Ronin Special #1
What Might have been
By: Ghost of the Dawn

Chapter 3: Ryo- part 2

The rest of Mary Anne's passionate lecture went unnoticed by Robyn as she went over and over her new discovery in her head.

I'm the one cheating on him..I'm the one...

"Robyn, are you listening to me?" Mary Anne demanded, looking extremely offended by her blank stare.

Robyn just looked up at her. "Do you wish it was you instead?" she wondered.

Mary Anne balked, her face slowly changing to a red tint.

"That's none of your business!" she spat. "I'm here as Ryo's friend! I can't stand to see a guy like him in such a horrible relationship! That's the reason I came. To get you to finally get your claws out of him and let him go so he can move on."

Robyn nodded slowly, still soaking it all in. "You can go now."

Mary Anne blinked. "What?"

"I said you can go now," Robyn repeated. "You've said what you came here to say. Now you can leave."

Mary Anne looked surprised and then angry. But Robyn did have the leverage. Mary Anne didn't live there and she had said her piece. Robyn surmised she just wanted to stay and vent now, but that would not accomplish anything more. Robyn got the message and now she did not want to see Mary Anne for quite a while.

"Fine," Mary Anne relented. "I will go. But don't think I'm finished. I don't know what Ryo still sees in you, but I'm going to do my best to make him forget you. Mark my words."

"Consider them marked," Robyn sighed. "Have a good night." And she shut the door in Mary Anne's face.

Once alone in the house, Robyn took a slight personal pleasure in her ability to act like not a word Mary Anne had said got through to her. That must have really pissed her off. Though in truth, Robyn was already thinking very hard about those words. They repeated themselves over and over in her head as Robyn sat back down on the couch. In the stillness, she suddenly gave a cry and shoved her fingers through her hair in frustration. Then she sighed and lay back on the couch, covering her eyes with one arm.

"I'm a horrible person in this world," she moaned out loud.

She could feel a headache coming on. What was she supposed to do in this world? Was she supposed to fix this? Is that why she was here? But how would one fix this? If she suddenly became a better wife, what would happen when she left and Ryo was stuck with that bitch version of her again? That wouldn't really solve the problem. Should she continue to play the part of the cheating wife and try to push Ryo away? Get him to divorce her? She may have not liked Mary Anne at the moment, but there was no doubt that this world's Mary Anne cared very much for this world's Ryo. She wanted him to be happy and Robyn was having less and less of a problem leaving him in her hands when she was gone.

The biggest problem with that plan was that Robyn had always adored Ryo. He was such a sweet guy. She didn't know if she had it in her to be mean to him. She doubted very much she could effectively chase him out of this stupid marriage by her will alone. Maybe if she just talked to him...

There was a knock at the door again. Robyn sat up and glanced at the clock. She had been stewing over this for almost an hour. Wondering if Mary Anne was coming back to give her another lecture, Robyn didn't even bother to try to see who it was before opening the door. A man stood before her. He was fair skinned, sandy blonde. He looked American and was neatly shaven with a nice suit. Robyn had never seen him before.

"Yes? Can I help you?" she asked with uncertainty.

He smiled at her a charming smile. "I'm sorry I couldn't wait. I know you said we would have to do it later, but I've been thinking about you all day, baby."

He was suddenly in her house and pinning her against the wall with his body. Robyn was too stunned by the action to even speak. Luckily, she had enough sense about her to turn her head away before he could kiss her. The man paused for a minute, confused at her actions. This gave Robyn enough time to figure out what was going on.

This is him! This is the guy I'm cheating with! What do I do?

"Baby, what's the matter?" the man asked. Then his eyes went wide and he let go of her. "Is he at home? I thought he worked late." He looked about the room wildly.

It was then Robyn recognized his voice. He's the guy who called me earlier today! So these "business meetings" were really our secret rendezvous. I see how it is. But whatever I'm supposed to do here, I am NOT playing this game with this guy. I don't even know him. I'll find another way to get Ryo to leave me, if that's what I have to do.

"He's not here," she told the guy in a flat tone.

The man breathed out. "Baby, you really scared me there. Don't do that to me."

Robyn was extremely not impressed with this. "Don't call me baby and please leave. I'm not up for doing this today."

