Hello again, Everyone! Welcome to Chapter 3 of Tatsumi Ga Kill. In this chapter, we'll be officially heading into anime/manga territory. This chapter will cover Tatsumi and Sayo joining Night Raid and dealing with Aria.

I wanted to once again thank everyone who is choosing to read this story. It means a lot. I also wish to once again thank those who are also following/favoriting it. That means a lot, too. I also wish to thank those who have commented/reviewed. I'm grateful for that.

Just to be clear, bold text is when Messiah speaks, and italic text is inner thoughts.

Alright, then. Let's get to it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Akame Ga Kill or its characters.

Note: All characters depicted in intimate relations are 18 or over.

(Main Story, Imperial Year 1024, Woods far from the Imperial Capital)

Tatsumi and Sayo had been travelling together for a while now. The former of the duo recognised that they were quickly approaching the Imperial Capital. The latter of the duo grew increasingly concerned for her childhood friend. He maintained a serious, determined expression on his handsome face.

Tatsumi remembered to keep an eye out for the bandits that originally separated him from Sayo. He had no intention of allowing history to repeat itself. Whilst he could have easily save Sayo later on, he had no desire to put her through such hellish torture. No… Tatsumi would never allow any harm to befall his beloved Sayo ever again.

Yes… his beloved Sayo.

Tatsumi had reconciled with himself earlier on that he had fallen in love with Sayo… as well as many other women from his original life. Sayo's death in the original timeline drove him to seek vengeance against the world that took her from him. He mourned for Ieyasu as well, of course, but Sayo… Sayo was Tatsumi's first love. And… he never got to say goodbye.

He failed her once… he failed everyone he cared for once… but that will never happen again. That was Tatsumi's sacred vow.

"Be at ease, young one. You have me, now. And I will not fail you." Messiah spoke softly.

Tatsumi spoke to his new Teigu inside his very soul. 'I know.'

During the past eleven years of Tatsumi's training, Messiah had bestowed upon his host various new powers and abilities. Some of Tatsumi's powers were accessible in his human form, whereas others required him to transform into his Messiah form.

As for changing fate, Messiah had warned Tatsumi that the fates of his Night Raid comrades were inextricably linked with those of his enemies. He would need to bear this in mind if he is to be the saviour that this world needs. Messiah could only promise that Tatsumi would understand the meaning of that warning in time. Tatsumi considered telling his Night Raid comrades about his visions as soon as he met them, but Messiah counselled against it. Messiah was concerned that too many alterations of the timeline may place Tatsumi and those he cared for in dangerous situations that they would be completely unprepared for. Messiah pledged that he would help Tatsumi save as many people as he could, but they had to be cautious as to how they did so. The time would come where he could tell everyone the whole truth… eventually.

Eventually, Tatsumi and Sayo came across the fateful bandit group that caused their separation. Tatsumi dispatched them with ease and ruthless efficiency. Then they encountered an Earth Dragon Danger Beast that Tatsumi easily vanquished. Just as the beast fully emerged from the ground, Tatsumi sliced off its head.

Sayo was astonished. In all of the years she had known Tatsumi, she had never seen him fight with such skill and power… it was amazing. Of course, Tatsumi did tell her the truth on the way to the capital. About Messiah, Night Raid, his memories … and how she had died. It was a lot to take in, but Sayo assured Tatsumi that she wasn't going anywhere. She would never leave him again. They both blushed as she said that.

(The Imperial Capital)

Here Tatsumi was again… the capital. For many poor naive souls, it was the land where dreams came true. But Tatsumi knew it was the stuff of nightmares. In any case, he knew his objective. He had to find Leone.

The plan was for Sayo and himself to join Night Raid from the get-go. He could be a part of the assignment to assassinate Aria's family. But first, he wanted Night Raid to take Sayo into their protection. He would infiltrate the mansion by himself. He also wanted to be the one to deal with Aria when the time comes.

Thankfully, it didn't take long for the duo to find her. Tatsumi had explained to Sayo who Leone was and described her appearance (though Sayo was quite envious of Leone's well-endowed figure). Sayo spotted Leone drinking coffee at a table by herself.

Tatsumi gave an exaggerated sigh as he approached Leone's table. Sayo played along with Tatsumi's ploy.

"Dammit. We're never going to be able to join the Imperial Army at this rate." Tatsumi said with a groan.

"I know. We came all this way for nothing. What are we going to do now?" Sayo responded.

