When Suoh notices that a storm's been building up, there's nothing he can do anymore. He can neither go back nor attempt an emergency landing. The radio's not working due to the interferences so he can't even communicate with anyone. The storm quickly catches up to him and while he tries his bes to fight it, he knows sooner or later, he'll eventually drown in the raging ocean.

So this is where it ends, he thinks. How ironic, dying on this day, of all days. One year earlier, Totsuka had died. He went on his own on a vendetta to avenge him, got arrested for a crime liable to death then got saved by Munakata. Today it's like karma has decided to come back at him to give him the death he should have merited then. And it decided to realize its scheme on this very anniversary. How laughable.

Strangely enough, though, Suoh finds that he has no regrets for anything. During this past year, he's been able to spend more time with Anna and HOMRA, and there's Munakata, too. Actually, if only for these moments, he's grateful for the one year's respite. Especially for Munakata because if he had died that day, he wouldn't have got close to him and then he thinks he'd have missed out something in life.

From there on, his thoughts start wandering to random times they'd spent together. He's still lost deep in thought when he sees a familiar light which is the same color as a certain alabaster skin from his daydreams filter through the clouds and without thinking, he pitches in that direction.

When he pierces through the clouds, he is immediately struck with awe. From this altitude, the night sky looks grandiose, lit by thousands of glittery stars and the moon crescent. It's so breathtaking that for a moment, he forgets what situation he is in. With the layer of clouds under him, it looks exactly like a dream, and a very good one, paradoxically. To think that there's a storm going on beneath these clouds would almost seem unbelievable –if he hadn't just come out of it.

He then realizes that the radio should be functioning now so he should be able to contact the basement to reassure them about his situation -even though 'reassure' might be a cynical term to use now. When he's given them all the details, he ends the communication. He looks back at the sky and decides to spend his last ten hours staring at it. Its sight makes him feel at peace -he isn't even afraid of his imminent death now, and it only reminds him of good memories.

Morning quickly comes after a few hours spent in contemplation, and suddenly, he notices that the clouds under him are clear enough that the rays of the sun can pass through.

An eye? he wonders, full of hope. If that's the case, then maybe he has a chance. According to his estimate, he should have flown past the ocean by now so he may find an appropriate place to land. Of course, this may not be an eye and he may pitch right into the storm, and even if it was one, he might get blown by its walls, but when he looks at his gauge, he sees that he barely has about two hours' worth of fuel left. At worst that'll be two hours less of agony, he thinks bitterly.

He makes his decision and directs his plane downward. The miracle happens and while the winds are still a bit strong, it's nothing he can't cope with. He's apparently flying above a town and in the distance, he sees a vast plain.

Guess I'll have to land there, he decides. A proper airfield would be asking for too much, after all. He manages to land with minimal damages on his plane and when it stops, Suoh just stays in the cockpit for several moments, still not realizing what's just happened.

He then hears voices that seem to get closer and closer to where he is. He finally gets out and the moment his foot touches land, the persons he'd heard arrive in front of him. Fortunately, they don't look unfriendly at all; they're probably people who saw his plane and were curious to get a closer look.

With his limited skills in English, he tries to explain his situation and to get some information from them as well. He manages to find out that he isn't too far from his actual destination and obtains that one of the men who came will give him a ride to that city once the storm has passed. They may be in the eye of the storm, but it's still dangerous to travel now because of the possibility of sudden particularly strong winds. That's a few days from now, he reasons, but it's still better than nothing and it'll give him some time to think…

When the weather's got better, the man takes him to his destination base. After clearing out the situation with the people in charge, he makes sure that his unit in Japan receives the news of his come back. Then he confirms the arrangements for his flight back; it's been decided that he will accompany the pilot who will fly to Japan in two days.

That couple of days seems like forever, but at last, he gets aboard the plane. The flight goes perfectly well this time and when he sees the basement, it's just like a dream to him. From where he is, he can see a huge crowd gathered to welcome him and the few minutes that separate him from getting out of the plane seem like another eternity. When they're close enough, he recognizes Munakata at the front line. He reminisces about that night Munakata had come to greet him last time. He smiles and whispers, "I can see this time you really look happy, huh."

