Alright, I don't even know where this came from. Honestly I didn't think I would write anything more for this fic, but thankfully I was wrong. I had a lot of fun writing this, I hope you all enjoy this new chapter.

Life Together

Chapter Six:

Gray eyes narrowed as they took in the figure before him. Yoshiki watched as his reflection in the bathroom mirror slowly raised his palm up to his dark hair and sighed. This would take some getting used to. He still hasn't reconciled himself to his altered appearance. At fifteen years old he had bleached his hair and maintained the blond color for nearly ten years.

The decision to change his hair color came about due to him being promoted to manager of the music store he had spent nearly the last decade working at. Now at twenty-three Yoshiki had come to the decision that he wanted to look more presentable for the job. After much consideration Yoshiki had restored his hair to its natural color. Something he had been reluctant to do, but ultimately knew would benefit his new position.

A second figure suddenly appeared beside his reflection. His girlfriend of nearly six years smiled as she lifted her hand up to his hair. "You know, I liked your old hair color, but I think this suits you as well." Ayumi commented encouragingly while running her fingers through his dark locks. Ayumi knew that Yoshiki had been apprehensive about making this change and while it didn't matter to her what color his hair was, she still wanted him to know that he looked good to her.

Appreciating her compliment Yoshiki allowed a hesitant smile to slip through before turning and planting a kiss on the top of her head. Breathing in her familiar scent he sighed. "Good morning." He mumbled into the crown of her head.

Ayumi leaned into him before pulling away. "Good morning, Yoshiki. Are you finished with the bathroom yet? I need to get ready for school." She explained while trying not to rush him. Ayumi had a presentation that morning due for her first class, and wanted to be there a little early.

Nodding Yoshiki stepped away from the sink. He wasn't really done, but he didn't have to work at either of his jobs today, so he'd step aside to let her get ready. "It's all yours." He told her as he walked out and closed the door behind him.

Heading into the hallway he made for the kitchen. He and Ayumi had been living in the apartment that he'd once shared with her older sister for almost five years now. Practically the month they graduated from Kisaragi Ayumi moved in with them.

Yoshiki had enjoyed living with both of the Shinozaki siblings, but now it was just him and Ayumi. Hinoe had moved out a little over two months ago, but it still felt odd with her not being around. However Yoshiki couldn't say that there weren't any benefits to it just being him and Ayumi. At least now they didn't have to wait for Hinoe to be away from the apartment if they wanted to get intimate.

Opening the fridge Yoshiki frowned as he tried to decide what to make for breakfast. The fridge wasn't empty, but they definitely needed to go shopping soon. Maybe since he was off today he would go pick up some things while Ayumi was at school. Deciding to keep things simple Yoshiki pulled out the ingredients he would need to make tamagoyaki.

The smell of food being cooked attracted Ayumi as she exited the bathroom. Dressed in a white blouse with a light blue shirt underneath and jeans. Yoshiki noticed with some appreciation that Ayumi was wearing her trademark twin tails today. Lately she had been trying different hair styles, and while Yoshiki thought she always looked good, he did have a certain fondness for her preferred twin tails.

"That smells really good." Ayumi complimented as she walked over to see what he was making. Since moving in with Yoshiki and her sister the three had rotated kitchen duty. Ayumi was no slouch in the culinary department, but she could easily admit that Yoshiki had gotten much better than her. She always looked forward to the days when he'd be the one cooking.

"I didn't have a whole lot to work with. So I figured something simple would be best." Yoshiki explained as he finished rolling the cooked egg.

Ayumi, not at all bothered, nodded in agreement. "I like just about anything you cook. You've gotten really good since Onee-chan taught you." The blue haired girl said with a grin before going over and helping set the table.

Yoshiki chuckled as he remembered Hinoe's cooking lessons. "And to think Miki said I was unteachable." He still couldn't help but get a kick out of Miki's reaction to experiencing his cooking for the first time.

