A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews and love! I hope my story continues to please you! And professorprowriting! Your review made me laugh so hard! Yeah, Miles! Toughen up! Lol. Now I just imagine Miles and Waylon moaning over their injuries and Young-ja just walking in, pointing to her missing arm, and walking out.

Welcome all readers and every reader! New and Old!

"Are you sure it was a good idea for us to leave Ae-cha at your parents'?" I asked for the third time in the past fifteen minutes, peering over at my husband in the driver's seat.

He gave me an over-the-top sigh and dramatically turned towards me.

"Nah. My parents are probably sacrificing her to The Biscione as we speak. Didn't I tell you my parents practiced witchcraft?"

"Oh shut up." I leaned over and pinched his nose. "I'm just worried! Kamal and Sophia came back from Dubai yesterday and they must be exhausted and Ae-cha is only two months old and she might wear them down an-."

"If you say 'and' one more time, I'm not buying you any funnel cake and you'll have to watch me eat it all."

I stared at Miles with an unamused gaze, tempted to pinch his nose once more.

"….Why did I marry you again?"

"Because you love me and I love you." He smirked and quickly pecked me on the cheek. "Now, chill out and enjoy our first date night in a while."

"Why the fair though?"

"Because the Kansas City Fair is freaking legit, Short Stack."

"What 28 year old man says 'freaking legit'?"

"The love of your life, that's who. Now, Ae-cha is fine, my parents are fine, and you are looking fine, so let's go and have fun!"

"….Fine, but that funnel cake better be delicious!"

"It'll be the best 760 calories you stuff down your windpipe! I guarantee it!"

The fairgrounds were bustling with activity and excitement. There were volunteers passing out maps, parents running after their kids, kids running away from their parents, teenagers daring each other to go on rides, etc., etc.

"Alright, Short Stack!" Miles slid up next to me, tickets in hand and wrapping an arm around my shoulder. "What shall we go on first?"

"Ummmm…"I scanned the fairgrounds, putting imaginary x's and o's on rides. "Not any of the roller coasters."

"What's that? You want to go on a roller coaster?" Miles gave me a sneaky look before dragging me away. "Roger that! Then let's go on the biggest one!"

"아니!"I screamed, flailing in his arms and drawing the attention of passerbys. "아니!"

"You can say 'No!' all you want, Short Stack. But I can see the excitement in your eyes!" He laughed, handing the ride operator our tickets and pushing me towards the front cart.

"MILESS!" I screeched as I was locked into place on the cart and the ride slowly roared to life. "I WANT A DIVORCE!"

"Now," Miles sighed, a pleased smile on his face as the cart creaked to a stop three minutes later. "That wasn't so bad, right?"

I was too busy being glued to the safety bar and mentally writing my will to answer him.

'So many loops….so many drops…..so…many….flies….in my mouth…'

"Miles…" I whispered, reaching out and taking a fistful of his t-shirt. "Here's the deal. You will take me to the funnel cake stand and buy me the biggest plate. Then, we will walk around in peace and I won't kill you with my bare hands. Alright?"

"Sounds like a plan, Cara Mia." Miles laughed, helping me out of the cart and leading me to the concession stands. "Hey, in addition to the funnel cake, I'll take you by the vendors and buy you anything you want."

"Just hurry up and buy my funnel cake, you twit." I growled, my legs still wobbling like Jell-O.

After Miles purchased the fried delicacy, I sped walked ahead of him while stuffing my face and still majorly pissed off.

"Short Stack!" He laughed, running after me. "Wait up!"

"Nope!" I picked up speed, a cloud of dust forming behind me. "I don't walk with betrayers!"

"But roller coasters are so much fun!"

I peeked behind me and saw he wasn't even breaking a sweat scurrying after me.

Damn his long legs!

"They're not fun for me!"

"I know that! I just wanted a reason for you to hold me!"

I screeched to a stop and Miles nearly tripped over me, his chest hitting the back of my head.

"…You took me on that death trap," I whirled around on my heel and jabbed my sugar coated finger in his face. "Just so I would hold you?"

"Yeah?" He held his hands out. "Both of us have been busy with Cheerio and work, and it's been a while since it has been the two of us so…." He got this sheepish look on his face. "I'm sorry, Young-ja. Please forgive me."