When Munakata hears that Suoh's alive and well, what he feels at first is incredulity, soon followed by a wave of joy and relief. But then a thought crosses his mind and clouds his euphoria; things can't stay the same now and he and Suoh have a lot of things to settle. Actually, it's something they should have done since the moment they'd decided to see each other regularly. Any couple that knew their future together was uncertain because of their jobs should have had already, but the thing is… they've never considered themselves a couple, have never even brought up that subject.

So yes, they had no problem admitting they were friends, but implying that they were anything more, even to each other, has always been some sort of taboo. As a result, they've gone this past year not putting a name on their relationship and had they been found out and been asked, 'lust' would have been the closest to an honest answer they'd have given.

However, now it's clear they can't keep on avoiding the subject any longer. It was fine as long as it spared them from having to think about the possible outcomes and what's more it came with the added bonus of not hurting their ego. "I'm not going out with that barbarian." "Who'd date such a stuck in the mud." 'Friends with benefits' was fine. Or so they thought. But that feeling of emptiness Munakata felt after he'd thought Suoh was dead couldn't have been the result of losing a friend, however dear that friend might have been to him. It seemed like his mind couldn't let go of those nights with Suoh, or even those idle, relaxed mornings they'd spend before casually going back to their respective lives. They'd tried to avoid thinking about the future, but that event ruined the plan and clearly exposed what might be in store for them for the future. It's no use looking the other way now.

While he is waiting for Suoh's arrival with the entire unit, though, Munakata manages to suppress these thoughts and he looks just as happy as his subordinates now.

When the plane's landed, the pilot who's flown Suoh back to Japan gets out first. Munakata immediately goes to greet and thank him. When it's Suoh's turn, Munakata barely oversees him because he's immediately surrounded by HOMRA's pilots. Eventually, Suoh makes it out of the overexcited crowd, walks toward Munakata, then stops and stands in front of him, smiling. At first, Munakata only gives him an unbelieving look, somehow unable to trust what's in front of him as real. After all, a few days ago, he'd been trying to get used to the idea of not seeing Suoh anymore, and now-

"Don't just stare at me like I'm a ghost or something," Suoh says amusedly.

Hearing Suoh's voice momentarily startles Munakata and for a split second, he's tempted to reach at Suoh's face with his hand to feel that familiar warmth and once and for all make sure this is not a product of his imagination. However, his sense of social conventions reminds him that there are people watching so he stops his hand midway, keeps it stretched as if to give a handshake, much more appropriate for a greeting.

When Suoh takes that hand, the touch makes Munakata's heart skip a beat; like that hand sent electricity running through his body, and now he knows it's him. He cracks a smile of his own, finally returning Suoh's. They keep their hands connected for a rather long while, too busy staring at each other and dealing with their inner emotions. It's the heavy gaze from the curious onlookers that makes them realize how awkward their pose actually is. Before letting go of his hand, Munakata squeezes tighter and says, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Welcome back, Suoh Mikoto."

"I'm home," Suoh replies and then HOMRA's people are all around him again. It's not like Munakata can blame them, of course; their enthusiasm is understandable and although he might not show it, Munakata might be the happiest one of the people here. After all, he'd thought for days that because of his carelessness, he'd lost one of his men, his friend and… occasional bedmate? crush? Or… Lover? That reminds him of the dreadful yet necessary talk he has to have with Suoh and the thought wipes the smile off his face.

When Suoh's finally alone, Munakata comes to him and asks, "Mind if I have a few words with you in my office before you head to Bar HOMRA?"

"Sure," Suoh says. They at once walk to Munakata's office in silence and once they're inside, Suoh asks, "So?"

"I think we need to talk," Munakata says.

"Yeah, we should," Suoh agrees right away.

So he's thought about it as well then, thinks Munakata. "So how about we meet after work at my apartment?" he says. "There we won't be disturbed."

Suoh then laughs lightly, "Your apartment? So bold, Munakata."

Munakata shoots him a severe look; that's not what he meant at all, and Suoh must be aware of that. Part of him, on the other hand, also feels ridiculously delighted to hear that laugh again, but he does his best not to let it show on his face.

"Sorry. It's not the time for these kinds of jokes, I know," Suoh says with a faint smile followed by an exhale. "But I think we should go to some place more impersonal; your place is still full of, y'know… too fresh memories. We can't let ourselves be influenced by that."

Munakata realizes, not without surprise, that Suoh's really given this some serious thoughts beforehand and he isn't sure if he's reassured by that or not.

