasant to be an enemy ground.

Coping with headache, I moved to the closet. It was neatly stacked with clothes. Looking down, I found myself in night wear. Bewildered and somewhat hurried to realize what the hell was happening, I dashed to one of the two doors.

I swung a door open. It revealed a bathroom. The other one had to be the way out.

My head urged me to get some rest. But then Kyoko's crying face flashed before my eyes, and I knew I had to leave. As I approached the door, out of the blue, it swung open.

A women in her forties, well-dressed, tall with cold grey eyes entered.

"Good Morning, Kuon." Her voice sent flickers of recognition in me.

"Sasaki Irina-san?" I knew her. And if she was here, they were too…

"I'm glad you remember me. We have met once only and it was a long time ago too," her voice was softer than her mien.

I really didn't have time for chit chat. I needed to know where Kyoko was. She must be worried.

"Sasaki-san, where am I?"

"I'm afraid I am not at liberty to tell you that." Her stoic reply enraged me.

"I demand to know what is happening," I ordered. She was an important person but I still was the boss.

Her lips twitched slightly. But straightened themselves before a smile formed.

"You should get dressed first. They are waiting for you. I'll come back in fifteen minutes."

Before I could say anything, she shut the door at my face. My brow furrowed.

I didn't need to check to know the door was locked. Not seeing another option, I did as told. I took a shower and dressed up. All the while, Kyoko occupied my thoughts.

Just the thought of her crying was enough to make my head throb. I put on a white shirt and suit pants. I left the top buttons opened. No time to prim and perfect.

I heard the door knob and Sasaki-san entered.

"Come."

I followed her outside. The room led to a series of corridors. It was quiet. We passed by several rooms. Finally stopped outside one. Sasaki-san knocked twice. And we entered. She closed the door behind us.

The room was dark. But I could sense its vastness. Suddenly, on one of the walls several televisions were switched on.

When I realized the breaking news the media was going crazy over, horror swept across me.

"Today at September 20th, the funeral of Hizuri Kuon took place. It was a small ceremony. But the major question is: where is Hizuri Kyoko?"

"Wife of dead business man ran away after husband's death!"

"Hizuri Kyoko, the killer of her husband? If not than where is she?"

My heart was pounding against my chest. What the hell was happening? How in blazing hell was I dead? Those media bastards were calling my Kyoko a cheater, a slut!

Maybe she was also brought here. She must be. Why would she disappear? Sho cannot hurt her. I had placed a tight security detail on her.

"I am here to assure you that Hizuri Kyoko is not a cheater or a slut. According to the will of Hizuri Kuon, she has been transferred to another mansion. If any T.V channel is to pronounce her with such devaluing titles again, they will suffer from the consequences of their mistake."

Yashiro's words were a relief. She was safe. Or maybe he was lying. Hiding the truth like we always did.

But the look on his face surprised me. He didn't know I was alive. His eyes were red rimmed and although he appeared strong, I knew he was worried.

I knew that my attack on Sho was wrong for the time and place. But I had taken all security measures. I gave no permission for this charade. My fists curled in rage.

"Where are they, Sasaki-san?"

She needn't answer. For as I asked the question, the lights switched on. Momentarily they burnt my eyes but the rage in me burnt brighter.

Right in the middle of the room, on the luxurious sofa case were the three most colossal troubles of my life. My father: Hizuri Kuu, my God-father: Takarada Lory and my father's best friend: Sasaki Shuuhei.

The room was smothered with grave silence. The three men looked at me as if expecting something. While I looked back with rage biting my every sense.

I had finally had a perfect life. My perfect haven. The best time of my life. Me and Kyoko were happy. We were fucking planning for children! And they've ruined it! Ruined it like my childhood. I am never going to forgive them.

"Where the hell is Kyoko?" I bellowed with rage.

Dad sighed and motioned me to sit. Like I was going to sit! I waited for their answer.

