My goodness, I can't believe I found the time to write this and update twice in one month!

I had a blast with this one, it's a little shorter than usual but it felt right to end it where I did.

As usual, I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of the characters. Any reference to real-life places or people is completely coincidental.

I'll do my best to update again in January but I have my Financial Statements exam beginning of Feb so I might be studying all month in preparation for that. I'm also buying my first house with my partner which is super exciting but I did not need something else on my plate! So now the list is:

Full-Time job - Accountancy Studies - Writing - Legalities for buying a house - Family and Friends. My Introverted ADD ass is loving this shit (not).

Either way, I hope that you enjoy the update, see you soon!

Chapter 9 –

"That would be me." A female voice cut across them, bringing both of their attention to the other occupant of the flat. "And who, would you be, I wonder?"

Malik openly gaped at the striking woman in front of them. She was tall and held herself with confidence, shoulders back and chin tilted backwards as her blue eyes zeroed in on Malik with intense curiosity. Her skin was deeply tanned, her black hair so long that it brushed the small of her back. The thick strands were held out of her face by a thin, ornate headband. She was dressed simply in a long linen dress that brushed her ankles but still displayed her dainty feet that were encased in plain brown shoes. Malik's eyes briefly landed on a solid gold necklace that encircled her thin throat, the only truly fanciful accessory to her outfit. When he didn't speak for several moments, she raised a quizzical eyebrow. Malik then caught himself and slammed his mouth shut. He cleared his throat and shot the woman a smile, trying with all his might to regain some semblance of dignity.

"I'm Malik, Malik Ishtar." He croaked as he extended a friendly hand.

She smiled, and the hairs on the back of Malik's neck stood up. It was strange. The smile was both friendly and knowing, as if her previous question was rhetorical and she knew who he was the whole time.

"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Ishizu Ishmael." She delicately accepted Malik's hand and shook it once before releasing it.

"Ishmael?" Malik squeaked; his lavender eyes flicked to Marik who was looking extremely sheepish as he shut the door to the flat. "I know I asked if you were hiding a kid, I never expected you to be hiding a wife!" Malik exclaimed.

Marik's eyes bugged comically before he barked a laugh. "You've got the wrong idea completely, Kitten, Ishizu is my sister."

Malik frowned slightly as the sudden tightness in his chest loosened and his shoulders relaxed. He briefly wondered what that was about before he was distracted by the Tomb Keeper again. Marik noticed the tension that bled out of the analyst and a slow, knowing smile began to creep across his face. Malik scowled a little at that and forced himself to turn back to Ishizu; who was patiently waiting with her hands laid delicately at her waist.

Who could blame him for not realising they were siblings? Ishizu was all grace and decorum whereas Marik was brash and insane. They were nothing alike! But a question was bursting out of his lips before he realised it.

"Marik said that this was a safe house, why are you here?" Malik asked, curiosity burning through him like wildfire.

"Let's just say that it's a long story, one that I'm sure we will both be happy to share," Ishizu sent a pointed look at her brother over Malik's shoulder. "Let us take a seat, I made tea."

The entranceway led directly into the living quarters, so they didn't have to walk far to the sofa. He could see what Marik meant by the 'mess.' It wasn't dirty in the old flat, save for a thin layer of dust. However, there were crates everywhere. Knowing the nature of Marik's job, he assumed that they were chock-full of some sort of merchandise for his antique shop – at least that was what he hoped. Malik frowned as he noticed there were already three cups set on the battered coffee table, surrounding a large porcelain tea pot smothered in a garish knitted tea-cosy to keep the contents warm.

"How did you know that there would be three of us?" Malik asked as Ishizu sank into a faded chequered armchair, leaving the sofa for Malik and Marik.

Did Marik text her or something when Malik wasn't looking, warning him that he was coming back with Malik in tow?

