A Walk To Remember Chapter 30, a tsubasa chronicle fanfic

Chapter 30

(A.N: Hey guys, it's only been a couple of months...-shot- Anyways, I'm finally updating! YAY! So I hope you guys enjoy the chapter. TT means time passing, or scene changes. You guys know the drill. R&R? Appreciate it!)

Answering Reviews:

Star Fantasy Writer:

Actually, there are three straight guys: Syaoran, Hideki, and Shogo. Fai meant that Syaoran was the only guy in the kitchen – in that particular scene. And I don't think that Ashura is going to play much of a role in this. I really just needed that scene, to make this particular chapter work. Glad you're enjoying it so far! Thanks for reviewing!

TrueDespair:

I know. I like that she stayed in the background for so long, and then she just snapped, completely. I think it makes her into a stronger character. And Taijo really needed a background reason for his hatred. I wanted to give him this bigger meaning, behind why he is the way he is. Thanks for reviewing, True!

TheGoth24:

Yeah, Taijo's past finally makes sense, but that doesn't make everything all better. Fai's life is definitely a huge mess, but I'm glad that it makes you feel better! Thanks for reviewing!

Carmen Veiga:

"Why are you so good at tragic back stories?" I don't know! I have a very twisted imagination. And I really like writing angst...I mean, I hate it, because I feel so bad for the characters...But I love it, because it makes me feel better. I write about this pain, and it makes me feel better about my own life. Writing is a stress reliever for me. Thanks for reviewing!

OolashaSylvanas:

First of all: THANK YOU! Hearing that my writing is beautiful, totally just made my day. And yeah, Taijo actually has a bad history, with Ashura – as we now know – but that doesn't make it all better. Though I did have a lot of fun writing the scene where Kurogane beat the shit out of him...Maybe a little too much fun. But Taijo had it coming, definitely. Thanks for reviewing!

Jenmoon1:

And thank YOU for reviewing!

3hourmonologue:

Hey, you never have to apologize for exclamation marks – it's totally okay to be excited! I'm glad that you enjoyed the last chapter, and I'm sorry for ending on that note! Hopefully this chapter makes up for it? Thanks for reviewing!

17BlackRoses:

THANK YOU! I'm glad that the emotions come across the right way, and I really have connected to the characters in this fanfic. They've become a part of me, and when this story eventually reaches an end – I will be very sad to say goodbye to them. I'm glad that Ashura came as a surprise. I was hoping that his presence, and his story, would be shocking. It seems to have worked! Thanks for reviewing!

ace1413:

"You have done a beautiful job adapting it." Thank you so much! I'm glad that you're enjoying this fanfic, and that you like the way in which I've adapted the story. And I'm glad that this fanfic inspired you to watch the movie (it's one of my favourites). I can't give away the ending, so I won't say anything there, but thank you for reviewing!

He wasn't doing well. He was deteriorating much more rapidly now, as the sickness spread throughout his system. It was solidifying, gradually...But the Doctors wondered if it wouldn't kill him before they could operate. And they couldn't operate until it had completed the process of becoming a more solid form.

It was an endless circle of what if's, and maybe's. And there were no guarantees.

Fai had trouble keeping conscious sometimes, and his friends and family feared that they would lose him to a coma. If they did...It was likely that he wouldn't make it.

Kurogane was with him every single day, along with Chi and Hideki. The others came every other day. They needed time between their visits, as it was hard to stay composed, when your best friend looked so fragile. But Fai was understanding. He teased, and laughed, and read, and was read to.

It was Kurogane that would stay the latest. He'd read to Fai until the blonde would fall asleep. And when the blue eyes were closed, the raven would have to question him, to see if he was still listening.

"...Still with me?" The question would come out gently, just in case the male had drifted off to sleep.

And it was on one of these nights, that the question was asked, that Fai decided to answer in a manner that was different than the way in which he usually would.

He opened his eyes, and sought out the ruby gaze of his fiancée. And he held out a hand, which Kurogane took, after bookmarking their page, and setting the book down on the bedside table.

