“It's kinda hard to see the stars in the city,” Hitaki look up to the starry skies, “yet here i can barely see any spot which isn't covered with one.”

Daiki covered her shoulders with a coat before taking a seat beside her on the balcony, joining her in her stargazing as his hand wrapped around her waist.

“You're right.” He says, “Though it's not like i ever paid attention to such thing.”

“I know.” She chuckles and leans on his chest, “You're too busy chasing some punks and random criminals in the streets, you forgot the beauty up above your head.”
“Not really. It just doesn't faze me that much.”
“Oh? I thought anyone have the same opinion about beautiful skies.”
“I’m not saying i don't find it beautiful. I just have another which is even more captivating.”
“And that is?”
“You.”

Hitaki went silent. Even after years of getting married, hearing such word always gives her a warm feeling that envelopes her whole being. She took his free hand and entwined their fingers, and he return her affection with a gentle kiss on his temple.

“I love you.”
“.....I know.”
“You're still gonna be picky about that?”
“Shut it, Daiki. I’m trying to calm my heartbeat here.”

He laughs in response and gently rubs her waist using his thumb.

“Kinda reminds me. I brought some things from the brats.”
“What? What for?”
“For you.”

He handed the paper bag he brought earlier to her. She peek into the content suspiciously, clear that she doesn't want to humor him.

“Stop with that suspicious look. It's your birthday presents.”
“Oh… then say so earlier.”
“What else do you think it is, duh.”
“I dunno, booby traps?”
“It's from your own kids, you know.”
“That's even more suspicious. Who do you think their parents are?”
“.....True.”

She rolled her eyes before taking out the big box. It adorned with red ribbon and gold lace, good choice. Have to say, she was proud of their sense. She pull the ribbon carefully then open the box and found herself blinded from the shining jewelry inside.

“.......Remind me again how come they can afford these?”
He shrugs.
“They have been saving their monthly allowance to buy you that.”
“Suspicious.”
“It's true, gosh. Have faith on them a little.”
“You sure you’re not the one who bought these?”
“Not a penny.”
“.....Fine.”

She took the jewelry out of its box, and now that she look at it carefully, it's visible that it's all made by hand.

“......They made this?”
“Really? I didn't asked.”
“Yes, the materials was bought, but it's not store made.”

He only smiles as response, because her happy look says it all. He took the jewelry--necklace, bracelet, earrings, even the rings--and put it on her.

“You look gorgeous.”
“You think?”
“Mmhm. Fits you perfectly. Gotta praise the brats later when we got home.”
“.....Yeah.”

She turned her head towards him and smiles, giving him a hug which he returns right away.

“Thank you, Daiki.”
“Thank the brats.”
“They won't be here if it's not for you. We made those little devils together.”
“Ohoho~”

She chuckles and stares at the horizon. The sun is ready to come out, and their room is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. Good thing today’s weather is going to be good despite the piling snow. Cold, but still bearable.

“You're not cold?” He fixed her coat, covering her reddened ears from the freezing wind.
“I'm cold, but it's fine. You gonna warm me up later anyway.”
“I can do it right away.”
“Later, pervert. Lemme enjoy my day.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Sheesh, winter is always a pain in the ass.”
“You hate winter?”
“I dislike the freezing cold.”
“Even though you're an Ice Queen?”
“This and that is different, and stop calling me that, Demon Lord.”

He laughs in response as she grumbles in return. The sun is rising, and she can feel the soft warmth it brings caressing her face. Daiki’s hand is still rubbing her waist, not those inviting rubs like he usually does, and she couldn't helped but let herself form a smile.

Putting the cold weather aside, it is a perfect holiday trip.

“We rarely go on a trip anymore, eh?”
“Because you are always busy with work.”
“Hooooold on a second. That's my line, Old Man. You're the one always leaving me for work.”
“Unlike you, i can't always do my job from home.”
“Then stop being a police.”
“You want me to?”
“No. I like seeing you in action.”
“Figures.”
“I hate seeing you hurt, though.”
“I know.”
“......I hope i can be the one protecting you and the brats.”
“You did. The brats also think the same.”
“I will never be a good mother for them, though.”
“They're not that young anymore, Taki. They know perfectly what you’ve been doing.”
“Suck.”
“Shush.”
“Che.”
“Don't give me that, Lady. You know, Miyuki took your poor speaking manner.”
“Like you’re one to talk anyway.”
“Better than you.”
“Yeeeeeesss, Daddyyyyyy.”

He chuckles as she smiled, and both looking at the horizon. The calming silence comforting them is something they both long to feel. No piling of works, no yells from children. A rare day when both doesn't let out a long sigh with matching headaches.

“You know, Taki.”
“Mm?”
“The brats and I thought the same thing.”
“What thing?”
“Shining jewelry fits you.”
“What am i? Walking mannequin?”
“You're not?”
She pinches his side.