The man just smiled at her. It was a smile Robyn did not like at all. "Aw...come on babe. What's the matter? You can tell me." He sidled up to her dipping it to kiss her neck.

Robyn ducked again, putting more space between them. She was starting to get even more frustrated. It was one thing when her friends were trying to feel her up. It was another when a total stranger was doing it.

"Did you not hear me?" she snapped. "There's the door! I am NOT doing this today! Go home!"

He stood there for a moment, but then shoved his hands in his pockets with a defeated smile. "Fine. Have your way. You just call me when you get lonely, huh?"

Robyn wasn't sure why, but that last sentence really pissed her off.

"Don't count on it Brian," she mumbled as she shut the door in her second face that day.

From behind it, there was a startled pause and then a "My name is Ian!"

The day had started well, but had proved to become far more taxing and difficult than Robyn would have guessed. Despite the fact that she didn't have Ronins advancing on her left and right, Robyn still had to admit this was the worst one so far. After getting something to eat, Robyn retreated to the tub to relax and regroup her thoughts.

She still had a hard time accepting the fact that she was cheating on Ryo in this world. It was surreal and kind of sad. She wondered about her other self in this world. Why did she marry Ryo if she didn't love him? And if she did love him at one point, why didn't she now? And if she fell out of love, why was she still holding onto him? Why not just leave? Robyn had a feeling she could ask these questions until the sun came up, but she would never get an answer unless she talked to the other Robyn herself. She highly doubted that would happen. But still, why with that guy? Ugh! He was definitely not better looking than Ryo. He seemed like a sleaze ball to her. Why did she ever cheat on him with a guy like that...that...whatever his name was?

Robyn slumped in the tub and blew sadly at the bubbles in her bath. For the umpteenth time, she missed Ryo. Though after all she had learned, she could hardly blame him that he didn't want to be home. But she wanted him here. He belonged here. It was his house. She was the one who should feel like she shouldn't be here, not him.

A bit agitated at all these thoughts, Robyn couldn't bring herself to stay still when she got out of the bath. Once dressed in her warm pajamas, she wandered around the house, brooding at how unfair this world was. For the first time that day, she went back to the question as to why she was here in the first place. Why was she here in ANY of those worlds for that matter? Was there a purpose? Was this just some kind of sick joke? Was she sent here to actually accomplish something or just to entertain some cosmic whim for a moment? She wanted to know so badly what was going on that it was driving her nuts.

Frustrated and tired, Robyn leaned against the wall of the still silent house. She was in the living room now. Not that it mattered which room she was in. Every one of them was quiet and empty. It seemed such a shame. A house like this needed to be filled with more than just stuff and two people with regrets.

Rolling over, Robyn leaned into the wall, resting her cheek against it, feeling the soft, smooth finish of the wood on her finger tips. It was a beautiful house. But she loved it even more now knowing that Ryo had built it. Knowing that his hands had touched this wall, worked and refined it, it made that wall that much more precious to her.

I'm glad I've finally found something I make that you like..

Ryo's words came unbidden to her mind. Did he mean this house when he said that? Did her other self not like it? Not appreciate the work that went into it? How could she not? What a horrible person she was. Thinking about how her other version might be made Robyn loathe her and, in turn, loathe herself. She couldn't blame Ryo for turning his back on such a lovely creation when such an ugly thing lived inside.

"What are you doing?"

Robyn opened her eyes to see Ryo standing there, watching her curiously. She hadn't even heard him come home. Now that she was finally able to see him, Robyn couldn't bring herself to try to keep him away from her like she had originally be considering.

"I like this wall," she said simply. "Very much."

A flash of emotion raced over Ryo's face and then was gone. He turned without comment to leave. Robyn noticed his was favoring his hand and she pulled away from her wall.

"Hey, are you okay? Did you get hurt?"

Surprised once more, Ryo turned and blinked at her. Then he raised his hand. There was dried blood smudged all over his index finger. "It's nothing big. I just need to clean it up."

"Yeah, you do, that's looks horrible," Robyn replied. "You go into the kitchen and clean that up. I'll meet you there."

