Gripping my violin case I entered the private hospital after informing the desk that I had been asked by Kyoya Ootori to come and perform, however the moment I gave my name the gate was opened and I was allowed inside. It was much like any other hospital though more comfortable in its seating and less intense. It was obviously designed to be homely. "Miss Akiyama, please come this way." One of the nurses said with a bow so I followed her to a ward where the patients lay in their beds looking miserable and detached, not a smile to be seen. "Ootori-sama, she is here."

"Thank you." Kyoya said before lifting his head, wearing a white lab coat and I had to bite down on my tongue to keep my heart from leaping out of his coat as he gave me a dazzling smile. "Megumi, I am glad that you are here. Please, play at your leisure and I shall simply observe. Do not mind anyone, you shall not be disturbed." He invited so with a nod of my head I walked towards the window and opened it, allowing fresh air inside after also opening the curtains so that it was bright though the sunlight was slightly cold due to it being winter. Once I had set up I tuned the violin, causing some patients to stir and look up until all at once I started to play.

Almost immediately people started to smile, sitting upright to listen attentively as my melodies fluttered through the ward and across the hospital. It really was like magic and I could not help but smile as I played my very best, feeling as if my mother and father were right there with me hand in hand and leaning against one another as I performed for them. Eventually everyone else faded away as the music carried me, lifting me high above the clouds until I was soaring the greatest heights. It was so liberating and as I finished my first piece, there was an appreciative clap so I bowed. "You are wonderful, my dear. Tell me, are you the famous classical performer named Akiyama?" An elderly gentleman questioned and I nodded my head and walked towards him. He politely asked if he could have a fiddle so I passed over the violin and he began to play a wonderful tune so I reached into my pocket and pulled out my ocarina, joining him and he laughed joyfully as we performed a duet together and once more everyone clapped when we finished. "Ah! It feels good to play again, these old bones have not lost their stuff." He said to me with a cheeky wink and I giggled.

"My daughter loves to listen to you play, Akiyama-san, she says that you are her inspiration." A woman said to me so I looked over and approached her, politely bowing in greeting as she touched a hand to her mouth. "Oh my, you are just so polite! Please, could I trouble you for an autograph, my daughter would be overjoyed to have such a memento." Happily I signed a piece of paper and gave the girl a message to continue playing with her heart, making the lady very happy as she hugged it to her chest.

"You remind me of my sister, she loved to play instruments as well before she passed away. Music was her livelihood." Gradually there was a carefree flutter of conversation on the discussion of music and I looked around to each smiling and contented face with pride. I had reached them. My music had reached their hearts. When I felt a hand rest upon my shoulder I looked up to Kyoya as he too regarded everyone before turning his eyes to me. With a smile I lifted my hand and pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose, giggling to myself at his expression.

I stayed the entire day at the hospital, paying particular attention to the children's wards and even gave a few lessons as they asked me to teach them how to play. It was wonderful to hear their laughter and I began to think that perhaps it was the laughter and the smiling which helped them to feel better on the inside. If I was helping even in some small way then I was satisfied I had spent my time well. "I take back what I said last night." Kyoya said to me as we walked side by side. "You have not changed one bit." He told me and I blushed whilst tucking my hair behind my ear. "Thank you for your time, Megumi. I do really appreciate this."

"I…I can come back. Whenever you like. Tomorrow even! I'll bring a different instrument and I'll volunteer with the children." I offered quickly before pointing to a poster on the noticeboard which asked for volunteers to sit with the children and spend time with them as a means to keep them from feeling lonely when their parents were not there. "I want to help you in any way I can, Kyoya-san."

"Just Kyoya. We are well past formalities, Megumi." Feeling a sudden rush I flew forwards and hugged his waist, taking us both by surprise but I held on for a few moments before drawing back and gave him a rather childlike grin.

"I shall come back tomorrow, Kyoya. Please get plenty of rest, you look rather worn out and it would be a shame if you became ill." I told him, noticing that his skin was a little pale and his eyes were heavy.

"You are more than welcome to come back but…I won't be here tomorrow. Is that alright? I apologise I won't be able to escort you around."

