Master Shifu listened to Kyle telling him about his plans to stay at Country Tz for a couple of years. He noted the exasperation on Kyle's face and voice each time he mentioned his father, and chose to remain silent until Kyle's rant was over.

Patting Kyle on the shoulder, he said simply, "Just keep in touch."

Kyle blinked and looked at him, "That's it?"

Master Shifu laughed, "What do you want? You've obviously made up your mind. Though it may appear as if it's something sudden, I am sure that you have thought of everything by now."

Kyle took a deep breath and nodded.

Master Shifu smiled, patted Kyle on the back and said, "Calm your mind first before going in."

Kyle nodded again, and leaned back, looking up at the sky.

Seeing the wide, open air always gave him a sense of peace. It was as if he was a little dot in the wide scheme of things and it helped him focus his mind.

There were still things that he had to figure out, but basically, he had already planned out the next couple of years. The only thing he wasn't going to compromise was coming back earlier than planned this time.

One of the things he had been worried about was the possibility of him not being able to actually be there for his kids when his first life ended.

It was getting harder and harder to predict and plan, more so when his life was not entirely in his hands.

Kyle looked down, and for some reason, he stared at his hands. The same hands that have killed people and he idly wondered what he would do when he comes face-to-face with his killer.

A slow smile started forming on Kyle's face.

Oh, he had very special plans for that someone. Kyle hoped he was a tough one so that he could play with him a bit longer.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. That, however, was for another day.

✿.✿.✿.✿

When Kyle walked in, he could hear a little bit of commotion happening inside the house. Kyle caught the voices of Xing Han and Big Bro Nic.

"It's your fault!!"

"But Xing Han," Nitocris started saying gently.

"No buts!" Xing Han interrupted, "You gotta admit, if you hadn't asked, he wouldn't have done it. If he hadn't done it, then he wouldn't have been in danger, and if he hadn't been in danger then Uncle Patrick wouldn't have gone ballistic and if Uncle Patrick ..."

"Okay, okay, I get it," Nitocris said, "It's my fault. It's my fault. There, there ..."

"Yes, yes, it's your fault," came Xing Han's voice, now muffled.

When Kyle entered the dining room, he was greeted with the sight of a sobbing Xing Han, being hugged tightly by Big Bro Nic, who was patting his back and stroking his hair.

Xing Han was struggling a bit, as if he didn't want the hug but his hands that were holding Nitocris's waist proved otherwise.

"Yes, yes," Nitocris was saying, "I won't do it again."

"It's too late!" Xing Han wailed, "He's going away! He's going to leave me!"

Xing Han's grip on Nitocris's waist became stronger while his body was struggling and he was rubbing his face on Nitocris's crisp, white shirt. His tears and snot completely ruining it, but Nitocris didn't seem to mind at all.

Xing Han had his back to Kyle, so he didn't know Kyle had entered. Nitocris saw Kyle and he put a finger on his lips.

Kyle nodded in understanding and left as quietly as he came.

His presence wouldn't be good and Big Bro Nic looked like he would do a better job than Kyle would, in consoling Xing Han.

Still, as he left, he gave another glance at his elder brother and best friend ... and something finally clicked. Kyle looked at Nitocris, who seemed to be utterly at bliss as he continued to patiently console Xing Han.

Shrugging, he headed out towards the front door.

Seeing Sam, he said, "I'm heading out. I will be back tomorrow morning."

Sam nodded and thought, "I might as well go back to the house then. At least, it's quieter than here, what with the wailing baby there."

"You're taking my move quite well, I have to say," Kyle said as he observed Sam.

Sam gave a lopsided grin, "Well, honestly, after learning about you designing that bunker at the age of four, nothing - and I mean NOTHING - you can say or do now would ever faze me anymore."

"Trust me. I have long ago accepted the fact that you're just plain abnormal."

Kyle laughed at that, "Fair enough."

Sam headed out with Kyle, and he headed over to Kyle and Kay's house while Kyle disappeared.