Though looking a bit dazed, Ryo did what we was told while Robyn ran into the hall. She rummaged around in the closet across from the bathroom. It seemed like the most likely place one would keep a first aid kit. She was in luck. Bringing the white box with her into the kitchen, she sat down on the table stool next to Ryo's.

"Now let's see that hand," she ordered.

Ryo obediently extended the injured hand and Robyn looked over the damage. He had cleaned up all the blood as he had been told and now it was easy to see the jagged cut jutting down his finger. It was still oozing a bit of blood, but it didn't look too deep. Robyn grabbed a warm, wet cloth and proceeded to gently dab at the new blood. As she did, she noticed the state of the rest of his hand. The skin of his fingertips and palm were rough and dry and calloused. They were the hands of a man who worked hard with them every day.

Given her new knowledge of Ryo's past, Robyn guessed he worked in construction. The house itself was a testament that he knew how to build. And it explained his rough hands and dusty clothes. Now that she really got a chance to look at him, this Ryo looked very different than her Ryo. He looked rougher, dirtier, stronger. He didn't have the aura of a warrior like her Ryo did. This Ryo had the feel of a man who's livelihood was in what he could build. His hands, his body, worked so hard every day.

Robyn caught herself just sitting there, running her fingers over his palm and not really attending to the wound. She looked up, a bit embarrassed and turned away to grab some bandages. When she turned back, she noticed Ryo had looked away as well, a bit of a tint on his cheeks. Robyn was glad she wasn't the only one feeling awkward, but she was sure her face was a lot redder. She turned her focus on the task at hand so she wouldn't have to look him in the face and applied some ointment to the cut and then two band-aids to cover the thing.

"All done," she announced, and lightly kissed his finger over the band-aid.

She thought it was an innocent enough gesture. Mothers kissed their children's cuts all the time. But Ryo's reaction was different than expected. His eyes went wide and he tugged his hand away from her, clutching it to himself and looking away from her. His expression made Robyn's heart ache for him.

Oh Ryo, do I really show you such little affection in this world? Do you really find it so strange any time I smile at you or try to take care of you?

At that moment, Robyn didn't care any more. She forgot that any of her actions may result in him staying longer into a relationship where he wasn't cared about. She didn't care that he was someone else's husband and that he wasn't the Ryo she knew. He was still Ryo and she hated to see him so sad. She threw herself at him, causing him to nearly fall over on his stool, and wrapped her arms tight around his neck.

She clung to him as if afraid he would pull her away and she started to cry. Robyn really didn't want to cry, but she couldn't stop herself. Everything was so frustrating. Why was this happening to her? All of this. Why was she being forced to give up her heart so fully to all these different men who meant the world to her anyway; only to be torn from them and thrust into the arms of another a moment later? In that moment, Robyn was suddenly afraid for the first time that would continue to get pulled away to other worlds. That couldn't happen yet. She wasn't done here. She wanted to stay!

Ryo's fingers lightly, hesitantly touched her back, then her hair. He wouldn't put his arms completely around her and hold her like she fervently wished he would.

"Robyn, what's wrong?" There was sincere concern in his throaty voice. The sound of it only made Robyn sadder. "Do you...want to talk about it?" He sounded apprehensive about asking. As if he knew better than wanting to talk about Robyn's problems.

All Robyn could do was shake her head into his neck. There was no way she could put into words to make anyone understand what she was feeling inside right now. Not to mention the whole "I'm not the Robyn from your world" thing would be incredibly hard to explain even if she wasn't a sobbing heap of a person right now.

"I'm sorry," she finally managed to sniffle as she pulled away from him. She forced herself to calm down even though she wanted to cry for a lot longer. Robyn also realized she probably wasn't doing Ryo any favors by acting this way. For all she knew, he was thinking she was crying over some other guy. He had to know something was up or else we wouldn't have been sleeping downstairs.

"It's just been one of those days, I guess," Robyn continued weakly, trying to brush her tears away while hoping to salvage a bit of her dignity. "I guess I'm just tired."

Ryo watched her wipe her eyes as if he were trying to decide something inside his head. Finally, he walked over to turn off the kitchen lights and then approached her again. Robyn was about to ask what he wanted when he leaned forward and swept her up in his arms. Robyn was surprised for a moment, but she was so tired, she easily settled to wrapping an arm around his neck and pressing her face to his shoulder. She just didn't have the strength to protest, worry, or wonder any more that night.