"That's alright, your staff are very wonderful and welcoming. I'm sure I won't get lost." I assured him before lifting up my violin case with a bright gleam in my eyes. "I shall see you again soon, Kyoya." With that I left him standing at the front doors, watching my retreating back as I hummed to myself. Today had been a good day and I was already looking forward to tomorrow. Sure enough it was a wonderful day spending time with every patient I could, going around visiting and asking after their health and playing any song that they requested though the children seemed happy enough just to see me. I came back every day for as long as I was able, remembering how I did the exact same thing when my mother was in hospital. I had gone back there many times over the years to play for the patients and the long term staff all recognised me instantly and welcomed me even when I dropped in as a surprise.

It was Sunday when I saw Kyoya again however for a while I had not noticed him. I had just left the hospital and had gone to the botanical gardens for some time to myself. Haruhi and Tamaki were coming back to town soon so I was excited to see them again as they were finally setting a date and Haruhi had asked me to be her maid of honour. It was a responsibility I took very seriously and I was already planning our trips and everything we would need to do to prepare for the wedding. There was a light breeze in the air so I took off my glasses and enjoyed the feel against my face. It was chilly so I was wrapped up in a winter coat with a fur lined hood. I did not believe in real animal fur being used for clothing so it was synthetic but it was very warm and fluffy, making me smile as I snuggled into it.

The flowers were not in bloom and the lake was frozen over however as it began to snow I still felt peaceful. This was my favourite place in the entire world as I had so many wonderful memories here. Time spent with my family, my friends, Kyoya, it was just the perfect place and I always returned no matter what time of year it was. It was particularly lovely in autumn also when the leaves turned the brightest of crimson, however the trees were bare now and the snow rested in their boughs so with a breath into my hands to warm them I rose up and began to walk, intending to return home.

Lifting my eyes I saw him walking towards me, looking out across the lake however we both stopped when we noticed one another. After a moment he smiled and approached me. "Hello Megumi, I thought I might find you here." He told me and instantly I felt my cheeks redden. "It's getting very cold, we should get somewhere warm before we both catch colds. May I escort you home?" He offered and without thinking I nodded my head, stepping forwards to walk by his side however almost instantly I slipped on ice, squeaking in alarm. "Careful!" A memory flashed across my mind as Kyoya caught me, supporting my back and holding my wrist to help me stand back on my feet. It was just like how he'd caught me from falling when everyone had descended upon the private pool at the hotel I used to live at. "It's slippery, here, hold onto me and I'll make sure you don't fall." With sweet concern Kyoya laced my arm through his and walked with me just like that.

We were so close to one another that I could feel his arm directly against mine as we walked, making a lump rise to my throat but I did not complain, walking by his side and basked in the familiarity of his presence. I'd missed moments like this. Kyoya waved down an ordinary cab and we slipped inside together with his hand holding mine to make sure I didn't slip again though I think he was just worrying for nothing, I was fine. Clearing my throat I gave the address to the driver who nodded and drove off with us. "Did you twist your ankle at all? Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes Kyoya, I'm fine." I assured him as I leaned back in the seat and rubbed my hands together to warm them. I should have worn gloves today, I had not anticipated the temperatures suddenly dropping as they did.

"Here, your hands will warm faster this way." Kyoya said to me and held out his hand, making me blink before he took mine in his and lifted them towards his face, fanning them with his warm breath before cupping his hands around them until I could feel my fingers again. "These fingers are very important, you should take proper care of them so that you can continue to play." He said to me and I blushed as every pulse of my heart made me more and more aware of how close we were. After that Kyoya fell into silence, leaning back his head and closing his eyes to rest and I took this opportunity to just look at him. My feelings for him were unchanged and I almost started to cry under the weight of them but I held myself firm, not wanting to appear silly in front of him.

When we arrived to the apartment complex where I lived Kyoya insisted on walking me to the door, paying the cab and sending him off. "Don't you need the cab to get home?" I asked him as we entered the building.

"I generally change drivers after each stop as it helps to avoid being so easily tracked." Oh that's right, Kyoya would be a very popular target for kidnappers or rival groups. He must live every day being careful and wary in case someone tried to hurt him. This thought made me think of my cousin Hideki who was still serving his prison sentence and would do so for a very long time. Seeing as I was the only family he had left I went to visit him from time to time though at first he had loathed me and called me every name under the sun until slowly he mellowed and actually spoke to me like a normal human being. He was still angry, aggressive and blamed me for everything, but I think he too was lonely and accepted that I was the last of his blood in the entire world. "Which floor?"