Malik sat on the left of the sofa, not looking at Marik as he felt him sit down next to him on the right. Another knowing smile flitted across her face as one of her hands hovered briefly over her necklace before it dropped back listlessly to her lap. The curiosity was now a raging inferno inside his chest and he tightened his hands into fists as if he could physically stop the questions from bursting out. Ishizu nodded at Marik to begin before she scooted forward in her seat to start pouring the tea into the cups.

"We'll explain everything, I promise." Marik cleared his throat awkwardly as Malik's eyes snapped to him. "First off, I want to say that I'm sorry."

Malik raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"The day that you came into my shop with Atemu and Mao. I wasn't exactly . . . truthful with you." He met Malik's gaze, his eyes wild and tinged with slight insanity. "I thought I was protecting you. I had no idea that they were so close. I should've known that Atemu wouldn't give up and I should've done more to dissuade him from pursuing the case."

Malik's eyes narrowed at the Tomb Keeper. Rage lashed through him, as quick and nimble as a snake. "You know that more young people have gone missing? If you helped Yami and Bakura, you could've stopped that. Instead, you ran and hid like a damn coward." Malik hissed.

Marik went ramrod straight - his eyes blazing, his meekness instantly thrown away. Discarded like a forgotten doll. "I didn't run away like a coward – I hid to protect my sister and to stop them from getting what they want sooner." Marik snapped. "Don't you dare lecture me like you have the moral high ground. You have no idea what is going on or who we're fucking dealing with!" He shouted, his hands were almost claws as they gripped his thighs and he clenched his teeth. Malik briefly wondered if the other man was going to hit him.

Malik shrank back, a little afraid in the light of Marik's sudden wrath. This was the side of the shop keeper he had heard stories about but had yet to witness before he killed that man in the alley. This was the Tomb Keeper, the criminal so severe that even Yakuza gave him a wide berth. This was the man who carved out a piece of Domino's underground within his first year on the scene.

But never, never, had Marik directed that side of his personality towards Malik. No matter how much the analyst hit him, insulted him, or rejected his advances. Malik frowned as his chest clenched again, what was this feeling? It wasn't the fear, no that was what was making his heart race so fast he felt almost giddy. No, this was something different. This was-

You're guilty, you feel guilty. Because you like him. Despite everything. Despite knowing what kind of man he is, what he is capable of.

The thought was as sobering as being doused in ice water. And yet, Malik couldn't bring himself to argue with the thought. Because it would be a lie.

"Marik," Ishizu's voice was calm, patient, but it cut through the air like a scythe. Marik blinked and instantly recoiled; disgust rolled across his face as he forced his hands to release their death-grip on his thighs. "If you can't control yourself, then you're going to have to take a walk and I'll tell Malik everything we know."

She didn't blink as she finished pouring the tea and set a cup in front of her brother. He stared down into the amber liquid sheepishly before he met Malik's eyes once more, visibly calmer. "Sorry," He ground out before he reached forward to take a gulp of the drink.

Malik pressed his lips together into a fine line. "No, it's my fault. I spoke without thinking." He mumbled.

Ishizu cleared her throat as she leaned back into the armchair once more, her own mug clasped within her hands after she set Malik's cup in front of him. "Now, there's a reason why we know so much about this. Marik and I are a part of a long lineage known as the Tomb Keepers. Generation to generation we were taught of these dark artifacts of which, if they fell into the wrong hands, could cause the destruction of the world. It was our duty to protect them, and offer aid in fighting against the evil that seeks them when the time comes. Our family has clashed with those that your friends seek multiple times over three millennia. Marik had no interest in continuing this tradition, and so it fell to myself and our adoptive brother to take up the torch."

"That's because our father was a psycho c- "Marik spat before he was cut off.

"MARIK! You know that I despise that word." She glowered at her brother before she cleared her throat and turned her attention back to Malik. "Every few generations, an item in our possession would choose a new bearer, and thus bestowed upon them certain abilities." One of her slim hands released her mug and hovered over her golden necklace.