He carried her up the stairs so easily. Robyn had never realized how strong he was until then. He always looked a bit slight to her; never too tall or too broad compared to the other Ronins. But being that close to his body, she could feel the power that rested there, grown from days of physical labor that came with his work.

He was so warm. Ryo was always warm to her. Robyn was starting to drift off by the time he reached her room. Ryo set her down softly on the bed and pulled the covers around her. She watched his silhouette through half closed lids from the light in the doorway. Once done with his chore, Ryo turned to leave without a word. Robyn fought the urge to grab his jacket; to ask him to stay. It wasn't right that he was returning to a small, empty room to sleep all alone. But asking him to stay with her right then probably wasn't right either.

So she watched him go without a sound and then closed her eyes. She wondered if there was anything she really could do for him to fix this. It wasn't certain whether there was anything she could do. But as Robyn drifted off, if she was still there in the morning, she was determined to give it a try.

Ryo was gone before Robyn woke up that morning. She was disappointed to find that out, but there wasn't anything she could do about that. She really wasn't expecting to see him for the rest of the day, but Ryo showed up at the house again sometime around noon. He didn't come inside though. Robyn only noticed him out the window by chance when she heard a sharp noise coming from outside.

The sound she heard was the chopping of wood. Out the full, large kitchen window she could see him. The shirt Ryo had been wearing was now tied around his waist and the sun beat down through the trees onto his deep bronzed skin. If Robyn had thought Ryo looked stronger before, she was sure of it now. He was still lean, but defined. She could see every cord as he brought the ax down time and again. His skin was beaded with sweat and in shone in the sun. He paused to wipe sweat from his brow before picking up another log and exhibiting his strength once more.

I could watch that all day.. Robyn thought dreamily to herself.

She was then embarrassed to notice that she had fogged up the window and hastily wiped it off. But then gazed out the window wistfully again.

Maybe I should go out and talk to him. Then I could get a closer look... She idly wondered what the skin of his back and arms felt like, hot and damp in the sun. Robyn instantly shook her head as if to throw those thoughts from her brain. I'm becoming a pervert! Those days with Rowen still haven't worn off yet!

But then she got an idea. I know, I'm sure he's thirsty! I'll get him something to drink. Then I can at least say hi to him.

Now elated with the thought of a more domestic chore than just leering out the picture window, Robyn set to work. The lemonade in the fridge was all gone so she set about preparing another pitcher. She ran the water in the sink, letting it get cold as she wondered what Ryo's expression would look like when she came out to see him. It was then she noticed the sink appeared to be clogged.

Robyn wondered if she should ignore it. But Ryo was outside working, she should probably be doing something around the house, too. When she had finished her first chore, she went to hunt down a bucket, a wrench and some rubber gloves and set to work herself. She was pulling out a smelly glob of who knew what when she heard a door open and close and heavy boots thunk on the kitchen linoleum.

"I could have done that," she heard Ryo's voice tell her.

Robyn pulled her head out to reply, but she got an unexpected eye full of a still shirtless Ryo. She quickly ducked her head back under the sink so he wouldn't see her face go red. That image would be forever burned into her memory.

"I know how to fix a sink," she muttered. "And I made lemonade for you. It's in the fridge if you want some. I was hoping to finish this before you were done outside, but..." Man, I REALLY wanted to finish before you were done outside. Oh well.

"Where did you learn to fix things?" Ryo asked, sounding amused as he opened the fridge.

Robyn felt a bit irked at that question. To her, it sounded like he was surprised she knew how to do any thing at all around the house.

"Hey, I've lived by myself plenty," she retorted as she finished tightening the U-joint to the straight pipe. "I know how to get around without having a big, strong man to come do everything for me. I've done it long enough."

Ryo went quiet for a moment.

"Do you think...I'm not home enough?" he finally asked.

Robyn hit her head on the pipe. That wasn't quite the way she thought he would take that. She paused under the sink, rubbing her head as she thought how she would answer. If she said no, that was like saying there was nothing wrong with this relationship. If she said yes, she would be misleading him into thinking her alternate version wanted him home more.