Blinking myself awake I pressed the button which would take me to my apartment. It was large and spacious with excellent security as you need passes and key cards to enter and all guests had to be registered. I'd zoned out a little at that but I do remember the guard greeting us politely. "This is me." I told him, exciting the elevator onto the outside walk which would take me to my own apartment, passing the other doors before stopping before my door. "Thank you for your company Kyoya, I shall see you again soon." I said to him with a smile and a bow before entering my code and swiping the card to let myself in, opening the door however before I had even turned around Kyoya spoke.

"Did you mean what you said on that talk show?" He questioned and I instantly froze in place, panic and numbness crashing into me all at once. "Did you mean it when you kissed my hand, Megumi?" Turning around I blushed, trying to answer him however I was so embarrassed that the words wouldn't form. Slowly he loomed over me, lifting his hands and gripping onto the door frame as he towered over me. He really had gotten tall, much taller than me. "You know you caused me great injury that day you walked away from me." His voice had turned dark and slightly intimidating as I stood rooted to the spot. "Do you remember how we made Haruhi pay off her debt after she broke the Renaissance vase? Well, how much do you think you owe me for tearing out my heart and crushing it?"

Gulping I stepped backwards from him to try and create some distance however Kyoya reached forwards and seized my arm to keep me from escaping, stepping inside and closing the door behind him as his glasses flashed brightly. "So, Megumi Akiyama. Since you owe me a debt, how are you going to repay me?" He asked before suddenly tugging me closer and grasping my chin with his fingers, a devilish smirk overshadowing his features. "With your body?" My heart thundered in my chest as I gaped up at him, uncertain of how to answer as his mouth descended upon mine and he kissed me passionately, different to all other kisses we had shared.

It was heated and aggressive, wet and hot as his tongue forced its way into my mouth and I squeaked as I had instinctively clung onto his coat for balance as my knees buckled until my eyes flew open and I pushed myself away from him after biting down on his lip. I fell to the ground with a gasp, struggling for breath as I covered my hand with my mouth and shivered slightly. That had been exhilarating, I could still feel the thrill shooting up my body as my stomach grew hot and fiery. "Well played, but I am deadly serious. You owe me for seven years of heartache and I am going to ensure that you spend the rest of your life repaying me." Kyoya said as he crouched down and I blinked, seeing a completely different man before me. He was smiling with his eyes as he looked at me, gentle and kind just as I remembered him. Reaching out his fingers brushed against my face before curling around the back of my neck whilst the other gripped under my knees to lift me off, his shoes coming off as he entered my apartment and my own shoes fell off my feet.

"I am sorry if I frightened you Megumi, but if you can believe it I was actually restraining myself." Restraining himself? You mean he was going easy on me just now?! "Seven years is a long time to love someone without touching someone, I think you can understand." He said to me and I felt my heart jolt and nearly give out as my red face blushed further and my head span as he set me down on the bed in a sitting position before then drawing back. "Megumi, I want you to be my wife more than anything else in the world." His words were serious as he looked me dead in the eye. "But I know this is rather sudden and unexpected, so please take all the time you need in order to reach your decision, but please consider it." With his pleading voice he gripped my fingers and kissed them desperately. "You make me kinder, softer, you remind me to be considerate of others and the way you reach out to others inspires me. I will treasure you always and never again leave your side. Please, think about it Megumi."

With that he reached forwards and kissed my cheek, stealing the breath from my body as I felt his tender kiss against my skin before he then pulled back and let me go, turning around to leave. As he began to walk away from me I panicked, not wanting him to go. I wanted him to stay with me, of course I wanted to marry him, was he an idiot?! Lunging to my feet I stumbled, still jittery however I maintained my balance and flew after him as he reached out for the door handle to let himself out but I flung my arms around him from behind, trapping his arms at his side as I sobbed into his back. "Idiot! I'll marry you, of course I'll marry you I don't need time to think about it!" I cried into him as I gripped onto him as tightly as I could so that he wouldn't escape. "I love you Kyoya Ootori, be my husband!"