"Sit down, Kuon," Shuuhei-san's authoritative command was one I couldn't say no to. Reluctantly I sat down on the couch opposite to the three of them.

The silence continued. Lory was the one to break it.

"You do know that your attack acted as fuel to fire and now the little incidents in the underworld are becoming more fierce. You knew how it would influence on everyone but yet you did it."

Great, now I get to hear their chidings. They were still not answering my question!

"You did good," Shuuhei-san's remark startled me.

"We were planning to end this charade but never got a proper platform to initiate our proceedings. Your attack however provided the perfect timing. Now it's just a little time left before everything is balanced."

I stared back, bemused, not getting a word he was saying.

"Kuon, this so-called-war has been stirring for longer than you. It is need to be ended. Now is the perfect timing. This is our base centre where we will look after our company's interest."

Although Shuuhei-san's explanation made sense, it didn't do much to tone down my anger.

"What about my family? I am not as expert as you all in abandoning my family," I lashed out emphasizing on abandoning.

Grave silence took over. Lory took the bitter sip and broke it.

"Kyoko is safe. She has been transferred to Kuu and Julie's hideout. She'll be well taken care of. You needn't worry about her."

That was a bit relieving. Suddenly realization dawned upon me.

"She thinks I'm dead, doesn't she?" I murmured. Their silence meant yes. She did think I'm gone…

Her wedding vow echoed in my ears, "Never say you're going to die, Hizuri Kuon. We are going to get old together. I am going to stoop on a cane with you. I am going to show you how much I love you for the rest of my life. Every single second of my life is yours now. So never ever try to leave me because I won't live a second without you."

My heart clenched. She was crying. I knew she was. Right this moment, she was sobbing for me… because of me. I promised her. I vowed to never leave her. To never abandon her like her mother did. But I was no less of a monster. She was in pain and I could do nothing about it.

She must be devastated. I was the worst… I broke her.

I bit the inside of cheek, trying meekly to cover my heart's ache with physical agony. It was futile.

"Bring her here," I argued although I was aware of their answer already.

"That is not possible."

Lory's stoic remark further flared my rage.

"Why is it not possible? She is no threat to us. I cannot leave her like this," I contended bitterly.

"Son, she will be alright with us. We'll take care of her. You needn't worry."

"Like you took care of me," I snapped. Dad was left speechless. I bet no one expected a direct refusal from me. Well, they should've! I was the only one who was desperate to have a normal family. Unlike my father who destroyed my childhood before learning the importance of family. Unlike Lory who cares about flings here and there only. Unlike Shuuhei who had nothing to worry about since he never showed his face to the media. He could have a hundred kids if he wished without any trouble.

I was the one who needed my wife. I thrived for her. I wasn't going to be their pawn again.

I bounded from my chair. I moved to the door.

"Do you even know where you are?" Shuuhei mocked. Damn! I didn't. But stopping now would mean giving in. And I was not giving in.

Sasaki-san passed me an intense look as I passed her.

I pulled at the door in vain. It was locked. Now facing the door, I stood trying to contemplate my options.

I didn't know where I was. Didn't know where Kyoko was. I had no idea how to get to her. Except to do it their way. In the end, I knew what was left for me to choose.

"You know you have to choice, Kuon. Work your way out of this troubling time. As soon as all of this is over, you'll be back with her."

Shuuhei was right. I didn't have a choice. I clenched my eyes in exasperation. Kyoko's warm smile and open arms greeted my imagination. They were my incentive. My need. And I was going back to them.

XXX

July 9th, 2009

I stared into my cell phone, watching the best night of my life play before me. Yashiro filmed it perfectly. How Kyoko descended the stairs in her gorgeous white dress to be mine forever! It was breathtaking. I replayed our vows for the fifth time. My pillow drinking up the stray tears every now and then.

It was our first anniversary. The day when Kyoko became mine for eternity. If today we were together, I would've been holding her in my arms. Her lips on mine, my body would've been wrapped around hers as we made sweet love. I would've given her probably a real honeymoon. Somewhere romantic and private. I know she would've given me some amazing gift too.