Malik frowned as he took a sip of his own tea. "I take it that that necklace is one of them?"

She smiled knowingly. "Correct. The necklace gives me the ability to see into the future."

Malik stared at her in disbelief. "You're kidding. That's impossible."

"No, it's possible. And she's a pain in the ass with it." Marik muttered, crossing his arms. "It's how she knew they were after her. She had a vision before boarding her flight to Japan, when she was going to meet with Atemu. She called me and I got her discreetly away from the airport when she landed." Marik's dark eyes drilled into Malik's, as serious as a heart attack. "It's how I knew when that fucker was going to try and take you tonight, although I was almost too late. Wish I could kill that asshole again." Marik spat.

Malik thought of Marik's timely arrival, how close he was to being taken away or killed, and he shivered. Despite himself, he found himself believing their words. Malik cleared his throat. "I don't think I ever thanked you for that." He whispered.

Marik waved a hand dismissively. "Not needed, I'd kill a thousand men for you, Kitten."

Malik blushed and cleared his throat again, wrenching his eyes away from Marik and back to Ishizu. She was smiling knowingly at him as she blew delicately on her tea. "So, they want the items, and they were going to take you away for yours. What does that have to do with me? I think I'd remember having something golden and supernatural in my underwear drawer." Malik said.

"They track the items like hunting dogs, they want to gather them to herald the return of their dark king." Ishizu replied. "That is a story that I will elaborate on shortly. They wanted you because you have been close to one, they could sense it."

"I haven't!" Malik cried. "I've never seen anything like them before!"

"You have, even if you haven't realised it." Ishizu nodded sagely. "As far as we know, they have four in their possession as they managed to steal two that were in our care in Cairo. Their power grows, and they are becoming desperate as they sense victory is near."

"How many are there?" Malik breathed.

"Seven items in total. Obviously, Ishizu has one. And before we went into hiding, I managed to get a hold of the rod." Marik grinned wildly at Malik. "That thing was a bitch to smuggle into the country."

"They do not only need the items to achieve their goal. They need their item's bearers, in order to use their full power, and many sacrifices." She looked grim at the words.

"That's good, isn't it?" Malik instantly brightened. "If they haven't got them all yet, it's possible that the missing people are still alive, right?"

Ishizu went quiet as she suddenly found her tea intensely interesting. Malik jumped slightly as he felt Marik rest a gentle hand upon his own. "Kitten . . . they don't need to have all the sacrifices alive at the time of the ritual, if they have the means to contain their souls. The only way they're alive is if they've been recruited into the cult."

"Not everyone can withstand the initiation, many candidates go mad from the shadows before succumbing to death." Malik saw that her eyes were tinged with regret and pity. "I'm sorry, young one."

Malik took a shuddering breath, not really noticing that his hand instinctively curled into Marik's. "Okay. So, they want these items to bring back this dick-head king and they need the 'owners' as well for this ritual. You and Marik are a part of some underground group who protect the items, but Marik left it years ago because of your dad. They went after me because I'd been close to one at some point, and they'll come after me again. We have two of the items and they only need one more – okay I understand." He nodded. "I have another question though. If these items are so evil, why would your people use them?"

Ishizu was quiet for a few moments as she thought. "Tell me, Malik. If a chef uses a knife to make a delicious meal, but then another man uses the same knife to kill someone. Is the knife evil?

"I mean, it would be the man, obviously." Malik replied.

Ishizu smiled slightly. "Well, we think of the items in that same manner. What matters is whom uses the item and how they use it, not the item itself. The items, although born of dark magic, are not evil in nature. They are merely instruments of raw magical power. The items have been pivotal to our success for millennia."

Malik nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, I see your point."

"You're taking this a lot better than I thought you would," Marik said, amusement in his voice. "I thought I'd have to tie you up or something to stop you from running away."

