Previously:

"Um... Yamato, I do have a question."

"What is it Mei?"

"Well... before we were supposed to go on our date... you had said that there was something you wanted to talk about, could we talk about that now?" With a smile, I nodded. This was actually a perfect time to ask her. We were alone and wouldn't hopefully be interrupted.

"Well, we've been dating for nearly four years and I was thinking that I wanted to move in together. I mean, with our jobs we make enough to afford a two bedroom apartment. I was just thinking that I would like to be able to see you everyday, to be able to hold you everyday, and kiss you everyday without interruptions..." I say, a blush on my face as I looked at her. Her eyes were wide with shock as she looked like she was deliberating the idea.

"I'd like that very much... but... how do you still love me? After what just happened... I'm soiled..." She said, tears beginning to fall. What was she talking about? Of course I loved her.

"Mei, I love you more than anything. That wasn't your fault. You didn't willingly sleep with him. I still and always will love you, nothing will ever change that."

"Even if I'm no longer a virgin? To be honest, I was wanting to save that for you someday," she said, her blush darkening, "but it's gone and I can't get it back." I shook my head.

"No, you're a virgin until you willingly give it up. If you don't want that sexual encounter, but it's taken from you I still consider that being a virgin." I said, cupping her face gently with my hands as I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers. After kissing her for a moment, I pulled back. "I love you more than words can express. So, what do you say? Would you like to move in together?" She sat there for another moment, before smiling.

"Yes, I would like that." Just then, Nagi called from behind my door to announce that dinner was ready and hand in hand we made our way to the dining room.

Yamato's POV

When dinner started, everyone sat around the table, not talking much. It was a little awkward, seeing as my family was always social at the dinner table. We would talk about school, work, Nagi going into her high school year soon, and much more, but everyone seemed to not be in the mood to speak. I know that Mei and I should tell my family about our decision, but when? In a couple days? When we've found a place to live? No... we needed to tell them as soon as possible. I was just so nervous to just bring this up.

"Mr. and Mrs. Kurosawa... Um, I... well Yamato and I made a decision about something when we went upstairs to put my belongings away... and we feel that you should know." Mei? Could she read my mind or something? None the less I was sort of happy she brought it up, but sad because I should have brought it up, I was just too cowardly. But why? I was an adult... I shouldn't have acted nervous, but I did, I could fix that by just speaking up and that's what I did. My parents looked at us before looking at each other quickly and looking back at us. Nagi looked curious as well.

"Okay, what is it?" My mother asked happily. I was so happy that she was in such a good mood. Mei and I looked at each other before looking towards my family again.

"Well... we were talking and I... well I asked Mei if she would like to move in with me." Their eyes widened. "Now, of course it won't be right away... we do need to save up some money until we can afford to get an apartment together, but I... we think that it is a good time for us to be together and experience living together." My parents were shocked, but smiled.

"Honey... our son is growing up too fast..." My mom crying, jokingly. "I really like it that you two think that you're ready to take that kind of responsibility. But only do it when you're ready. And if things with the apartment don't work out... let us know, we can help you." Nodding, we all silenced ourselves again and began eating. After dinner, Mei asked if she could use our shower and without hesitation, we told her to go right ahead. To be honest, the thought of my girlfriend taking a shower in my bathroom was a little hot, but I didn't act on anything, I actually shook the thought from my head.

As she showered, I helped to clean the dishes and then went into the family room with my family to relax. Needless to say, those hospital chairs were anything but comfortable. "So... Yamato... how is she doing?" My mother whispered, conversationally patting my shoulder. There was no way that I could hide it. I sighed.

"She's doing better... but I can tell she's very hurt by this. When we were in my room... she wondering why I still loved her... I told her that she didn't do it willingly, so I wouldn't ever blame her for that. I love her and there is no way that something like that would make me not love her... I do feel guilty though... I feel guilty that I wasn't able to save her from that monster." My mother shook her head.

