~I love you, Shinji. ~

-I love you, too. –

I smiled softly and kissed him again. In moments, my chest flooded with heat and I gasped softly, closing my eyes at the sensation… and then hungrily kissed him, answering his call.

-My call? –

I tangled my fingers in his hair, slid my legs around his waist, and rubbed against him, making him swear softly.

~Yes. Your call. You'll understand when I am the one calling you… it's hard to explain, but you'll know it when you feel it. ~

I rolled us, taking his unspoken hints. I couldn't even tell if my thoughts were mine or his anymore, if these were my desires or his… nor did I care. I answered every one of them with all I had.

"Gods, what is this?" he whispered between kisses, his voice hoarse and filled with burning hunger. His hands were everywhere at once, his lips… I just couldn't get enough!

"S-shared p-pleasure," I stammered, getting swept away. His thick rod pulsed between us and I slid him deep inside me, moaning richly at the new ecstasy flooding my mind. Now I knew how this felt to him. Now I knew how much he loved my touch, my taste… and it was driving me wild!

Losing myself completely to the sensation wasn't hard as I gave into need, thrusting hard and fast… but not enough. Hearing that small, unsatisfied thought, he rolled, taking full charge of this, his hips slamming into mine as he drove into me fiercely, claimed me completely. My cries of pure ecstasy echoed off the walls, his own moans and aroused oaths mixing in.

"S-Shinji!" I screamed out, my orgasm coming out of nowhere, sending me spiraling into an endless bliss, my body taken completely by storm.

"V-Vasilysa!" he answered me, his voice wrought with pleasures and emotions he didn't know how to express. I felt his orgasm hit him, felt it overwhelm him… It was complete and utter euphoria, this moment, this time…

When we finally crashed back down to earth, he was laying on me once more, breathless and shaking, his mind struggling to absorb what all he had just experienced, making me chuckle as I struggled to do the same… then just gave up. My chuckles turned into giggles as he started chuckling with me, stealing soft, loving kisses every now and then.

~I'm beginning to see why people make such a big deal outta this bonding stuff. ~

Now he laughed, full-hearted laughter. After a few seconds, I joined in, mirth mixing with undiluted joy in this moment.

Then I heard a phone go off. He groaned in annoyance and grabbed it off the table next to us, answering.

"What?" he snarled, in no mood for interruptions. Gods, he was so delicious when he was like this. The smirk on his features told me he'd heard that thought.

"Why the hell aren't you still at school, dumbass?!"

I giggled, trying to smother it into his shoulder… and failing miserably.

"Don't tell me you took another damned one home!" Hiyori groaned, furious. I quirked a brow at him and he avoided my gaze.

"Another one?" I teased, knowing Hiyori would hear me. Sure enough, she spit out whatever she was drinking, sputtering and coughing.

"Holy shit! Lysa! You're there?!"

"Yeah," I answered, taking the phone. "And my timer's gone."

Softly, I felt Shinji's hand lightly trace the circular dent in my chest, as if to confirm that. His touch made my heart race as I purred softly, enjoying as he placed a soft kiss to it.

"Well damn. You work fast."

I laughed outright.

"I'll get Ichigo, don't worry," he assured Hiyori, taking the phone back before I could start asking her about all those 'other ones' she had spoken of, the grin on his face growing as I pouted.

"You'd better, Shinji," she snapped, then hung up. I giggled.

"Another one…" I prompted. He got uneasy and I smiled softly, kissing him. "Toys or actual attempts to move on?"

"Both," he answered, already knowing that lying was fruitless with our bond. I chuckled softly and he relaxed immensely, knowing what I was going to say before I could say it, realizing I wasn't upset with him.

"I was kind of hoping you'd move on," I admitted, surprising him at the pure honesty of the statement. "I never thought you'd hang onto me for 100 years…"

The unspoken thought was what affected him the most.

~I'd never want you to be alone…~

He wrapped his arms around me tightly, just holding me, letting me feel just how much love that statement had caused to surge through him. It warmed me completely, making me close my eyes as it started to overwhelm me. Then I sighed and picked up the phone, dialing the familiar number.

