Epilogue: Unknown No More

Hey everyone! This is chapter ten… I have enjoyed writing this story SO much, and I'm not done with it yet. That being said, however, I do have other things that I need to work on, and this is a great place for me to leave off until I'm ready to come back to this adorable couple.

I took a vacation recently, and that's why it's been so long since my last update.

Yes, there is a giant time skip here, and I apologize that it's so short. I just couldn't figure out another way to do what I wanted to.

Last thing I have to say here is that this chapter is dedicated to Redler Red7.

Disclaimers: So I checked, and I still don't own Chuunibyo Demo Koi Ga Shita. FYI

Time passed quickly for the girls after Shinka's graduation. Spring break was one of the best times of their whole lives. They had been able to spend almost every waking moment together. But time was not to be ignored, and it would not be halted. Shinka made it into the university that she had applied for, and high school started again for Sanae.

This normally would have made it very difficult for the two of them to spend time together, but they made it work. Shinka moved into the on-campus dorms of her university. It actually wasn't too far from the high school. So when school got out for the younger girl, she would often just head directly to her girlfriend's dorm room where they would do homework together. As well as other things, of course.

During summer break the girls met together with the others of the Far Eastern Napping and Magical Research Club. The blonde had managed to get a few new students to join the club. It was entertaining to see how all of them interacted with the former members. But the new members were never a big part of the younger girl's plan. It was simply a way to keep the club where she'd met her beloved alive.

After summer came the multitude of school events that inevitably wound up to Sanae's graduation. She easily could have made valedictorian, but she declined. She did not want to take the extra effort that came with those honors. Instead, she took that time and redoubled her efforts on both getting into the college that Shinka went to, and raining affection down on said person.

Sanae's graduation has come and gone. Now, the girl's attended the last party of their high school lives.

"… And then she said that she just wanted to know how the spirits felt about same-sex relationships. It was really embarrassing, but also really cute." Shinka finished a story that had happened over new years, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend.

The others assembled started to laugh, adding an even deeper shade of red to face. The others included the new juniors of the Far Eastern Napping and Magical Research Club, Yuuta and Rika, Kumin and Isshiki, and even Schichimiya Satone.

"You left out how you fell down the stairs and ended up staying on the couch for two days." The blonde added dryly, prodding the older girl in the rib.

"They didn't need to know about that." Shinka sniffed loudly.

"Oh? Is that how you want to play it?" The sudden spark of challenge in Sanae's eye was daunting. "So, a couple of weeks ago," the younger girl turned to the assembled guests in their private stall at a large restaurant. "Shinka was trying to be really cute, and had bought this outrageous cosp-"

The brunette had begun to flush furiously, and she cupped a hand over Sanae's mouth as quickly as she could. "I get it, alright?" Her voice was high and hoarse. "I'm sorry for embarrassing you."

The shorter girl looked at her girlfriend from the corner of her eye. After letting her stew for another uncomfortable few seconds, she nodded.

Shinka removed her hand, and once the others were safely discussing other things amongst themselves, she leaned in. "I don't think we should talk about our sex life… Not ever. And especially not around Isshiki." She murmured.

"I don't think so either." Sanae whispered back. "I was never going to finish that sentence."

The brunette blinked. "Why you devious little…" Despite her anger, she had to admit her defeat. "Alright. You win that one fair and square."

"Dang straight."

"So what are you guys going to do, now that you are both out of high school?" Yuuta asked as a lull came up in the conversation a short amount of time later.

"I'm going to keep going with general studies for now." Shinka answered swiftly. "I'm fine with just becoming another one of the office ladies. At least to start, that is."

Sanae rolled her eyes. "I on the other hand, as a disciple of Mori-Summer, The Wicked Lord Shingen, and born of darkness, have greater plans. I shall head into the treacherous realm that is known as 'University', where I shall conquer many trials. After my foes are vanquished, then shall I be rewarded with the gift of knowledge. And with that gift I shall decipher all rules that define beings both in this world, and those beyond the Invisible Boundary."

Rikka's eyes shone brightly during the eloquently delivered monologue. "Oh, and what trials will you be facing, my once and greatest apprentice?"

"She's going into physics." Shinka deadpanned. The room burst into laughter, only Rikka and Sanae seemed upset with the brunette's realistic approach to the younger girl's grandstanding.

"Makes sense." Kumin muttered from across the table. She had begun to doze off on Isshiki's shoulder during the last few minutes.

The party lasted about another half-hour before everyone had to start leaving. The first to go were actually Sanae and Shinka, having a prior engagement with the Dekomori family. Renji arrived, escorted them to the vehicle, and drove with typical understatement. The girls were happy to be get some down time, but it didn't take long for them to notice that they weren't going straight to the Dekomori household.

