Hi, guys! This is a continuation of the last chapter, because I simply had to. It's called Forgiveness. I hope you guys forgive me for making Kiku cheat on Yao. :'( Read on!

Six months had passed. Yes, Yao and Kiku had seen each other during that time; they had to, as they both attended meetings for the benefit of their countries. They spoke, but not to each other directly. It took Yao a bit to return to his boisterous self, but Kiku seemed to stay almost the same- quiet and reserved. Only now, a look of utter guilt passed over his face whenever he took a quick glance at his former lover, instead of a happy one. Although it was rare, Kiku used to smile at Yao's face. His cheeks would flush and the hairs on the back of his neck would stand a bit. The hypothetical butterflies in his stomach would flutter around whenever Yao would smile back.

Now, the acid churned when either Yao wouldn't bother to exchange the glance, or it was completely blank. He only saw that smile when the Chinese man was talking to others; usually he held a blank expression, a bored one, or often a grimace (usually while speaking to Arthur, or Ivan, or Francis... really, any of his former allies). Showing his teeth was usually reserved for close friends and family, like Yong Soo or Wan. Never Kiku. Not any more.

Would Yao dare to ever take him back? Kiku thought not. Yet, he wanted desperately, so very desperately to try. The only way to find out was to ask. Should he?

Fate answered that question for itself. After one meeting, Kiku mustered up every single ounce of courage remaining in his body to stop Yao in the hall. His name barely came out, but apparently Yao heard it, as he turned around and looked straight at Kiku.

"What?"

Kiku's heart stopped. That was the first direct word Yao had said to him in months. It was harsh, but in his voice, it was also beautiful. Kiku felt his throat clench; he willed it to open, though, as he just had to do this.

"May I please speak with you?" he asked, as calm as he could be. He was utterly surprised that he didn't stutter in the least. Still, he felt sweat trickle down his neck and back.

"Fine," Yao replied hastily, crossing his arms and walking slowly toward Kiku. "Try to make it quick."

Kiku merely nodded, and led Yao into an empty conference room. There was a long, long silence, before Kiku finally spoke up.

"I am damned to a horrible afterlife, Yao," he croaked, head down. "My sin was great... you did not deserve that... I felt so lonely, betrayed, neglected..." Another pause. Small tears began to run down Kiku's cheeks. "W-what a bastard you must think of me! Go on and punish me as you see fit; smack me, push me around, make me do whatever you please, spit on me... I don't even care at this point!" It seemed as if this took much energy for Kiku to say, as he collapsed to his knees shortly thereafter. Yao stood, stunned. He was at a loss for words. Should he punish Kiku, or simply walk out, leaving him to cry? Both options ran through his head.

"You never told me that you felt neglected." He took neither.

Kiku lifted his head, crying a bit harder. "I... I didn't know how to. Y-y-you were always so busy, and I-I didn't want to bother you by calling you... s-s-so I just acted on impulse! I completely forgot that you were finally visiting, but that's no excuse at all!" He clenched his fist until his knuckles turned completely white. "What are you doing? W-why don't you torture me, like I deserve?"

Yao shook his head. "You don't deserve that. I don't want to torture you."

"Why not?"

"Because I feel like part of this is my fault."

Did he hear that right? Kiku leaned in closer. "W...what?"

"You heard me, Kiku," Yao said. "I am still deeply hurt by your actions, but... you are right. I was absorbed in other things. I should have made time to at least call you and tell you how I was doing." He kneeled down to Kiku's level, even sitting. Kiku followed suit. "Yet... I must confess something. I am afraid that I would be lying if I said I never thought about it."

"Thought about what?"

"... cheating," Yao uttered, as if it hurt him to say. "I had urges that you weren't available for, Kiku, and I-"

"That's not as bad as acting upon it!" Kiku hollered, reaching his hands out to grab Yao, but pulling back just in time.

"It might as well be!" Yao shouted back. "I could have done it without you finding out, and not think twice of it... does that not put us in the same boat?"

Yet again, Kiku lowered his head. "I don't know."

"Well..." Yao stopped. "I forgive you."

For the second time, Kiku couldn't believe his ears. "Y-you do?" He looked straight up at Yao, blinking away tears furiously. "B-but... why?"

Yao gave a little smile, and Kiku's butterflies came back. How he missed that smile... "I want you back. I have wanted you back, more than anything in the world. I can't say that I waited for you to apologize... but I'm very glad that you did."

"I never said-"

"You don't have to," Yao interrupted, putting his hands on Kiku's shoulder. "I knew you meant it."

Kiku's lips began to tremble, and before he could actually let out an official "I'm sorry," Yao pulled him into a rib-crushing embrace, but Kiku didn't care. It felt like centuries since these arms had been around him, and he wanted to enjoy it as much as he could.

"I love you, Kiku." They both began to cry; Kiku's wails were more audible. He didn't think that in a million years he deserved to be forgiven, or to feel Yao's embrace, or to hear him say "I love you" directed at him... but it was indeniably happening. Through his tears, a smile shone through.

"I love you too, Yao."

Yaaaaaay. Happy ending. I felt like I had to make Yao sort of at offense too (but not really) to even things out. Did it work? Who knows.

I hope you liked this chapter better than the last! Have a nice day, and try to drop a review if you'd like!