"Oh thank god!" came Ichigo's voice, making me chuckle. I could hear my boys raising hell in the background. "You're out of pumped milk."

I frowned immediately.

"I'll be right there," I told him. "At my home?"

"Yeah," he answered, then paused, hesitating.

"Spit it out," I told him, watching as Shinji started going through various drawers on his dresser, tossing me one of his shirts and one of his pants, both of us dressing quickly.

"You… will explain this… right?"

I smiled softly, my heart warming with my love for this caring, sweet boy.

"Yes," I answered. "I will explain it. Stay put. He's coming with me."

"Alright," he answered, then hung up. After we were both dressed, he told me he'd meet me in the hall. With a smile, I stole a kiss and exited his apartment. Outside, I saw one of his neighbors and smiled softly. It was an elderly lady. She smiled back.

"So… you're the one he's been looking for," she commented, catching me off guard.

"What do you mean?" I asked, voicing both of our thoughts. She smiled softly.

"I knew you were the one the moment he appeared with you in his arms," she told me. "Had the same look in his eyes as my dear Frank did. All those other girls… he never looked at them like that."

It made me blush, realizing just how perceptive this woman was…or was it Shinji that was embarrassed? I couldn't tell. The old woman chuckled at my expression.

"It's good to finally see that boy happy after all these years," she told me warmly. "Take good care of him."

That I smiled warmly at.

"With pleasure," I answered and she chuckled, walking into her apartment. Shinji came out moments later and we both blushed lightly, then laughed at the absurdity of that expression on our faces. I kissed him tenderly… then led him out the door and flashed us to my apartment. I knocked on the door, hearing my boys still raising hell. It was yanked open in seconds as Ichigo hurried me in. I quickly shed my shirt and attached both boys to my breasts, letting them feed. Ichigo, meanwhile, handed me a small blanket to remain decent with as he then plopped onto the nearby couch, sagging with relief.

~How amusing…~

Shinji grinned, but said nothing.

"Explanation time?" I suggested. Ichigo nodded, waiting. I smiled softly at Shinji, then pulled the blanket down enough to show my closed hole. Ichigo's eyes widened in shock as he reached over to feel it for himself. Shinji was barely containing his possessiveness, the fierce need to break Ichigo's hand nearly overwhelming him. I was amused by that, but carefully removed Ichigo's hand from my skin all the same.

"Shinji is the boys' father," I said, cutting right to the chase. Immediately, Ichigo understood a lot of things.

"He's not a transfer student."

I shook my head.

-He catches on fast. –

~Sometimes. ~

"Ichigo, remember that conversation I had with you, about the other you?"

The boy tensed, but nodded. I didn't even have to tell Shinji what I wanted as he held his hand up, summoning his mask for Ichigo to see. The boy looked ready to have a heart-attack.

"If you are not trained, that part of you will devour you," I told him, making his eyes snap to mine, the fear in them making me want to soothe him. "That other you… is a hollow. Your friends already know about him, so don't worry about them leaving you because of it. Things are very different now than they were when Shinji was in the Soul Society."

That eased his fears a little.

"Ichigo, Shinji isn't the only one like you," I said softly, gently. "They can help you… before you end up hurt or hurting someone you love. It's up to you if you want to wait and sort your thoughts, but don't take too long. The longer you wait, the stronger your hollow will become… and the harder it will be for you to gain control. Do you understand?"

Slowly, he nodded, accepting my words.

"Before you even think it, you belong where you choose to belong," I stated, cutting off his train of thought (and Shinji's desire to convince him he wasn't a soul reaper). I could feel Shinji's frown, but brushed it off. "Be it the Soul Society or here, it doesn't matter either way. You protect Karakura Town and everyone in it. That is who you are and where you really belong, Ichi. Rukia would tell you the same thing and you know it."

The look in his eyes told me he agreed with that statement.

"Do you need time?" I asked softly, my eyes gentling as I looked into his. Almost immediately, he shook his head.

