It's late. So what? Deal with it.


“Are wewe okay mom?” Lexi asked.
Devin gave her a smile.
“Yes. I'm alright dear.”
Lexi sat in her mother's lap.
“What did daddy say?” Lexi asked, looking at the paper in her mother's hand.
“Daddy says he'll be nyumbani soon. He has a leave of absence for a few weeks and he plans to come nyumbani in a few days.”
“He'll miss Valentine's day. It's tomorrow, right?”
Devin nodded.
“Yes. But he doesn't choose what days he gets off.”
“I know.”
Devin kissed her daughter on the cheek and gave her tight hug.
“We'll have to surprise him with a late Valentine's siku when he gets home.”
Lexi smiled.
“Can I make decorations?”
“Of course wewe can. And I bet Irra will help you.”
Lexi slipped off her mother's lap, shouting for her adopted sister. A hand on her shoulder, caused Devin to look up. Jon stood looking at her. His eyes alisema he had heard everything. She answered the unasked swali with a small nod. He sat inayofuata to her.
“Want me to take everyone over to the mountain tonight?”
“Why don't you? Mel and Jamie will be thrilled and Lexi loves it there. Irra won't mind being out and wewe know how much Mizore loves to make it snow for everyone there.”
Jon nodded.
“Alright. I'll let Nightwing know to expect us.”
“Let him know I alisema hi.”
He nodded again before standing up.
“Jon.”
He stopped halfway through the door and looked back.
“There isn't any specific reason wewe want to go...is there?”
“I haven't become interested in anyone there, if that's what wewe mean.”
“You know it will happen, right?”
“Yeah.”
She nodded and he left to gather his siblings.

She woke up to silence. It was still dark out, but she couldn't sleep anymore. She slipped a vazi on, walking out of the room. It wasn't too early in the morning, but early still. She sat in one of the chairs in the living room, facing the window. There was an aching in the quiet. The note from her husband was bitter-sweet. While she wanted him home, she was a little sad he was missing Valentine's day. She sighed and stood. She entered the jikoni and started to warm water in the teapot. She was grabbing a mug when she heard noise at the front door. She paused, listening. Silence. Confused, she waited a few minutes. There was no sound so she went back to making a warm drink. Steaming mug in hand, she walked back to the living room. Something looked different, but she couldn't tell what. She had barely placed the mug on the meza, jedwali when a warm voice spoke.
“Aren't wewe a welcoming sight.”
She watched, stunned, as he came from the shadows, a smile on his face. His arms wrapped around her and she was too surprised to do zaidi than stand there. When he placed a soft kiss to her head, she reacted.
“How-your note..”
Fang smiled.
“I thought I'd surprise you. So I had to delay the letter a few days.”
“The kids are at the mountain.”
“I know. I sent Jon a letter telling him to bring them there. Besides, right now, I just want you.”
He kissed her and she responded. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he picked her up bridal-style. They pulled apart and he carried her into their room. He layed her on the kitanda and was soon beside her again. She touched his face, staring at him.
“I can't believe you're here,” she whispered.
He gave her another kiss.
“Believe it. We have the entire siku together.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
She smiled, moving closer.
“Happy Valentine's day, Devin. I upendo you.”
“Happy Valentine's day. I upendo wewe too.”