Makoto and Chiaki walked slowly down the street hand in hand; they were taking the long way to her apartment. They wanted to have some time to catch up before chilling at her apartment. It had been ages since they had been able to have a good long coversation with each other; and it was much needed.

"So how's bonehead Kousuke doing? Last time I checked he was with that Kaho chick" Chiaki asked curiously. While he joked about being interested in other girls; Makoto was the only one he would ever want.

Makoto laughed in amusement "He's doing well; training to be a doctor for his family clinic. But he and Kaho split up as he felt she wasn't quite for him; but they ended on good terms" she said fondly.

Chiaki had guessed that from day one Kousuke didn't like the junior too much; he was just kind to her because he was a nice guy. He would probably meet a girl more suited to him in college. Considering he was so straight laced and dedicated to his studies; he would need someone strong willed and yet playful who would allow him to relax now and again.

"And you? Still playing baseball or have you become more of a girl since I left?" Chiaki teased playfully. While she was still a tomboy at heart; she looked more like a woman than ever. However his best memories of her were when they played in the courts together just having fun; back when he decided to confess.

Makoto grinned cheekily "As if I could give it up; I teach kids how to play baseball part time. When I'm not doing that I'm working with my auntie Witch" she explained casually. Baseball would always be her number one love in life; but Chiaki came a close tie. To give it up would be like asking her to start dressing in skirts and frocks; not gonna happen.

Chiaki raised an eyebrow curiously; why would she want to work beside her aunt? From what he remembered she had planned on studying abroad temporarily. But from what he could understand she hadn't gone abroad after all; she had stayed in her hometown.

"I want to help restore that painting and so many others. It makes me happy to know I'm doing some form of good in the world" Makoto said fondly. To save precious artworks from being lost made her feel like she was doing good. She could allow younger generations to enjoy such beauty and perhaps let their children enjoy it as they grew up.

Chiaki stopped his expression stunned; his heart hoped that the artwork was there. Part of him couldn't quite believe she had chosen such a career instead of so many others. "Makoto..." he said quietly. She really had been busy in the time they had been apart; but he never imagined this much.

"Hmm?" she said smiling fondly. She knew what he wanted to ask; it was about the painting he had longed to see as a student. It was now fully restored and on full view for the entire world to see. It was the main reason in the beginning which made him travel back to her time; but it changed after meeting her and Kousuke.

Chiaki gazed into her brown ones intently; his green orbs were filled with hope and yet hesitation. He hoped that what he was beginning to believe wasn't a dream "Is...Is that painting there now?" he asked hesitantly. For 5 years he had been away and thought of only her and the painting. He had already reclaimed one; bit as for the other he was unsure.

Makoto smiled and gazed into his green eyes happily "Mm hmm". It had taken a while but finally she had been able to grant Chiaki's wish with her auntie's help. She had put sleep and her social life on the line in order to help make sure that painting never go destroyed.

Chiaki's heart was filled with so many emotions at once he didn't know what to say. She had kept a promise he never believed possible. He pulled her arm towards him and wrapped her into a tight hug.

Makoto was rather taken aback by the sudden hug but didn't hate it. She snuggled into him and wrapped her free arm around his back. She knew how much it had meant to him; it had taken a while but she had finally been able to grant his wish.

"Makoto...you...this...I can't...thank you..." he stammered quietly his voice cracking. He was sad, happy and shocked all at the same time. There were no words to explain how grateful he was to her.

Makoto smiled and stifled a laugh "Told you I would didn't I? Got into a fight with my parents though for not officially going to a sports academy" she chuckled. Both of Makoto's parents saw how talented she was at baseball; how well she assessed the game situation. They begged her to join an official baseball team; but instead she attended Art College and took a place at her auntie's museum.

Chiaki pulled away and gazed into her eyes; his own were lined with tears and his expression was very emotional. He was so glad he ever fell in love with her; she was truly an amazing person. She had a bigger heart that anyone he had ever met; and she was yet to make a promise she couldn't keep.

Makoto smirked and stifled a playful laugh "I never thought I would see the day where jokester Chiaki would be this emotional" she teased fondly. However she was just messing with him; she knew how important this had been to him so it was understandable. She was rather proud of herself for pushing her limits so hard and seeing it through to the end.

He raised one hand to cup her cheek gently "I made the right choice falling for you; I don't think anyone could be as amazing" he said fondly. She was more than just a tomboy; she was a crybaby, a loyal friend, a loudmouth and easily embarrassed. But those traits were things he loved most about her.

Makoto smirked "Damn straight; I'm one in a million" she teased. Back when he dated Yuri briefly she had felt like her heart was being torn out of her chest; seeing him with someone else was too much to bear. But the fact that she had managed to tell him how she felt briefly before he left all those years ago; that was worth all the sadness she had felt.

Chiaki chuckled "More like once in a lifetime" he said gently. He could search every time space and every galaxy and only ever want her. Nobody else could make him as happy as she could. He never used the word often; but indeed Makoto was his soulmate.

Makoto blushed; using such cheesy words was below the belt. But there were times she didn't mind hearing them "Sneaky move there" she muttered shyly. He really knew how to embarrass her using sneaky methods.

Chiaki grinned one of his signature grins; the kind she hadn't seen in the last 5 years. One she used to see in middle school. She felt her heart flutter with memories of the past. She really had missed him; without him she had been so fucking lonely.

She smiled fondly "Let's get back to mine" Makoto said gently. She wanted to do nothing but lie on her bed and cuddle with him. She had missed his smell and gentle arms around her.

Chiaki blushed; while he loved Makoto he hadn't expected her to be that bold. While he was glad to be living with her now; he wanted to wait a while before doing anything.

Makoto saw his hesitation and smiled "I don't wanna do anything Chiaki; I just wanna cuddle. I've missed being close to you" she said fondly. She did love Chiaki ever so much; but even if it had been 5 years it would be a while before she had the confidence to sleep with him.

A feeling of relief came over Chiaki; yes it had been 5 fucking years but he wanted Makoto to want to sleep with him. He wasn't the type of guy to suddenly take advantage of someone. When he did finally take Makoto's chastity he wanted it to be consensual; he wanted her to want it too. He wanted her to enjoy it; above all he wanted to make it memorable.

Makoto smirked "Pervert you thought I meant something else right?" she chuckled playfully. She had gotten good at reading people over time; and he was no exception in that case.

Chiaki pouted "You should choose your words more carefully" he muttered defiantly. In his defence anyone could jump to conclusions with that statement. While he had asked Makoto to live with him; he meant in a place of their own.

"Then it wouldn't be as fun to mess with you" she teased sticking out her tongue. Being able to see his reaction was the icing on the cake; it made her day.

Chiaki irked at that comment; over time Makoto had gotten very good at getting under his skin. However he would get his payback eventually; he was good at getting revenge.

She took his hand gently and led him along quietly; his hands were so comforting she never wanted to let go.

Chiaki said nothing and simply let her lead; he was still somewhat embarrassed for letting his mind wonder. It showed how much he had missed her during their separation "I've really fallen hard" he thought to himself quietly.