#Fujimaru has been retired and moved to the north with Kiku

[akumanoken]

Ayato and Sakura with their children in that verse! Let's see the cute little princess and princes! And as prince Ayato becomes the king to help his family more.

"Ah, Your Majesty... and your Royal Highness" a few of the maids stopped, bowing as the man and a little boy walked down the hall. "Good afternoon..."

"Afternoon, ladies. I'm... looking for--" A shrill laugh was coming from the gardens, a soft calling after the child to slow down. "Never mind I think I found them. Their usual spot." He looked down at his son, a soft smile on his face. "Just as you said, Hiroki. One day I'll learn..."

The child, all of 10 years old, gave a wide grin. "I told you!! It's getting warmer out and you know mother. She can't stay away from the flowers too long!"

"Tsubaki be careful that you don't fall..." Sitting on a blanket, holding a baby in his arms, Sakura called after the toddler, watching the young girl rush around the flowers of their little playground. Hearty wildflowers that could withstand the tramplings of an over excited 4 year old.

Tsbuaki, to her credit, slowed down just a bit, but only to look around when she heard familiar footsteps. "PAPA PAPA PAPA PAPA PAPA!!!! HARUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!" Stubby legs were lightning once again, rushing headlong toward the two males, and Ayato couldn't help but laugh, scooping her up once she came close enough. "Are you causing trouble?"

"NUH-UH!!" A lie?? perhaps, but the toddler stuck to it, shaking her head emphatically. She certainly wouldn't cause trouble now, happy to be held in her father's arms as he made his way toward the queen. "Mama!! Papa here!!"

"So I see," the queen smiled. The baby opened her eyes slowly, looking around, but decided nothing was of import so she fell asleep. "There's still daylight, darling. I'm surprised to see you out," he teased softly. "Come sit with us. Haruki..." He patted a spot for the prince as well, taking a free hand to the other's cheek when he did. "I imagine it was you who convinced your father to get some fresh air?"

The boy chuckled. "Only because he was getting sleepy and bored at his desk..."

"Ah... I was not..." Ayato flushed faintly but soon gave a rueful grin. "I do admit the warmer spring days do make me wish to flee the walls and run in the forest. I blame you, Sakura."

"I caused no such corruption to your ethic, I am insulted," he smiled. "While we're all here, perhaps I can see if we can get some tea and--"

"I can do it, mother!!! Stay here!!" Haruki was up like a flash, dashing off to ask the maid staff.

Sakura just watched him run off with a smile. "...how did he get so big?"

"I know what you mean... before we know he'll be full-grown..."

A boy as sharp as a tack and as gentle and kind as he was smart and diligent. A toddler who was a bright ball of sunshine to whoever met her, and a baby girl, a new edition to their family. Neither Sakura nor Ayato thought their lives would look like this, and yet here they were. Coronated by the time Haruki was 3 years old and ruling side by side, raising a family full of love, not of fear and disdain. Sakura had always wondered what happily ever after meant in the fairy tales he read as a child, but perhaps it was... this... living, experiencing, creating something together, and fostering that same gentleness they felt for each other as a way of life for their children as well.