Malik snorted. "I've come with you this far, haven't I? And, to be honest, everything you're saying makes sense. Why the police haven't found any bodies, why they're doing it in the first place, and the randomness of the victims. I just wish we could do more than hole up here," He spat, his hand tightening on Marik's.

"Our time will come," Ishizu said as she set her now-empty mug back onto the table. "We are doing what we can from the shadows."

Malik was about to ask what she meant before Marik beat him to it. "Ishizu sent Atemu a cryptic email, trying to steer him on the right path. She's quite gifted in cyber security so she made sure the email couldn't be tracked." Marik's eyes were serious as he looked at Malik. "Atemu is vital to stopping this whole thing, but we'll need to tell you some more stuff about the Realm of Shadows before you'll understand why."

Malik's stomach twisted and he shifted uncomfortably, his bladder suddenly screaming at him. He also suddenly needed a moment alone to process all this information. The Realm of Shadows? Malik was burning with questions once more, but his bladder was persistent in its protests. "I'm sorry, can I use your toilet? I'll be right back, I promise."

Marik blinked owlishly at his request before he released Malik's hand. Malik tried to not notice how disappointed he was at that. "Sure, it's second door on the right. The other two rooms are bedrooms."

Malik nodded and mechanically stood from the sofa. He forced himself to stride confidently down the corridor, he was all too aware of their eyes are they drilled between his shoulder blades. Malik hunched over a little from the weight of it as he rounded the corner to head towards the bathroom.

The corridor was slightly dark, but illuminated enough from the lights in the living room that he didn't feel the need to turn on the overhead. His stomach was twisting, his bladder screaming for relief as his mind raced with everything he had learned so far. Magic items. Cults. Evil kings, and sacrificial rituals. His head spun as he gingerly made his way to the bathroom. Step-by-step. He had to admit that his analytical mind was struggling with accepting magic was real, but he could tell that Marik and Ishizu were being sincere in their explanation.

And there was more to learn, more revelations to be had. The Realm of Shadows, it hardly sounded like Disneyland. Malik suddenly wished he could go back to his lab and bury himself in work, block out the world and all its horrors. Get back to normality. Get back to a place where every problem had an answer, as long as you knew where to look. Which Malik always did.

Hell, he even kind of missed Mao, the angry bastard would at least be consistent as normality spun away from him.

As he passed the first door on the right, something rooted him to the wood beneath his feet. His breath quickened in panic as he turned and faced the door. Malik frowned as he stared at his hand, already poised to swing it open. He hadn't even realised he had raised it.

His frown deepened as his body seemed to move on its own. He stepped into the cold bedroom and shivered. Despite the severe lack of light, his eyes zeroed in on the corner of a duffle bag that teasingly peaked out from beneath the bed. It was like the bag was a siren, and Malik was the fool sailor that stepped off the boat to happily drown in the sea. He stepped forward, his mind hazy and eyes unfocussed as he dropped to his knees at the foot of the bed. His long coat pooled around him like a cape as he yanked the bag free and deftly undid the zip. His bladder, that was previously screaming in protest, was now unsettlingly silent.

His breath quickened more as he spied the box. It was beautiful. It was solid gold and seemed to shine with its own ethereal light in the darkness. Malik's hands drifted over the smooth lid, relishing in how his hands glided along it. His fingers danced along it, feeling various indentations that he couldn't identify. His finger began to trace the lid of the box, almost lovingly. Was that . . . an eye?

What am I doing? Even his thoughts were slurred and hazy, as if he were drunk or high. Wake up, wake up! He mentally screamed. But his body stubbornly refused to obey him.

Before he knew it, his short nails were under the lid. Attempting to Pry it open. It didn't give right away, and he swallowed an involuntary cry of frustration as the lid finally popped open.

Only for him to scream in fright as he was engulfed in a blinding, golden light.