"Onee-chan is very patient, something that is very important when it comes to teaching you." Ayumi smiled while thinking back to their second year of high school when she started helping him improve his performance in class.

Smirking Yoshiki moved to help Ayumi finish setting the table. "You did seem to lose your temper with me a lot before we started dating." He reminded her with a raised eyebrow.

At being called out Ayumi pouted and looked away. "That's because you were always saying stuff that annoyed me." She weakly defended, knowing that he wasn't wrong. Yoshiki was still as blunt ever, but she no longer found herself annoyed by this facet of his character. If anything Ayumi was happy to know that she could always count on him to be upfront with her. 'Even if he still lacks delicacy.' Ayumi thought with a slight giggle as she thought about her boyfriend's rough manner of expressing himself.

Looking at her suspiciously Yoshiki crossed his arms and gave her a pointed look. "What's so funny?" He questioned with false annoyance.

Ayumi grinned as she took her seat. "Nothing, I'm just thinking about how lucky I am to have such an honest boyfriend." The blue haired girl answered with a cheeky grin that promised there being more to her thoughts.

Yoshiki chuckled as he realized what she was thinking. "Its not my fault if people ask for my opinion and get mad when I give it." Rueful smile in place, Ayumi just rolled her eyes as the couple started digging into their food.

Ayumi was the first one to finish eating, as usual it had been very good. "Thanks for breakfast, I should be done with school by two. Leave the dishes in the sink, I'll do them when I get back." She promised while heading for the door.

"Okay, I'm probably going to head out later and buy some groceries." Yoshiki called out to her as she slipped her shoes on.

"Alright then, see you later!" She replied before closing the door behind her.

Now alone Yoshiki smirked to himself as he finished the rest of his meal. Once done he placed his dishes in the sink and left them for Ayumi. The agreement had always been the one who doesn't cook does the dishes. He could do them for her and he wouldn't mind, but Ayumi would get annoyed because she always prefers to do her fair share.

Not long after moving in together they had a small argument about them each doing their part. Rather Ayumi became upset when Yoshiki attempted doing her share of the chores when she wasn't able to preform them right away.

"I don't like feeling like I'm not doing my part." The blue haired girl had explained that she didn't want him to do everything for her. She was a big girl and should also help out as well. Especially since she was the one going to school while Yoshiki was working two jobs to help support their living expenses and pay for her schooling.

'Ayumi's supposed to graduate next spring. Then I have to go back to school...' Yoshiki sighed while scratching his head. That was the agreement they came to before leaving Kisaragi. Yoshiki had told Ayumi that he didn't know what he wanted to do career-wise, nor did he have anything he was particularly interested in studying. He had proposed that he'd hold off furthering his education while helping Ayumi reach her goals that she clearly had figured out.

That had led to a bit of an argument that resulted in a fair amount of tension between them for a couple days. Ayumi didn't want Yoshiki to compromise his education so she could succeed, nor did she want him to help her at his expense.

Yoshiki had insisted that it wouldn't be that way. Once she was finished with her schooling and started her career, he'd go back to school and she'd be the one supporting him. Ayumi had looked uncertain about this, but had relented only on the grounds that she would return the favor to him.

Yoshiki knew that if he didn't go back to school after Ayumi finished this year, she would be upset. He still didn't exactly have an idea as to what he wanted to do, but he would keep his promise. He had already started taking some online classes to get some of the basics out of the way, which pleased Ayumi.

Shaking his head Yoshiki chased those thoughts away as he went back to the bathroom to get ready. Once showered and dressed he was ready for the day. Yoshiki would be going out to buy groceries, but first he was going to make a visit to a familiar home.

Before leaving the apartment however, he quickly ducked into what used to be Hinoe's room and went into the closet. Hidden up on one of the shelves behind some old books was a small navy colored box. Grinning Yoshiki picked up the box and opened it with an audible snap. Inside the jewelry box sat a small simple yet elegant ring with a small blue stone.