It worked. Leone took the bait and joined them, having finished her coffee.

"Hey, you two. Were you saying something about wanting to join the military? I can help if you would treat a lady to a drink…"

Tatsumi approached Leone and leaned in close enough to whisper in her ear.

"I might just do that… if the three of us can first talk in private…"

(Alleyway somewhere in the Capital, away from prying eyes)

Once he made sure they were alone, Tatsumi explained to Sayo and Leone his plan to deal with Aria. After introducing themselves to each other, they got to business. Leone was still wary of Tatsumi and Sayo, but somehow, she felt that she could trust them.

"So, let me get this straight… You two want to join Night Raid?" Leone asked.

"Yes," Tatsumi and Sayo simply said simultaneously.

"And, in exchange, you're gonna help us take down our next target, right?" Leone addressed Tatsumi.

"Yes." Tatsumi replied. Leone still wondered as to how Tatsumi knew about Night Raid and Aria's family, but she decided to not press the matter any further. At least for now. If Tatsumi was willing to keep Leone being in Night Raid a secret, instead of reporting her, then Leone would at least hear him out.

"Okay, then… Well, I guess we'll need the Boss' approval before you can join the Assassin's Guild, but I guess I'll see what I can do for you guys. Hey, Sayo, how well can you fight?" Leone asked.

"I'm better with ranged support than in close combat, but Tatsumi has been training me. I'm not on his level, but I can keep up with the rest of you, I'd say" Sayo clarified.

"So you can fight, then… good. Are you alright with heading back to base with me, Sayo? We'll get you settled in, and don't worry. I won't pull any tricks. If you play nice, then so will I." Leone reassured.

"Yes. Thanks, Leone… so, I guess this is where we part ways for now, Tatsumi. You gonna be alright?" Sayo asked with quite a bit of concern… whilst taking his hand in hers.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I promise. I'll always come back to you, girls." Tatsumi reassured Sayo, a light blush adorning his face.

"Geez, Tatsumi… you can't just say that out of nowhere." Sayo remarked with a blush. Nonetheless, she decided to embrace Tatsumi in a hug.

Admittedly, Leone was taken aback herself. she couldn't help but envy Sayo. Tatsumi was sweet when he wanted to be, and he was quite the hunk, too. And it was Sayo who got to know him for all those years. She clearly had a headstart on Leone, but the busty blonde was determined to get Tatsumi flustered over her.

"Oi, Tatsumi, why not show your Big Sis some love too, huh? Don't worry, I don't bite… unless you want me to~" Leone teased.

Tatsumi decided to do something a bit bold and lightly bite Leone's ear. Not hard enough to draw blood, but it was enough to mark her. As a result, it was Leone who became flustered.

"Eh? Huh? W-wha-?" Leone stuttered.

Tatsumi smirked, feeling quite proud of himself. "Well, I think it's about time I got going. See you later, ladies." Tatsumi spoke as he left.

'Please be careful, Tatsumi. I want you to come back to us… to me.' Sayo thought to herself.

'Tatsumi… you marked me. Someday, I'll make you take responsibility for it.' Leone decided.

(Street Corner, Evening)

Tatsumi stood over the rooftops. He checked to make sure he could see Aria's carriage. When Messiah confirmed that Aria's carriage was in sight, Tatsumi discreetly jumped down to a nearby street corner and positioned himself. He had a brief interlude with a few delinquents on the streets earlier, but Tatsumi simply rendered them unconscious.

Inside her carriage, Aria was incredibly bored. Her parents wanted her to find a suitor, but so far, she had no luck. She wanted a handsome man who was weak-willed and gentle natured. Someone who would be putty in her hands. Someone who would pay no mind to her unruly hair, and would be simple to dominate. Oh, and it would help if the man was able to carry all of her shopping for her… and carry HER around, as well.

Though, it seemed that fortune was on her side. She came across a male who was quite the looker. He didn't appear to have a place to sleep, so Aria decided to grace the man with her divine presence. He should be honored that she would deign to take him in, quite frankly.

"Stop here, please." Aria commanded her guards.

"Again, My Lady?" One of the guards asked.

"I can't help it. It's just my nature." Aria responded. The guards shivered at the dual meaning behind her words. They feared for the boy she had spotted, but they had no choice but to follow their lady's command. Her father would have them executed, otherwise.