Our perfect haven! But life happened to us too.

So here I was all alone in an unknown command centre. And she with my parents presuming me dead.

It's been almost a year since I died for the world. Everyday is the same. Work. Eat. Try to sleep.

Lory is the face of the company now. Yashiro and Kanae are sorting out my jobs at the office. My house have already been cleaned. No evidence of me ever being their exists.

Slowly but effectively we were curbing any unpleasant actions. Protecting the company was important. It not only provided the government various faculties but was also responsible for the living of thousands of men. If we went down, they'll fall with us and I couldn't allow that.

Everything was by far going perfectly. Except my life. It was hollow again. By each second, the fear of losing her increased. Ever since my mind realized the fact that I was dead to her is a synonym of moving on for her, my nights contain only tossing and turning. What if she really moved on? She could find a better man. She may fall in love again. Maybe not yet but soon she would consider moving on. And the thought of her in the arms of another man, repulsed me.

I tried to convince Shuuhei-san and Lory to let me get the three month report if her security detail but they won't budge. In a way, they were correct. If I saw where she was, what she was up to, I might not be able to focus on anything but her. But still I pushed on for a photograph of her…

Sasaki-san promised to give me one today. I glanced at the clock. Dark red numbers 00:44 stared back at me.

She'd be here any minute. As I thought of that, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," I answered, propping myself up against the pillows. My heart was hammering against my chest.

Sasaki-san entered, dressed in her usual dry-colored plum dress. My attention was fixed on the brown envelope in her hand.

I got off the bed and followed her to the couch. We seated silently.

"How is she?" I asked meekly. She gave me a brief smile, probably to calm by wayward nerves.

"She's doing fine." I waited for her to say more. To tell me Kyoko is doing amazing. She should be smiling! But I knew she wasn't…

She quietly handed me the envelope. Hurriedly I tore it open. There was a paper wrapped around the photograph.

I reached in and pulled it out. Hastily I straightened it. It was a letter from Dad.

Son, I met your Kyoko and at first sight I saw why you love her. She is a very nice girl. Although she took your death very hardly, she somehow mustered up the courage to live. But her living is nothing more than a façade. I know I should be telling you that she is happy but you'll see right through it. So I decided to tell you the truth. Kyoko has taken up the name of Tsuruga Hime. She has devoted her life for living's sake. She doesn't smile. She doesn't feel. She is broken. You are the only one who could fix her.

She is a darling. Despite her devastated state, she takes care of me and your mother heartily. So for her sake and for yours, I have decided that I won't be returning to the centre any more.

Your mother and I missed on your life. There is nothing we regret more. Julie thinks you are dead. Son, she has lost her spirit. We want to atone some of our sins by taking care of your Kyoko for you. We'll make sure that she is as happy as she could be with us.

Get this thing over with, son. Come home.

Your father.

My eyes welled up a bit. Slowly I unveiled the photograph and my heart skipped a beat. Kyoko was buying groceries somewhere. She looked skinny in her white sundress. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail. They were brown and like her eyes which were grey now, they had lost their shine.

I realized that Sasaki-san was right. I shouldn't have argued for a photograph. Seeing her like this proved me guilty. My conscience won't let me breath once without reminding me of my atrocity.

Especially her dyed hair were an ironic reminder. She once dyed her hair because Sho hurt her. So she could hide from the world. Today she dyed her hair because I destroyed her. So she could hide again.

XXX

December 19th, 2011

Three years had passed already. I never asked for another photograph. Couldn't bear to see the sad marks of my actions. Dad didn't return. The progress was heartening. The war we were fighting wasn't that of bombs and bullets. It was shrewdness and gamble. We have been endeavoring to make allies with the newbie's in the game and the experienced gamblers. It's the trick of this cold war. If we were able to form the strongest alliance of all, the underdogs will stick to their positions. Sho had a tough alliance to break through but eventually we smashed through his iron defense. Many of his major allies were now on our side. The cold battle was sounding to be in its final stage.

