HEY! Finally got that computer up and running and here's the second to last chapter!

Chapter 9

It's three hours before graduation. Three. Hours. Tohru, Saki, Arisa and I are busy doing each other's hair. Kyo and Yuki are watching us in confusion. Akito is telling me to relax. All the while, Shigure is laughing at us all.

"Seriously guys. You don't have to touch my hair." Arisa told us. Our glares told her otherwise.

"You guys have two hours before we need to go." Kyo told us in a 'This better not take long' tone.

"Plenty of time." I said with a smile. I pulled out a pair of scissors, which caused her to pale.

"Wh-what are you doing?"

"Don't worry, I won't remove any of the main length."

Xxx

We all sat together. Tohru's hair was in a braided bun. Saki's hair was in a curly side ponytail. My hair was made extra wavy with blue, pink, and gold beads in my hair in various places. As for Asaki, I added layers in her hair and made it so curled that her hair didn't touch her shoulders.

"I hate you…" she muttered.

"You look cute. Shut up."

"…Valedictorian Sohma Yuki."

Yuki went up to the front and smiled to everyone. "Before I came here, I was not really close to anyone. Throughout my three years of schooling here, I have made some close, understanding friends and even befriended some old enemies. I felt that thanks to this school I'll be able to make it past. Arigato." He came back down with the rest of us and I sent him a thumbs up.

"Now that that's over, I would like to congratulate all of our new graduates. May you have a good rest of your lives." The guy hired to give that speech walked off. We all just kind of blinked.

"Well. That was a disappointment." I deadpanned.

"Agreed." The other five said flatly.

I felt my hand get lifted and lips peck my hand. Expecting to see Akito, I turned with a wide grin. It faltered when I saw Hatori.

"I'm quite happy for you, Rosa."

"Thank you, Hatori. Um, where's Akito?"

"He began to feel so I had the driver take him home. He asked me to send his apologies."

"Right. Of course…Thank you. If you'll excuse me, there's a place I want to see one last time." I nodded with him and passed. He missed my official graduation. He had been feeling a bit less energetic, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised he fell ill.

I looked out at the courtyard from the fenced in roof. I placed my forehead against the fence just wishing Akito could see. This time of year, it was always swirling with cherry blossom petals. I imagined him and me dancing in them as they blew through the air.

I looked down at my finger and pictured a rose gold ring with a-

"Cherry blossom pink ruby. That's what these petals remind you off, correct?" A male voice called behind me. I looked to see Hatori step closer. "Akito hasn't been getting better. He could be gone sooner than you'd believe. I wouldn't keep your hopes set too high. He might pass soon."

Rage seeded in my heart. "Oh? And what might you suggest, oh wise one?"

He put a hand in the fence and another above my head. "Finding someone else."

"There isn't." I answered, pushing him away. "It's…not his fault. And so what if he doesn't have much time left? Have you ever seen A Walk To Remember?! Just because he might die soon doesn't mean I should push him away! If anything it should make me want him closer and with me as much as possible. 'In sickness and in health.' That's what they say and gosh dang it that's how it's going to be." I stalked off, my braid bouncing against me. A hand grabbed me as I tried to go down the stairs, which caused me to turn angrily. When I saw the face, my rage died. "Akito?"

"I wanted to be sure." He whispered. He brought me back onto the roof and Hatori exited. Akito then got down on one knee nervously. "I'll be honest…I was skeptical. I didn't want my condition to be the reason you said no. So I sent Hatori to make sure…"

"Akito…" I was smiling like a mad woman.

"I'd never been nice to my family or to outsiders the few times I met them. I was cruel. I still am to some extent, but…you made me see that growing and becoming independent is…It's okay. Having a mind to yourself is part of life and I hope that maybe something about me helped you for the better…"

"Oh my gosh…" I muttered, praying to God that what I thought was happening really was happening.

"Because of this and everything else about you…You're patience, love, care…I want you…to be with me. Forever." He pulled a ring out of his pocket.

"Yes…Yes, oh my gosh, a million times yes!" I tackled him in a hug and cried. I kissed him more times than I could count and then hugged him more.

"I love you…I didn't even know I was capable of giving or receiving it before you but…" he whispered.

"I love you, too." I whispered, cutting him off. My smile was brighter than any I'd ever had. This was the happiest I'd ever been up to this point. I couldn't wait until the rest came.