-Hanging by a Moment-

11:00 pm

Akari's heart was pounding as she ran towards the town square. Tonight's the New Years Eve Festival.

"Just keep cool Akari…keep cool." She took a deep breath and slowed down to a walk. She couldn't help smiling thinking that the two long weeks were over. Luke was coming home. And she would meet him tonight at the festival.

Akari shivered slightly as the snow came down harder. She heard music and laughter coming from the square, just moments away.

When she reached the top of the stairs everyone on the island was gathered in the square. The entire place was glowing with lights and there was long table covered with food and drinks.

Akari spotted her best friend Renee mingling with Toby, Anissa and Owen. When Renee saw her she beamed.

"Akari!" she gestured her to come over.

"Hey!" Akari ran over and hugged her.

"Where have you been?" Renee shook Akari's shoulders lightly.

"Sorry I had a lot to d-"

"WHAT?" Renee shouted. The music was too loud.

"FARM WORK!"

"Jeez you really need to take a break from that!"

Akari shrugged and rolled her eyes. Her expression changed to an excited grin. "Oh have you seen Luke?" she bounced up and down anxiously.

Renee's lips puckered. "No I haven't. I thought he was coming back from Mineral Town tonight wasn't he?"

"He's not here?" Akari's face fell. Luke had promised that he'd be here tonight.

He'll show up. I know he will.

11:30

Still not here…

"I don't understand." Akari was worried.

"Akari come on have fun! It's New Years Eve!" Renee pulled Akari's arm towards the clump of people dancing.

"Reneeeeeeeee. N-"

"Hey Akari."

Akari's head shot up. "Oh. Owen. Hey."

"Hey now lighten up. You should be having a good time." His eyes twinkled and he smiled down at her.

"I'm sorry I can't help it. I thought he'd be here by now."

"Don't think about Luke." His large, muscular hand grabbed hers. "Come on dance with me." Owen smiled pulling her towards him.

"I uhh…errr." He took her to the middle of the crowd and spun her around. He was such a good friend to Akari sometimes. Akari smiled and danced.

"There she is!" Renee shouted and danced with them.

11:45 pm

"10 minutes until the new year everyone." The mayor announced.

Akari sat under Ben's Tree and sighed. Luke wasn't coming. Did he forget? Was there an accident? Or…did just not want to be here? No… Akari knew better than that. Luke loved her and she loved him. He wouldn't forget.

"I hope he's okay…"

11:50 pm

Akari joined the rest of the townspeople in the celebration. Owen came up behind her and took her by the waste. "Since Luke isn't here, why don't we watch the sunrise together?" He pulled her to his side.

"Oh. Uh, sorry I was planning on watching it by myself." Akari squirmed out of his strong grip

"Hey don't be like that!" He grabbed her wrist and pulled her in to a tight hug. "I'm here for you Akari." He whispered in her ear. "I'm always here. He's not. He doesn't care about you like I do."

"Don't talk about him like that. Now would you mind letting me go?" Owen just held her tighter.

"Excuse me Owen but I think you've had too much to drink. May I have my friend back please?" Renee unlocked his arms and took Akari's hand. "Thanks bud."

They walked over to the clock tower.

11:55 pm

"It's almost time." Renee said.

"…"

"Don't worry about Owen. I think he's a little out of it right now."

"…"

"Akari?" Akari looked up. She had tears in her eyes. "Oh Akari don't cry! It'll be okay!"

"I'm sorry," Akari wiped her eyes and let out a humorless chuckle. "I just-"

"YOOOOOO!!!!"

The entire square fell silent. Everyone's attention was turned towards the trees. Akari looked over her shoulder, confused.

"Sorry for the intrusion. There's just something I wanted to say." Akari and Renee joined the crowd to get a closer look.

There was someone in the tree but it was too dark to tell who it was. That was until Akari saw a fiery bandanna and glowing golden eyes.

Luke.

He leaped from the tree and headed in Akari's direction. As he got closer Akari noticed that he was soaking wet with mud and leaves sticking to him.

"Luke! You're here! What happened?" Akari cried.

"Akari." He took her face in between his hands. "I'm so sorry I'm late! I-" He looked over her shoulder at the clock tower. 11:58 pm

"Crap better make this quick…" He ran his hand over his spiky blue hair. His face was suddenly flushed. Bo ran up the stairs seconds later panting and out of breath.

"Akari…"He took a deep breath. "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." He got down on one knee.

Akari gasped and her hands went over her mouth. Everyone was circled around them staring. Renee squealed. Luke smiled sheepishly.

"You're the best person I've ever known… I've heard this saying where you come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly. You see me more clearly than anyone else. You are my desire, my happiness," He pulled out a blue feather, "and the love of my life."

Akari couldn't breathe. Luke's eyes bored into hers. "Akari…will you marry me?"

All the girls were screaming in the background, jumping up and down.

"10 seconds until midnight!" the mayor exclaimed.

"10, 9, 8-" The crowd was counting down.

Akari was speechless. She couldn't get the words out of her mouth. Luke let out an anxious laugh and his eyes were filled with hope.

"7, 6-"

"Akari! Say something!" Renee squealed.

"5, 4-"

Akari grinned as tears ran down her cheeks

"3, 2, 1!..."

"YES!"

12:00 am

Confetti shot up in the air and rained down upon the square. Fireworks exploded in the sky and everyone cheered.

Luke jumped up, lifting Akari in his arms, spinning her around.

The entire square was filled with smiles, laughter and love. Friends hugged, couples kissed, and words cannot describe the happiness Luke and Akari felt.

Luke kissed Akari passionately. Winter's chill seemed as if it had melted away. Luke was her own personal sun. She felt as if the whole word was on fire…in a good way. She never wanted that feeling to end.

Luke was home. And so was she.