She pulled herself out, looking down. She didn't want to see his face right now.

"I don't know," she said honestly and grabbed her supplies to go clean up.

Ryo left again shortly after. He didn't come back as day went into night. Robyn sat and sulked in the tub before bed. It kind of sucked being married to Ryo. She should have said yes. Yes, you should be home more! You always disappear and you never say anything! Are you cheating on me?

Robyn's eyes went wide. If she asked that she would have probably opened a whole barrel of trouble she didn't want to get into. Robyn slouched further in the tub and burbled unhappily in the bubbly water. This world was so unlike the other two previous ones. In those, she just kind of lived there, trying to make it from day to day until she was thrust into another one. In this new world, she couldn't help but feel she was supposed to do something. It was almost like a video game now. There was some kind of goal she needed to reach before she could advance to the next level. But what? If there was a point to all this, what was it she was supposed to do?

If this was anything like Quantum Leap, that meant she was supposed to help Ryo. (Though she didn't exactly help Cye or Rowen with anything while she was in their worlds.) But how exactly could she help him? Sure, she could pretend to be a nice wife, but what good would that do anyone when she was gone?

Robyn stayed up in her room that night and watched a movie. She kept it low and listened for the sound of the door, but it never came. Before Robyn knew it, she woke up. White noise was blaring on the tv. She glanced at the clock to see her movie had been over for quite a while. After turning off the tv, Robyn decided she was more thirsty than tired and padded downstairs into the kitchen. While heading back to bed, she noticed there was someone sleeping on the couch.

The lights weren't on, but Robyn could still see well by the light of the full moon coming in through the large windows. Ryo was spread out on the couch, sleeping soundly. A blanket was thrown haphazardly over him. Robyn crouched down to study his face in the moonlight. He carried the vestige with him of someone who had experienced quite a long day himself. Carefully, Robyn reached out to brush a few of his thick bangs from his face. She wanted to sit there and watch him longer, but she figured she better not. Reluctantly, she got up and turned to go.

"I miss you."

Robyn froze when she heard Ryo's voice rasp behind her. She slowly turned to see his large eyes watching her. His face was unreadable.

"I really miss you," he repeated again softly.

Robyn found herself turning around and going back to crouch in front of him.

"I'm right here," she whispered.

"You say that, but..." Ryo drifted away and then looked at her again. "What happened to us?"

Robyn shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. Sometimes this just..." She really didn't have an answer for him.

Ryo reached out and lightly ran his knuckle down her arm. "You're cold," he stated.

Robyn just shrugged. But Ryo gripped her arm gently and tugged her towards him, now moving his eyes to hers. Robyn was mesmerized by those eyes. They were so deep, so full of emotion even if his face was not. Her heart was picking up as she allowed herself to be coaxed closer. It was if she had no power of her own under that gaze. Obediently, she climbed onto the couch with him and settled on her side as he put the blanket around both of them.

The couch was fairly wide as far as couches go. But it was still a couch and the two of them had to press together to be able to fit without Robyn falling off. Ryo's body was so warm. Robyn didn't realize how chilly it was until then. She snuggled up next to him in spite of herself, letting the warmth he provided comfort her. It was the first time she had been in his arms in this world. They were strong yet gentle and undemanding. They just let her be next to him and didn't ask for anything more.

He watched her quietly in the dark, his eyes sweeping over her face, not missing anything. He leaned on his elbows, back against the couch so he wasn't resting any weight on her, but he was still close.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered.

Robyn looked away, feeling self conscious. She wasn't used to compliments on her looks. Never once did she herself think she was beautiful.

"I think you are," Ryo insisted as if he could hear her thoughts.

He reached up to touch her face. Robyn flinched when the rough skin of his hand came in contact with her. Ryo moved it away apologetically, but Robyn grabbed his hand and pulled it back. He watched her silently as she studied that hand, running her fingers over the blisters and the cracked skin. She loved these hands. They worked so hard and she dared to fantasize just for a moment that they worked hard just for her. Lightly, she kissed the palm and then allowed it to touch her face again. Ryo leaned over her, looking deep into her eyes.

"Who are you?" he whispered.

