Chapter 32: Safe and Sound
The demon moon hung high over Raizen's fortress, casting silver light through the vast chamber.
Keiko lay beneath the silk sheets, her body warm and relaxed for the first time in weeks.
She was healing.
She was safe.
And Yusuke—
Yusuke couldn't stop looking at her.
He stood by the window, arms crossed, just watching.
She looked so peaceful.
So soft.
So perfect.
His heart squeezed painfully.
He never thought he'd be allowed to have something like this.
But now—
Now, she was here.
Now, they were here.
And Yusuke had never wanted to hold onto something more in his life.
Keiko stirred, her lashes fluttering as she turned onto her side.
Her eyes found him immediately.
A sleepy, soft smile.
"Yusuke," she murmured, stretching slightly.
His lips curled. "Yo."
She frowned. "What are you doing over there?"
Yusuke hesitated.
What was he doing?
Standing here? Watching her like a dumbass?
He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"I dunno." His voice was low, honest. "Just… thinking."
Keiko sat up slightly, blinking. "Thinking?"
Yusuke let out a soft chuckle. "Yeah. Weird, huh?"
She smiled, reaching for him. "Come here."
Yusuke didn't hesitate.
The moment her fingers curled around his, he climbed into bed, settling beside her.
She curled against his chest, her warmth sinking into him like she belonged there.
And Yusuke—
Yusuke felt like his world was finally right.
She tilted her head, studying him.
Her fingertips traced along his jaw. "You're staring again."
His lips quirked. "Can't help it."
She blushed.
And that—
That did something to him.
Something deep.
Something primal.
His fingers slid along her waist, pulling her closer.
"You're real," he muttered, voice low and rough.
Keiko blinked, startled by the intensity in his gaze.
"Of course I am."
Yusuke exhaled, shaky. "I don't think you get it, babe."
His hand curled over her stomach, protective.
"You almost died." His throat tightened. "I almost lost you. Both of you."
Keiko's eyes softened.
He swallowed hard, shaking his head. "I ain't scared of anything, Keiko. Never have been."
He let out a rough, self-deprecating laugh.
"But losing you?"
His fingers slid beneath her chin, tilting her face toward his.
"That terrifies me."
Keiko's lips parted, breath hitching.
And Yusuke—
Yusuke couldn't wait any longer.
He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss.
Keiko gasped softly, fingers tightening in his hair.
It was slow. Deep. All-consuming.
Not rushed. Not desperate.
Just Yusuke, pouring every damn thing he had into her.
She melted against him, her body soft, warm, wanting.
He pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against hers.
"Let me love you tonight," he whispered, voice husky.
Keiko trembled beneath him.
And then—
She pulled him down, kissing him harder.
That was all the permission he needed.
His hands slid beneath the fabric of her robe, memorizing every inch of her skin.
Keiko's nails raked against his back, her breath heavy, needy.
Yusuke groaned, pressing his body against hers, claiming her like she was already his.
Because she was.
She always had been.
That night, Yusuke didn't just love her.
He worshiped her.
Every touch. Every kiss. Every breath.
Keiko moaned softly against his ear, and Yusuke felt his body shake.
"Keiko," he rasped, completely lost in her.
She smiled, whispering against his lips.
"I'm here, Yusuke."
And with that—
They drowned in each other.
Nothing else existed.
No past. No pain.
Just this.
Just them.
Hours passed, but it could've been forever.
When they finally collapsed against the sheets, breathless and tangled together, Yusuke had never felt so complete.
His fingers trailed along her spine, memorizing every inch of her.
Keiko's breathing was slow, steady, content.
Yusuke's lips brushed against her temple.
"I love you, babe." His voice was low, raw.
Keiko smiled softly, her fingers curling against his chest.
"I love you too, Yusuke."
He kissed her again, slow and deep, letting it linger.
And as he held her close, his hand resting over the small swell of her stomach, Yusuke finally understood something.
This was home.
Not just the walls of Genkai's temple.
Not just the city streets he grew up in.
Keiko was home.
And now?
Now, he had everything.