"...I'm always with you...Even if I'm no longer here physically...I'll still always be with you..." The words were painful to hear, coming from someone who tried to be so uplifting when the times were bad.

"I'm there in the pictures, and I'm there in the house. I'm there in the walls of that school, and I'm currently here in this hospital. And soon enough, I'll be in the cemetery...But I'll remain in your memories, and your thoughts..." He freed his hand, and settled it over the raven's heartbeat,

"...And I'll always be here..."

Kurogane swallowed hard, taking the hand from his chest, and carefully cradling it between both of his own. He kissed each of the fingers individually, trying to calm himself back down. And once he felt that he was calm enough – he met the blue eyed gaze once more.

"...I'm not giving up on, Fai. I know how much you crave death, and I know that you're tired, and hurting...But I also know that you want to live." He squeezed the male's hand, gently,

"I know that you're terrified of leaving us all behind. You're afraid of what this will do to your friends. You're afraid of what this will do your sister. And you're worried about what this will do to me." He sighed, stroking one of his thumbs over his lover's hand, as he watched the blue eyes fill with tears.

There was a silence then, as they couldn't find the words to say.

Fai knew that his death would completely destroy Kurogane. And the raven wasn't giving up on the chance that the blonde might survive. That there was some chance in this world, that somehow...He'd live through this.

The next day was a Saturday, so Kurogane was able to come in earlier than usual.

He met Chi in the waiting room, and she explained that Hideki was doing some grocery shopping, and that he'd be joining them later. They took the elevator up together, not saying much of anything, but both feeling the natural dread that came with this miniature ride. It was the destination box. It took you where you needed to be...But it couldn't guarantee that you would like what you would find once arriving.

So as they stepped out together, and walked towards Fai's room...They listened to the sounds of the hospital. Shoes clicking on the floor. Patients talking to Nurses, Doctors, family, and friends. Heart monitors.

They hoped all the while that Fai's would still be beeping when they got there.

And as they arrived, they could hear it; steadier than it had been in a long time. His curtain was closed around him, and they could hear the Doctor talking to him, but they couldn't make out the words. He sounded confused, but pleased. Said something about hoping that it would keep up, until the surgery date.

And then they heard the voice.

It was Fai's voice. And it was stronger, and livelier than it had sounded since he'd collapsed. It was full, and it didn't break between his sentences. It...Sounded healthy.

"You don't have to wait much longer. The solidifying process is almost complete, by the looks of things. We should be able to operate soon." The Doctor's words fell on their ears, and they waited in silence, as he pulled the curtain back, slowly.

"In the meantime, take things easy. Don't do anything too reckless. And if you don't feel well – tell someone. Tell your sister, your fiancée, one of your friends – whoever is near you. Just as long as someone knows that you need help. Oh...It looks like your ride is here earlier than expected."

The blonde was already dressed in his regular clothing – the hospital gown was lying on the bed, abandoned.

"Chi..." He greeted her gently, before turning his attention to the raven standing next to her,

"...Kurogane..."

There were different ways in which Fai said the male's first name. Usually, it was said in anger, or frustration...But then there were times when he used it, and it came out gently, lovingly. And that was how it sounded now. It was a sweet sound, which fell from his lips, as he got to his feet. It was spoken, and the smile that followed was real.

The blonde ran to him then. He did it without warning, but the raven didn't need any. Fai leapt up, into his arms, and Kurogane found it extremely easy to support his weight. The blonde's legs were wrapped around his fiancée's hips, and their lips had formed together, in a kiss.

The Doctor arched a brow, then smiled, rolled his eyes, and shook his head. Chi smiled at the two of them, as they broke apart for air.

"Fai...How are you feeling?" The raven adjusted his hold, and kissed the blonde's cheek.

"Hmm...I feel much better. Especially now that I've had a kiss." The chuckle that escaped his lips was beautiful, and genuinely happy.

The raven smiled at that, kissing the blonde once more, before he carefully set him back on his own two feet. He hated to put him down, but his sister looked like she wanted a hug from her brother, especially after seeing him looking so lively.