The carriage came to a halt, and Tatsumi could hear the door open. He registered the approaching fateful girl that set his life on fire, her clicking heels a portent as she drew closer to him. She came to a stop and leaned over Tatsumi, enough for his eyes to roam, his gaze lingering on her curves before stopping at her face.

"Why, hello there, my dear. You seem to be in need of some help~" Aria spoke softly.

Tatsumi decided to play along… for now. "Yeah… I don't really have a place to stay…" He said in a dejected manner. He also made sure to give Leone and Sayo the gold he had earned beforehand for safekeeping. He didn't want Aria to rob him of anything valuable.

"Well, that won't do at all. Why don't you come back with me to my family's mansion? I'll take good care of you there. I promise!" Aria assured him..

"Really? I mean… I don't want to be a burden on you or your family…" Tatsumi said.

"Nonsense! I couldn't live with myself if I left you out here all by yourself. Come now. On your feet!" Aria declared. Clearly, this wasn't going to be an argument, as Aria had already taken his hand in hers and led him to the carriage. For someone so cold-hearted and vicious, Aria's hands were quite soft and warm. But, Tatsumi still couldn't forget the pain and anguish that she had caused Ieyasu and Sayo, as well as so many others.

Tatsumi addressed the Teigu in his very being. "Messiah? Can I ask you to do me a favour? I'm curious about something."

"Of course, Tatsumi. I am here to serve."

"You can tell when someone is lying, right? Or, at least, hiding their true nature, right?" Tatsumi communicated.

"I can, my friend. I believe you wish for me to reveal whether or not the affection Aria shows you is real." Messiah spoke.

"That's right. If I can know for sure that there's nothing good within Aria whatsoever, I'll feel no remorse when I finally cut her down." Tatsumi communicated to his Teigu.

"I see. And what would you do if there was some goodness within her, after all?" Messiah asked.

"... She killed Sayo and Ieyasu, Messiah. And so many others. I can't forgive her for that." Tatsumi thought. The young man seemed unwilling to budge on the matter, though Messiah did not blame him. However… If Tatsumi was so willing to kill Aria regardless, why would it matter what she felt for him? Surely, it would be irrelevant.

"Make no mistake… I said nothing about forgiveness, Tatsumi. I am fully aware of the suffering she has wrought. But Sayo and Ieyasu have not died by Aria's hand this time." Messiah explained.

"I don't see your point. There's still the matter of her other victims. Not to mention her blatant disregard for those she sees beneath her. The only reason she didn't kill Sayo and Ieyasu this time is because she never got the chance to. I can't just spare her because of that. And even if I did, what would happen to Aria, then? It's not as if Night Raid will just let her walk away." Tatsumi said.

"As I said before, I am well aware of the pain she has caused… but surely, her parents may have had something to do with her sadistic nature and her arrogance. Her circumstances may have determined the person she became. It does not excuse her actions, of course. However, if my hypothesis is correct, then her situation is the same as Esdeath, Seryu and Kurome. And like those three, Aria can perhaps atone for her sins as a result of your guidance. I believe that any effort for redemption is never wasted." Messiah explained.

"... Well, I… look, tell me what you see in her soul, and we'll… we'll go from there." Tatsumi said. It turns out he was willing to budge on this… if only somewhat.

"Very well." Messiah gazed into Aria's soul and mind. As he expected, Aria was concealing her dark side… but there was something else. Beneath the surface, there WAS light. Light and fear. And Messiah correctly assumed the cause for both: Tatsumi. She genuinely seemed to care for him somewhat, but also feared what her parents would do to him. Aria was hoping to convince them to let her keep him as a servant/lover.

So, it appeared that Aria's wish to care for him was genuine. Messiah communicated this to Tatsumi.

"Well… damn. I thought this would be easy. So, now she just loves me, all of a sudden?" Tatsumi said to Messiah.

"It is affection, and I imagine it will manifest into love soon. Until then, just be your natural self around her. That means no killing intent, of course. But that's just my advice. I believe that, in the future, she will be of great help to Night Raid… if you are willing to give her that chance." Messiah explained.

Tatsumi pondered his divine friend's words for a moment. He conceded.

"Okay. I… I'll think about it." Tatsumi said.

"That's all I ask, my friend." Messiah said.

With that, Tatsumi and Aria entered her carriage. As they set off, Aria wrapped her arm around Tatsumi as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"So, what's your name, love?" Aria asked.

"Tatsumi… my name's Tatsumi." Tatsumi answered.