I found a way to stray my mind from Kyoko. Work my ass off. I plan, I organize, I analyze every piece of data we have on our allies and enemies. Finding the soft spots. Planning the perfect execution for our benefit. So far it's working well.

My only incentive of work, Kyoko. I need to be back with her. With every passing second I seem to distance even further away from her. The thought that she was moving on, started to make more and more sense. Terrifying me even more.

Lory proved to be a great help. He sees through every action and brilliantly predicts the best possible solution. Shuuhei-san was the same. He spoke little but to the point.

Sasaki-san was a great revelation. All I found out yet was that she was our joker. Our checkmate. She had been infiltrating Fuwa's system for years. They trusted her. I didn't know the whole story but she had been with Fuwa's for over twenty years. I was really curious about her. She and Shuuhei-san were hiding something. It was something painful for whenever their eyes matched, a strange melancholy surrounded them.

XXX

October 5th, 2014

"Yes!" I yelled in enthusiasm. Lory popped open a well-earned champagne! Laughter roared from all sides. Even Shuuhei-san was smiling.

Finally! Six years of hard work paid off! We won. Hizuri Cooperation won. Every single one of us could come out from hiding without a fear. We were the strongest of all. Not even that Fuwa presented a threat now.

"I propose a toast to Kuon who undivided hard word and wicked planning is the reason we all stand victorious today!" Lory raised his glass and everyone followed.

"To Kuon!" they rejoiced in their victory. While I was elated in my own. I could finally go home now… to my Kyoko. She'll be angry. She won't even talk to me. But I'll see her again!

My heart was racing. The crisp cool of the champagne further enhancing my euphoria.

"Shuuhei-san, I want to go home." I bet I sounded like a child wanting to go home from school.

He smiled. And finally nodded.

I was going home…

XXX

The only thing I needed to fetch from my room was her picture. The one I had been holding onto for the past five years.

A sudden knock startled me.

"It's me, Kuon," Sasaki-san informed.

What was she doing here?

"Come in."

I heard the door open and close while I chose what to wear. It was a very special occasion.

"Kuon, could you give me a minute? This is important." Her somber tone forced me to rein in my blue horse of joy.

We went to the couch.

"Is everything alright?" I asked worriedly.

"Yes."

"Then what's the problem?" I was begging to whoever was listening to let me go this time. No more troubles. I needed to go home.

"It's about Kyoko-san." This piqued my worry more than my interest.

"What about her? Is she alright?"

"Kuon, it's been six years. You knew her whereabouts. She didn't. She had been living for six years as a widow. I won't be surprised if she moved on."

Her words were like a slap of reality. I knew she was right. It was my nightmare. Her being in arms of another man was a world I didn't want to live in.

But even though the notion remained there, I knew something no one else did.

"Never will you let anyone touch you except me. Not even see you like this. Promise me that I'll forever be your one and only. Whether living or dead."

"I promise. I belong to you and you only." She stated tenderly yet determined.

She promised me. Then I didn't realize the dead part would be so imminent. But it turned out to our messed life. I knew Kyoko kept her promise. She loved me. The only trouble that could probably happen was her throwing me out for this charade.

"What will you suggest I do?"

"I think you should first take a look around. See how she's living. If your place hasn't been filled yet, then and only then you should meet her. Leave otherwise. Don't destroy her even more."

She left, but her words held weight. With the hope of the former possibility, I was going home…

XXX

Present

I looked at Kyoko to contemplate her reaction. Her face was wet with stray tears. Although my heart clenched seeing her cry, I couldn't contain my chuckle at seeing her pretty little red nose.

Kyoko frowned, and unintentionally pouted in the cutest way ever. Her cheeks always puffed adorably when she was angry. It made it impossible to fight with her.