Fai hugged his sister tightly, before the three of them headed towards the elevator together. The blonde was full of energy, and he asked them about anything that popped into his head.

"How is everyone? I haven't seen the others in a few days. What's today? I've lost track of the week. Are we going home? I've missed home. I've missed a lot of things." It was as though he was on a sugar high. He'd probably be bouncing off the walls, if they weren't standing in an elevator.

"They're fine, and it's Saturday," Chi answered the first two questions, and looked to Kurogane for the third. But when she met his gaze, she found something there. Something that she knew he was considering, and she followed his train of thought rather easily.

"Do you still have him on hold?"

"...Yeah..."

"It's still early. We have a lot of time to gather everyone together, if you want to do it today."

"Do what today?" Fai was still bubbly, even though he had no idea what they were talking about...Which was extremely unusual, considering he'd usually go into panic mode, and assume the absolute worst.

"Are you on meds?" Chi questioned, arching a brow at her brother.

"Nope! I've been stuck in a hospital bed for two weeks, I'm just happy to be getting out!"

The elevator went silent for a moment, as Chi tried not to laugh at how enthusiastic Fai was with leaving the hospital. She opened her mouth to speak, closed it again, and smiled in a way that showed that she was trying really hard not to laugh.

The small chuckle that escaped on Kurogane's cough didn't help her at all.

The raven called his cousin once they were outside. And his free hand was immediately occupied by that of his fiancée.

"Tomoyo, do me a favour, and call some of the others...I don't know, uh...Call Primera, and Shogo...And Sakura, and Subaru. Yeah. That should do it. Tell them they're going to my house. Yeah, I want everyone to come over. No, no...It's not that, not at all. Don't worry about it. Tell them to think formal, though." He hung up, before she could question him. He knew that she'd gotten enough of a message, and that she wouldn't say anything that she shouldn't.

His next call went out to Syaoran, then Doumeki, and his final call went to Seishiro. Chi called Hideki, Raiko, Watanuki, and Fuuma. Raiko and Shooter lived together, as did Fuuma and Kamui – so there were two people that they didn't have to call, as the message would be passed along. She felt bad calling Fuuma so early on the weekend – as he would have to wake Kamui, and deal with his morning rage...But it would be worth it.

They would see soon enough, that it would be completely worth it.

When everyone had gathered at Kurogane's house, and had settled themselves into the living room – they were confused. They were dressed in regular attire, and had brought along backpacks, containing formal wear, as well as overnight necessities. Their bags were upstairs now, and the confusion had settled in amongst them. Chi was currently in the washroom, with her brother, waiting.

"Chi, are you joining us?" Kurogane called, which was their secret signal. She came out – leaving the bathroom door open behind her. She joined the others in the living room, muttering an apology.

"Okay. I've got everyone here now, so I have an announcement to make."

"Hope it's a good one, considering it's ten in the morning, and it's Saturday," Fuuma spoke up, clearly tired. He'd had a long morning. It had started at eight thirty, and it had been hellish. Kamui was not a morning person.

The shorter raven frowned, and squeezed his fiancée's hand, gently, in the form of an apology. Fuuma sighed, squeezing back,

"I know, I know. Just next time, if you want to throw something, throw a pillow."

"...Trust me, this announcement is definitely worth waking up early on a Saturday for. Today, is a big day. Today is the day that it happens."

"Today is the day what happens?" That was Fuuma, who arched a rather confused brow.

"Well...Kurogane had someone on hold. He kept them informed of his difficult situation, and they agreed that they'd be ready to come out on a whim – whenever he wanted them to," Tomoyo spoke up, smiling. She already knew where this was going.

"So, in other words, today is the day-"

"—that we get married."

There was a moment of silence as the majority of the living room registered with the fact that the blonde that had appeared before them, was Fai. And once they'd realized it, his name was announced. And the blonde wasn't at all surprised when Kamui body slammed him, in fact, he'd predicted it. So he wrapped one arm around Kamui, and held the other open for Sakura – who was attached to him in no time.