Robyn wasn't sure she heard right. "Hm?"

"You're not Robyn," Ryo continued. "Who are you?"

Robyn's eyes flew open wide. She stared at him in fear as she felt his body tense next to her. He didn't have a hold of her, but she was certain he could easily grab her and hold her down if she tried to escape. Her heart was racing. What was she supposed to do now?

"It's okay," Ryo said soothingly. "I'm not mad. I just want to know who you are."

Robyn fought to get her breath under control. She never imagined she would be asked something like this. She wasn't prepared if on the odd chance one of them found out.

"How...did you know?" she asked softly.

Ryo's expression fell into a bittersweet smile. "Robyn never looked at me the way you do. Even when we were first married. She never looked at me or this place like they were something important to her. Not the way you look at me."

His eyes bore into hers and it made Robyn's cheeks get warm. She was so embarrassed having been caught as a stranger in a married man's house. On his couch no less!

"Tell me," Ryo continued, his voice gentle. "Who are you? Why are you here? Why do you look just like Robyn?"

Oh, how do I explain this?

"I...I am Robyn," she managed to squeak out. "I'm just not your Robyn. I'm from a world that's different than this. I mean, it's kind of the same. You're there and I'm there; but it's still different. And, for some reason, I just woke up here one day, in this world's Robyn's place, instead of in my own world."

Ryo furrowed his brows at her, trying to make sense of what he was told.

"So is...my wife in your world then?"

Robyn shrugged. "I'm not really sure. Honestly, I just woke up here yesterday. I don't know how or why. I have no idea what's going on. I've kind of been faking it. I'm really sorry."

He nodded, seeming a bit preoccupied with the questions running through his own head at this new information.

"So are..are we married in your world, too?"

"Um, no," Robyn replied awkwardly. "We're just friends."

It was Ryo's turn to feel embarrassed now. "Oh, I guess this is kind of weird for you then. I'm sorry."

He began to move away from her when she grabbed his shoulders.

"No, wait, it's okay. Stay, please?"

Ryo paused, looking at her curiously. Robyn felt her cheeks grow warm again under his gaze. She couldn't believe that just popped out of her mouth! But she didn't want him to move away from her, not like that. She searched her thoughts, trying to find the right words she wanted to say to him.

"I really care about you," she said in a quivering voice. Why was it so frightening? "I care about the Ryo in my world and I care about you. I don't like to see you so unhappy. Why are you still in this horrible relationship?"

Ryo looked away. "I just...I guess I keep hoping that..." His voice cracked and he couldn't continue.

Robyn reached up to caress his cheek. Ryo leaned into it, closing his eyes tight. A single tear escaped and slid down his face.

"You can't keep doing this to yourself," Robyn told him.

Ryo opened his eyes. They glittered wetly in the moonlight. They were so big and beautiful as they stared deeply into her face.

"Can I...kiss you?" Ryo whispered, his voice catching.

If Robyn's face was a bit red before, it was bright crimson now. She was very grateful for the cover of the darkness. She was reluctant to agree to that request. Ryo was married and he knew she wasn't his real wife. She didn't have to pretend she was with him. But Robyn was also tired of trying to deny men she loved when, in truth, she wanted them, too.

"Um...I--I guess so," she replied shyly.

She remained still, her heart racing faster as Ryo moved over her, resting some of his body weight against hers. He leaned forward and Robyn shut her eyes tight and held her breath as if she were about to jump off a cliff. They popped open again, however, when she felt lips press ever so lightly against her left eyelid.

Robyn stared at him as he pulled away. Ryo smiled kindly at her, but Robyn couldn't help but feel disappointed somehow. Why? He was respecting her space and the fact that they really weren't married. So what was the problem?

Her gaze traveled down to his mouth and her fingers moved of their own accord to trace his lips as they parted with her touch. She reached up and brushed her lips ever so slightly at the side of his mouth. She pulled away, but just barely. He was still right there. She could feel his breath in her cheek. She could feel that his heart was beating faster, too.

Ryo moved his mouth closer as if to test her. Robyn did not pull away and he cautiously slid his mouth over hers. Robyn reached up to tangle her fingers in his thick hair and pull his head closer, encouraging him to take the kiss deeper. Ryo responded instantly, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her body against his. He settled more weight on top of her as he kissed her with the passion of a man who had been waiting to be cared for like this all his life.