Closing the box with a click Yoshiki pocketed the ring and left the room. Stepping into his shoes he made sure to lock the apartment behind him and headed off in the direction of Ayumi's childhood home. Today he would be asking Ayumi's parents for permission to marry their daughter.

The walk to the familiar neighborhood didn't take long. Since leaving the Shinozaki residence and subsequently dating Ayumi, Yoshiki had found himself returning to the western style home a number of times. Over the years he had developed an even closer relationship to Ayumi's parents. At this point they already considered him as their son-in-law in all but name.

Knocking on the door he waited for one of them to answer. When the front door opened Yoshiki was unsurprised to see Ayumi's mother being the one to welcome him. He had called ahead the previous day to let them know that he would be coming today, and to not let Ayumi know. From her wide grin she probably already knew the reason for his visit.

"Come on in Kishinuma-kun, Ayato's in the living room."

Yoshiki smiled fondly at Ayumi's mother. She was always so warm and kind with him, how could one not feel happy in her presence? Yoshiki was glad that he'd been able to maintain a good relationship with Asuka even after leaving the Shinozaki home.

Entering the familiar home Yoshiki's eyes immediately drift to the photos on the wall near the entrance. Most of them are the same as when he'd first step foot into this house, but there were a couple additions. His eyes landed onto his and Ayumi's graduation photo that hung next to Hinoe's. In it the couple were wearing matching smiles as they stood alongside their friends. Even Mayu, despite no longer attending Kisaragi had managed to show up that day. 'She even wore her old Kisaragi uniform.' Yoshiki thought with a wistful smile as he remembered how happy that day had been for all of them.

Yoshiki couldn't help but feel a tiny bit nostalgic for those days when he and Ayumi could be around their friends all the time. Sadly everyone was busy with school and work, it was hard to make time for the entire group to meet up. But next weekend they had all managed to get free, Ayumi and Yoshiki had invited their old friends to the apartment for a fun get together. Yoshiki also had plans to make it special for Ayumi; his hand reached into his pocket to touch the jewelry box.

The other new photo was a family photo that included Yoshiki. It had been taken three years ago around Christmas, despite Yoshiki technically not being a member of the Shinozaki family he had been included. Asuka and Hinoe had teased him and Ayumi by saying that it was only a matter of time.

'I guess that time's now.' Yoshiki really hoped. He and Ayumi had been together since the culture festival in their second year, yet they hadn't really been in a rush to get married. Yoshiki had decided to wait until at least one of them was close to being finished with school before getting to that point.

Yoshiki was broken out of his musings when he felt someone place a hand on his shoulder. Turning to look at Asuka he noted the same smile on her face as she had caught him gazing at the photos.

Wordlessly she led him to the living room where Ayato was seated. The man in question perked up at seeing his daughter's boyfriend. Offering a nod of his head he acknowledged Yoshiki. "Good to see you, Kishinuma."

Yoshiki's smile became lopsided as he remembered the first time he met Ayumi's parents. Covered in soot after having his old apartment catch fire, as Ayumi worked to convince them to temporarily take him in. Ayato hadn't been exactly thrilled at the prospect of having some unknown boy cohabiting under the same roof as his daughter, but he'd quickly grown to like and respect Yoshiki.

While not as close as his relationship with Asuka, Yoshiki did have a healthy amount of respect for Ayumi's father. "It's good to see you, Ayato-san. It's been awhile." Ayato, ever a man of few words, hummed in acknowledgement. Turning his attention back to Asuka, Yoshiki addressed her. "I'm sure you two already have a decent idea as to why I'm here?"

Asuka smiled happily, truthfully she had been wondering when this day would come. "We have a pretty good idea." She answered before sharing a look with her husband. Ayato also seemed to be on board with her on this.

Yoshiki nodded, pleased that he didn't have to beat around the bush. "Then I'll get to the point. I love Ayumi more than anything, I honestly couldn't imagine not having her in my life. I want to ask her to marry me next week. Of course though I feel like it'd be rather disrespectful if I didn't ask you two for permission."