There were tears from the two people that he had wrapped up in his arms, and the guilt ate at him, as he held them both closer.

"I'm so sorry you guys...I'm sorry...I'm not better yet, but the Doctor said soon...And I felt too good to stay in the hospital bed, and I've missed you all so much..." He stroked his fingers through Sakura's hair, as he spoke.

"You scared me! I wasn't sure what to think when Tomoyo called me! I'm so happy to see you out of that stupid bed..." She cried against his shoulder.

"So am I," the blonde agreed, gently.

Kamui didn't speak, but he didn't have to. He just clung to Fai, refusing to let go. His tears soaked through the taller male's shirt.

"Oh, Kamui..." He tightened his hold on him. He understood. They'd been through a lot together...

Sakura finally let him go, once she'd felt that she'd hugged him enough. Then she kissed his cheek, and returned to Syaoran – who was only too glad to take her into his arms. Fai's free arm was quickly filled, when Raiko approached him.

"Hey Lush man, you've got to stop scaring me..." His voice was teasing, but he was happy to have the blonde back on his feet. And the chuckle that his comment earned made him smile.

"I'll try to put the fear fest on hold for you."

The next hug came from Subaru, and he was followed by Watanuki. Kamui never let go though. At least, not until Fuuma got to his feet. It was the only time in which the shorter raven was okay with stepping aside, and even then, he still stayed nearby. Fai didn't ask questions. Fuuma merely pulled him into a hug, and the blonde was happy to return it.

"Still mad at me for waking you up?"

"You were forgiven the second you stepped into the room."

As soon as their hug broke apart, Kamui had reattached himself to the blonde.

They were holding the wedding in the same location in which they had held Chi's. The building was paid for, the kitchen was up for use, and Fai had been banned from entering it. He really wanted to help, but his sister had told him that he wasn't allowed to cook for his own wedding.

She was now on her cell phone, standing out of his earshot. He could see that she wasn't sure how to feel about this particular phone call, even though she was the one that had called the other person. Her face turned somewhat threatening, as she said something into the receiver, and she smiled slightly at the response that she received.

Once she'd hung up, she came to join him at the table, sitting down next to him, in one of the chairs.

"Don't be mad."

That couldn't be good.

"...I told Dad that you're getting married today..." She bit her lip, as she waited for his reaction, but he honestly didn't know how to react. Surely if he could scream at his creepy, incestuous Uncle, then his abusive Father couldn't be that much of a challenge. Of course, Ashura had never actually hurt him, and had only been too close for comfort, on one occasion. His Father was another matter.

"I told him where...But I told him something else, too..." She took one of his hands, gently, noticing the slight panic in his eyes.

"I told him that if he says anything that he shouldn't say, or hurts you, or even so much as threatens you, in any way, shape, or form...Then there will be no one restraining Kurogane, and he will be free to do as he wishes."

Fai smiled slightly at that.

"If there's one thing that scares Dad – besides Ashura – It's a rogue Kurogane."

Fai laughed, knowing that it was the truth. Kurogane ranked second place on the list of things that scared their Father. And the idea that saying, or doing the wrong thing, could lead to a serious beating – especially after having experienced one already – was definitely more than enough of a fair warning.

"We'll have to tell Kurogane...If Dad shows up here, without a warning, he won't get a chance to say, or do anything. Kurogane will just take him down, on the spot." The mental image was rather amusing, but he couldn't allow for things to play out that way. Although his Father truly didn't deserve another chance...The blonde would give him one...Only because it was his wedding day.

It was a while before Taijo showed up.

He was dressed in a tuxedo – which showed that he intended to stay for the event. Fai wasn't sure how to feel about that, exactly. As his Father approached, he tightened his hold on his fiancée's hand; partially because he needed the support, and partially to keep him from doing something that he wasn't meant to do. Chi was standing on his opposite side, just in case he needed her, too.

Taijo stopped a few feet away, not wanting to get too close, too quickly. He made eye contact with Kurogane, but only for a second, before he looked away once more. His gaze fell to the ground, as he tried to maintain his calm.