"No," he answered. Then turned his gaze to Shinji. "You can train me, to control my hollow?"

"Of course," he answered. "We all had to do it."

"When do we start?" Ichigo asked. I could feel pride coming from Shinji as well as gratitude for making his job easier.

"A week from now sound acceptable?" I answered. "After school. Shinji can take you to the others… like Hiyori."

Ichigo looked at me, startled.

"That girl is part hollow?" he asked. I nodded. He shook his head in wonder for a moment. "No wonder she's so violent."

Immediately, Shinji and I laughed.

"No, that's just Hiyori," he told the boy. "She's always been like that."

"And Shinji was usually on the receiving end of that, if not Kisuke," I added with a grin, recalling a few of those episodes, giggling. "Kisuke used to be her Captain. Hiyori was the lieutenant of Squad Twelve before they were all hollowfied. Shinji was the Captain of Squad Five, my squad… and his lieutenant was Sosuke Aizen."

Ichigo's mirth vanished, his eyes going dark. I knew he had his own personal score to settle with Aizen… but he also knew how I felt about Sosuke.

"Sosuke betrayed them, all of them, turning them into what they are now," I explained. "They weren't like you, Ichigo. They didn't always have hollows. You are, yet again, an exception to all the rules. Their struggle was harder than yours will be. Your hollow and you need each other. You will learn that soon enough."

Abruptly, as if to agree with me, a vision hit me like a tidal wave.

Ulquiorra stood there in a form I'd never seen. I could not hear the words again (much to my frustration), but I saw Ichigo transform before my eyes, turn into something that looked more Hollow than human… before he attacked. Above them, Orihime was in tears, watching this battle in growing horror.

The vision left me and Ichigo caught me before I could fall.

-Is that really what your visions are like? –

Shinji's voice was shaky, telling me he even felt the sapping of energy that I felt. I nodded softly.

~Yes. ~

"Vision?" Ichigo asked, steadying me. I nodded, relaxing back against the couch again.

"Sorry," I said. "I really wish I could control when I get those damn things, but I can't."

He gave me a soft smile.

"Not your fault," he told me. Then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Guess I'd better head home, though. Yuzu and Karin miss you."

I smiled softly, feeling that familiar warmth in my chest as I thought of those two.

"I'll have to visit soon," I agreed. "Until tomorrow, Ichi."

He nodded and took his leave, pausing at the door.

"Your homework is in your bag," he told me, then left.

~Sweet boy… Still worrying about me…~

That thought put a sour note in Shinji's thoughts as he fought his jealousy and possessiveness. I giggled and kissed his cheek.

"Chill," I told him. "His beta is Orihime. He is no threat to you."

That eased him a bit, but not fully. I could very clearly hear him grumbling about Ichigo's hands on me and being so intimate… Unbidden, there was a momentary flash of memory, when Ichigo and I had (during my heat) masturbated to each other on opposite sides of the wall. Immediately, Shinji whirled on me and, his eyes sparking in his jealousy.

"Tone it down," I told him softly, a grin tugging at my lips. I loved it when he got all possessive like this… such a turn on…

And he groaned, his hand going to his chest before his eyes snapped up to mine.

"The call."

I nodded, slowly unlatching the sleeping babes from my breasts, setting them in their bassinettes. After covering them, I was only given a second to prepare before Shinji shoved me hard up against the wall.

-You're mine, dammit! –

Then set to proving just that.

I woke with a groan, tempted to break that damned alarm clock. Between Shinji and the boys, I'd gotten little sleep last night. All afternoon and evening had been filled with Shinji taking every drop of lust and hunger I possessed, all between feedings and diaper changes with the boys. I just couldn't tell him no, couldn't tell him to stop or that I needed a breather… because I had wanted it just as badly. I should have been sore all over. A normal person would have been, no doubt. But I was not… not that I didn't know why. I knew it was the mate-bond that kept us both healed and ready for more. It was so strong, so potent…

A soft kiss to the back of my shoulder calmed my ire, the arm around my waist tightening momentarily. I shivered lightly, feeling my arousal stirring… but quickly stamped it down, much to the annoyance of the man behind me, making me chuckle.

