Disclaimer: I own none of the characters from D. Gray Man.


What's Love Got To Do With It

Chapter 52- A Twinkling Farewell

Nozomi stood quietly in front of what was left of her home seven years ago. There was nothing but more lush green grasses and flowers for as far as her eyes could see in the darkness. Even the few remaining houses had finally crumbled to rubble. It was right here where her life forever changed, when she met the man who would later become her husband as he saved her from killing herself. It was amazing how things happened for a reason, how the universe could deal the cards of a person's life without them knowing it, for the better or worse of the situation. Looking back since that night, Nozomi couldn't believe how much she had grown. How much she had gained since that night. Her husband, her children, her friends, her career. All things she was truly thankful for. She kneeled down, reaching out to touch the cool grass, letting the fine green blades caress the tarnished skin atop the back of her hands.

"Looks like I'm not the only person who decided to pay this place a visit." Came a cool, collected voice. A voice she was all too familiar with. The pinkette rose to her feet, turning to face the umber skinned man. Just seeing the eerily calm look on his face pissed her off like no tomorrow, the bastard honestly had not a care in the world.

"My father was so against me moving out of my aunt's house," Nozomi suddenly said. Seeing as though it was such an out of the blue statement, she automatically had the Noah's attention. "He said I had my whole life to move around and explore the world… all he wanted was me to enjoy my life to the fullest… and to make as few mistakes as I could. He always said, ' 'Zomi, no matter what you experience in life, make it a learning experience and move on… have no regrets.'" Her dark eyes bore deeply into his golden ones. "But I do regret something… I regret meeting you." Tyki's mouth fell slightly agape to her declaration, no words could form as he stared at the pinkette. "I saw the autopsy report from before my father was cremated. It said that everything inside him was gone, there was nothing left but an empty shell. There was no openings or any indications as to how his organs got removed, just like how it was with General Yeegar… how could you? My own father? He was a good man… a great exorcist… and a damn good father. Did I hurt you that bad? For you to take out all that pain on my father? Someone who did nothing to you? Did you want to make me hurt like I hurt you? So that you'd take an innocent man's life when he had so much to live for? Words can't describe how empty I feel… knowing my father will never see the accomplishments I have yet to achieve, he will never see his grandchildren grow up and succeed in life… I didn't even get to tell him good bye! I hate you so much I can barely even stand to look at you right now!" Nozomi shouted. "I can kill you right now if I wanted to. Just end your worthless existence right here and now… but I'm not going to. I'm going to mourn the loss of my father. But I promise you, Tyki Mikk, I'm going to come after you. I will avenge my father's death, and I will show you the same mercy you showed him. The next time I see you, I'm going to put you in your grave just like you put my father in his. There's nowhere you can go that I won't be able to find you."


Cross stood out in the courtyard with the triplets and Suman's remains just as his wife had asked of him. Only he hadn't intended on her to be late, the night air was cool and the triplets were not only getting restless but they also had nothing on their arms to protect them from the elements.

"Sorry to keep you!" Nozomi panted as she ran up to them, her cheeks flushed as she gave an apologetic smile.

"Ma-ma!" Jelani happily giggled reaching out for the woman, clenching and unclenching his hands. It had been too damn long, in his mind, since he'd last seen the woman and wanted her immediately.

Nozomi gasped, her broken heart soring as she beamed at her babies. They had grown so much it just didn't seem real. It felt like it was only yesterday when she found out about them, and now here they were, crawling, saying their first words, and apparently throwing things according to her husband. She couldn't be more proud of the man, holding things so well together during her absence. He too had grown a significant amount since their first meeting seven years ago… even though his personality still wasn't much to brag about. But then again, he was most likely bound to stay that way for the remainder of his life. Well, Nozomi has been with him this long. Why quit now, right?

"You see that star?" Nozomi asked as she pointed towards the night sky. The full moon was high and bright, illuminating the entire sky. But among the moon was a single, twinkling star. Everyone's head tilted towards where the woman was pointing. "My father said that star appeared in the sky the same night my mother passed away. He always told me that whenever I was feeling alone or lost, look towards the sky… my mother will guide me where I need to go." Nozomi removed the urn lid. Holding the golden can close to her chest. "People always say when you love something, set it free… well this is it, papa… you were able to see the woman I turned out to be, the man I married, and the children I had… I can't ask for anything better." She murmured with a heavy heart. "Tell mama I said hello… and thank you for her words of encouragement… and please continue to watch over us." And with that, she tossed the gray ashes into the air, watching as a gentle night breeze carried them away.

The Marian family watched in silence as the gray cloud floated high into the sky before finally vanishing completely. Nozomi sighed, tears quietly falling from her eyes as she came to terms of letting go and releasing her beloved father. She felt as if her heart had been broken beyond repair, but she was greatly underestimating the power of not only her husband but her children as well. The triplets began to babble and giggle loudly as they looked up at the sky with wide, lively eyes. Their parents looked up towards the sky, Nozomi finally breaking down into a fit of tears as she spotted a second star, right next to her mother's.

"I miss you already, papa." The pinkette sobbed as the star gave a bright, shimmering twinkle.

Cross rested a hand on the small of his wife's back, a soft smile gracing his handsome face as he beckoned for them to head back inside. It was already way past the triplets' bedtime, and he had some comforting to do for his beloved little wife.


A/N:Hmmm... sorry if this seems "rushed". I want to thank you all for seeing this story to the end. I had so much fun writing this, and I think 52 chapters and I haven't even finished the anime is pretty damn good! XD Nozomi and Cross were such a hit, look for a story containing a series of oneshots with them sometime in the near future! If you're still in need of a good read, give my Inuyasha fanfic 'Boys Over Flowers:Inuyasha Edition' a read. It should keep you content until the Marians make their return. It's been fun, and please review! XOXOXO