It's been two and a half years. Two and half years since she was basically sold off to her husband by her parents. They were so completely entranced by him that they didn't think twice before offering her up as a bride. Never mind asking her or anything.

And now, here she sat. Waiting.

Nanako and Mimiko had long been put to bed. She adored those two girls with all her heart. Perhaps the only good thing that came out of these godforsaken circumstances. They were happy and bright, mischievous little girls.

However, then there was him. The man she'd been wed to. The man who rarely spoke. The man with whom she'd come to have a silent understanding. They weren't friends but they were begrudging roommates. Sharing a life, two children and nothing more.

She heard the door open and close.

"Suguru?"

A grunt of acknowledgement came. He walked in, exhaustion clear on his face. He was drenched in blood but it was clear it wasn't his own.

"I hope the girls are in bed."

It's a statement, not a question. She simply nodded, her eyes following him as he walked across their shared room.

"Do you ne-"

"I'm fine." He cut her off. "I'll clean up. Set up dinner. Please."

She nodded again and left the room. He sighed and sat at the edge of the bed. It had been a long day.