Dissociation

Epilogue

-Serenity-

One year later…

Akito pulled into the driveway of his large house, tired from a long day at work. He turned off his car and got out, locking it before heading up the walkway to the front door. He went inside, shutting the door before placing his briefcase down and taking off his jacket, laying it down on the small table by the door. He would just take it upstairs on his way to bed.

Loosening his tie, since he felt like it was choking him, he rolled his neck, hearing, and feeling it crack at least five times. The sound of pattering feet reached his ears, and he prepared himself for the assault he knew was to come.

"Daddy!" a voice yelled, and just as he was expecting, Hayate came running around the corner, leaping into his arms. Akito picked him up with ease, feeling the stress of his day melt away at the sight of his son.

"Hey there little man." He smiled. His body jerked a bit as Sanosuke ran up to him and wrapped his arms around his waist.

"Hey dad." He said, smiling up at him. "How was work?"

"Same old. Your Uncle Toshiro said something dumb, I hit him over the head. We got a few new cases, and then wrapped up some old ones. Just lots of paperwork." He said.

"Sounds boring." Sanosuke said.

"Eh, it has its ups and downs." He looked around. "Where are the twins?" he asked, since they usually greeted him as well.

"They're swimming in the pool and trying to see who can stand on a raft the longest." Hayate said and it was then Akito noticed they were both in their swim trunks.

"Well you two should probably go and make sure they don't kill each other." He said, setting down Hayate. They nodded and ran off through the house, going back outside. Smelling something delicious, Akito made his way into the kitchen, smiling when he saw Natsumi busy cutting up lettuce on the cutting board. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.

"Hey there pretty lady." He nuzzled her neck. "You should leave before my wife finds out I've been keeping such an attractive woman in my house. She's very possessive you know." He smiled as he kissed her neck.

"Is she now?" Natsumi snickered, leaning back into her husband. "I don't care. I'll fight for you baby." She purred.

"Mm, I always did like them feisty." He turned her around and kissed her sweetly. "I love you." He said, reaching up and cupping her cheek.

She smiled up at him and leaned into his hands. "I love you too sweetie. So," she pulled away from him, kissing his cheek before returning to her task. "How was work? Not too hard? You've been getting kind of stressed lately. Maybe we should take a vacation."

He went to the sink and washed his hands, getting out the stuff to make homemade pizzas. It was routine now, for him and Natsumi to cook together and catch up. Sometimes they traded off nights, but for the most part, they enjoyed it. "We should take the kids to Disney World." He said. "Spring break is coming up, that'd be the perfect time to go."

She frowned. "I hate Disney World. Let's go to Hawaii." She suggested, chopping up some more ingredients for the toppings.

"I suppose that sounds fun. And you and I can have a little date night while we're there." He looked over at her as he put the pizzas together. She smiled.

"A nice romantic night. Kind of like last Friday?" she arched a delicate brow, moving closer to him and placing the food in separate bowls.

"Yeah, but even better." He smiled, picking up a finished pepperoni and sausage pizza and putting it in the oven before starting the plain cheese one for Hayate.

"That sounds amazing." She whispered into his ear, pressing her front against his back. "I love you sweetheart." She kissed him again and then pulled away. "I'll go get the kids ready for dinner while you finish up." She called over her shoulder, heading out the back door.

Dinner was ready soon after, and they all ate together as a family, conversation never lacking as they talked about their days and the interesting things they had heard about. He introduced the idea of Hawaii to the kids, and they were all ecstatic to go, so after dinner, while the twins did the dishes and Sanosuke and Hayate got ready for bed, Akito booked the trip.

Once everything was cleaned up and all the kids were asleep in bed, Akito crawled into his large, king sized bed next to Natsumi, who was reading a book. "I think the vacation was a great idea honey." He said, turning off his bedside lamp.

"We all could use one." She said, closing her book and setting it on her bedside table. She loomed over him slightly and kissed his cheek. "We've all been working pretty hard, but I think we're doing better this time 'round."

"Me too." He said, waiting for her to turn off her lamp and lie down, wrapping his arms around her once she was. "Goodnight Mrs. Uchiha. I love you." He murmured, holding her against his body.

"Goodnight Mr. Uchiha. I love you too. I'm glad that we love each other."

"So am I." he said softly, closing his eyes. "So am I."

They fell asleep in each other's arms then, going to bed happy as they had for the past few months that they had been married. Akito was a better person than he had been the first time around, much happier and pleasant to be with. He and Natsumi still fought, but it usually ended in makeup sex, so they weren't worried about a thing. He smiled as he drifted off, still feeling that he didn't deserve such a wonderful family, but glad that they had chosen him anyways.