Ayato nodded approvingly. In the time he had known Yoshiki he had proven himself to be very devoted to their youngest daughter, and had always been respectful of their family. At this point he didn't think he could approve of anyone else. "Kishinuma, Asuka and I have discussed this. We already basically view you as family. We would be happy for that to be official, you have our blessing." He told the young man simply as a rare smile slipped through.

Yoshiki's shoulders sagged in relief. He knew that Ayumi's parents liked him, and that they'd probably have zero issue with him marrying Ayumi, but he still had been a little nervous doing this. To have them voice their acceptance was like having a huge weight removed from his shoulders.

Asuka taking note of Yoshiki's release of breath grinned. "You're proposing next week? Do you already have a ring?" She asked, hoping she could see it before hand.

Yoshiki grinned at Asuka's excited face before reaching into his pocket. "Yeah, actually I bought it a couple weeks ago." He admitted as he presented the ring to his future-in-laws.

Asuka gasped at seeing it. It wasn't lavish or gaudy, Ayumi obviously wouldn't really care for anything like that, but it was still beautiful in it's simplicity. "I'm sure she'll love it." She told him encouragingly.

Ayato also nodded his ascent. "Good luck, Kishinuma." He said to his future son-in-law.

Yoshiki remained and chatted with Ayumi's parents for a little while longer before finally leaving. On his trip back to the apartment he made sure to make good on his promise of buying groceries before heading back home.

Next weekend was the planned get together. The friend group that had all came together in class 2-9 were all beyond ecstatic to finally be back together after nearly a year of not seeing each other. Even Sakutaro wore a smile that day as Mayu excitably talked about the upcoming bit part she had in a TV show that would be airing soon. After finishing high school Mayu began doing voice work for some small time anime studio and was starting to get noticed.

Seiko had accomplished her goal of becoming a hair stylist. "Kishinuma-kun, it's so weird to see you without those bright locks." She commented with a teasing grin. "If you were going to drop the ruffian look you should have told me, I would have done your hair for a good price."

Yoshiki smirked at the mischievous girl, even after high school she was still speaking her mind. "Shinohara, I'm not sure if I want to let you near my hair. Knowing you, you probably would have turned it pink or something to mess with me."

Seiko snickered at the former delinquent's remark. "I'd never do thaaaat." She said unconvincingly. "Though that does sound like a good idea. Want to make an appointment for next week?" She asked with a cheeky grin before Naomi slid up beside her and softly bopped her on the head.

"Now Seiko, you shouldn't tease one of our hosts." Naomi admonished playfully as Seiko rubbed the back of her head.

Seiko pouted at her best friend. "Come on Naomi-chan, you gotta let me have a little fun." She whined, despite her eyes clearly indicating that she wasn't upset at all. It had been so long since she had gotten to see everyone, nothing could ruin her good mood right now.

Naomi shook her head at the other girl as Satoshi walked up to them. The brunette opened his mouth to say something but was cut off as the lights went out.

Yoshiki smirked at he saw the dark figure moving away from the light switch. Ayumi had told him in advance that she would be doing this, so he was the only one not confused. 'Heh, even if she hadn't told me, I probably still wouldn't be surprised' The ex-delinquent thought with a muffled chuckle as he walked over to her.

Ayumi placed her candle on the coffee table in the center of the room. A second later her boyfriend pulled out his lighter and lit the wick for her. She grinned at the gesture before absorbing the taken aback faces of her friends.

Upon seeing the small flame come to life the former Kisaragi students sagged in relief as they realized what was happening. "Why am I not surprised?" Sakutaro muttered with a rueful smile as the friends all gathered around the candle.

Snickering Seiko playfully slapped a nervous Satoshi's back. "You never change, eh Class-rep?" Seiko asked with a grin as she became excited to hear what Ayumi had in store for them.