Jou frowned as he used his key to unlock the heavy padlock. He caught it deftly with his hand before it could drop to the wet pavement at his feet. The same couldn't be said of the heavy chain that encircled the handle. Jou cringed dramatically as it clanged heavily to the ground. Good thing that they weren't trying to be stealthy, eh?

"You're such a clutz, big brother." A soft voice said from behind him.

Jou shot a grin at the small girl behind him. "Yeah, but you love me anyways. Eh, Serenity?"

She laughed; the sound tinkled like bells as it reverberated down the alley walls. "Sure, but remind me to never trust you to hold your future niece or nephew without supervision."

He turned, clutching his free hand to his chest like he had been shot. He fell dramatically against the door as he shot his sister a pitying look. "You wound me, Serenity. I can't believe you would do this to your favourite brother. I would never drop the little bean!"

She rolled her grey eyes skyward. "You're my only brother, Jounouchi."

"To-may-to, to-mah-to." He grinned at her and ran a hand through his wild blonde hair. "Thanks for coming with me to grab some stuff for Yug' by the way."

"I had to; you have shockingly bad taste in clothes. Poor Yugi would be wearing mismatched stuff for days." She shot him a teasing smile.

There were six people that Jou would openly say that he cared for, and his sister would always be at the top of that list. They were complete opposites, Jou was brash and loud whereas Serenity was calm and gentle. In Jou's opinion he was as dumb as a post, whereas Serenity was intelligent and creative. Jou had thick, shaggy, blonde hair with honey-brown eyes. Serenity's hair was long and ginger, her large grey eyes sparkled with kindness and innocence. Jou grinned widely as he stepped aside for her to enter Millennium first. He always forgot how short she was, the top of her head barely reached his shoulder as she sidled past him, giving him a playful shove against his chest to make him move.

Yugi was all-too-happy to give Serenity a part-time job at Millennium as she attended university for her nursing degree. The small manager was always happy to be flexible with her shifts to accommodate school, something that Jou would eternally be grateful to his best friend for. Jou had initally begged her to let him or her boyfriend pay for everything, but she had steadfastly refused. Serenity insisted that it was something that she needed to do herself, and after much arguing, he accepted that it was something that she just needed to do.

Jou didn't like it, but he would accept it. Because he loved her.

"Come on Jou, it's freezing out there and it's almost 9pm. I've got class tomorrow!"

She glowered at him as she flicked the corridor light on, she turned with her hands on her hips at the foot of the stairs. She wore a pair of denim dungarees that settled neatly atop her white trainers, that were currently tapping in impatience at her older brother. A faded, striped top peeked above the denim, only obscured by the large baby-pink coat that served to protect her from the sudden winter chill. He felt his chest swell as he stepped inside and pocketed the padlock in his own jacket. Yes, he was fiercely proud of the woman that Serenity had become. Independent, strong, loving. He thought that nobody would ever be good enough for her, but she managed the impossible and found someone that met Jou's high standards. Thank God for that.

He'd hate to have to go to prison for breaking some snot-nosed brat's kneecaps for hurting his little sister.

She had found out that she was pregnant two weeks ago. It was still early days but Jou could tell that she couldn't contain her excitement. Jou was worried about her studies and her job but she was insistent that she and her boyfriend had a plan so she wouldn't have to give up school. He trusted her enough to let it go.

For now.

And now that the news had a chance to sink in, Jou was excited to be an uncle. He'd never forget the day that his sister told him for as long as he lived. How his eyes filled with tears as he gently held the sonogram between his fingers. It was so unbelievably small, a little white kidney bean in a sea of black. Safe. Growing strong.

His little kidney bean. He'd burn the world to the ground for his bean.

They chatted about everything and nothing as they ascended the stairs and, before Jou knew it, he was sinking his key into the door for Yugi's flat before he swung it open.

Jou sighed in relief as he noticed everything was the same as usual, he certainly spent enough time here with his best friend to register if anything was out of the ordinary. Serenity was frowning a little as she turned to look at Jou.