"Come on," I told him. "School."

His mind was suggesting many other activities that did not include long, boring lectures or dealing with teenagers in a very bland, wide school. I giggled and kissed him softly.

"Behave," I teased. He just grinned and did the opposite, trailing kisses down my neck, trying to get me to give in. To my annoyance… I knew he was succeeding…

Abruptly both of our heads snapped up and I grinned.

~Thank god for Enra! ~

Shinji huffed, but released me, letting me go take care of our son. On the way out, I slipped on his shirt from last night, grinning as I felt his approval… and arousal at the sight. I giggled and winked before leaving my bedroom behind, hearing him groan as he fought back his need.

Little Enra was crying loudly, demanding food and attention. I chuckled and changed his diaper, then sat down in the rocking chair, letting him feed as I held him. I smiled as I recalled the first time he'd held his boys… He had been so afraid he would break them…

-In my defense, I'm not used to such fragile company. –

I laughed outright, waking Yukiya. He started to fuss.

~Your turn. ~

He chuckled, but soon joined me. He was at least half-dressed for school, socks, boxers, and pants on. I drank in the sight, my eyes roaming every delicious inch… and I know he knew it, if the shit-eating grin on his face didn't reveal that. He changed the diaper, then handed the boy to me, taking Enra to get him dressed while I fed Yukiya. Once Enra was dressed, he returned to the bedroom, having Enra placed in the middle of our bed.

Our bed. That's what he called it. Warmth flooded me from my heart. This man…

-I know. You love me. –

I could practically see his grin and rolled my eyes, giggling the whole time.

~Yes. Yes, I do. ~

Then I focused back on Yukiya. When he was done feeding, I dressed him and started packing the diaper bag for a day at school. I knew the girls would 'kidnap' my boys as soon as I walked through the door, so I made sure to have extras of everything, especially spit-cloths. Once it was packed, I carried Yukiya to our room and placed him next to his brother on the bed. Shinji was just sitting there, watching them scoot all around, a smile on his face.

"Did you mean what you told Kisuke?" he asked softly, his eyes straying to me as I dressed in my uniform.

"Every word, but I need to know which part you're referring to," I answered, then heard the answer in his thoughts. I chuckled. "Yes, I meant every word of that… unless you object to more kids… not that you'll have much say this time around."

That startled him. I chuckled and forced his senses to my stomach. Sure enough, a tiny little ball of reiatsu was there, shocking him again.

"We mated, Shinji," I reminded him. "Part of that implies children."

That got another surge of love from him as his hands went to my hips, holding me still so he could just relax and sense it.

"These kids aren't even going to be a year apart," I mused, making him grin as I scowled playfully at him. "You'd better not intend to keep me barefoot and pregnant the rest of our lives."

He laughed.

"I just might," he replied, making me blush darkly at the thought. He laughed again and hugged me, then released me so I could finish getting dressed. I pulled on the amulets and Ulquiorra's bracelet. Then I pulled on the engagement ring he'd given me. The sight of that sent another surge of love through him, warmth flooding me. I smiled softly.

"I never took it off, Shinji," I admitted softly. That got a kiss, a tender, loving kiss.

"I love you," he said softly, kissing me again. I smiled softly.

~I love you, too. ~

Then I pulled away and we grabbed the last bits of our supplies. He carried one bassinette while I carried the other. After locking up, we flashed to a block from the school. From there, we walked on in. Almost immediately, the girls stole the boys from us, making me laugh at Shinji's amusement and annoyance. Then, however, the two of us got surrounded and given the full interrogation. I was grateful for the bond right now. It helped Shinji and I create one convincing lie for these people about us.

"Miss Kurosaki!"

I turned around with a light wince and a blush. Miss Ochi stood there, her arms crossed as she looked at me and Shinji both.

"It's not like you to disappear from class like that," she scolded me. "I expected better from the second-ranked student of our class. And Hirako, it was your first day. You can't just run off like that."

"Sorry, Miss Ochi," we chorused, appearing completely repentant, though we were laughing on the inside.