Nevertheless, he has to admit that Suoh has a point about his apartment so he suggests, "Then, the usual bar?" No place is more impersonal yet convenient for conversation than a bar, after all; and it's not like they've done much or even spent that much time together there anyway.

"Sounds good," Suoh says. "So what time's your shift ending?"

Munakata checks the schedules. "At around 6," he answers. "I'll be there by 7."

"So I'll see you then, Munakata," Suoh says before patting his shoulder and taking his leave.

Munakata spends the rest of the day absently, almost mechanically doing his work. He can't help but think about his meeting with Suoh. He has a clear idea of what they are going to discuss, but still has no idea what they are going to decide. He doesn't know what Suoh wants, or even what he wants himself for that matter and by the end of his shift, his mind's still in a deep turmoil. However, when he leaves the office, he's determined that, come what may, they'll settle everything before leaving that place.

When Munakata arrives at the appointed bar, Suoh's already there. He isn't seated at the counter this time. He's chosen a table at a dark corner of the bar. They have to discuss rather private matters and can't have anyone overhearing them, after all. He walks and seats in front Suoh, greets him with a nod and Suoh gives him an unsettling smile in return.

For an instant, Munakata doesn't know what to do or say next but fortunately that's the moment a waitress chooses to come and take his order. Munakata considers ordering some strong spirit with the hope that it'll help him loosen up but decides against it.

"I'll have a beer," he tells the woman. He needs to keep his mind clear for the upcoming conversation, he knows.

When she comes back with his drink, Munakata doesn't even touch it but gets to the point right away. "Are you going to quit being a pilot?"

Suoh shows no surprise at the question, "Do you think I should?"

"That's not for me to decide, Suoh. It's your choice and yours only."

Suoh takes a moment to arrange his thoughts before answering, "That's where you're wrong Munakata. Sure, if I quit, I don't even know what else I could do, and I'd be lying if I said I don't like this job. But I know that if next time I don't make it alive, you'll feel guilty over it even if it's not your fault, just like you did for Totsuka. And I don't want to be the one responsible of you feeling that way; I've caused you enough trouble as it is."

Munakata smiles disdainfully. "That's some undue concern," he says. And almost insulting at that. He doesn't want Suoh to quit a job he likes out of pity for him. "Instead of worrying about me, think of that child under your responsibility. If you want to stop, it should be for her sake."

"Anna will be just fine without me," Suoh says self-depreciatingly. "She has Kusanagi and HOMRA who can take care of her better than me."

"So you're saying that I'll be the only one who won't get over it if you die?" Munakata snaps. Even if he wants to tell Suoh to have more self-esteem, he's also outraged by how weak Suoh seems to think Munakata is.

"I never said you wouldn't." Suoh corrects. "You're stubborn enough to keep moving on no matter what happens."

"Then what's your point?" Munakata doesn't follow him anymore.

"I'm trying to tell you that if you persist on carrying the world's burden on your shoulders, I refuse to come back and risk adding to that burden again."

Easier said than done, Munakata thinks. "I can't promise you I will stop feeling responsible of my men, Suoh. But… I suppose I can try and stop questioning my actions too much if something goes wrong. That's the very best I can do about that matter." It might be benefic for his general mental health anyway, so it's not like he'll do that only for Suoh.

Suoh sighs then smiles, "Guess I'll have to make do with that."

"I take it I can start filling the paperwork to reintegrate you in our ranks tomorrow?"

"Sure. Oh, and when you make my flight schedule, make sure there's one flight suitable for our plan in the near future."

"'Plan'?" Munakata's lost again in this conversation.

Suoh, however, is looking at him with a knowing smile, which only puzzles Munakata even more. "C'mon, Munakata. It's been a few days only and you've already forgotten?"

"You can't mean…" He can only think of one thing, "…flying with you?"

"Bingo."

"You really are persistent on that subject, aren't you?" That's really been the last thing on Munakata's priorities since Suoh came back but he won't go back on his word. "Well, anyway, after that incident I've decided to keep long distance flights to the strict minimum until a solution to the hazards of the weather is found. Finding a compatible flight should be easy."

Suoh smirks, visibly pleased. "Oh? So you could even come along more often, then."

"Don't get too carried away," Munakata says. "I've only promised you one flight."