Ayumi returned the excitable girl's grin. "It's been far too long since I've been able to give someone a good scare. Yoshiki's not easy to surprise." She grumbled playfully while pouting at her boyfriend.

Yoshiki chuckled at the short statured girl before rubbing her shoulder. "I could try pretending to be scared. But my screams still wouldn't be as high pitched at Satoshi's." He joked while casting a teasing wink at his best friend.

Satoshi rolled his eyes at his best friend's remark. "I didn't scream at Shinozaki's last story." He felt the need to point out. It had been quite the accomplishment on his part.

Yoshiki shrugged at that fact. "True, but that's one out of how many times?" He questioned which made Satoshi slump in defeat.

Clearing her throat Ayumi regained everyone's attention. Seeing that everyone had quieted down the dark haired girl began her story. "This tale is a rather old one. It's called, the Child's Cursed Doll." The group, minus Yoshiki and Sakutaro, all looked at each other nervously as they wandered where this story would go.

Back in the mid 1950s there lived a middle income family. They were neither poor nor rich, but managed to live fairly comfortably in the post WWII era. The family consisted of a mom, a dad, and their three year old daughter Akane-chan.

Akane-chan was a very quiet child, she rarely cried or made any sort of fuss. While to most parents this would be seen as a boon; Akane-chan's parents did not. In fact they were rather uneasy by how quiet their child was. Despite this they did their best to raise their daughter and make her happy.

One day while out shopping Akane-chan's mom was out with her, when finally Akane-chan's expression became happy. Wanting to see what had made her daughter smile, Akane-chan's mother became disturbed at seeing that it was a doll. The doll had a white face, long black hair, and wore a red dress. The doll's expression was the same as Akane-chan's usual blank face.

Something compelled the mom to buy the doll for her daughter. It may have looked creepy, but it couldn't be all bad if it had made Akane-chan smile.

Akane-chan loved the doll, she took it everywhere. Every morning while her mom brushed her hair, Akane-chan would brush the doll's hair. When eating Akane-chan's doll would be seated next to her. When sleeping the doll was curled up besides her.

With the doll in her life Akane-chan seemed to smile more, and was happier than she had ever been. Her parents were still creeped out by the doll, but decided that it couldn't be too bad if it made her happy. But then one day Akane-chan fell asleep and never woke up.

The parents were beside themselves with grief as their daughter was pronounced dead. Died in her sleep to unknown causes, her heart no longer beating.

After the funeral Akane-chan's parents found themselves unable to get rid of any of their daughter's possessions. It was too painful. They even kept the creepy doll that Akane-chan carried with her everywhere. Deciding since the doll had been their daughter's favorite toy they placed it on the mantle in the living room.

Time moved on, one day a few months after Akane-chan died the doll fell from the mantle. Akane-chan's mom ran into the living room, swearing she had heard her daughter's voice cry out for her. When she saw the doll on the floor Akane-chan's mom sobbed as she remembered that Akane-chan was gone and never coming back.

Picking up the doll Akane-chan's mother froze as she realized something about the doll was different. Its hair was longer...had its hair ever grown before? Akane-chan's mom placed the doll back on the mantle.

The doll's hair continued to grow so long that it hung off the mantle. Akane-chan's mother took it upon herself to cut the doll's hair. In a way it reminded her of doing Akane-chan's hair. That made her smile.

One night Akane-chan's mom awoke to someone tapping on the bedroom door. Going to the door she opened it and saw the doll on the floor. Confused she observed the doll before going and placing it back on the mantle. For the next few days this went on, Akane-chan's parents would fall asleep, only for the mom to wake up to tapping on the bedroom door. She would open it and place the doll back on the mantle. On the fifth day Akane-chan's mom did something different when she opened the door. Picking the doll up she returned to bed and held the doll close as she fell asleep.

This new cycle went on for months before one day Akane-chan's dad left for a business trip. Leaving Akane-chan's mom alone with the doll. Akane-chan's mom was no longer creeped out by the doll. In fact she loved it like it was her own daughter. That night when she went to bed she took the doll from the mantle and fell asleep with it next to her.