~I haven't been scolded like this since the Academy…~

Now he was fighting a grin.

-Stop it. You're gonna ruin my acting! –

And I lost it, laughing outright. He joined soon after, unable to help himself. Miss Ochi just rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Alright, everyone to your seats," she called out. With a quick, but tender, loving kiss, Shinji walked me to my seat and then left for his own. His actions were noted by the female population and they gave the appropriate 'aww' responses, making me snicker. Miss Ochi quickly took roll call and the day began.

Halfway through the lecture, my boredom got the better of me, getting my ornery streak to rise up. Teasingly, I started sending little clips, stalled images of last night to my lover. I was well rewarded when I heard him choke and drop his pencil. I fought hard to hide my grin and giggles that desperately wanted out. I FELT him grin as he got into the spirit, tossing a few images back at me of some suggestive positions he'd love to try. I grinned and sent back an actual memory, the memory of him coming undone as I sucked his cock under the table all those years ago.

SNAP!

All eyes flew to Shinji as he flushed, holding the two pieces of his now broken pencil.

"Sorry," he apologized. "Got too excited."

My laughter was lost among the rest, considering I knew what he'd really been getting excited about. He shot me a dirty look when no one was looking and I sent back an angelic one. Oh, he got even.

He sent back the memory of last night when I'd learned just how kinky a tongue ring was, making me squirm in my seat… and that's how the entire morning went. Both of us endlessly teasing each other, getting us both so aroused we couldn't even pretend to pay attention in class anymore. When lunch came, he jerked me out of my chair and dragged me down the hall, down to a janitor's closet. As soon as the door was shut and locked behind us, I jumped on him, pressing my mouth hungrily to his.

"Mm, Shinji…"

"You damned tease…"

My hands raced to unzip his pants, reaching in quickly to wrap around that staff. He hissed and pulled my hands away, pushing my underwear aside as he thrust himself deep inside me. I kissed him to muffle my moan of ecstasy and he started thrusting hungrily, forcefully, keeping me pinned up against that door. I struggled to keep my moans muffled, biting him frequently to keep from crying out in pure bliss every time he hit that perfect angle, that sweet spot.

~My god, Shinji! Yes! Harder! ~

Oh, he answered, he answered with thrusts so powerful they were muddling my thoughts entirely. He barely covered my mouth with his in time as I came hard, him mere seconds after. After a few more thrusts, we panted, trying to get our breaths back as we shivered against each other. I kissed him tenderly, lovingly… then slowly pulled away, groaning as he slid out of me, lamenting the loss almost immediately. He chuckled and grinned, pleased by that response.

A soft knock on the door had us both jerking around.

"If you two are finished, Yuzu made lunches for you," came Ichigo's voice. I laughed and relaxed, fixing my underwear and appearance. Shinji did the same and we left the closet, accepting the lunches from Ichigo.

"Remind me to thank her," I told him. Ichigo couldn't look at either of us, making me chuckle and Shinji grin. "Think your family would be up to coming over for dinner tomorrow night?"

Ichigo nodded, scratching the back of his head.

"Should be fine," he answered me, then started walking away. "Next time, don't make it so obvious, Lysa. I don't think there's a single person in our class that couldn't feel that sexual tension."

I blushed and laughed, realizing he was probably right. Shinji was grinning and snickering behind me, leaning down to lightly nip my shoulder, making me shiver. I shot him a playful glare and we walked out to the schoolyard to eat. He got pulled away by the guys while I got pulled away by the girls. It amused us both to no end.

"So, he's the father!" Ayame started. I chuckled and nodded.

"I sensed all that tension in the classroom," teased Chizuru, her eyes glinting madly. I knew she was just jealous.

-Jealous? –

I grinned.

~She's as lesbian as they come, dearest. You should see how she acts around Orihime. ~

-Well, she does have some really nice melons…-

I glared at him across the yard and he immediately backtracked, feeling my ire.

-She has nothing on you, I swear! –

~Uh huh… Sure. ~

My sarcasm was duly noted as he floundered, trying to find a way out of this.

