DISCLAIMER: Okay, I read the extra fine print, but I still don't understand all that Legalese, so this has been an exercise in futility.

A/N: Okay…THIS is the final chapter in my "drabble-turned-mini series." Please wait for the ride to come to a complete stop before disembarking. Have a great day.

Waking

Out of the corner of my eye, I see you leaning against the kitchen door jamb, watching me cook breakfast. I look over at you and smile. You come up behind me, wrap your arms around my waist, and kiss the back of my neck. I moan softly and lean back into you. You turn me around and look deep into my eyes. I can tell you've been admonishing yourself, probably for being so blind and stupid. You're always so hard on yourself.

The previous night, after you stubbornly refused to return to the hill, I knew I had to take action or risk losing you. I looked over at her, but she just stood there watching me. I stood and pursued you. When you told me to stop following you, I refused to leave you alone. I desperately needed you to open your eyes and see the depth of my love for you. My heart soared when you finally realized true love was right in front of you all this time, but ached as you tearfully confessed it was due to the fact that either you were too dense or insecure to see it.

You poured out your heart and admitted I was the only woman who ever really saw past your bravado and spoke to the scared insecure little girl inside. Tears rolled down my cheeks as you continued to tell me how through love and patience, I was the only one who ever reached the little girl hiding from the fear and pain of abandonment. Yes, even though it hurt me, I understood that was why you ran to her whenever I was unavailable to you. I wish I would have communicated with you better during those times, but I was immersed in my own problems.

By the time I woke up and realized what was happening, there was nothing else I could do, but let everything play itself out. Through it all, I continued to hold on to the belief our love would be strong enough to weather the storms of insecurity. All that time, I did my best to be patient. I patiently waited for you to wake up and come to your senses. I asked Kami-sama for strength every time you were with her. Through it all, I just wanted you to be happy again and return to me on your own. Unfortunately, sometimes my Natsuki can be dense and needs to be smacked with a 2X4, so I took action and got you back.