I opened Nightshade's apartment door, still unlocked, Shiiro trailing behind me, shirtless. I introduced him to the dirty little place, and briefly explained about Nightshade's fate. Shiiro had been too young to remember him in detail, but was a little sad, nonetheless. We'd talked and caught up on the way back, and he informed me that his first order of business would be to take a nice, hot shower. Cold showers weren't pleasant, especially with "recycled" water. No, you probably don't want to know the definition of "recycled."

"Aikido!" A familiar voice cried out, and before I knew it I was enfolded within two, strong arms. My brain was exhausted, from lack of proper rest, and my brain took a minute to process exactly who was holding me.

"Zero…?" I inquired, surprised. "What are you doing here…?"

Suddenly he let go. "Who's that?" He asked, almost hurt.

"Before you get jealous, tough guy, this happens to be my brother…Haruke Shiiro."

Zero looked a little embarrassed, and only graced that statement with an "Oh."

"Now what are you doing here?" I asked, trying not to sound like I didn't want him here.

"You went missing…I wasn't just going to let you leave me." He embraced me again, shoving his nose into the top of my head, and tangling his fingers into my already tangled hair. "I'm sorry, Aikido…I'm so sorry…" were his next words.

"Huh?" I asked, neck being forced down, just so I was staring into his collar-bone area.

"I…"

"Wait." I ordered, pushing myself away. I tossed Shiiro a meaningful look, and Shiiro held his hands up innocently and strolled into the bathroom. When I heard the shower, and I was positive Shiiro could no longer here us, I sat on the couch. I patted the space next to me, and Zero took the space without hesitation.

"You were saying?" I asked softly, looking into his handsome purple eyes. He returned my look, except with a twinge of guilt.

"I realized…how I'd…acted to you. After she left, I mean…and then I realized…that…you were so much better than she was." his voice was barely a whisper now. He pulled me into his lap, and nuzzled his head into my neck. "I'm sorry…"

I knew that I shouldn't believe that.

I knew I should forget about him, after all he'd done.

But…I didn't care about what I should do at the moment.

Because I loved him.

So I said…

"I know." And I kissed him.

Sooo…who wants a sequel, and who thinks that I should end it here, and not drag it out? Majority rules, so review and vote. Don't count on others to do it for you, please.

Another question, if you do vote for a sequel.

Far future, or only a few months in the future? I have ideas for both, so again…majority rules. Help is appreciated. I'd like to continue the story, but I don't want it to get too "out there" either…which I've been on the fringe of since the beginning.