"I take it you're aware of the agreement."

"You're damn right I am. You're lucky he gave me a warning about you coming here, too. One wrong move, and your ass is mine." The ruby eyes were fixated in a glare on the blonde male before him. Fai held his hand a little more tightly than before, and touched his forearm with his free hand.

"Kuro-rin, please...Please...?" He didn't want to start an unnecessary fight. His Father wasn't even standing too close to them yet, so he wanted to see where things would go.

The raven relaxed his body slightly, and muttered an agreement. Fai knew that he was only doing so because he'd asked it of him. But he was pleased that the raven was listening.

"...I wonder if I might have a word with my son...Privately? We'll stay where you can see us..." Taijo kept his eyes on the ground, not daring to meet the red eyed gaze that he could feel burning into him. He could hear the raven shifting, but his son stopped him from whatever it was that he was about to say, or do.

"Kuro-rin, it's alright. We'll stay where you can see us, okay?" Fai leaned up, kissing his fiancée on the cheek. Taijo watched the two in silence, as his son released his hold on the raven, and stepped in his Father's direction. Kurogane's face showed a genuine concern, but Fai gave him a warm, reassuring smile.

"If I need you, I'll just signal for you to come to me...I'll be right where you can see me. Chi, you keep your eye on him for me. Make sure he doesn't jump the gun."

"I will..." She looked just as concerned as Kurogane did, as the two walked away.

They stayed within Kurogane's line of sight...But they were definitely out of earshot. They stood so that their facial expressions could be seen, and their body language would be easier to read. And they stood a little more than an arm's length apart.

"I...I don't know where to begin..." Taijo broke the silence between them, not meeting his son's gaze. He felt ashamed of himself, for the way in which he'd treated him. He knew that he could never fully make it up to him...But dammit, he could make some of it right again. He'd never be able to repair the damage of his son's past, but that didn't mean that he couldn't lay down a steadier platform for his future.

Fai didn't answer, unsure of what it was that his Father wanted to say, especially in private.

Their private conversations had never gone over well.

"Yuui..." He trailed, when he lifted his head, and noted his son's wide eyes, and locked frame. He understood the mistake then, and shook his head,

"No...I shouldn't call you that. You hate being called that. It's just hard, calling you by your brother's name...But I think that after everything that I've done, that is the very least I can do."

Fai's stance didn't relax again, and there was that unmistakable fear in his eyes. The fear he'd seen in his own eyes, the night that Kurogane had broken into his home, and attacked him. Finally seeing it, and truly seeing it...It hurt him. He'd never paid the expression any mind beforehand, but now...

"...Fai..." He managed to say the name, and his son blinked, his stance still tight, and frightened.

"...Fai, I'm sorry...For what I've done to you...For all of it..." He inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly, trying not to lose himself to his emotions. He needed to say it all now, before he couldn't say it at all.

"I...I'm the biggest idiot that has ever lived. I harassed you because of old folk tales that my family told me. And I hurt you because you told us that you're gay. I hurt you...Emotionally, and psychologically, and physically...I ruined your life, because of my own ignorance. I tried to destroy your sexuality, because I thought that you were making a choice...But I know now that it's not a choice. It's not something that you decided you were going to do, simply because you could. It's not some phase that you're going to grow out of. It's just...It's a part of you. A part of who you are...And Fai, I've no right to take that from you, or to try to take it from you."

The younger of the blondes relaxed his stance slightly, allowing himself to breathe a little more normally.

"A lot led up to this...This apology...Kurogane beat some sense into me, and that definitely did some work. Chi became angry with me, when she saw me watching you at her wedding...And she snapped, and she had every right to do so...Subaru's Mother talked me into reality...And then you, and Kurogane...And Hideki, and Chi...You all showed up when Ash...When Ashura..." He couldn't say anything more for a moment, so he took a second to swallow past the lump that was building in his throat.

"...When your Uncle, came into my home. You were all there...And you were the one who stood up for me...And Chi tells me you were originally going to come alone..."

