'Unbelievable...'

Groaning, Chris sat up in bed, unable to fall asleep for what seemed like months. A digital clock beeped a few times, signaling it was now midnight. Chris became sleep-deprived, a notion becoming apparent these last few weeks. He tried settling back into the mattress but couldn't and eventually gave up, noticing the spot next to him was vacant.

Chris heaved another sigh and got out of bed, shirtless in gray shorts before heading to the kitchen. He stopped by his two sons' bedroom; Jaden and Mason sound asleep in their shared bunk bed. A soft smile found its way on Chris' face. His two sons had different personalities and interests, and he figured that wouldn't change when they become teenagers.

'The boys take after me though Mason spends most of his time with Jade,' Chris lamented.

Taking the stairs, Chris was careful not to disturb his other children residing downstairs. Assuming the same approach, he softly opened the door and found Jessica and Aneka also in a deep slumber in separate beds on either side of the room. Their father dreaded when both his girls developed for two reasons.

Boys and dating.

However, Chris knew this would eventually happen because he was the same way growing up with the opposite sex, so he supposed it would only be a matter of time before his middle children clamor to begin dating. His wife wasn't against the idea but agreed with him to let them date at the age of seventeen, giving both girls a chance to mature.

'Don't know what's worse.' Chris mused before gently closing the door to the girls' room. 'Me worrying about boys coming around them or what Jade might do to them.'

He finally made it to the kitchen and obtained a glass of water from the fridge. While not a typical activity for him this late, Chris found himself thinking about his kids and what the future held for them collectively. They all were good students and stayed out of trouble for the most part with an occasional lapse from Jaden.

Speaking of growing up, Jacqui and Cassie now occupied his thoughts, both ladies serving as role models for Jessica and Aneka. They voluntarily separated from the Army a few years ago, gaining valuable experience with their Associate and Bachelor's degrees before transitioning back into somewhat normal lives.

Another sigh left Chris, the lack of sleep leaving him anxious. Life slowed down dramatically in his new marriage. No longer did he face danger at every turn in commanding the Homefront Warriors or allying with the forces of Edenia.

That life seemed like merely a memory.

His days now consisted of being a husband and father to his family. It helped that Jax, Johnny, Sonya, and Vera pitched in every now and again. They were all truly one family despite not living under the same roof. Chris then began wondering how Kitana and Sindel were doing back in Edenia, the realm he helped liberate. The Princess and Queen of the sacred land handled affairs fairly and practically, much to the delight of their allies. Liu Kang's presence didn't hurt either.

The dojo Chris and his wife co-owned downtown was thriving with students coming from all over to train and learn. While the need to fight left Chris entirely, competing against the younger generation was too high for him to ignore, hence why his children took up training under him and their mother. This moment of reflection was so firm in his mind that he barely sensed a formidable spirit located on the beach after breathing deeply. He was surprised but identified the person in question.

"Jade..."

As expected, she was training at the shore, a routine after returning from her homeworld, which brought Chris back to the original thoughts plaguing him earlier.

'She should know what's on my mind,' he thought while exiting the front door.

Chris knew he shouldn't hide anything from her, Jade telling him to be honest and promised not to get upset whenever he needed to divulge something. It was what both warriors excelled in; being truthful with each other.

The sight greeting Chris on the beach caused himself and everything else to freeze.

He watched in silence, appreciating his wife's beauty in its purest form. The way she executed each kata with flawless execution and concentration could be compared to a symphony. This was the same woman he fell in love with over a decade ago and loved ever still. Transfixed on her movement, Chris failed to realize Jade completed her final kata before slowly opening her eyes to see her loving husband.

"Chris..." she whispered.

If he thought she was beautiful beyond comprehension, one could only imagine the thoughts running inside her mind. They gaze intently with their eyes, his coffee irises holding her emerald ones.

"Figured you'd be out here." Chris quietly said after a pause.

Jade relaxed and straightened her posture before moving in his direction. "I'm sorry if I disturbed your slumber."

He merely waved his hand. "Don't worry about it. Couldn't fall asleep anyway."

The distance between them evaporated as Chris and Jade shared in a gentle embrace, warmth and love evident. Both warriors missed moments like this with nothing to disrupt them. It was then Chris realized the truth. He enjoyed holding his lover in his arms. Over the times she left for Edenia to settle disputes or sit in on tedious meetings, he longed to have her beside him in bed.

"I've been thinking..." He almost didn't detect the stress and solemnness in Jade's voice. Something was pressing on her mind, something important she wanted to share.

Chris rubbed his wife's back. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Jade sighed, her tone unchanged. "All these years as your wife, I can't help but think of how you're so good to me... even when I don't deserve it." She held him closer, head pressed to his chest. "Yet those thoughts are cast aside when I return home greeted by you and the kids."

Chris started to get the gist of what his wife was trying to convey. "What are you trying to say?"

"I'm contemplating stepping down as General..." she revealed, looking down at her feet.

Now that was unexpected, even from Chris' perspective, knowing better than anyone how much Jade heeded the call to serve her homeworld. This had to have taken much consideration to even fathom. The former commander faced a similar situation after relieving himself of command shortly after Jaden and Jessica were born. If she did step down, they could spend more time together and with the children. However, she would be making an enormous sacrifice.

Maybe too great.

"Jade..." Chris began while running a hand through his lover's silky hair. "Though I'd love for us to be around the kids more often, I would never ask you to do this..." He backed away and looked deeply into Jade's eyes. "Being General to Edenia is who you are. It would be selfish of me to let you walk away from what gives you purpose."

A frown appeared on the former assassin's face. "But Chris, I belong here raising our children with you. Every mission I've undertaken, I think about the joy you've all given me."

Chris' expression didn't change, noticing Jade mainly referred to him when she said all. "True, but you'll hate yourself, and a great void will remain in your heart that will be hard to forget or live with." He caressed her face. "Only walk away when you truly believe it's time."

"What about you and our kids?" Jade inquired. "I don't want to neglect you any longer."

The real reason Jade sounded her request finally revealed itself. Nothing gave her fear than the thought of losing her family. They were the one thing in life she would never give up as long as blood ran through her veins. Everything else was inconsequential.

Realizing this, Chris gave his longtime partner a loving smile. "I promise you that Jaden, Jessica, Aneka, and Mason will always be our children. I will always be your husband, and we will always love you," he stated before drawing close to Jade's lips. "I will always love you."

Their mouths gently touched in a soft but passionate kiss, far from any ordinary display of affection. Both warriors' feelings were expressed and acknowledged, a combined sigh escaping their lips as they finally disconnected, showing smiles of happiness.

"You're right," Jade told him. "Jemarcus is still a long way from being ready though I'm giving him more responsibility."

Chris nodded. "He'll be a fine General in time. Tomorrow, I would like for us to spend the entire day together. No training or outside distractions."

That familiar bright smile appeared on Jade's face. "Agreed." She covered her mouth to stifle a yawn, fatigue finally setting in. "Carry me, please?"

Without a second thought, Chris tucked his arm underneath her knees to carry his lover back to their house, her hands encircling his neck, the scene reminiscent of their wedding day. He noticed Jade had fallen asleep on his shoulder, unbothered by her earlier doubts.