Thanks to the advice that Nelanna had given her, Miyuki had finally made her choice. It truly was possible to forgive someone of their past deeds, to love them regardless of the pain they had caused because of the person they had changed into. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she thought about breaking the news to Haku. As she fluffed the last pillow and carefully put it in her den, Miyuki sat back and smiled at her handiwork. For the last couple of days, she had been all but ignoring Haku, avoiding him as she secretly made this little place for herself to birth the kits. It was made to be transportable, just in case the children were too young to be moved yet it was necessary to go somewhere. Neither of them would want to leave the children alone for any length of time.

Excitement quivered through her as she smoothed the wrinkles out of her assassin outfit. Miyuki carefully slipped from the basement, closing the door securely behind her. Her heels clicked on the stones as she walked briskly toward the front of the house, pulling her hair back into a single “pony-tail”. Armed with a sword in one hand, her arrow sheathed on her thigh, the kitsune put some distance between herself and the house. She allowed herself a small smile before taking a deep breath and wiping all emotion from her face.

Miyuki turned toward the house, sword lifting to point straight at the door, she called out to him. ”Haku! I’ve made my decision! Show yourself and receive my answer!” She resisted the urge to touch her belly, which would not show any major signs of pregnancy. This was just for show, a trick to play before the big reveal. Foxes were like that. But, for some reason, she had to fight the urge to throw the sword down right then and there, withstanding the temptation to merely sit and talk things out.

Every day that passed without Yuki speaking to him made his fears grow. He didn’t know what she was doing, nor where she went when he didn’t see her on those very rare occasions. It was like she was slowly vanishing. It was obvious she was avoiding him, which, in his mind, was not a good sign. Without allowing him to try talking some sense into her, it would be very easy for her to convince herself that abandoning the kits, or even killing them, would be the best course of action. This is what he feared the most. She could kill him if she wished, but that would be fine with him so long as she went through with the birth and found a good home for the kits. Perhaps she would decide to raise them herself, just to ensure they wouldn’t become a murderer like their father… All he truly wanted was for their kits, the innocent lives, to be given the chance to live and not suffer for his mistakes.

And Yuki… without her there constantly like she used to be, even when she was hounding him about who knows what and wouldn’t stop bickering about everything he did… he felt empty without her. His days went by so much slower, and there was a constant hole in his chest. Whenever he did spy her his heart would leap. He tried to be kind and caring, he tried to be patient and not try to push her into giving him her decision. But she was only there for a second, and gone the next. It never failed to make his heart drop as dread filled it. How could he have been so foolish as to fall for someone who hated him so? She was a good person no doubt, and perhaps she would even make a wonderful wife and mother. He knew she had a good heart, he knew she cared. But it’s the frail heart that causes one to care so much that also leads to undying hatred.

And yet, knowing all of this and understanding exactly how she felt, he somehow managed to hope. Deep, deep down, he didn’t want her to leave. He wanted her to stay so he could finally see how much her smile would light up the room, and hear how her laugh makes his heart warm and skip a beat. He wanted her to remain by his side and raise their kits…together. But it was an unobtainable dream, surely. It was his feelings for her that led him to respect whatever decision she makes, mattering not whether it’s what he wishes for or fears the most. He would respect it, even if it meant he would lose his head.

His hands worked deftly as he put together a basket of treats. He’d made a sandwich, just the way she liked it, with perfectly fresh bread, and meats, and everything else she fancied. And to balance the meal, he added her favorite fruits and vegetables, and small handheld cakes for dessert. When it was put together neatly, he wrapped the top of the basket with a red cloth. Kohaku was preparing to make something for himself, having set hers aside for whenever she decided to come get it, when he heard her voice calling him from outside. His ears pricked, and his chest squeezed with dread at her words. She’d made her decision….

For weeks he had awaited this day, both excited and anxious to hear her answer. And now that the time has come…he was almost too afraid to hear what she had to say. But he must. He needed to know what his future would be, and what of their kits. He took in a deep, shaky breath, and forced his feet to carry him out the door. In the yard, past the gardens, Miyuki stood facing him, sword in hand and aimed straight for him. She wouldn’t be standing that way, with no emotion on her face if she was going to tell him anything good…would she? He stopped right out of reach of her sword, close enough for her to strike him down should she wish. Neither of his own blades were on his hips, making him unarmed and practically helpless. He didn’t bother to hide the fear in his eyes. Even his voice sounded a little shaky as he spoke quietly to her, “No matter what your decision is, I hope it will finally bring you peace.” His eyes dropped to gaze sorrowfully and longingly at her belly. He hoped he could grant her that at the very least, either in life, or in death. “I…” he slowly started again, and lifted his amber eyes to meet her own with a sad, loving smile, “…wish you happiness at last.”

The moment he walked out that door, she could almost smell the fear and dread. It was overwhelming to see it so painfully clear on his face, but he was made clear that she hated him for what he had done a lifetime ago. Did he fear she hated herself for being so weak as to succumb to his anger-fueled lust that day? Miyuki had needed that release to realize everything in its true potential. Haku was her first example that people can change. He showed her that she wanted to change too. Revenge can only go so far. It was why her brother’s image always hovered over her shoulder, trying to make her second guess her determination on being hell-bent on death.

She somehow kept her composure as he came closer, unwavering as Haku was within inches of her weapon. He knew, as well as she, that they didn’t need this distance, that he could have been killed the instant he opened the door. Being weaponless was his way of showing her that he was not going to take any action against her decision, which almost caused a smirk to show on her lips. Oh, the reaction he will have when he learns that his fears are not to be realized. He will be stuck with her whether or not he likes it. His voice was shaky as he spoke, thinking only of her as if he already accepted his death right then and there.

”Haku…” she started, but her voice was too soft. When she spoke again, it was firmer, more steady in its lack of emotion. ”I swore I would kill the White Demon, murderer of Ryoko Natsuki. A warrior without shame, nor regret, ruthless and cold. But you asked to prove yourself.” Miyuki flicked her wrist, sending the sword in an arc away from him until it came full around and stabbed into the earth off to the side. She allowed her eyes to soften just a bit. ”You have shown me that you are kind and compassionate. There is a strength in you that is complemented by your immense patience. Haku, you have done the one thing I have set out to do. You have killed the White Demon.” The kitsune took a step closer, slowly approaching him. ”Even now, I can see your fear and worry for the future, your concern for the innocence that grows within me. The day you planted that seed, Haku… Is the day you killed Miyuki Natsuki, the woman full of hatred and malice.”

Miyuki was now close enough that a single inhale of breath would cause their bodies to touch. Her lavender eyes gazed up at his amber pools. ”I cannot forgive the White Demon for what he did, but I can forgive you, Haku. Because… I need you.” A hand reached up through his hair to hold the back of his head ever so gently. ”I love you,” she whispered before pulling him down for a kiss, one that will last only as long as he allowed it to.