I've had crippling block for months and someone asked to see Saekira's Valentine's Day. Enjoy the brief, shameless fluff.

Akira inhaled sharply and luxuriated in the scent of coffee that permeated Leblanc. He was home. He kept himself sane in juvenile hall by dreaming of his return, pouring over Sae's letters as if they were star charts and reminding himself that the day would come when he would be reunited with those he loved. He just hadn't expected for it to be so soon or for his mother to ask him if he wanted to stay. It was a bigger reward than he deserved.

Morgana perched on the bar, watching as Akira made coffee. He'd come back too, and his fur was sleeker than ever. Akira had spent all of last night petting it."A lot of couples today."

"It's Valentine's Day."

"Is it?" Sojiro gave him a grin that suggested he hadn't forgotten what day it was for a moment and laid a hand on Akira's good shoulder. "Well, I know of at least one person who has plans. Guess I'll have to take Morgana off your hands for the evening."

"I don't know. Perhaps I should stay and chaperone. Make sure you and Sae don't get up to anything untoward."

Sae, not Ms. Niijima. Morgana must have really enjoyed his six weeks with her. A pleasant warmth spread over his cheeks, more affection than embarrassment. "We're just going to have a nice quiet evening here." With the woman he loved who he wasn't going to have to leave after all. "I'll be lucky to get Valentine's chocolates."

"Nice quiet evening, right. I was your age once, and I've seen how she looks at you. I'm going to be lucky to have the café in one piece when you and Niijima are done with it."

"Hello to you too, Sakura. "

Men and cat turned to find Sae standing in the doorway with her arms crossed. The twilight haloed her hair and softened her skin in the way the harsh lights of juvenile hall never could. She tried to twist her lips into a scowl, but her eyes crinkled. Akira's mouth went dry. Sae was the most brilliant prosecutor in Tokyo and the tireless reformer of the SIU. She was also the most beautiful woman in the world.

Sojiro cleared his throat. "I mean this place is practically falling apart. Really should call the contractor. Come on, Morgana. There's a new sushi place I want to try."

Morgana hopped down from the counter. "You better be entirely proper while I'm gone. This woman fed me the finest tuna I've ever had. As much as I love you, I'd hate to have to challenge you to a duel."

A strangled noise escaped from Sae's throat. "A...a duel?"

"Of course. What kind of gentleman thief would I be if I didn't defend a lady's honor, especially one that's been so kind to me?" He softened. "Seriously, enjoy yourselves tonight. You two have earned it."

"Yeah, kids. Enjoy your happy ending." The shopkeepers bell tinkled as Sojiro and Morgana left.

Akira had only ever seen lovers reunite in movies and animes. The music would swell as they rushed into each other's arms. There would be twirling. Sae had laughed yesterday when she had come to the juvenile hall, and he didn't think he could twirl her with his bad shoulder. But he could touch her now without glass or anything else getting in the way. He stepped forward and took her hand. Her skin was softer than he remembered and warm as a fire on this winter evening. Sae's breath was ragged as he twined their fingers together. And she was still solid at his touch. "Hi."

"Hello." Her gaze traveled to their joined hands and a small, nervous smile graced her lips. "I ran to the store last night for some chocolate. I hope you like it. I'm not really accustomed to this sort of thing and-" She shuddered. "You're here," she rasped. "You're really here."

Whatever strings that had kept him in place snapped. Hot tears landed on Akira's face as he crushed Sae to him. The warm softness of her hand was nothing compared to the feel of her pressing against him. He had forgotten so much of her during his time away. Her free hand roamed his body as they planted quick, desperate kisses on each other's faces. So much to remember. So much time to make up for. But they had all the time in the world. "I'm here."

Akira had no idea how long they stood kissing and touching and crying but eventually Sae pulled back to wipe her eyes. "Enough. It's Valentine's Day. I really did get you chocolate." She removed a small red box from her bag. "It's been a long time since I had to do this, and with all the running around I'm not sure if I got the right thing."

"If it's edible, it's right." Six weeks of prison food had left him starving. He lifted the lid and was rewarded with individually wrapped dark chocolates that made his mouth water just looking at them. He unwrapped one and nibbled. "It's a lot more than all right. I'm going to have a lot to live up to on White Day. "He smiled at her. "The gentleman gives the lady trip what he gave her. It's tradition. And I still have to pay you back for the telescope."

"The whole café's going to be stuffed with white chocolate, isn't it?"

"And edelweiss." He could see it now. He'd fill this place with flowers until the thought of casinos or prisons was just a memory. "Sit, and I'll make you some coffee."

"Nice quiet normal evening as promised?"

"Well, normal for us. And it's been six whole weeks since I've been here. Those letters of yours kept me sane, but I have so many questions. And I'm going to have to make up everything I missed at Shujin and figure out what I'm going to do about Mom and—is this what a happy ending looks like?"

"I think so." Sae kissed him. "I really think so."