"Hey, you start packing up some toiletries and underwear for him, and I'll make the bed. He'd have a fit if he remembered it was a mess before he left." She joked.

Jou snorted a little at that. He loved Yugi to death but the man was possessed with keeping things neat. His sister was right on the money that the small man would have a cow when he got back home. "Sure, no problem. Take your time."

Jou beelined towards Yugi's wardrobe and threw it open, retrieving a purple duffle bag from the top shelf. The next few minutes were a blur as Jou threw in various pairs of shoes, socks, and toiletries for Yugi. Jou hesitated, his hand hovering over a small nondescript box stowed at the bottom of his wardrobe. He knew that the box housed his best friend's most treasured possession. Did he pack it for him? He mulled it over before deciding against it with a shake of his head. Nobody else knew it was there so there was no harm in keeping it tucked away. Meanwhile, Serenity finished making the bed and started laying out outfits from Yugi's wardrobe onto the bed for Jou to fold and pack.

"Isn't this a bit much, Serenity? He's only going to be gone for a few days." Jou mumbled as he folded a hoodie.

"What if Yami wants to take him out somewhere? Or things take a little longer with the police? I doubt they'll be happy with us coming back a second time, judging from what you said."

Jou rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, that guy was a raging asshole." Jou sarcastically lowered his voice as he imitated the officer from this morning. "You should be grateful we're letting you come back at all, you could contaminate the crime scene. I also have a stick so far up my ass that I dribble sap and shit bark every damn day of my life. Some people day I'm part Ent because of it."

"Jounouchi!" Serenity cried; the protest held little heat considering the laughter that bubbled out of her. "That's a little mean."

"Ah, maybe so. Doesn't make it less true." He grinned at her as he zipped the bag closed. "Come on then, let's blow this popsicle stand."

"Yes sir!" She sarcastically saluted him, which dragged another eyeroll from Jou as he slung the bag across his shoulders.

Before he knew it, he was retrieving the padlock from his pocket once more and securing the chain back in place. Serenity was dancing from foot-to-foot in place to stave off the chill.

"What time is your class tomorrow?" He asked, shoving his hands into his pockets after his task was done. "And how is the moving going?"

"9:00," she replied to his first question, "He was around my place earlier picking up some boxes to take to his apartment. He keeps saying that I can't lift anything because of the baby." She rolled her eyes as Jou nodded enthusiastically at that. "I can still lift things up until I'm five months along, both of you are too overprotective."

"Good man." Jou nodded in approval, heroically ignoring her glare. "I can't believe my little sister is pregnant and shacking up, it brings a tear to my eye." Jou laughed as she playfully punched him on the arm. "That hurt!"

"You deserved it." She stated before she lifted her sleeve and gasped. "Geez, I've got to get back home. Don't worry, I'll text you when I'm home safe. My car is parked just round the front." She spun on her heel and rushed towards the main street, throwing a wave over her shoulder.

"You'd better otherwise we're having a falling out!" He shouted at her retreating back.

He smiled as she rounded the corner and disappeared. He pulled on the padlock, double checking that it was secure before he turned to make his way to his motorbike. As he settled on the seat and kicked the stand up, he decided he might as well drop the bag off to Yugi before heading home. He sighed as the bike roared to life between his thighs, he'd better hurry before his own boyfriend decapitated him for being home late.

Unfortunately for Jou, he couldn't hear the faint scream beneath the deafening roar of his bike as he sped off into the night. Nor did he notice that his sister's car was still parked at the front of Millennium, as dark, and foreboding as a mausoleum on all Hallows Eve.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he shut off his engine. For a few precious moments, the only noises were his ragged breathing and the sound of his hot engine turning over. His wife had left the off-road parking spot open for him, knowing that he was 'working' late. He felt his heart swell at the thought. She was so damn considerate of him; it was almost unbelievable.

How did he get so lucky? He didn't know, but he did know that he didn't deserve it.