"...No one deserves to be hurt...Especially not in that department..." Fai murmured. His Father sighed, his breath shaking.

"You're right. And you didn't deserve any of the things that I did to you. I beat you, relentlessly, Fai. I had no right to do that, no matter what excuses I was using, to justify my actions. I had no right to lay a single finger on you, ever..." His voice cracked slightly, as he tried to keep himself as composed as was humanly possible.

"I accused you of your brother's death, even though we both knew that he was sick. I drove you towards suicide, time and time again. I interrupted your life, when I had no business stepping in...I tried to drive you from the one person that you love more than life itself..."

Fai stared now, surprised that his Father had used the word love, while referring to Kurogane.

"And I can see how much you love him, Fai...In the way that you look at him, in the way that you hold his hand, or touch his arm...They're small, but intimate gestures...And the fact that he is so protective of you...That he broke into my house, to hurt me, for hurting you...That proves to me, that you mean something to him. It shows me that this isn't just a sexual thing, and that there's an actual relationship, between the two of you...And the way he looks at you...The way he holds on to you, and the fact that he listens to you, even though he hates me, and would probably like to rip me to shreds – which I can't blame him for – it all just shows me how much you mean to him...And how ignorant, and stupid I've been."

The younger blonde didn't know how to feel. This was a lot to take in at once, and his Father was pouring his heart out before him...

"I lost your Mother...There was nothing that I could do, to save her. She died, and I couldn't do anything to stop it from happening...And the same happened to your brother...And instead of drawing you in closer, and taking the time to know you...I pushed away from you. I turned myself against you, for foolish reasons. For ignorant, ridiculous reasons. I hated you for loving, Fai, and that's not okay. The fact that I hated you, simply because you loved...It's not okay...Regardless of my past. Regardless of what your Uncle has done to me...You and Kurogane are not in the same situation, or even a similar one. He loves you, and you love him. It's that simple, and I only wish that I could've seen it for myself, sooner. And I wish that I had never pushed away from you...Your life is not guaranteed, because of your illness, but I hope that you pull through...I'd like a chance to get to know my son...If I could..."

"...Dad..."

"...Chi told me that she was going to walk you down the aisle...And I don't want her to...I know I don't deserve this, at all...But it's your wedding day, and you're my son...So I wondered, if perhaps...I could walk you down the aisle...Down to your official new life, with the only other man that I know I can trust to take care of you, in the ways that I never did. In the ways that I should have all along."

"...Oh Dad..." Fai didn't know what to do...His Father was crying. It was the first time in a long time that he'd witnessed his Father cry. And he was so sincere, that it broke the younger blonde's heart to see him that way. So he did what he felt came naturally to him.

He stepped forward, and hugged him.

He was slightly surprised, when his Father held on to him, tightly, but not tightly enough to hurt him.

"Fai...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..."

Fai didn't know what to say, so he just held his Father closer.

The wedding had been absolutely beautiful.

Taijo had walked his son down the aisle, and the two had never been closer. He'd told his son that he was proud of him...And that was something that he'd never said to him before. When they'd finally reached their destination, he had released his son's hand, letting Kurogane take him from there.

The vows had been beautiful, and the kiss had been tender, and loving...And Taijo had watched it happen. And he'd found, that he wasn't disturbed by the action at all. He was on a journey to acceptance, and he was making great progress.

Once they'd all settled down for some dinner...Things really did pick up. Taijo and Fai sat across from one another, talking about things. About all sorts of mundane things. About adventures that Fai himself had been on over the years. Kurogane sat at his husband's side, surprised, but content. As long as the blonde was happy, he was happy.

Raiko joined in on the telling of adventures, as did Subaru – who recalled the time in which Fai had helped him to overcome his fear of jumping off of the cliff. Tomoyo spoke of the bet that Kurogane and Fai had made, which had resulted in Kurogane wearing a dress.

"I'm going to set those pictures on fire," the raven muttered.