When she awoke Akane-chan's mom felt something touching her face. Opening her eyes she saw the doll's creepy smile boring down on her.

The doll smiled and spoke. "Okaa-san, I love yo-."

"GAH!" Satoshi's scream sounded out, causing everyone else who was enraptured by Ayumi's scary story to jump in fright.

Ayumi's small smile turned into a full blown grin as she watched her old favorite scary story victim grab the person next to him.

Seiko, who had seated herself between Naomi and Satoshi looked at the brown haired man clinging onto her before grinning. "Wow, Mochida-kun I had no idea you felt that way about me. But I don't think Naomi-chan would appreciate a threesome. Although..." She tilted her head while tapping her chin with her index finger.

As if burned Satoshi immediately detached himself from the curly haired girl. "So-sorry, Shinohara!" He apologized profusely, red faced at unintentionally grabbing her. "Bu-but that story was so scary..." He muttered while looking down.

Seiko broke away from her musings to grin at the bashful brunette male. "No harm no foul." She told him good naturedly as Naomi moved over to pat Satoshi's shoulder.

Yoshiki chuckled as Ayumi turned the lights back on. "It's been too long since I last heard you scream like that, Satoshi." Satoshi sighed at Yoshiki's remark as he calmed down from the scary story.

"That was so creepy, Shinozaki-san. I had goosebumps the entire time." Mayu complimented warmly. Even if she had never been a fan of being scared Mayu knew how much the old class-rep enjoyed telling her ghost stories.

Ayumi couldn't contain her grin, it had been too long since they had been able to do this. She couldn't imagine being any happier than she was at this moment. "Thanks Suzumoto-san, I'm glad you enjoyed it." She said before blowing out her candle and taking it off the candle holder.

"Eh...?" Ayumi's eyes widened as she caught sight of something shiny that had been under her candle.

Hearing their former class-rep's sound of confusion the group all looked to see what had caught her attention and held their breath as they realized what it was. Seiko broke the silence with a low whistle, impressed by Yoshiki's ploy.

The man in question grinned as his girlfriend found the ring he had hidden under her candle while he had been lighting it. Picking up the ring from the candle holder Yoshiki presented it to Ayumi. "Shinozaki Ayumi, I've spent weeks wondering when the best time to do this would be." He admitted as Ayumi, still unable to speak, looked at him in awe.

"I figured the best time to ask this would be after you finished telling a scary story to our friends. Because you're always smiling when telling them, and I think you're most beautiful when smiling." Her face flushed lightly at him openly complimenting her among their friends. "Will you marry me?"

Ayumi opened her mouth to answer only for the words to get caught in her throat. After a couple false starts she finally managed a soft. "Yes..." Yoshiki's grin widened as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Ayumi stared down at the sapphire ring, it was so beautiful... Looking back up at Yoshiki she saw the loving look he was giving her. Unable to hold back she threw her arms around his neck and held him as tightly as she could before pulling back and kissing him.

With the initial shock wearing off the remaining group excitedly voiced their congratulations. Seiko of course couldn't help but wolf whistle at the happy couple.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed this. This chapter really had a lot going for it. I'm glad I was able to show Yoshiki's relationship with his future in-laws after leaving their house. And I was even able to incorporate Ayumi telling a ghost story. I got the inspiration for the story when I read a snipbit about a japanese doll that's hair grew. But the actual scary story I actually made it up as I was going along.

Also, some news. To those who haven't noticed I've started (finally) revising Life at the Shinozaki's. After writing my Valentine's Day one shot I reread my old work and found myself annoyed at all the errors I had made. So I'm fixing that. I'm also cross posting the chapters to my A03 account. So if you want to read the first two chapters right now head over to my account there (same name.) Or if you don't mind waiting, once I finish all 15 chapters I intend to update the story here. So again to all my readers, thank you for being patient and enjoying my work. You guys are awesome.