"Mmm… that's a lovely name…" Aria responded dreamily.

Tatsumi had a feeling that he was going to hear that a lot.

After reaching Aria's mansion, Tatsumi met her parents and settled in for the night (he recalled how Aria blew a kiss toward him as he went to the Guest Room). Tatsumi went to sleep and prepared himself for tomorrow night. Night Raid would slaughter the mansion. Aria's family will die. Tatsumi took no issue with the deaths of her parents. Messiah pointed out that there was nothing redeemable within them. Only evil lurked within their hearts. As for Aria herself… he still wasn't sure.

(The Next Day, The Capital Streets)

The next morning, Aria woke him up (her face was quite close to his). She announced that they were secretly going on a date! Although, in public, they were just going shopping. Nonetheless, Aria called it a date because she wanted to spend more time with this handsome ladykiller. She only hoped that he wouldn't attract too many female admirers.

Tatsumi was thankful for his growth spurt. Mainly because he offered to carry Aria's shopping. As a result of his training, he managed to carry Aria's purchased items with ease. The blonde-haired noble was amazed at Tatsumi's strength. So much so that she decided on something.

"Guards, please relieve Tatsumi of my shopping. I have something else for him to carry." Aria stated to her guards.

"Yes, Lady Aria!" The guards obeyed Aria's command and took the shopping from Tatsumi.

"So, what do you want me to carry?" Tatsumi asked… before Aria hugged his torso.

"Me! Carry me, Tatsumi~" She ordered while giggling. She then jumped onto Tatsumi, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around her, a noticeable blush on his face. For Tatsumi, this was quite… odd. For Aria, being in the arms of a gentle giant like Tatsumi was Heaven to her. She held onto him and never wanted to let go.

Tatsumi couldn't help but… enjoy this. He knew that she was a sadistic torturer, but right now, she was… well, it was difficult to see her as a monster.

"Maybe Messiah had a point. I know she's done terrible things, but she doesn't have the best parents. That, and the fact that she lived in such a corrupt and twisted place like the Empire's Capital didn't help matters". Tatsumi thought. Maybe… she did have a heart, somewhere in there. Maybe, he could save her after all.

Tatsumi spent the rest of that day carrying Aria in his arms… bridal style. Aria joked that it would make good practice for when they were married, which earned another blush from Tatsumi. Aria shot the occasional glare toward any female admirer who clearly wished to be in Aria's position. Couldn't they see that Tatsumi was enjoying her company? The arrogance of people, sometimes.

Aria decided that shopping with Tatsumi wasn't enough. She wanted-no, NEEDED- more of him. She took him to her favourite restaurant next. She brushed her hand against his thigh whilst they dined. She even fed him using her own spoon, calling it an indirect kiss.

As for Tatsumi… he couldn't believe it, but… he was enjoying this. He was enjoying spending time with Aria. But there was no way he could choose her over Sayo, and it's not as if Sayo would share him with someone like Aria, anyway… right?

(Later that day, the night of Night Raid's attack on the mansion)

That night, Tatsumi was surprised to see Aria join him in his room.

"Oh, hello, Lady Aria. What brings you here?" Tatsumi wondered.

"Please, Tatsumi. Just call me Aria. I've heard enough formalities to last a lifetime." Aria said to Tatsumi with a gentle smile.

Tatsumi nodded and relaxed a bit more… but he was still curious as to why she was here. He wasn't concerned for his safety. He could easily escape any danger that Aria may wish to place him in, if it came to it. But surely that wasn't why she was here.

"Tatsumi… I… I was hoping to sleep with- Uh, I mean, next to you tonight. If that's alright with you, of course." Aria stumbled over her words. She had prepared herself beforehand, but standing in Tatsumi's presence was intoxicating. It was quite distracting. Tatsumi recoiled slightly. Aria was certainly… bolder than in the previous timeline. There were signs back then that she cared for him. When Akame had the advantage against Tatsumi during their duel, Aria seemed concerned for his life. He remembered the look in her pale-blue eyes… She didn't want him to die.

"Oh… well, of course, Aria. If that's what you want, then… It's fine." Tatsumi decided.

Aria climbed into Tatsumi's bed and hugged his arm. She nuzzled into his shoulder blade and kissed it.

"Tatsumi, may I ask you a question?" Aria requested.

"Certainly." Tatsumi said.

Aria took a deep breath. Then, she spoke again.

