PART 64

Nani stood as Sky came running towards them, his face a mixture of surprise and something else... something that looked suspiciously like relief.  "Nani?" Sky breathed, his voice barely a whisper. "Sky..." Nani replied, his own voice thick with emotion. Sky scooped up Chingching, pulling her close to his side. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his gaze searching Nani's face. He sighed, then gently directed Chingching. "Ching-ching, go back inside and play with your toys, sweetheart." "Okie," Chingching replied obediently, scampering back into the house. Once Chingching was gone, Sky looked Nani up and down, his expression unreadable. "Why did you come back? I thought you were with—" He trailed off, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty. Before Sky could finish his sentence, Nani threw his arms around him, burying his face in Sky's shoulder. "I'm so sorry!" he cried, his voice choked with emotion. Sky held him close, stroking his hair gently. "Nani... shhh," he murmured soothingly. "Don't cry." Nani pulled back slightly, his eyes filled with tears. "You don't love me anymore, do you? I'm so sorry... Please forgive me!" He started to kneel, but Sky stopped him immediately. Sky knelt beside him, taking his hands in his. "Stop saying sorry," he said softly, his voice firm but tender. "You have nothing to apologize for. And who said I don't love you?"  His eyes held a depth of affection that left no room for doubt.