I glared up at him, trying to remain angry but my cheeks were turning pink at his adorable expression so I gave up the guise.

"You're such a cheese ball, Miles." I sighed, slumping my shoulders in defeat.

"Does that mean I'm forgiven?" He chuckled, licking the sugar off my finger and giving me his bedroom eyes.

"Oh God, Miles!" I squeaked, snatching my finger away. "We're in public!" I stomped away while Miles laughed and trailed after me. "And I'm only forgiving you because you're blocking the sun out, you Venti Caramel Frappuccino!"

"Venti Cara-?!" He was laughing too hard to finish, bending over and clutching his stomach. "Ah, Cara Mia! You've learned the art of food nicknames! I'm so proud!"

"It's not supposed to be funny!" I cried, stuffing the rest of the funnel cake into my mouth. "I'm going to find a napkin! You can continue laughing yourself into a coma for all I care!"

"W-Wait..!" Miles breathed, wiping tears from his eyes. "I'll come with you." He was still grinning widely as he held out his hand, wiggling his fingers for mine.

I leered at it for a moment before reaching out too.

But instead of taking his hand, I grabbed his shirt and rubbed my face against it.

"There." I released the cloth, pointing to the powdered sugar smears. "No need for a napkin now."

Miles just stared down at his shirt, still smiling like an idiot.

"…..Am I completely forgiven now?"

"Oh hush, Miles!"

Five minutes later, we were strolling through the vendors' area hand in hand. Miles kept nudging his knuckles against mine and making those sad puppy noises, so eventually I gave in and held his hand feeling more like his mom than wife.

Even though I've grown a bit since our college years, it still felt like I was walking with a redwood and I sighed in annoyance.

But I still love him, despite how outrageous he can be at times.

I peeked over at his shirt and felt a pang of guilt at the dry sugar stain.

'Maybe I went too far…'

"Hey, may I see your shirt?" I tugged at his hand, pulling him to a stop and pointing to a water fountain. "I want to clean the sugar off it."

Now, the stain was at the bottom of his shirt, so I was just going to run that part underwater and be done with it.

But, obviously that wasn't what Miles was thinking and so I wasn't really surprised when he simply took his shirt off and handed it to me.

I buried my face in his soiled shirt and silently screamed as Miles slipped his hands into his pockets and stared down at me with a confused expression.

Like he had no idea why I was freaking out.

But I knew better.

" What are you doing?!" I hissed, my face tomato red.

"Just doing what you asked." He replied in an innocent tone. "I handed you my shirt."

In my peripheral vision, I could see people blushing, giggling behind their hands, or snapping pictures on their phones. And Miles had to make matters worse by smiling at his admirers.

My face became red for a different reason and I shoved the t-shirt back in Miles' arms.

"Nevermind. I'll wash it when we get back to your parents' house. Say goodbye to your fans."

"Ah, Short Stack." Miles sighed, slipping his shirt back on before lifting me up in his arms suddenly. "There is no need to be jealous. You are the one for me."

"Meehhhnnnn." I grumbled under my breath. "You just enjoy getting a reaction out of me, don't you?"

"That I do." He laughed before giving me a big kiss on the cheek.

Eventually, after browsing some stands and stuffing our faces with heart clogging sweets, we ended up back in the ride area and the carousel immediately caught my eye.

Truth be told, I've never been a huge fan of rides, but the carousel always held a special place in my heart.

"Miles!" I squealed, pointing to the ride and jumping up and down. "Let's get on!"

"As you wish!" Miles smiled before scooping me up and racing towards the growing line.

The operator took our tickets and we scrambled onto the circular platform. I was bouncing in excitement, and Miles was doing to same but just to copy me.

"I'm getting on this one." I scurried toward a stallion with a blue mane and pink saddle only to be lifted up and placed side saddle by Miles, who hopped on behind me.

"I'll get on it too." He grinned, placing one hand on my waist and the other on the pole as the ride started up.

I considered telling him it was against the ride policy to have two people on one horse, but I just shook my head and laughed.

"Then let's us ride off into the sunset!" I shouted, pointing to the sky and Miles pumped his fists and gave a "Hell yeah!" in reply.

