Author's Note: I only have two words: IT'S DONE! I hope you guys enjoyed this.
Sequel…?
Epilogue
The light of the setting sun cast the world in a tranquil, warm glow, washing the sky over in hues of gold and red and orange, reflecting off the deep waters of the ocean just beyond the cliffs that bordered their world. And silhouetted in the distance was the outlines of two figures standing alone in the open field; one a tall, slender young man, standing almost perfectly, and the other a much smaller boy, full of energy and running this way and that. At one point he paused, looked back at the older man, then ran full force at him, latching onto his long legs and sending them both sprawling to the ground.
From where she stood on the porch, Miyu laughed softly to herself, greatly enjoying to adorable picture that her husband and son made in the distance. It was hard to believe that at one time, years and years ago, she was fully convinced that she would never know this sort of happiness, that she would never be able to feel the complete sensation and wonderful experience of having a family of her own. If it had not been for her current situation, she would have been out there with them, but the full extent of her actions would be limited, at least for the next couple of months. Still, the sight of Larva and their son, Takashi, who was almost five years old now, playing together in such a manner always made her smile.
The red swell of the sun was dipping lower into the ocean, and the sky gradually lost its orange hues and proceeded in deepening to the darkness of night. Stars were already beginning to spangle the sky, a full moon was rising in the east, and a chilly wind swept across the cliffs from the ocean. Night always seemed to fall faster in the Shinma Realm than in the earth realm. "Alright you two, time to come in." Miyu called out to the field, and she was answered by a small giggle.
"C'mon, Daddy, we have t' go! Or Mommy will be mad a' us!" Even in the darkening landscape, Miyu could see Takashi jump to his feet, tugging on his father's hand until he was back on his feet.
"Well, we don't want your mom to be mad at us, now, do we?" Larva asked, then lunged forward to pick up his son and put him over his shoulder, carrying him back to the house with the little boy squealing happily the whole way. Once they were back at the porch, Larva handed Takashi over to his mother, the child wrapping his arms around her neck and kissing her cheek lovingly, and together the happy family returned indoors.
Once they were back inside, Takashi squirmed in Miyu's arms until she set him down, where he ran over to the large armchair near the fire and jumped up into it, giggling happily. "Wow, I had no idea it was getting so late; Takashi, you need to get to bed soon. Why don't you go upstairs and get dressed for bed?"
From where he sat on the chair, the little boy shook his head, his eye wide. "'s dark upstaiws." He said. "'m scawed." His innocence made her smile; how could someone of pure Shinma blood be afraid of the dark? Oh, well. He was still a child after all.
"All right…I'll go with you." She reached forward to take his hand, unaware that the other was on her lower back, but she was halted when Larva reached out to gently pull her back.
"I can take him up." He said softly, kissing her forehead. "You sit down for a while." Miyu smiled, kissed him softly, and watched as father and son disappeared into the darkness upstairs. With a small sigh, she sat down on the couch, leaning her head against the back of the couch, one hand moving unconsciously to the curve of her stomach. She was only five months along with their second child – a little girl, this time – but it seemed to have been much longer that that.
The familiar sound of creaking steps met her ears, and she was keenly aware of the movement behind her as Larva leaned over her from behind the couch, kissing her closed eyelids. "That was fast." She said, opening one golden eye to look up at him.
"As soon as we got up there, he wanted to get ready for bed by himself." Larva said in an amused tone as he moved around to sit next to her. "I think he's already assuming the role of the brave older brother. He's really excited about it. But what about you…are you alright?"
"I'm fine." She reassured him, leaning her head on his shoulder and feeling a strong arm wrap around her. "I just forgot how tiring being pregnant is."
"But you're doing it so well. And I'm sure that she agrees." Larva said with a smile, his hand joining Miyu's on the graceful swell of her belly, and slowly leaned in for a kiss had Takashi not decided to bounce between them at that instant, his brown hair messy from pulling his shirt over his head.
"Eeew! That's gwoss!" He squeaked playfully, but nonetheless buried himself between his parent's bodies.
"Oh? And how would you know, mister?" Miyu asked, running her fingers through her son's fine brown hair. Takashi had turned out looking more like her than like Larva; the features of his round face were delicate and Faye-like, and there was no doubt that he would be a beauty when we grew up. Well, he was beautiful now, but he would have to beat off the suitors with a stick. He did, how ever, have his father's blood-red eyes, but he made them seem innocent and care-free.
Takashi did not answer her question. "Mommy, can I feel the baby? Is the baby moving?"
"Well, let's just see." Miyu took her son's hand and placed it against her stomach. For a few moments, nothing happened, until…
"I felt it!" Takashi squealed happily. "She must wike me!"
"I'm sure she does." Miyu said, pulling the boy into a close hug, feeling Larva move a moment later to pull them both close in one warm embrace.
Several moments later, the activities of outside play finally caught up with Takashi and he was soon fast asleep, nestled warmly between his parents. In the comforting glow of the fire and the gentle crackling noises emitted from the burning logs, Miyu relished in the feeling of the warmth of Takashi's small body pressed against her side, and the feeling of Larva's arms around her, holding her close, his long fingers gently caressing the smooth skin of her cheek. Never before in her life had she felt so happy, so content than as she was right now…
As an adult…
As a wife…
As a mother…
Larva's fingers traced along her jaw, tilting her head up so golden orbs could meet ruby ones.
"I love you."
"I love you too…" Their lips met each other's in a deep kiss that nullified the use of any more words. And in that perfect moment, Miyu knew why her soul felt so fulfilled.
I am living my dream…And I would not trade it for the world.
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The End***