"I hate you for coming up with such a good explanation for leaving me," she feigned anger.

"And I hate you for being so adorable when we are fighting," I crooned. Mirth danced in her eyes. Her lips curled into a smile.

I couldn't resist her. I bent forward and caught her warm lips in a kiss. Her arms cocooned my neck as she pulled herself closer to me.

I could feel her smiling against my lips. It was heaven.

The kiss broke. Kyoko looked at me with her beautiful eyes and I spotted what was wrong in the perfect moment.

"Kyoko, take them off."

"What?"

"Your grey contacts. I want those marvelous amber orbs to stare back at me."

She smiled ,and warily removed her lens. For a moment she closed her eyes. When she opened them, her beautiful stare left be awe-struck again.

"I am glad you're back," she exclaimed tenderly.

"So am I."

I gathered her in my arms and we stayed there, relishing in the warmth of the other.

"Kuon?" she whispered.

"Hmm?"

"You really stink," she remarked playfully.

I drew away hastily. One lungful of the air around me was enough proof that she was right. I did chose a costume of a homeless man to be stealthy after all.

Our eyes matched and we broke into fits of laughter.

"Come, I'll make your bath," she said, still smiling.

I nodded and followed her to her room, smiling to its fullest. Mom and Dad were in the lounge. Kyoko was so absorbed in the moment that she didn't notice. But I did. I noticed their smiles; their relief.

Kyoko sauntered into her room. I took a comfortable berth on her bed while she prepared the bath. I heard the water rushing into the tub.

It's been ages since I felt this peaceful!

After a moment, she came out.

"I don't have any clothes, Kyoko," I cooed, catching her hand and pulling her into lap. She squealed.

"Or would you rather I stayed without them?" I crooned into the back of her neck. She blushed, I could tell the way her ears turned pink.

With much effort to prevent my hands from exploring her body, she turned her face towards me.

"I've got your clothes," she whispered, grinning from ear to ear.

I looked back quizzically. She struggled against me for a bit, trying to get off my lap. After one final kiss in the nape of her neck, I let her go.

She skimmed through her closet and voila! Produced my old clothes.

"You brought all my clothes with you?" I asked, pleasantly surprised.

"Couldn't leave them behind. They smelled like you," she answered sheepishly, her eyes not meeting mine. My heart melted.

So I did what I had to. I got up and hugged her tight.

"I love you, Kyoko," I cooed the truth of my existence into her ear.

"I love you, Kuon." And I knew she meant it just as much.

After we reluctantly pulled away, Kyoko handed me my clothes and took a seat on the bed.

"You are not joining me?" I playfully asked. All of a sudden, the temperature in the room dropped.

Kyoko slowly shook her head.

"Not yet." She looked away almost guiltily. I dawned upon me. Although she accepted me back so suddenly, she may not want to get intimate soon.

I walked over to her. She wasn't looking back. Reaching her, I bent down on my knees. I reached out, grabbed her chin gently and turned her towards me.

She was definitely worried, thinking maybe her stopping my advances was wrong.

I looked at my pretty wife and smile at her foolish worry.

I leaned in and caught her warm lips with mine. Pulling away from the chaste kiss, our eyes locked.

"Whatever you want only," I whispered.

She smiled and rewarded me with a kiss.

I took a brief bath, cleansing away not only the dirt but also six years worth worry.

I dressed up in my very familiar black cotton pajamas. Kyoko was already lying down, clad in a white lace night gown. I could help my grin.

I laid down and spooned her tightly, breathing in her pleasant scent. I was home…

XXX

Author's Note:- Thank you so much for waiting. And I apologize for the delay. Maximum three chapters are left of this fan fiction. They'll be posted every two week since I want to get it over with. I hope this clears up the air mostly. You'll understand the rest in next chapter.

I hope you comment.

Next Chapter will be posted on 28th June, 2015 without delay.

Enjoy.

Lola