SNAP!

I jumped and looked up into Tatsuki's face. She had snapped her fingers in mine.

"Welcome back," she teased. "What got you so sour?"

"Shinji," I answered immediately, my voice a low grumble. "I realize eyes were made for looking but…"

I growled again, making several girls giggle.

"Just imagine someone you think is gorgeous," suggested Ayame. "Manages to annoy every guy I've dated."

So, I did just that, pulling up my memory of Kensei. Almost immediately, I felt Shinji's jealousy and ire, making me grin.

"Much better," I muttered and the girls laughed.

"So, are you and Shinji going to get married?" asked Orihime, making me smile softly.

"We planned to in the first place," I admitted, drawing attention to the ring on my finger. They'd seen it before, but none of them had realized its significance. "This was the engagement ring he gave me before we were forced apart."

The collective 'aww' made me smile softly.

"But you're still in high school," objected Ayame. "Aren't you rushing a bit?"

I blushed softly.

"We've been in love for ten years…" I admitted, making all the girls look at me in shock, then swoon at the sweetness of it.

"Aww!" Orihime gushed. "Childhood sweethearts!"

I giggled.

~Now that would be something… a young, innocent Shinji… Were you ever innocent? ~

I heard him laugh.

-At some point I might have been. –

I chuckled and relaxed.

"When's the wedding?" asked Chizuru. I shrugged.

"Haven't really set a date or time," I admitted. "We're in no hurry. We have the rest of our lives."

Again, another 'aww' from the group, making me smile.

"So… what's he like?" asked Ayame. I quirked a brow, waiting for her to expand. "I mean, is he always so flirtatious and playful?"

I grinned.

"Worse, usually," I stated, making them giggle. "We used to have flirtatious contests to see who would blush the worst first… And then he goes and calls every pretty girl he meets his 'first love' and does it with a completely deadpan look on his face."

That got more giggles.

"He's shameless," I stated, knowing full well he could hear me.

-And you love it. –

~That's beside the point. ~

He snickered, but let it go.

"What's he like in bed?" asked Chizuru. Almost immediately, I knew I had Shinji's full attention. He wanted to know exactly how I was gonna answer that. I blushed darkly, trying to figure out how to word it…

"Chizuru! You can't ask something like that!"

Nearly every girl agreed with that statement.

"What?" she asked. "It's a valid question. Clearly, he's good enough to get her knocked up and coming back for more."

My blush darkened even more and I could feel Shinji's amusement growing by the second with my embarrassment.

"Depends on the mood you catch him in," I answered finally. "He can be sweet and sensual… or rough and dominant… sometimes even a mix of both."

I should have known that wasn't going to be a good enough answer.

"Details, woman!" they all nearly shouted, save Orihime who was blushing darkly.

"Is there muscle under those clothes?"

"What's that tongue ring feel like?"

"How big is he?"

Each question spouted off just made me blush darker and darker.

"Yes, pure ecstasy, and twelve inches," I answered quickly, making them squeal. Now Shinji quirked a brow at me.

-How would you know my size? –

I grinned and shot him an image of a time back in the Soul Society. I'd been helping the fourth with paperwork… including physicals. I felt his mortification, realizing I could probably quote the sizes of nearly every guy in the Seireitei.

-How many are bigger than me? –

I laughed, I couldn't help it. Of all things to be concerned about…

The girls were looking at me strangely, but I didn't care. I was too amused. Abruptly, I yelped as I was jerked to my feet, into a pair of familiar arms. Shinji was looking down at me with such a mixed expression. Embarrassment, annoyance, amusement, and accusing… all at once. It just made me giggle.

"How many?" he asked, forgetting we weren't alone.

"Several," I answered honestly, knowing he was taking a hit to the pride on that one.

~But I doubt they know how to use it, as most of them are from the eleventh division, including the captain. ~

That eased his poor, bruised ego a bit, but not much.