He stared at the house that was currently lit up like a freaking Christmas tree. He took drag of his cigarette. One of the many secrets he was keeping from his wife. She'd blow a gasket if she found out that he was smoking again.

Well, she'd blow a gasket if she found out what he was up to when he said he was 'working' late. Considering that, he found himself not caring too much about picking up the habit again. His hand shook as he took another drag. He wasn't happy with it. He wasn't happy at all.

He fucked up when he was very young and impressionable, and now he couldn't get out. He shuddered, dropping ash harmlessly onto his black jeans as his hand jerked. By some miracle, he hadn't been forced into the full initiation yet, but he knew he was on borrowed time. It felt like he had a bomb in his chest, the numbers tauntingly ticked down every day until he inevitably exploded.

Like the world's most gore-filled, pathetic, firework.

He thought of the others he saw after their initiation. They weren't the same anymore, everything that they were was blasted away and consumed by the shadows. There were some that served, like a marionette without strings. Then there were others like the psycho he was forced to work with often. The ones like the psycho embraced the change, revelled in the shadows and the madness within.

He didn't know what to do. If he tried to run, they'd get his wife and catch up to him eventually. He loved her too much to leave her to that fate. If he told anyone, they'd kill him before he could do any real damage. In a sick way, he was glad that they couldn't have children. He wouldn't forgive himself if he had to bring a small child into this mess. Without being initiated, he was limited to what he had access to, so he had no idea if he could sabotage them from within.

He was completely stuck. Like a fly who had flown into a spider's web. It didn't matter how much he struggled, he wouldn't get free before he was a main course. At least this way, he might have some grounds to negotiate for himself and his wife once they get what they want and the dust settles.

They'd be reasonable, right?

With that thought in mind, he threw his cigarette butt out of his open car window before rolling it up. He quickly sprayed some aftershave and popped a piece of gum into his mouth to mask the smell of smoke before he exited his car. Every step towards the front door felt like a march to the gallows. He hated lying to her, he hated everything he's had to do to stay alive.

He hated it, and yet, whenever he saw her, he felt like it was worth it. He had to make sure that his own mistakes didn't get her killed. She was a typhoon of good for the world, she had to keep going and make it a better place.

He wanted to live, he wanted to stay himself more than anything. But he wanted her to be safe more.

He pushed open the door, his mouth watering as the smell of dinner assaulted his nose.

"Hey hon, you have great timing! Dinner will be ready in five minutes!" He heard her voice from the kitchen.

"That's great darling! How was your day?" He called back as he thumped onto the sofa.

"Exhausting," she said, her voice suddenly right behind him. "I'll tell you more about it later. How about you? The garage has been packed for the last couple of months, you've been in and out of the house like a yo-yo."

He closed his eyes and tilted his head back as he sighed deeply. "Yeah, we keep getting a lot of accidents and short notice bookings."

"Maybe you should hire someone? Lighten the load off yourself a little bit, I miss you. You're never here when I get home lately."

He hummed in pleasure as he felt her soft lips firmly press against his forehead. He cracked open his eyes to be met with a sea of violet, her long blonde hair was out of her usual bun and around them in waves as she leaned over her husband. He smiled as he felt the soft strands tickle his cheek slightly.

"Yeah, I'll consider it. I promise." He reached up and cupped her cheek, loving the way she leaned into his palm. He then heard the oven timer chime, yet she didn't move. "Now, Mrs Valentine. I think dinner is ready."

She yelped and scurried into the kitchen, cursing the whole way about this is why she never cooks. She's shit at cooking, she worked hard so she can't let it burn, how she wanted to give him a treat because he'd been working so hard lately.

As he listened to her, his heart ached terribly. He was doing what he had to, for her sake. It was the right thing to do.

Right?

Fun fact, I used Jou calling his niece/nephew his 'Little Bean' from my own life.

I love my niece more than anything, and I still call her my Beanie Baby to this day - probably will forever haha!