After a few moments, they both pulled away, panting. Ryo rested his face in the base of Robyn's neck as he caught his breath. Robyn kept her arms around him, one hand lightly stroking and playing with his hair.

"Ryo, will you promise me something?" she asked the ceiling.

"Yes?" Ryo replied into her neck.

"When I'm gone, promise me you'll leave her. Kick her out of this house. It's too good for her. Save this place for someone who really cares about you."

Ryo was quiet for a moment. "I already found someone who cares about me."

Robyn tried hard to blink back the tears. "I can't stay..."

Ryo lifted his head so he could look her in the face. "Why not? Why can't you?"

"It's not something I can control," Robyn replied, her throat feeling tight. "I'm not sure when, but I am going to disappear from here at some time and everything will be as it was before." With a heavy heart, Robyn had an inkling it would be that night.

Ryo let out a sound of pain and frustration. He pressed his forehead to her collar bone, his bangs brushing her neck. His shoulders shuttered as he clenched his fists at either side of her head.

"It's not fair," he rasped.

Robyn looked up at the ceiling, tears spilling down the side of her face. She fought with every ounce left in her not to sob. No, it wasn't fair. She put her arms around him and hugged him as tight as she could. She didn't want to leave him, not like this. She wanted to chase away all his pain and loneliness and keep him in her arms forever. What cruel fate was forcing this onto her? Why was she shown this heartbreaking life only to be forced to leave it?

"Robyn?" Ryo asked, lifting his head. "If you were given the option to stay here in this world, would you?"

That question did it. Robyn broke down. She covered her face with both hands as she began to sob.

"How can you ask me that?" she cried. "I don't want this to happen to you, but that's my life! I can't leave them! I can't leave my friends! I want to go home!"

Almost instantly, she felt herself being pulled against Ryo's body and held tight.

"Robyn, I'm so sorry," Ryo whispered as he pressed his forehead to hers. "I shouldn't have asked that of you. It wasn't right of me. I'm sorry. Please stop crying."

Robyn didn't stop crying, but she did pull her hands away from her face so she could wrap her arms around Ryo's neck and cry into his shoulder. It was the first time she had said it out loud and she meant it. None of these worlds have been particularly horrible, but they weren't hers. She wanted to go home where things were familiar; where she was in control.

Ryo continued to murmur comforting words to her until Robyn's sobbing finally subsided. They sat there in silence for several minutes, holding each other as if afraid to let go.

"Robyn?" Ryo finally said. "I'll do what you say. If you disappear and she comes back, I'll leave her. I'll move on."

Robyn smiled up at him gently. She reached up to pull his head down so she could kiss his forehead.

"You'll be fine," she whispered to him. "You can do this. Start over and you can be happy again."

"Thank you," Ryo replied. "I should have let go a long time ago. I just needed to know it was okay." He paused and then his eyes grew pleading again. "Robyn? I know this is asking a lot, but would you please stay like this with me tonight? Would you hold me just for this one night?"

Robyn stared at him, her eyes tearing up again. She couldn't find the words to answer him and, instead, pulled him into a tight embrace. Ryo hugged her back just as fiercely. The two stayed that way as the night drifted on, the moonlight spilling over them. They drifted to sleep in each other's arms and Robyn felt safe for a time, despite knowing she would probably not see this place again.

Robyn awoke to the noisiest alarm clock she ever heard. She stared up at the ceiling, heart beating fast. She could feel the other person in the bed with her lazily reach over and turn it off. Robyn didn't pay him any attention for a while. All she knew was that her heart still ached from the night before and the person it ached for wasn't in the bed with her. It almost made the tears come to her eyes all over again.

The large male she was sharing her bed with rolled over. He wrapped his strong arms around her and buried his face sleepily in the crook of her neck. Strangely enough, those arms helped to relieve a little bit of pressure on her heavy heart as they held her.

"Mnnh, another day, huh?" he murmured sleepily into her neck.

Robyn smiled slightly, patting the arm encircling her shoulders.

"Yes Kento, it's another day."