I heard him inhale sharply before he pulled off my hands and turned around, looking down at me as I pulled back and rubbed my coat sleeve against my eyes after taking off my glasses to wipe away the tears. All the emotion spilled out of me as Kyoya looked down to me, shock evident in his face until finally he grabbed my arm and pulled it aside, closing the distance and kissing me again. There was that same mature passion however he was gentler this time, allowing me time to adjust and settle against him as I flung my arms around his neck and let him lift me off the floor as he stood up straight. "I love you, I've always loved you, I've missed you Kyoya…" I mumbled weakly into him as I sank into his neck, never wanting to leave his embrace.

"Megumi…please don't cry." He whispered to me before carrying me forwards once more. "You'll make me lose control." I smiled into him as he let me down and I dried my face then put my glasses aside, smiling to him though he blinked. "Don't you need those?"

"I got laser surgery done a while ago to improve my vision. I can't see things very well at a distance but this…this is just fine." I told him with a smile, reaching up to kiss him again. Kyoya took off his coat and stayed with me that night, holding me in his arms and running his fingers through my hair until falling asleep together. When the morning came I cursed it as I had to return to work but Kyoya left with a kiss upon my lips, promising to be back later with a ring so that it could be official this time.

"Farewell, my bride to be." I glowed.

When Tamaki found out that Kyoya and I were engaged, he hit the roof with excitement. "Megumi-chan! You've finally found your true love once more! I'm so happy! Haruhi, we should have a double wedding!"

"No way!" Haruhi barked back and I laughed as she rolled her eyes but smiled to me. Everyone was happy and Mitsukuni insisted on doing our cake for us just like he was doing for Tamaki and Haruhi. When they finally got married I cried until my eyes were red and puffy, seeing the utter love between them and feeling it all about the room however I quickly dried my face and proceeded to play the music for their opening dance. They had asked me to play for them and I was honoured to be part of this special moment, Tamaki so head over heels in love that he could not take his eyes off of Haruhi who had grown into a beautiful young woman. I was glad that they were happy and, a year later, I was glad for my happiness too.

Kyoya's family accepted me readily, Yoshio even chuckling as I had reintroduced myself to him and actually embraced me, saying that I would make a much better ally than I did an enemy. He apologised for the past and expressed his condolences for my mother and father however I knew that they would be happy for me. No doubt my mother would say that it would make it easier for me to keep on eye on them this way and to always keep my guard up. I missed them dearly, however I could not feel sad anymore as I was so complete and fulfilled in my own life that I did not have room for grief as I was too full of love. His love.

After Kyoya and I were finally married we moved into a house together and almost immediately started a family of our own. We did not have as many as Fuyumi who ended up with six children, however Kyoya was happy with his two children. A boy first and then a girl two years later. They were the jewels of our lives and I played to them every night before they went to sleep, lulling them into slumber as Kyoya listened at the door. Our sleeping babies were so precious and cute, I couldn't believe that I had given birth to them. "Aren't they the cutest things?"

"Of course, they take after me." He teased so I swatted his shoulder. They both looked similar with Kyoya's dark hair however they both took my green eyes. They were so pretty I couldn't help but coddle them a little. I wished my parents could see them however I knew they were watching over us all in heaven, so I wasn't too worried. "They're asleep now, we shouldn't disturb them or they'll be up all night. Come, pay attention to me for a change."

"Greedy Kyoya." I scolded him softly as he led me by the hand out of the nursery however he merely smiled, lacing our fingers together as we walked side by side together. Smiling happily I leaned into his arm, feeling truly blessed. I loved Kyoya, I loved my children and I loved my life. I was so happy I felt like I was going to burst. Turning I rose up onto my toes and kissed his cheek, making Kyoya stop in surprise. Even now he always seemed taken aback whenever I kissed him, almost as if he was reminded that I really was there by his side. "I love you, my husband." Recovering I watched his smile rise to his face as he turned me into the wall and leaned against me so that our heads were resting against one another, glasses removed from his face as he gazed at me.

"And I love you, my bride." He murmured before kissing me sweetly and lifting my spirits to the tallest part of the sky and I stayed there with his arms wrapped around me, not ever wanting to leave this happy place of mine.