"Tatsumi, when you look upon me, what do you see?" She asked.

Tatsumi wasn't sure where she was going with this, but he decided to answer her.

"I see a charming, lovely woman. A woman who's a bit snobby, but lovely, nonetheless. And your hair is quite nice, too" Tatsumi answered as honestly as he could.

"Tatsumi… no one has ever said that to me before… but I don't deserve any of your praise. I really don't." Aria admitted with tears in her eyes.

Tatsumi sighed. It looks like Aria was going to come clean. When he unlocked his memories of the past timeline, he learned more about Aria's previous intentions for him.

Aria never intended to torture Tatsumi to death, at least. But she did intend to dominate him, to break him down and turn him into a submissive lover/servant (which was similar to Esdeath's plans for him). Aria wanted Tatsumi to belong completely to her. Mind, body and soul. His every waking thought would have been only of Aria. By the time he would have found out about Sayo and Ieyasu, he would have been too broken to seek vengeance.

He had no intention of letting that happen, but he decided that he wasn't going to kill Aria, either. Did she deserve death? Many would argue such, and rightfully so. But with Sayo and Ieyasu alive… Tatsumi was able to think more clearly. She would need to atone for everything she had done, and Tatsumi would have to teach her right from wrong. But, if she was willing to cooperate and work with him, then she could be of great help to Night Raid. In any case, Tatsumi first wanted to establish what was wrong with Aria.

"This is to do with what's in the storehouse, isn't it?" Tatsumi calmly asked. Aria's eyes widened. He… he knew, didn't he? He knew everything! He knew how much of a monster she was! It was over! He would never love her now! She'll be alone! SHE"LL BE ALL ALONE!

Tatsumi saw Aria hyperventilate and hushed her softly, calming Aria down. "Shh, shh. It's alright, Aria. Just calm down. Let's talk about this, okay?" Tatsumi said. Aria nodded, and took a few breaths.

"Messiah, she wasn't like this last time. Is… Is this because of you?" Tatsumi said to Messiah.

"Somewhat. I have brought her true feelings to the surface, but she only has those feelings in the first place because of you. You just seem to have that effect on women now." Messiah said.

"I… I see." Tatsumi thought about what this meant. Did… Did Aria now want to atone for everything that she did?

Tatsumi then shared his visions with Aria. The visions where Sayo and Ieyasu died. Aria also saw her own death by Tatsumi's hands. She was horrified, but she also felt that she deserved it. When the visions ended, Aria took a moment to collect herself… Then she spoke again.

"Tatsumi.. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for killing your friends… I'm sorry for killing all of those innocent people. I'm sorry for everything." Aria quietly sobbed. Tatsumi did the only thing he could think to do: he held Aria and pulled her close as she cried into his chest.

"Aria… I… I'm here for you. You're my responsibility now. As long as you truly regret everything you did… I'll protect you…" Tatsumi promised.

Hearing that, Aria no longer had any doubt in her mind.

"Tatsumi… I love you… More than anyone." Aria confessed. She wanted Tatsumi to be with her during every waking moment. From when they wake up during the day, to when they go to sleep at night. Aria wanted nothing more than to love Tatsumi and be loved by him, for all their days. In sickness and in health, through thick and thin, They would forever belong to each other, always. That was what she wanted. To Hell with her parents. She didn't care if they died. She would prefer it, actually. On the surface, it looked as if they doted on Aria, but that was only because she fulfilled their expectations from birth. Aria had to adapt quickly to survive. If she showed too much weakness, or was too soft-hearted, her parents would discard her immediately. They would, in their own words, just make another child. But now that Tatsumi was here, she didn't have to worry about anything anymore.

Aria continued, pressing a finger on Tatsumi's lips before he could speak. "And… you don't need to worry. I know that you don't exactly feel that way about me right now. I understand. So, I'm going to do everything possible to earn your love. I'll let you fall for me in your own time. No matter what happens, I'll never stop loving you, Tatsumi~"

Tatsumi smiled. "I understand. We'll take this day by day, and I'll guide you onto the right path, okay?"

Aria smiled. She could see it now. After all is said and done, they would elope to a secluded part of the world. They would marry. And Tatsumi would impregnate her after hours of rapturous coupling. She couldn't wait to embrace a new life with her Tatsumi. Even if Tatsumi took other wives, Aria knew they would still hold each other in their hearts. Always.