"No! You can't burn those pictures, or get rid of the videos. That was fun!" Fai leaned on the raven's arm, laughing again, as the images floated back into his head.

"For you, maybe. I was the one in the dress, remember?"

"You got cocky. And you learned a lesson. You're stronger, but I'm faster."

The raven rolled his eyes, but smiled at the locks of blonde hair on his arm. He couldn't be mad about the bet that he had started.

"Don't forget about the gay Harry Potter Halloween video!" Sakura announced, laughing as the memory came back to her. That night had ended badly...But the video was still hilarious. Tomoyo started laughing as well, as she remembered the ridiculous interview.

They continued on like that. Laughing, and talking. They spent the day together that way, until the night began to settle in on them. The group returned to Kurogane and Fai's home – with the exception of Taijo – and everyone settled into their pajamas. They claimed that it had been a long day, and it had been...So everyone retreated to their bedrooms for the evening.

And – once the door had closed and locked behind them – Fai sighed, and plopped down onto the bed. He sprawled out on his stomach, exhausted from the day. His emotions had gone on a roller coaster, and it had taken a lot of out of him. He was spent.

Kurogane could see how physically worn out Fai had become, and it worried him. He was supposed to be taking things easy, but his emotions had been everywhere that day. He'd been stressed out, and that had used up a lot of his energy. And he'd been excited, which had also used up a lot of his energy. And the day had been spent in so much happiness, and it had been such a thrill...He'd gotten himself worked up, and now he was physically paying the price.

The raven climbed into bed, next to his husband. He laid himself down on his back, and curled his right arm around the blonde, easing him into his hold. Fai's head rested on his chest; his right hand settled over the raven's heartbeat, and his left hand curled over the hand on his shoulder.

"How're you feeling?" His voice was gentle, only because he knew how tired the blonde was.

"I'm okay...I'm tired, but I'm okay...And definitely the happiest person on the planet right now..." There was a smile in his voice, and Kurogane was happy to hear it.

"Oh? And why's that?" He knew the answer, but he wanted to hear Fai talking. It had been a while since his voice had sounded so strong...

"Hmm...I'm married to the greatest man I've ever known...And I'm home, in our bed, in his arms...I'm in the most comfortable place that I've ever known, and I feel great...What about you? How are you feeling?" He snuggled into the strong chest, as the raven's left hand came to cover the hand on his heart.

"I've got you here beside me...What else do I need to say?" He kissed the top of the blonde's head, loving the little chuckle that escaped his lips.

"And I'm glad...I'm glad that you, and your Father, are on better terms now. It'll take some time for me to really trust him, but I'm glad that he's decided to change."

"So am I...Kuro-rin?" He'd had a thought, and he wanted to ask, before he fell asleep. The raven acknowledged him, showing that he was listening.

"...Will you go somewhere with me tomorrow? Just us?" When he was questioned on where it was that they were going, Fai had a simple answer,

"To meet someone. I think it's about time I introduced you."

He was holding his husband's hand, as they walked. Neither of them spoke, and the silence swelled around them. They had been here together only once before...But that had been a bad time, and one of them had been unconscious.

This time though, the blonde wasn't afraid of what the raven might find. He was more worried about how he would react, to what it was that they were doing.

Still, he tugged him along, until he found what he was looking for. And once they'd reached their destination, he freed his hand, and sat down. Kurogane wordlessly sat down next to him. The silence thickened for a moment, and then Fai found his voice.

"...Hi Mom..." A breeze touched them, but it was warm, and comforting.

Kurogane blinked in confused surprise, and turned his attention to his husband. He found him smiling...Which meant that he was used to this. His Mother was really there with them, floating on the very tails of the wind itself. And Fai talked to her, using the changes in the wind to signify what her responses were.

It was bewildering. He'd never experienced something so surreal...But it was happening. Fai's Mother – Chiharu, the tombstone read – was communicating with them.

And for a moment, Kurogane wondered if the same could happen with his own family.

The blonde introduced him then, officially, and he greeted her gently, unsure of how to feel. He supposed that it shouldn't surprise him, that Fai communicated with his deceased family members. He'd lost them both, at relatively the same time...

