When they arrived in front of their frequent hangout, Himiko's bike was still there where they had last seen it before leaving the place. Ban sighed with relief and quickly went out of the car. He entered the Honky Tonk and was even more delighted to see Himiko munching a half eaten pizza. Lady Poison then looked up and she appeared to contain glee, worry, and a hint of sourness that has risen due to his unforgettable act three years ago. Thread spool, monkey trainer, and Hevn were seated next to her and were smiling naughtily at them both but said nothing. Himiko was about to get up when Ginji ran towards her and exclaimed,

"Pizza! Master, can I please, please have one? I'm soooo hungry that I'm going to die here if I can't have anything to eat tonight." Ginji's puppy-dog eyes formed again and Paul ordered Natsumi to prepare a piece of pizza for the Get Backer. "But it'll cost you. What about you Ban, what'll it be?" Paul asked Ban.

"Nothing." Ban walked towards Himiko and said, "Can I talk to you in private? It's quite urgent."

"Sure." Himiko's cheeks were burning and she felt like she would burst any second now.

Ban opened the door of the café for Himiko and went out. Ban led Himiko to the parked vehicles to make sure they were out of hearing range. Just beside the passenger side of the Beetle, Himiko asked, "What's wrong? What's so urgent?"

"Get in the car. We'll talk in your apartment." Ban opened the door for her, but Himiko hesitated.

"Wait. I haven't paid my bill yet. I'll just pay…" Without warning, Ban pushed a finger to her lips and said, "Worry about that tomorrow. We have to go now. Please."

Wide-eyed and blushing, Himiko gazed at those radiating blue eyes and quickly looked away. She then obeyed and went into the car. Ban grabbed her bike from the area in front of the Beetle, got a rope from the trunk, and tied it securely on the roof of the car. After which, he walked to the driver's side, opened the door, and got in. He started the engine and drove off.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Himiko's apartment. Her room was situated at the 3rd floor. When Ban crossed the threshold, a déjà vu moment was displayed before him. More than half of the furniture and decorations were the same furnishings as before and the entire fashion of the rooms and kitchen were the same as before. He felt another pang of guilt and desire for the old days once more but was ended by Himiko closing the door and engaging the lock and security chain.

"You want something to eat? I can whip up something yummy if you like. And don't you dare ridicule my cooking cuz it has improved for the past 3 years and…"

All of a sudden, soft lips were pressed against hers, followed by strong arms wrapping around her small waist. Unfalteringly, he stroked her back, neck and hair with profound passion. She unbelievably responded to his desire of wanting her and vice-versa. They were leaning against each other; her breasts came into contact with his chest. Their kiss developed from a sweet kiss into a more passionate one. Ban was fiercely kissing her in the lips, neck, cheek and Himiko was struggling to unbutton his shirt as they floundered toward the bedroom. They both plopped onto the bed and Ban was now on top of her. He almost tore off her shirt and pants but remained in control. After hurriedly removing their clothing, Ban explored Himiko's alluring body with kisses and caresses while Himiko was moaning with pleasure by it. Just then, Ban moved inside of her, and she sighed with intense pain at first, but was later accompanied by enjoyment. Every muscle of his lean but muscular built flexed under her touch and she never felt so alive before. She too moved with him. The room was filled with the couple's groaning and the bed's whining complaint. It surely was a night to remember.

Sunlight streamed through the drapes in the bedroom. It reached the couple lying on the bed, and Ban was awakened by it. He infuriatingly squinted under the bright light but didn't dare say a word. He didn't want to wake her up. Himiko's head was leaning on his chest; her smooth hair elated him, her delicate hands practically hugged him like he was a teddy bear, and a smile was drawn on her face. Ah, that treasured smile of hers. He felt like wanting to kiss it again, feeling the soft lips once more, the comforting scent and feel of it energized him. But he didn't want to arouse her. She looked like an angel, both asleep and alert. He wanted to stay like this forever.

Just when he was entering into another trance by the sight of her, Yamato appeared before him. He was standing at Himiko's side of the bed, and was grinning broadly at Ban.

"I can see that you two had a blast last night." Yamato said nonchalantly.

"What do you want?" Ban was whispering just to make certain that he wouldn't stir Himiko.

"Oh nothing really. Just want to see how you're doing. I say I almost couldn't believe it that you dogs acted so… so fast!" Yamato giggled.

"Jealous?" Ban said with an evil grin.

Himiko suddenly shifted and opened her eyes gradually. By then, Yamato vanished and the couple was alone. "Were you talking to somebody?"

"Huh? Oh nothing. Must be just a part of your dream or something." Ban said.

"Uh-huh." Himiko said sarcastically. She repositioned herself from Ban's chest, leaned against his shoulder, and teasingly twisted his brown hair.

Ban returned the gesture by embracing Himiko and rested on top of her. Himiko's arms were clasped around Ban's neck, and Ban pleasantly kissed her. His kisses made a path from her mouth, and then to the corners of it, next was her left cheek, and ear. He earnestly whispered to her, "I love you."

"I love you, too." Himiko's heart soared and she never felt so happy in her entire life before. A moment later, Ban and Himiko were dancing the usual ritual of lovemaking.

I love you with all my heart, Himiko, even if it means risking my life for you. I will save you from that dumb curse not just because of the promise I made, but also for the reason that I love you. And I'll never stop loving you as long as I live. As long as we both shall live, I'll love you forever.