Life is busy but I've found some time to return to a few stories. Enjoy and feel free to suggest your favorite candy. ~Xanpluto

Part Eight: Ring Pop

Kari laughed. Honestly, she couldn't believe everyone else wasn't laughing with her. Her boyfriend was making a fool of himself. He stood at her gate exit wearing the most ridiculous limo driver get up complete with hat and a fake beard. The beard, of course, was ten shades darker than his beautifully blonde hair and was at a huge angle.

"Mrs. Kamiya is my mother," Kari laughed while nodding at the sign Tk held with her name. "Tk, aren't you studying English? Don't you know the difference between Miss and Mrs?" Kari teased.

Tk's cheeks flushed red and hid the sign behind his back, "I guess not."

Kari laughed and wrapped her arms around Tk and made up from the six months she'd gone without kissing him. It was lucky they were in New York where public displays of affections were far more common because it was one intense kiss. Only once did they separate so Kari could rip the silly beard off his face.

"I really missed you," Kari said when her embarrassment overcame her passion. She tucked her head into Tk's chest and inhaled. His borrowed Tux was a bit musky but overall he had his usual scent of old books and grass.

"I'm glad you came."

"Who else is going to take pictures for your mom? You know Matt can't frame a shot to save his life."

Tk smiled and grabbed Kari's hand while leading her to baggage claim. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind a vacation though. With his late night gigs and a three month old at home, he always sounds terrible."

Kari nodded, "You should see the bags under his eyes, he's losing his sex appeal."

"Kari!" Tk said with an exaggerated shiver, "You can't talk about my brother that way."

Kari squeezed Tk's hand, "You know I only have eyes for you." Tk kissed the top of her head. "Plus, if I were to choose one member of The Teenage Wolves it would definitely be Ryui - his abs are dreamy."

Tk smiled and kissed her head again, "Ok, he's number one on my hit list when we get back to Japan."

"You'll ruin your brother's career."

"Doesn't matter."

Kari looked up and stared at Tk's face. He was more beautiful than she remembered and he burned with infectious happiness. Every doubt Kari had ever had over the last four years disappeared.

"Kari, you're staring."

"Sorry," Kari said quickly while looking away. She tried to recover by saying, "I just can't believe you're graduating tomorrow. I can't believe you're finally coming home."

They'd reached the baggage claim area but Kari's stuff hadn't arrived so Tk led her to a set of chairs to sit and wait. He looked at her softly and said, "I know it's been really hard for you and I'm not sure how I'll ever make it up to you, Kari, but I'm going to spend the rest of my trying."

Kari smiled tearfully, "Promise?"

"Promise." Tk pulled a crinkle package from his pocket and Kari's eyes widened. With one tear he pulled out a large cherry flavored ring. "I...um...there's another side to the sign."

Kari cautiously trailed her fingers to the sign which read Mrs. Kamiya and gingerly turned it over. It read Mrs. Takaishi on the opposite side. Her heart rose.

"I didn't have a lot of time to shop for a real ring during finals. I hope this is ok."

Kari looked back to the candy ring with tears in her eyes. "Takeru Takaishi, I have been waiting four years for the day I'd could fully be with you again. You think a silly diamond would make a difference?"

Tk's lips slid into a lopsided grin, "You only want one diamond?"

"Shut up," Kari let the tears roll down her cheeks, "and give me the candy."

"Gladly."

Tk slid the candy ring onto her finger and sighed. They had been waiting for this for far too long.

"I love you, Mr. Takaishi."

"I love you, too, Mrs. Takaishi."