"Hey, Renji," Sanae called up from the back seat, where she was snuggled close against Shinka. "Where are we going?"

"I'm sorry mistress, but I've been instructed to let the destination be a surprise." He glanced at them using the rearview mirror. "I do believe that it will be a happy occurrence, however."

"Well… I'm stuffed, but if it involves Maiya's cooking, I'll totally make room." Shinka chuckled.

"Honestly, Shinka." The shorter girl shook her head. "If I didn't know better, I'd think that you date me because of Maiya."

"Well… It's not a downside, I'll admit that." The older girl smirked.

The blonde lightly slapped the brunette's hand that was around her waist. "You haven't been very nice to me tonight…" She pouted.

"I know. I'm sorry." Shinka apologized, half-genuinely. "It's just you were such an easy target. You are usually so much more on top of your game that I couldn't help but take advantage of it."

"I'll let it slide…" The younger girl started. "If you take advantage of something else later." The line was delivered in a sultry whisper.

Suddenly feeling the urge to clear her throat, the brunette followed that urge. "If that's what you want," she managed to gasp.

Satisfied, Sanae settled back against Shinka. She glanced out the window and suddenly realized that they were very close to the university that Shinka already attended, and that Sanae was sure she was going to enter. She was curious, but too content to make a fuss of it at the moment.

Shortly thereafter, Renji pulled into the parking lot of an expensive and expansive apartment complex. After taking a spot, he exited and opened the door for the young couple. They got out and took each other's hands as soon as they were both on their feet.

"If you would follow me, please." Renji motioned them to follow, and headed towards the door closest to them. Using a key on the keychain that held the one for the car, he unlocked the portal and ushered them in.

Waiting for them in the well-light, and well-furnished family room were the girls' families. "Surprise!" They called as the lovers entered.

Wide-eyed, Sanae and Shinka froze, taking in everything all at once.

They were first approached by Sanae's father, who took both girls into his arms in a western style bear-hug. "Congrats again on graduating," he said expansively. When he stepped back, the spot was quickly filled by the other parents, one after the other.

The shock wore off after a few more rounds of hugs and cheers. But Shinka was startled all over again when she began to notice that the furniture was a mixture of things that she had kept at her dorm room and things from the Dekomori house. "Uhm… Why's my stuff here?" She asked before she could stop herself.

Dekomori Tatsumi chuckled. "I paid off this apartment for the next six years. Also, while you were out for dinner, I hired some movers to get all of your stuff here. There are still lots of boxes in the back rooms, but we figured we get this area at least set up. Oh, and the bedroom." He chuckled with a knowing smile. "It's my present to you girls, to help you get set up." He held out a hand to Renji, and the butler deposited the keychain that he'd been using into his master's hand. The girl's knew from experience that that keychain held keys to both of their old houses, as well as the car.

Now it also held the key to this apartment, and Tatsumi was holding it out to Sanae with a broad grin. "The car is yours too."

The blonde reached out with a trembling hand, fighting back fresh tears. She wasn't able to hold them back for long, and she jumped into her father's arms. "Oh, dad!" She sniffed.

Another hour or two later, the girl's sat on their bed, thoroughly exhausted. They'd endured another shock of a sizable amount of cash from the Nibutani family. Then a divine mochi desert prepared by Maiya and served with Italian cream sodas. Finally they'd said goodnight to their parents, and Renji and Maiya with tear-streaked faces. They had taken a bath together afterwards, but were too tired to do more than wash up.

"So…" Sanae finally exhaled, looking around their new bedroom. It was somehow both alien and familiar. Strange, but extremely comfortable. And for the next six years, it was theirs.

"Yeah… That was… A surprise." Shinka agreed, her eyes a little glazed.

The blonde slid a shaking hand into the older girl's prompting her to turn towards the younger girl. "I love you," she smiled softly.

Taking in a heavy breath, the brunette nodded. "I love you too."

"This feels like… We've finally come home." Sanae marveled.

"It does, doesn't it?" The older girl pulled them up to the head of the bed and they settled in for the night. "Welcome home, my beloved."

Sleep came swiftly after those words, capping their thus far most momentous day. Each girl's lips curled into contented smiles, knowing that whatever the next day held, it would be faced with the other's support, understanding, and love.

And that's that, everyone… I honestly am having a hard time writing up these end notes. I may or may not have cried a little bit. And so I'm going to keep them short. I know I'm not done with these two, not by a long shot, but for now, I am. It's been an amazing journey with all of you, and I'm glad that you stuck it out with me to the end.

My normal statements still apply: check my profile, and I ask that you please leave a review. Again, please review. I feel like all of the warm support is the reason that my stories have been even remotely as good as they have been, so encouragement is always welcome, and may result in even better stuff.

Until we meet again, I wish all of you an amazing life!