The other riders weren't very amused so we quieted down and enjoyed the ride in silence, biting our lips to hold back the laughter.

We ended up riding the carousel seven more times until the operator kicked us off.

Hours passed as we went on several more rides, played some games, won a Moomin for Ae-cha, and ate our weight in fried Oreo's. Soon it was almost midnight and the rides were starting to shut down for the fireworks show.

"C'mon, Miles." I pulled him towards the pond near the clock tower. "Let's watch the fireworks over there!"

"Not yet! There is one more ride I want to go on!" He whined, pulling me back towards the rides.

"We can go on it after the fireworks!"

"It won't be long! Please~!" He got down on his knees and batted his eyelashes at me. "Pleeease~!"

"Alright. One, never do that again. Two, let's make it quick."

"Sweet!" Miles hopped back on his feet and flew down the street, leaving me struggling to keep up with his speed.

"What ride do you want to go on anyways?" I called out.

"This one!" He halted to a stop and pointed to the ride in front of us.

A Ferris wheel shone before the two of us, flashing a kaleidoscope of colors and blinding me the longer I stared at it. And, for some reason, I had a sense of déjà vu.

"C'mon!" Miles pulled me up the stairs before I could dwell on it any longer. "Go ahead and pick a gondola. I'll give the operator our tickets."

I nodded and did as he requested, noticing we were the only ones getting on the ride.

'This seems familiar…..'

"Alright!" Miles cheered, sliding in next to me and locking the gate behind him. "Enjoy the ride, Short Stack!"

The operator waved at us before flipping a switch and the ride was off. I closed my eyes and leaned against Miles as the cold summer wind ran through my hair and the frantic chatter of the fair below seemed to fade away.

Then, as we reached the top once again, the ride stopped.

"Eh?" I scooted away from Miles and peered over the edge of the gondola, spotting the ride operator turn the lights off and walk away. "H-Hey! He forgot us!"

"He did?" Miles asked, zero concern evident in his tone as he reclined back and placed both of his arms on the edge of the ride. "Well, what can we do? Let's just enjoy the view and watch the fireworks from here."

"But-!" I froze as everything came back to me and slowly looked over at Miles who had the biggest smirk on his face. "…..Are you serious, Miles?"

"Took you long enough to figure it out! I thought you'd piece everything together the moment you saw the ride."

"But, how did you do it?" I scooted back over to him. "Last time was an accident, so how did the op-?"

"I paid him 50 bucks to get us on the ride and get lost until after the fireworks."

I blinked in surprised, in awe at Miles' planning. Then, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, I grasped him by the collar of his shirt and yanked him down for a kiss.

"Miles Upshur, you freaking sap." I murmured against his lips before burying my fingers in his hair and pulling him closer.

He hummed in reply, sliding me onto his lap and resting his hands on my waist.

Miles can be such a sneaky jerk sometimes, but he can also be a romantic cheese ball. Either way, he is my Miles and I love each bit of him to pieces.

A sudden explosion broke us apart and the night sky became illuminated in color.

"Wow…" I breathed, flowers of red, green, and yellow shooting across the sky. "They're so beautiful.."

"Yeah," Miles kissed my neck and rested his chin on my shoulder. "But do you know what those fireworks mean?"

"No," I smiled and kissed his nose. "Tell me."

"It means its midnight and a new day." He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "A very important day." The little box was placed in my hands and I quickly opened it to find a tiny music box. It was in the shape of a pancake stack with a small heart shaped butter slab on top.

It was beautiful.

"Miles..!"

"Push the heart button and listen."

I nodded and clicked the button, and the gondola was soon filled with piano music. It was a beautiful, soothing melody. Then, came Miles' voice.

Like the sound of silence calling,

I hear your voice and suddenly

I'm falling, lost in a dream.

Like the echoes of our souls are meeting,

You say those words and my heart stops beating.

I wonder what it means.

What could it be that comes over me?

At times I can't move.

At times I can hardly breathe.

It's a rare thing to hear such gentleness and adoration in Miles' voice, and it was because of that, hearing and being the recipient made it all the more special.