“Ouch-- Ahaha. But i mean it. I don't care about such thing, you always look stunning in them. Though most of the time i can't see you since the glint is too blinding.”
“It's to shine your dark skin.”
“Oho~? I thought you like it.”
“I do. Even more so when you're covered in sweat. I might eat you right away.”
“You know i won't stop you.”
“Later, Darling. Hold your claws as well as  that thing between your legs.”

He laughs again and kisses her hair, fingers twirling a lock of her long bangs. Her eyes focused on the rising sun, feeling the faint warmth, feeling the rustles on her hair.

“What are you putting on my head now?”
“Eh, stay still.”
“Don't do something stupid, Daiki. I might strangle you in return.”
“Tempting offer.”
“Hey.”
“Chill. Okay, done.”

He hand her compact mirror to her, and she stilled seeing her own reflection.
To be exact, on the rose hairpins he put on.

“......Daiki, i told you i don't need a replacement.”
“It's not a replacement for the broken one.”
“Then what? You think i don't remember the details? I’ve been wearing it for years.”
“I know you do. But it's not. This is this, and that was that.”
“What?”
“You're the prettiest while wearing it, you know.”
“......”
“It's a shame the old one broke, but i don't mind. It's just an old toy. Literally.”
“It is, but that doesn't mean--”
“Ssh, i’m not done. You see, this one,” He put another pin in her palm, the one he hasn't put on her hair, “Are not replacement. I just copy the design and all, because i love how you look wearing this all these years. Because i love how happy you were when you wore that, no matter how grieving your situation was.”

Hitaki turned her head to face him. Her expression is a mixed of sadness and guilt, and he smile a little at her in response.

“Don't give me that look.”
“But…”
“Ssh. I told you, everyone deserve to be happy. Including you.”
“Still--”
“You're not the only one carrying the sin, Taki. I’m just as guilty. You didn't, you never, forced me to do this.”
“......”
“We promised to protect the brats together, right?”
“....Yeah….”
“If you think that broken hairpins are irreplaceable, i’m okay with it. In return, i’ll give you something else to cherish for.”
“......”
“It loses its value since i gave you too many hairpins, though.”

Hitaki shook her head and held the hairpin.
“It's not true. I love every single hairpins you gave me, but…. As you know, that one was my favorite.” She smiles, her eyes is tearing up, “Thank you, Daiki.”
He smiles and kiss her forehead.
“Happy birthday.”
“You said that last night.” She chuckles.
“Eh, no matter. Still your day.”
“You gonna say it the whole day?”
“Sure, why not?”
“Noooo, don't do that.” She laughs, “By the way, can i tell you something?”
“I have a feeling i know what you wanna say. No.”
“Oh, c’mon. Hearing it won't hurt.”
“It hurts my pride. No.”
“Daikiiiiiiiii.”
“No.”
“I’m gonna say it anyway. You were being cheesy--mmpph--”
“Shut up.”

She glanced up and see him grumbles with slight red on his earlobe, must be deep enough for it to be visible on his dark skin. She chuckles and tapping his hand covering her mouth.

“Say another word, i’ll bite you.” He says as he let go of her. She grinned in return, obviously doesn't feel threatened.

“Maybeeee, i’ll let you bite me?”
“You're going to regret it.”
“Am i, now?”

Circling her arms around his neck and stares directly into his eyes. Her lips turned into a faint smirk and he groans. That face she made always weakens him on the knees.

“Pretty sure you said i need to hold my claws.”
“Ahahaha. Right.” She turned around and dropped her back on his chest, “Strange enough you decided to hold back, though.”
“Well, this's your day. I’mma be a gentleman if you want me to.”
“Riiiiight. A true gentleman shall not refuse his lady, though.”
“I didn't--Fuck, you tricked me.”
“Ahahahahaha. You're so cute at times, Daiki.”
“Oh, shut up.”
“Awww…. Don't get mad. Today is my day, right?”
“......”
“Will a kiss do?”
“......”

Without another word, he lift her chin and kisses her lips. She return it right away, taki loves the way his kisses stirs her inside no matter how many years has passed. If she’s being honest, it gets better, even. She even wonders how he managed to raise the level of his sexiness through the years instead of losing his touches.
It drives her insane.
And pushes her to crave for more.

“You know a kiss won’t do.” he says after they part, eyes glanced down at her bruised lips.
“A whole night wasn't enough for you?”
“You want me to get enough?”

Instead of answering, she circles his neck and pull him into another kiss. Much deeper, much more heated. He gladly embraces her, one arm securing her back as the other slipped beneath her knees and lifted her up, bringing her back inside without breaking their hot kisses.

As he closed the door using his foot and dropped her on the bed, he knows he is going to need another day off from work.