Just something I felt like writing when I was in the mood. Sort of a continuation of the last chapter, with everything as it's supposed to be.


Seiya looked at the picture of Usagi, who was held within Mamoru's arms. She looked so perfect within them, and they fit together so perfectly. He couldn't explain the feeling when he saw them together. It was like a dull ache within his chest, like something was missing, like his heart wasn't there anymore.

"Would you like some tea?" She asked as she smiled brightly at him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She had cut her hair, it now fell around her shoulders, and she looked as beautiful as ever. Her body had matured and she had grown a few inches, now almost as tall as him.

"Tea would be great, thanks," he said, smiling back at her. She laughed and nodded, walking to the kitchen gracefully. Huh, when had she gotten so graceful? The Odango he remembered had been a major klutz. But then again, five years had changed a lot.

Like that ring on her finger.

It wasn't a promise ring anymore. No, it was a full on major piece of stone- and the most elegant one he had seen. If there was anyone who deserved it, it was definitely Odango.

"So, how've you been? How are Taiki and Yaten?" She asked, glancing at him while she poured water into the pot. Her skin seemed even silkier now, almost glowing under the fluorescent lights of the kitchen, which would have made anyone look unflattering. Except for her anyway. She looked good in everything and everywhere.

"They're good. Yaten is probably milking up as much stardom as he can as a former member of the Three Lights. I think Taiki is walled up in the apartment on a project of some sort," he looked away from her, not wanting to see her face fall, "He isn't doing so well after Ami broke the news to him."

"Oh," she said softly and she walked by him to sit on the stools at the kitchen counter. He stood awkwardly at the entrance of the kitchen till she motioned for him to sit down, "I'm sorry for him." She truly was, but that was to be expected. She had more heart than anyone he had ever known, and probably ever would. "What the Shitennou and Senshi have…it's definite," she tucked the strand of hair behind her ear once again, sighing softly, "It's fate. We're sorry you all had to be caught in it like this. You don't deserve that. No one does." She looked down sadly.

He shook his head, "Don't be sorry, Odango." He didn't know what else to say. He couldn't say that the Starlights didn't love their Senshi anymore, because he knew it wasn't the truth. A part of them would always love them. He didn't know why, maybe the bonds they had formed as men on this planet had been that strong. Or it was a way for fate to play with them, to taunt them with a chance and then rip it away.

The teapot whistled as they sat in silence, both pulled in by their thoughts of the past and Odango rose to prepare the tea. He stared blankly at the marble kitchen counter. "Are you all happy?" He asked softly.

He wasn't sure she had heard when there was no answer for a minute, but he didn't raise his eyes to look at her. Seeing her eyes saying that she was the happiest she had ever been in her entire life- without him in it, it would hurt.

"Yes," she whispered, "We're happy."

"That's good then."

It hurt. It hurt more than he had thought it would. He had accepted that she loved Mamoru long ago- but that small, resistant part of him had wished and wished that she would change her mind. He knew it was selfish, that he should be happy that she was happy- and it wasn't that he wasn't, it was just that it was bitter happiness.

Why couldn't it have been me?

"Oh Seiya," she said, approaching him. Her breathtaking blue eyes were distraught and it hurt him to realize that it was all his fault. She had been so happy when he had seen her the day before with Mamoru, and even, a part of him proudly boasted, when he had shown up. "You'll find someone, someone who will be perfect for you. If it's one thing I learned through all these years, it's that life throws you hardships before everything can fall into place." She pulled his chin to look at her, forcing him to meet her eyes. "I promise you."

He believed her. How couldn't he, when she looked at him like that?

"And I'm sorry for giving you useless hope," she whispered, sorrow in her eyes, "I was never good at being alone…" This time she looked away, "And you were so good at making that feeling go away."

"I was warned," he said, remembering that night on the roof. He understood her completely, and he didn't blame her. At all. "I wouldn't take away what we had for anything."

He had the memories, the remembrance of her laughter and tears. He would have to be happy with that.

He stood up slowly and she was much too close that he could feel her breath on his skin. She looked at him, barely looking up. She didn't fear him at all, and that meant more to him than anything else could have. He smiled softly, remembering the time in the club when they had gone dancing, how she had looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

He kissed her forehead softly, "Always stay happy," he whispered as he pulled away, "For me."

When he returned to Kinmoku, Seiya found a piece of paper when it fluttered from his jeans.

Dear Seiya,

I'm going to give this to Taiki to put somewhere, so I know it'll get to you better than if I gave it to Yaten. I wanted to write down thoughts that I couldn't get out that day when you visited.

More than anything else, I want to thank you for all you did for me when I felt so alone those 5 years ago. It was among the hardest times of my life, and you made it livable. I will never, ever be able to convey my gratitude for those months that you remained by my side despite all the hardships that Setsuna-san and the others gave you.

You are truly one of the best friends I have ever had. If you don't mind, maybe we can keep the friendship on going, and I can help you find that lucky person who you will fall in love with.

I love you, my friend.

- Odango

P.S. I'm totally visiting ASAP. Gotta see the Kinmoku people and pick the best for you. See you soon! :D