Looking at his daughter's peaceful face, the man said thoughtfully:
"Are you sure this is right? Sooner or later, she might want to become a mother, and we both know I can't give her that. Not to mention that each of you deserved to be the only one, but you all indulged my selfishness."
There was clear guilt in the man's voice.
Even though Yuno truly believed he wasn't to blame, she understood that guilt would gnaw at her beloved until the end of his days. All she could do was be there and, surrounding him with love and care, try to ease his guilt.
Realizing he had spoiled their moment, the man said guiltily:
"Sorry, my love."
Biting her lip, Yuno shook her head and, looking him in the eyes, said:
"I understand you. When you were in a coma, I wanted to move into your room, but there was too much work, and I couldn't. That meant I had to fear every phone call."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that alone. I should have used this poison long ago to protect our family from that side," Ray said.
"When I found out what happened, I just wanted to die with you, as soon as I found and killed everyone responsible. But then I remembered Kira and Sam, who were ready to give their lives for the 'Devils' to thrive. That made me pull myself together. I know what you're feeling; I've lived with it my whole life."
Taking a deep breath, she finally decided to continue:
"I know that Lily and the little ones' deaths hit you hard, but the truth is, if it hadn't happened, you wouldn't have created the 'Devils.' I would never have experienced the feelings and warmth you gave me; I would have died in agony, never knowing what love is. And if anyone asks me whether I'm ready to give up everything I have now to bring them back to you, the truth is, I'm not sure I could answer. Even though none of us says it, every woman who was close to you after Lily's death feels it, even Deya. If not for this tragedy, Deya wouldn't have been born. I think that's partly why she wants to be with you in this way. I know how cruel men can be. Maybe for some it's wrong, but I know for sure that with you she'll be happy. You might say we're not to blame for Lily's death, since most of us didn't even know her, and that's true, but the guilt and the thought that this girl's death gave me happiness I don't deserve will never go away."
Having said that, the girl sobbed.
Holding her tighter, the man said softly:
"You're right about one thing: our guilt will never go away. But you escaped hell, and if my presence in your life gives you the happiness you deserve, I'll be very glad. All we can do is be together and care for each other until death comes for us. Now let me make up for your bad mood."
With that, the man deftly slipped out of the little one's embrace, who had been sent to the realm of Morpheus by the wave of pleasure, without disturbing her sleep.
Yuno could guess what was coming and watched her beloved with curiosity and a hint of anticipation.
She had worked hard, living in fear for her beloved for several years, so the girl was very hungry.