~Why does size matter so much to you anyway? It's not like I really care. ~

He conceded that much was true, but it still bothered him a little that I knew such intimate knowledge. Unbidden, I heard a stray thought about how he hoped Kensei wasn't bigger and I shifted uncomfortably. Shinji groaned, leaning his head on mine.

-Seriously? –

~Only by a quarter inch. ~

He grumbled lowly and I chuckled, kissing him to get his attention.

"Chill," I told him softly. "I chose you, remember? This bond can't be broken; nor will I ever want it to be."

~And last time I checked, his name isn't the one I'm screaming. ~

That got his grin back, his pride surging at the thought of his performance.

A loud wailing broke the moment, making both Shinji and I look over. Enra was inconsolable in Orihime's arms and the poor girl looked ready to cry herself. With a soft sigh, I walked over and picked him up, watching Shinji also grab Yukiya. We stepped over to a mostly-abandoned part of the yard and I unbuttoned my blouse, quickly letting both boys feed.

Shinji just sat nearby, watching with a smile, warmth flooding me from the love that flowed through him at the sight of his beloved family.

"Shinji…"

I knew he could feel my hesitance as his eyes met mine, his smile falling a bit.

"Knowing all you do now…" I paused and looked away from him, feeling a low ache in my heart. "Do you still want that life with me?"

He turned my face back to his gently, kissing me lovingly. Then he looked down into my eyes, his hand caressing my face.

"If I didn't, would I still be here?" he asked me softly.

-Would I have let you mark me, mate with me? –

I paused, though doubt still nagged at me… and I knew he felt it. He hugged me gently from the side.

"Marry me, Vasilysa," he said softly, making me look up at him. My heart sped up a bit as I looked into his eyes, as I felt his heart…

"Will we actually make it to the alter this time?" I asked softly, my skepticism in my voice. "You know Sosuke will never allow it…"

I felt an immediate wave of ire from my lover and saw him clench his fists.

"That bastard will never get between us again," he swore to me. His determination, his confidence, it was shocking… and comforting. His hand rose to cup my face once more. "I will never lose you again, Vas. I can't go through that again! I can't… and I won't! I've had to wait an entire century to hold you in my arms again… and I'll be damned if I ever let you go."

My heart pounded in my chest, a painful feeling inside of me growing, a painful dread… and I knew he was feeling it, too.

~ Shinji, he always seems to know everything I'm doing, even when he's not nearby! Do you really think he won't know you're here, with me? Do you honestly think he won't do everything in his power to change that? ~

His eyes were hard as steel.

-He won't get the chance. I won't let him have you. –

He hugged me tight, our babes whimpering in protest before he released me again.

-I promise you, Vas. We WILL be married… in an orchard, just like you wanted, the trees in full bloom. –

I felt a surge of love in my heart as I smiled softly, touched.

~ You remember… ~

He smiled warmly, gently.

-I've had a long time to think about you, about everything we had together. It was all that kept me sane. –

He leaned his head on mine.

-When I felt doubts in my strength and my will, I would remember you, remember us. When I would lose hope, the thought of you would bring it back. Yes, it was painful… but I would rather feel the pain of losing you than ever have lived a life without you. I would rather suffer a thousand lifetimes… than ever let Sosuke have you. –

He kissed me softly, tenderly.

-I want to give you the life I promised with the house, our kids, even a pet or two if you want… I just want to spend the rest of my life with you, Vas. I don't want to miss a single second more. –

I felt my doubts melt away, felt the warmth of his love encompass me, soothing me. I smiled softly and kissed him softly. He smiled into it, feeling my new hope and calm, knowing he was the reason for it.

"I love you," I whispered softly against his lips. He kissed me with a warm smile.

"I love you, too," he assured me. "Always and forever, Vasilysa."

He looked down into my eyes.

"You showed me everything you remembered that was important," he told me softly. "Tonight, I will show you everything I remember that's important."

I smiled softly.

"I look forward to it," I replied. The boys finished feeding shortly after and I fixed my top, Shinji wiping off their mouths. He took Yukiya from me and held him, a sight that warmed my heart.

~ My family… whole once more. ~

He smiled and kissed me before we headed back to class.