Tatsumi felt a bit better. He still wasn't entirely sure if he was doing the right thing, considering everything that had happened. But, he felt more at peace with himself. Messiah was also pleased. The Teigu wanted to do right by Tatsumi as much as possible. He wanted Tatsumi to never lose his kind heart. It was easy to get used to killing, but Messiah desired for Tatsumi to continue to preserve life whenever and wherever he could (which was admittedly an unusual priority for an assassin). Messiah accepted that Honest and others like him had to die, and he was fine with that. But he wanted to save Tatsumi and his friends no matter what, which meant having to make a few compromises. Hopefully, Tatsumi would understand.

As Tatsumi and Aria held each other, Night Raid had slaughtered the rest of the mansion. Aria's father was dead, his neck snapped by Leone. Leone felt disgusted that he would ask for mercy when he showed none to his victims. The busty blonde had also notified her fellow assassins to look out for Tatsumi, clarifying that he wasn't their enemy. Aria's mother was dead, too. She was sliced in half by an apologetic Sheele. The mansion's guards were also annihilated by Akame and Lubbock.

Tatsumi, carrying a terrified Aria in his arms, calmly stepped out of his room. Akame approached him carefully.

"Hello. You're Tatsumi, right? Do you know who I am?" Akame asked.

"Yeah, you're Akame. The strongest in Night Raid. It's good to meet you." Tatsumi said.

"Likewise." Akame said, though a light blush appeared on her face when Tatsumi complimented her. She looked at the woman who Tatsumi held in his arms. It was her target. Leone, Sheele, Mine, Lubbock and Bulat (who was wearing Incursio) approached the group.

"So, you're Tatsumi, huh? Well, if Leone says you're cool, then I guess you're cool." Lubbock decided. He didn't know why, but Tatsumi felt familiar to him. In fact, everyone felt that they recognised Tatsumi to some extent. They still couldn't understand why, however.

"We can talk about all that other stuff later. We still have a job we need to finish. Let's finish off Aria so we can get outta here." Mine interrupted.

"Eliminate." Akame stated coldly. She approached with her infamous One-Cut Killer: Murasame, but she was surprised when Tatsumi protected the woman in his arms.

"Hold on, everyone. Just hear me out. Aria was made this way by how her parents raised her. She's not completely at fault here." Tatsumi protested.

"Oi, Tatsumi. Stop thinking with your dick, man. You know the sort of person that Aria is. We have to kill her." Lubbock pleaded with Tatsumi. But the host of the Divine Teigu wouldn't budge.

"She can help us. I know she can. We can bring her back with us, and she can join Night Raid and fight the Empire alongside us." Tatsumi suggested.

"You're not actually serious, right, lover boy? There's no way we can trust her. Hell, I'm still wondering if we can trust YOU." Mine said.

"I'll take responsibility for her. I'll make sure she doesn't try anything. You can trust me. You have my word." Tatsumi promised.

The group in front of him pondered his words for a moment. Bulat chose to speak up.

"Tatsumi has a point, actually. We could always use an extra recruit. And if she's willing to make up for everything that she's done, I'd say we let her." Bulat said. He was all for exercising caution, but he was willing to give Tatsumi the benefit of the doubt. Bulat's instincts told him that Tatsumi was trustworthy. They also told Bulat that the young man in front of him was quite powerful, perhaps even more so than Akame. If Tatsumi insisted on protecting Aria, then fighting with Tatsumi would be more trouble than it's worth.

"Don't worry, guys. Sayo already said that Tatsumi's a good man. And we're best friends now! A friend of Sayo is a friend of mine!" Leone declared. Tatsumi was relieved. He could sense no lie from Leone, which meant that Sayo was unharmed.

"I'm willing to go with what everyone else decides… What were we talking about again?" Sheele asked. Tatsumi couldn't help but smile. Sheele was still… well, Sheele.

Akame looked down in contemplation before making a decision. "Your argument… has merit, Tatsumi. But is Aria willing to go along with this? We just killed her parents." Akame pointed out.

"Yes. I'm alright with this. It doesn't matter if they're dead. I know they deserved it… I know I do, too. But as long as I'm with Tatsumi, I'll be okay. If you let me live, I swear that I'll prove myself. Somehow, I'll make things right." Aria stated, still being held by Tatsumi. Akame looked into Aria's eyes. She did seem determined to prove herself, and Aria didn't appear to be lying.

"Very well, then. I'll say nothing further." Akame conceded.

