Koenma trudged on wearily towards their cottage, his feet feeling like lead. So far, Yuki was still sleeping. It was really a relief to find her finally conscious after he went to the Fates. And now that she is comfortably settled, what would he tell her? How could he explain his week- long absence? How could he even tell her goodbye?

Taking a mouthful of air, he slid the door open. But to his surprise he found Yuki standing by the window, her back to him. When she heard the door open, she turned around only to see him standing uncertainly, eyeing her with worry and at the same time with relief upon finding her fully awake.

Without a word, Yuki ran and flung herself to him. Koenma momentarily lost his balance as he stumbled backwards.

"Yuki-"

"Shh…" she murmured burying her face in his chest. "Just hold me, kudasai?"

With that Koenma closed his eyes as his arms wounded around her small body. He pressed her more to him, her dainty form a perfect fit against his. They just stood there holding each other, his face buried in her sweet-smelling hair. She, listening contentedly at the beat of his heart.

"Ai shiteru." Yuki said after a moment, her face still buried against his chest.

Koenma took a deep breath upon hearing the sweetest words. God, how he missed her! How he missed holding her, touching her-- With that he slowly pulled her face up to his, his fingers settling under her chin.

Yuki stared deeply into his eyes, she tried smiling but to no avail. Just looking at how he is staring at her made her want to cry. She saw love in them with hurt and… goodbye.

Gomen ne…" she began softly, a tear falling.

Koenma shook his head as he wiped the tear away. Another one fell and then another one until it came down faster… they now both know what to do. It was understanding and hated acceptance that brought those tears in her eyes.

"Forgive me?" he asked softly. "I am the worst husband there is…"

"Iie, iie." She shook her head. Then she smiled through her tears.

"You have to do what you have to do, ne?"

"Oh Yuki-"

He quickly pulled her to him, embracing her with all his might. He then burst into tears as he held her tighter against him.

"Ai shiteru." He murmured softly.

"I believe you." She replied. "The beating of you heart tells me so."

Koenma closed his eyes as he savored the feel of her for the last time. He felt her arms go around him tighter, heavy sobs wracking her body.

Then to her surprise she felt warmth all over her. She opened her eyes only to see a bright light radiating inside the cottage. She turned her face to his, her eyes becoming wider.

Koenma now stood before her in his shining glory. The Jr. mark slowly materializing on his forehead. Everything about him became brighter that she had to cover her eyes to shield them from the blinding light. The brilliance of a demigod now surfaced beneath the simple fold of his human form.

"Open your eyes, Yuki." Came his soft voice. "Don't be afraid."

She slowly opened her eyes. Strangely, she realized that her sense of vision had finally adjusted to the blinding radiance before her. She felt her cheeks burn as she found herself looking at the most beautiful creature she has ever seen.

Then to her complete astonishment she felt herself being pulled. She gave a sharp gasp as she felt something soft against her lips. The gasp then turned to a soft moan as Koenma's lips moved against her, coaxing her to respond.

Koenma pressed her tighter against him as he felt her shy response. He gave out a soft groan of pleasure as his lips entwined with hers in a sensuous dance, her lips moving with rhythmic passion against his, making him feel desire and longing and at the same time making him feel love and torment. The tormenting thought of kissing her, feeling her against him for the last time filled him with so much pain.

He then broke the kiss slowly and stared at her face. He looked at her, his gaze so intense, his eyes memorizing every form. He tried his best carving the beautiful image in his mind for this will be the last time.

She returned the same loving gaze, her tears falling from her eyes down to her lips, kissing her, a salty replacement for his. She waited for promises, promises of seeing each other again, of being together again. But nothing came out of his lips.

"Goodbye, Yuki." He said. "I love you."

Then giving her one last look. He turned around as the portal slowly materialized in front of her. She stood there unable to move, unable to speak. Then something inside her snapped. She felt her feet hastily running up to him, her arms throwing itself around his waist.

Koenma stopped momentarily and closed his eyes. He prayed that she wouldn't ask him to stay because if she does, then God help him… he will stay. He remained his back to her, trying his best not to turn around and face her, afraid that her sad, pretty face would make him change his mind.

"I lied." She softly said. "Please…"

Koenma hardened his heart as he gently freed himself from her arms. Without turning back, he slowly walked into the portal. His heart bursting with so much grief.

Yuki fell to her knees as she witnessed his figure slowly disappearing from her sight. She then wounded her arms around her, sorrow enveloping her as she cried helplessly, her tears falling to the floor like clear crystal gems.

"… don't go." She finished softly as the light slowly disappeared before her.