They stayed for a while, before the blonde decided that it was time for them to go. Kurogane was on his feet again, and he allowed for the blonde to tug him along. But they weren't really leaving. No, they were just travelling to another location, and the raven knew immediately where they were going.

He knew it before they reached the tombstone. And he confirmed it when his husband sat down in front of it – looking even more comfortable than he had when he'd sat before his Mother's tomb. The blonde tugged on the raven's hand, and he forced himself to sit down. He didn't let go of Fai's hand though. He couldn't. Not when his name was written on the tombstone before them.

But it wasn't his name. And Kurogane knew it, but sometimes, the blonde made it so damn easy to forget that fact.

"...Hey Fai," the blonde spoke up gently. It was odd, listening to him speaking the name. A name that he lived under...But that wasn't actually bound to him.

The breeze that hit them then, was powerful...But it was so warm, and comforting, that it seemed to wrap itself around them. And Fai...No, Yuui, was so surprised, that he actually started to laugh. He leaned against his husband's shoulder.

"I thought that you'd like to officially meet Kurogane."

When they had left the tomb, and had begun to walk in the direction that they had originally come into the cemetery from, Kurogane stopped walking.

Fai turned questioning eyes to him, as he was holding his hand, and he'd been forced to stop in his tracks.

"Kuro-rin? What's the matter?"

"...Do you think we could...? I mean...They're nearby...I haven't gone since their...Their..." He cleared his throat, unable to say the word: funerals. The blonde blinked in response, as it dawned on him that the raven wanted to introduce him to his parents.

"...Of course. Let's go see them...I'm sure they'll be happy that you came to visit..."

So they went together, taking their time in getting there. There was no need for them to rush. Kurogane's hand was clutching on to Fai's hand, tightly, and the blonde didn't mind. He just held on to his husband, knowing how hard this was for him. But he also knew that he wanted him to be introduced to his parents now, as he wasn't sure if they'd get this chance later.

And once they reached the tombstone – a shared, rectangular tombstone, with her picture and information on one side, and his on the other – Fai released his husband's hand. The raven didn't know how to feel, until he realized that the blonde had only done it, in order to pull some vines off of the stone. He did it gently, carefully...As though he were afraid of hurting the people that resided there.

And once he'd completed his task, he returned to his raven, took his hand, and sat down. He tugged him down next to himself, carefully. Silence enveloped them, and Kurogane swallowed hard.

"I don't know if I can do this...It's been so long..." His voice was a mere whisper. But Fai wasn't going to have any of that. He was sitting before the raven's parents, and even if there wasn't a response, something needed to be said.

"...Hello Mr. and Mrs. Suwa...Your son, You-oh, is here to see you..."

Kurogane felt his chest tighten at the name. His birth name. But then he felt something else, entirely.

A warm breeze, with a powerful undertone.

It swept through his hair, and brushed over his face. And he swore he could hear their voices, carrying on the wind.

"We came to visit you," the blonde murmured, gently,

"...My name is Yuui Flourite..."

The pain in Kurogane's chest, from hearing his own birth name, faded. He should have known...Fai wouldn't have called him You-oh, if he hadn't intended to introduce himself as Yuui. He wasn't going to let the raven suffer alone. Their names were lost names...Forbidden names, that weren't meant to be spoken.

But here, in this place...They'd make the exception.

(A.N: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I know there were a lot of things mentioned in this chapter, that have happened in previous chapters. And, just so you guys don't have to go on a crazy hunt to find them, I'm going to list them here:

Gay Harry Potter AND Kurogane Beating Up Taijo: Chapter 25.

Subaru's Cliff Jump: Chapter 17.

The Dress Bet: Chapter 18.

Song used for inspiration: What If, by Safety Suit. Seriously guys, I was working on this fanfic ALL DAY yesterday, plus a big portion of today – as I've been up since 4:30 AM. The play count for this song, is now at: 314. I hope you people are happy. R&R? I'd appreciate it!)