"Ah, Geez, are we really considering this?... Fine. We'll take her with us. But if it turns out she's a threat after all, I'm gonna expect YOU to deal with it. Ya got that, Tatsumi?" Lubbock asked, addressing Tatsumi and pointing at him when he said "YOU."

Tatsumi nodded his head and turned to Mine. All eyes were on her now. She was the last one left to agree. Mine sighed, clearly quite exasperated in regards to how things turned out.

"This is ridiculous… Tch. Fine, but I'll be watching you, Princess. Same goes to you, Lover Boy. Hmph." Mine said, addressing Aria and Tatsumi before storming off.

"Well, now that we cleared all of that up, we should get back to base, right? I bet Sayo can't wait to see you, Tat~su~mi~" Leone said, wrapping her arm around Tatsumi as he carried Aria.

"Sure. Thanks, Leone. I'll make it up to you. I promise." Tatsumi stated.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll make sure you will, handsome. I've got a few things in mind~" Leone flirted.

Aria pouted that Leone was trying to get cosy with Tatsumi all of a sudden, but seeing as how she was lucky to still be alive, she kept it to herself.

And so, Tatsumi and the others headed back to Night Raid HQ. Tatsumi felt that his ultimate fate looked better already.

(Present Day, Tatsumi's Household, Evening)

Tatsumi settled himself into the hot spring and relaxed. He had arrived first, as one of his wives wanted to surprise him. Aria had arranged a moment where she and Tatsumi could be alone. Mainly just to kiss and cuddle. The more exciting activities would wait until tonight.

Tatsumi could hear light footsteps behind him and then felt a pair of hands covering his eyes.

"Guess who, Tat~su~mi~" The voice spoke sweetly.

Naturally, Tatsumi knew who it was. "Hello, Aria."

Aria stepped into the water and proceeded to hug Tatsumi's arm, placing kisses along his arm and shoulder. Tatsumi reciprocated by lifting her up in the air and kissing Aria on the lips. Aria wrapped her arms and legs around Tatsumi as she kissed back. Being held like she weighed nothing was so arousing to her. Aria couldn't get enough of it. The couple pulled away from each other, in order to catch a breath.

"Goodness, my love. I never thought you'd ever be that happy to see me." Aria commented.

"I'm always happy to see one of my darling wives" Tatsumi said with a deep chuckle.

Aria nodded and seemed lost in thought for a moment. Tatsumi caressed her cheek.

"Aria… I don't regret having you in my life, alright? I know we… got off to a rough start, but that's in the past now. I love you, and I always will love you. Understand?" Tatsumi said to his wife.

Aria could feel tears out of the corners of her eyes. She had such a supportive husband and a wonderful son. How could she have gotten so lucky? She didn't deserve it. She didn't deserve any of this. She-

Tatsumi kissed Aria again, interrupting her line of thought. He placed his forehead on Aria's. She calmed down immediately.

Pulling away, Tatsumi looked upon Aria's lovely face, her blue eyes shining with nothing but love. The Aria who once tortured his friends was long gone now. The Aria before him was compassionate, a loving wife and a doting mother of his children.

"Tatsumi, I think we should read Reinhardt another bedtime story tonight. Maybe we could read one about the dragon masters." Aria suggested.

"That sounds like a lovely idea. Reinhardt loves it when you try to put on a deep voice when you read the parts where the Great Dragon speaks." Tatsumi recalled.

"Hehe. Yes, I imagine you'd be much better with those lines." Aria responded with a chuckle.

The two were silent for a while. Then, Aria spoke again.

"Tatsumi. You, Reinhardt, the other children, everyone else… I'm so fortunate to have you all in my life. Thank you for giving me the world." Aria said,

Tatsumi smiled and was about to speak up again, but Aria chose that opportunity to steal another kiss from him. He had stolen her heart, so it was only fair.

Her Tatsumi. Her saviour. She wouldn't change him for the world.

Alright then. Third chapter is done. Thanks to everyone for reading it. I personally don't think it was as good as I had hoped for, so I apologise if this chapter left you unsatisfied.

As always, I won't make any promises as to when the next chapter will be. But when I can work on it, I will.

The next chapter will have Tatsumi reintroduce himself to his old friends at Night Raid. It will also cover his first assignment (Ogre). This time, Sayo and Aria will be with him.

Thanks again to everyone for reading this. Feel free to share your thoughts, as well.

Until next time, readers. Stay safe out there.