His deep, soothing voice made me chest flutter and I covered my mouth and cried tears of happiness at the wonderful birthday present in my hands.

"You've improved since you've last sung to me." I sniffed, wiping my eyes.

"Well, the last time I sung to you was ten years ago, so I hope I've improved."

I giggled and snuggled against his chest, listening to rest of the song as the fireworks surrounded us.

"자기야 생일 축하해.*" He whispered, his pronunciation flawless.

"Grazie, amore mio." I replied, cupping his face in my hands.

For the one moment, everything was beautiful. It was like I was on a cloud surrounded by-.

Suddenly, I was knocked out of La~La~Land when Miles kicked the adjacent seat and covered his mouth, a dark blush coating his cheeks.

"What the heck was that?" I laughed.

"I needed to kick something to feel manly again." He mumbled.

I snorted and buried my face into his neck, my body shaking with laughter as the song end.

'Somethings never change, I suppose.'

And I hoped Miles would never change.

No, he is perfect the way he is.

And I will love him until the day I die.

"Young-ja, Young-ja, wake up." Miles' steady voice shook me awake, and I looked around in confusion before rubbing my eyes.

"Oh…I'm…sorry." I whispered, my throat burning with every syllable. "I…didn't mean…to fall asleep."

The music box is on my vanity back at the house. I would to play it every night Miles wasn't there and sometime used it as a lullaby for Ae-cha. I tried to show it his parents' once but he tackled me from the side and begged me to spare him the shame.

What I wouldn't give for the two of us to be back home.

"It's fine." He gave me a small smile and helped me to my feet. "We need to get out of here though. This will be our exit." He pointed to the open elevator louver above us before scooping me up and helping me crawl up through the hole. Once I was situated on the elevator's roof, Miles climbed up after me. He hopped off the edge of the elevator and held his arms out. I took his hand and left him place me on the ground, but I refused to let him carry me again.

"No, Miles." I shook my head. "You…need…your..energy…"

"Young-ja, be serious. You can barely walk." He tried to lift me up, but I still wiggling out of his grip.

"I'm…fine." I stated firmly and I walked away from he could say another word. Trager's lower body lay on the floor, blood still squirting from his abdomen. Normally, I would shed a few tears on his behalf, but after what he put us through, I couldn't find it in me to give a damn.

I surveyed the area while Miles changed the batteries in his camcorder. Most of the doors were locked and the room was almost pitch black.

Yet, as I tried the metal door to the far left, I could make out a sign at the end of the hallway.

Vocational Block

Memories of that creature chasing after me, ripping our wedding photo to shreds, and tying me up flood my brain and my knees almost buckled out from under me.

'I can still feel his breath and hands on my skin…'

But, something else about the Vocational Block flashed across my mind and I felt my heart drop to my stomach.

'How could I forget….?'

"Miles…" I hobbled over to him and he immediately came to my side. "We need…to go through this door…"

"Why?" He walked over to the metal door and tried to yank it open. "Is this the way out?"

"No….we have…to…rescue someone."

"Rescue someone?" He had an incredulous look on his face. "Who would that be?"

"Waylon Park."

"Waylon Park?" Miles paused, thinking hard about something. "…Is he an employee or something?"

I didn't know how he was going to react to this, but I made to promise to Waylon that I would come back for him when I found my husband.

"Miles," I grasped the lapel of his jacket and forced him to look me in the eye, needing him to understand how serious this was. "He….He is the Whistleblower."

A/N: I had to brush my teeth after writing that flashback. So cheesy and sweet! Lol. But I figured it was time for another flashback before more pain and suffering happen.

*"Happy Birthday, Honey."

I always like to imagine Miles and Young-ja trying to teach other their native language. And the song Miles sings for Young-ja is "When You Say You Love Me" by Josh Groban. I know he is not everyone's cup of tea, but that one song really hit my heartstrings. And Miles is such a sap for his Short Stack. He got her a pancake music box for goodness sake!

And I just to start this now: Songs of the Day! I will just put songs that apply to the chapter, mood, or just songs that Miles and Young-ja would rock out to in the jeep.

Songs of the Day: "Come Sail Away" by Styx and "When You Say You Love Me" by Josh Groban.

Look forward to the next chapter!