"No, Yamato, there was no way you could have prevented this... yes, it's absolutely horrible what happened to her, but this wasn't your fault and wasn't hers. What matters though, is that you were able to save her after. I bet you she is ever so grateful." My mother said, smiling at me kindly as we waited for Mei to join us for some evening tea. I had also called my job and informed them that my girlfriend had been badly injured and that her mom was snowed in out of town and I needed a couple days off. They had happily given me a week to be with her, and I was grateful for that. Soon, Mei came walking down the stairs from the upstairs bathroom and came into the living room. She looked really shy, that was to be expected though, she was shy in new places. When she went to sit down next to me, I quickly swept her into my arms and pulled her into my lap, hugging her figure against my body.

We just sat like that, despite Mei's obvious blush, and drank our late night tea before heading upstairs to sleep. When we got upstairs though, we didn't fall to sleep right away. Upon reaching my room and closing my door, I wrapped my arms around Mei and held her to me as we moved towards my couch in the room. We looked towards each other again. "I'm glad your parents and sister took that so well... I'm worried how my mom will take it though..." She admitted. I shrugged.

"I think your mom will be okay with it. I honestly think that she won't have any problems with it." Slowly, I moved my index finger under her chin, angling her to gaze upon me. "I love you." I said, a smile on my lips as I leaned forward and placed a very gentle kiss upon her lips. As I pulled away from her, I could see the very prominent rosey pink upon her cheeks.

"I love you too." Hugging me, she rested her face in the nape of my neck. "I'm sleepy..." She said, yawning. Without hesitation, I couldn't help but agree with her. Without struggle, I picked her up in my arms and carried her towards my bed. Instead of sitting on the bed first, I laid her down between me and the wall as I crawled under the blanket with her. "To be honest... this is a little nerve-wracking... we have never shared a bed like this before." Oh her adorable shyness was showing through.

"It's okay. I won't do anything to you. Though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited about this." She looked towards me confused. "I've always wanted to fall asleep, holding your body to mind." Her blush darkened. Afterwards, she scooted to the right side of my bed while I walked over towards my bedroom light switch and turned it off, walking back towards Mei. Before getting into bed, I removed my t-shirt, pants, and socks, leaving on my long boxers. I looked over and saw her peering at me under the covers. I laughed and crawled in next to her, pulling the blanket completely over her and myself. Slowly, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close to me. An advantage from having very little space between the two of us was that I could smell her amazing and sweet, but also warm scent. One that was comforting and not overbearing. "Sweet Dreams Mei. I love you."

"Sweet... Dreams" I waited until I could hear her calm snoring before allowing myself to sleep. She was safe and in my arms. Nothing made me happier.

Five Months Later

It was now that Mei and I were finally moving in together. It had taken some time, but after saving, we had enough to get an apartment. Though we did have some help from my parents. We hadn't asked them for the rent help... they just kind of insisted. So, as of right now, we were with Mei's mom as she helped us search for some basic furniture. We would need stuff for the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and some furniture for the two bedrooms. The second bedroom we had just decided on putting an air mattress in, because we weren't sure when we were going to use it.

"Mom, please, I'll feel bad if you help pay for furniture."

"Now now Mei, let mommy dearest help you out. I won't take no for an answer." It took a little bit for Mei to stop being stubborn about it. Of course I had tried to convince Mei's mom that she didn't have to pay, but she wouldn't hear anything of it.

By the end of the entire shopping trip, Mei and I had bought a queen size bed that had a frame that was almost box like, but was very unique. As for the sheets and comforter, we had bought a black and blue bedspread. For the kitchen we bought a standard table, standard chairs, some cooking equipment and utensils. As for the other rooms, we just bought the absolute necessities. There was actually a guy at the store who would ship the furniture to our apartment for us by following us in his company truck.

This was going to be a new life, one that would take some getting used to, but Mei and I were definitely looking forward to this new adventure, the one that starts with us.

To Be Continued...