"You're saying that now, but you'll see you'll take a liking to it," Suoh says confidently.

So stubborn, Munakata thinks. "Anyway, there's no rush. We can discuss the details of that later. For now…" He pauses. For now they have one more important matter to settle. The most delicate one, actually, so Munakata doesn't know how to bring it up.

Suddenly, Suoh speaks up and says, "Do you think we should stop?"

Munakata raises his brow, "You mean, this conversation?"

"No. Um, y'know… seeing each other?"

So there we are. Munakata tries to come up with some sound arguments for a few seconds but fails. He suggests, "Since apparently you've already thought of the main points of this conversation quite in depth, how about you let me hear your views first?"

Suoh takes a breath and while he's speaking, he stares at his glass which he fiddles with at the same time. "When I was above the clouds, I actually had plenty of time for thinking. I thought mainly of all the things I was going to miss; flying, the calming ambiance at HOMRA, Kusanagi's wedding, seeing Anna grow up and…" He looks up from his glass to Munakata. "… and spending time with you," he completes.

Munakata averts his gaze, slightly embarrassed. Suoh smiles, still lost in reminiscence then continues, "When I saw the eye of the storm and realized I was above the land, I thought it was a second chance life had given me; one I couldn't waste. And ending whatever it is we're having would be wasting it."

"You sure are good at seeing the bright sides of things only," Munakata says sarcastically.

Suoh sighs and shakes his head. "I know what you're thinking. If we keep this up, if there's another incident and I don't make it, it will be harder on both of us. But that may never happen anyway and then, there will be nothing left but regrets."

Suoh may have a point, but Munakata's still unconvinced. "But that may still happen," he says.

Suoh counters, "Munakata, it's true I might die next month in a crash, or struck by a car tomorrow, or in my sleep in sixty years; you could die before me, too, but that's just how it is for everybody. If people avoided relationships in fear of losing someone, there would be no couples at all."

Munakata looks at Suoh in shock. Did he just say 'couple'?

Suoh groans in exasperation and rolls his eyes, "Stop right there, Munakata. I know that term bothers you, but I only used it to simplify things, that's all. In our case, I think we don't need to talk about that for now."

Munakata tilts his head questioningly. Weren't they supposed to clarify things?

Suoh smiles and says, "As long as it works, it's fine right?"

'As long as it works', huh. Munakata gives Suoh a resigned smile. "Sometimes I really envy that easygoing side of yours," he says fondly.

Suoh smirks and teasingly, "All you have to do is stop being a stuck-in-the-mud."

Munakata snorts and returns the smirk, "Not everyone wants to turn into a barbarian."

"But civilized people don't know how to have fun," Suoh retorts presumptuously.

Munakata tries to keep a smile of circumstance, mainly to hide his frustration. He is frustrated because now it seems like Suoh's the puppet master who solved everything tonight and Munakata's just been accepting what he said. Munakata might be happy to have things more or less settled and in a good way at that, but his drive for competition with Suoh hasn't changed -most likely won't ever change, actually. Therefore, he's trying to find a way to get the last word in this conversation and keep up appearances.

He finishes his drink, leaves a bill on the table. "It's on me," he says then he stands to leave. Suoh looks at him confusedly, probably because they haven't finished talking so Munakata makes a gesture to invite Suoh to follow him.

When they're outside, Munakata suddenly says lowly, "Carpe diem."

Suoh starts, "Huh?"

"'Carpe diem'," Munakata repeats.

"What's carps got to do with any of this?" asks the barbarian and Munakata is tempted to facepalm.

"Literally, 'pluck the day'. That's one civilized person's idea of how to enjoy life." Suoh still doesn't seem to understand. "In a barbarian's language, it means 'Have sex as much as you can while you can'," he suavely whispers into Suoh's ear.

Suoh gasps and only now does he seem to realize they've been walking in the direction of Munakata's apartment. When he's back from his surprise, he smirks and says, "Civilized people sure are shameless."

Munakata huffs. "That's the last thing I want to hear from you."

Strangely, Munakata feels that nothing has changed between them; same bickering, same attraction, but at the same time it's like everything's different, too. Munakata can't point out just how, but now he feels more serene about the future.

We don't know what hardships await us, but moments like this will make them worth it, is what he thinks as he closes the door behind them.

That's where we'll close the curtains for this story, guys! Thank you all for reading!