Only yours

The Key to the Heart - Part 2

"I was serious! You look awful. Do you really think having dinner at Kaori's is a good idea right now?" she asked me again after we got in the car.

"Yeah, I can handle it. Believe me, I've managed on even less sleep before," I muttered back, directing my gaze out the window. After a few minutes, her delicate fingers intertwined with mine, but I didn't react to her touch to avoid encouraging her to press further.

The witch opened the door for us before we even got out of the car. She was also dressed in the obligatory black. "Glad you could make it. Come on in," she called out to us.

My fingers automatically entwined with Usagi's as we headed up to her place. When we reached her eye level, she winked conspicuously at Usagi, as if I wouldn't notice such an obvious gesture.

"Do you have something in your eye?" I muttered at her. Yes, I wanted to be nice to her, but my nerves were frayed. I couldn't immerse myself in work or numbers, and sex was currently off the table due to Usagi's concerns, so Kaori had to bear the brunt. She could handle it.

"Oh, yes, a rare sight of a man who swore off love but found it anyway," she countered provocatively with a smug grin.

No, I couldn't tolerate her mood and remarks any longer; otherwise, I might say something I'd regret. I responded with a snort, kissed Usagi on the forehead, and turned towards the door.

"Kunzite must be upstairs, right?" I asked curtly, though it was more of a rhetorical question. Where else would he be with the workload we were dealing with? Kaori nodded. "You know where he hides."

Without giving the women any further attention, I disappeared upstairs. As expected, Kunzite was behind his desk, handling the day's tasks. He looked up and nodded to the chair in front of him, into which I collapsed, exhausted.

"Did you pick up the packages?" I asked, leaning my head back. Finally, some peace—no business partners demanding my attention, and no overprotective Usagi. Kunzite slid a glass of Scotch over to me and pointed to a small paper bag beside his desk.

"Yes, though it wasn't easy dodging my wife. If she knew I was going to Tanaka's, she would have wanted something too, and you know Kaori; it wouldn't stop at earrings."

I sipped the Scotch and chuckled slightly. I could easily imagine Kaori making her desires clear. Glancing into the paper bag, I pocketed the smaller box in my jacket while placing the larger one on the table.

Kunzite leaned back slightly with his arms crossed. "How are you holding up?" "Getting by. The work keeps me busy, keeps me from brooding, and Usagi is constantly hovering around. Believe me, when she really gets going, Kaori won't stand a chance." "I'm glad you two finally found each other."

I slid the larger package closer to Kunzite. "Yeah, as much as I hate to admit it, I'm grateful Kaori meddled this time. Can you keep this safe for me until I need it? If I keep it at home, Usagi will snoop and ruin the surprise." Kunzite grinned at me. "What's in there?" "You'll find out when the time comes." "Alright, I'll put it in the safe. You know the combination. But I think we can't keep the ladies waiting any longer. Anything else to discuss?"

I shook my head and finished my drink. Then we headed back downstairs. I wasn't thrilled that Usagi and Kaori got along so well, but there were worse things. The witch would take care of Usagi and introduce her to the perfect world, as she didn't want to lose her any more than I did. Common goals bound us in this regard. It seemed she had already started, as Usagi adhered strictly to the usual table protocols.

Once dinner was over, we headed back. "Thanks for your help," I said curtly to Kunzite, who nodded in response.

Usagi eyed me from the side as we descended the stairs to Massaru. "Why did you thank Kunzite?" she asked suspiciously.