Disclaimer: I do not own Angel Sanctuary or any of its characters; that honor goes to the wonderful Kaori Yuki and whoever else is involved. I do not own the song title "Do You Realize" by The Flaming Lips that gave me the inspiration to title the follow chapter as such, nor do I own the song "Bullet Proof...I Wish I Was" by Radiohead. Radiohead and their rich associates own it. I do however own any original characters I may happen to slip in here.

AN: Been really tired and busy between work, school play practices (ending at 10 PM), and school. Thank you for all the reviews and those who have stuck with the story.

' ' are Thoughts

Italics are Past events

Italics in bold are Song lyrics

Hope End

Chapter 10: Do You Realize?

"Are you going to let me speak this time Sara?" Setsuna said gruffly.

Sara blinked. She wasn't expecting him to sound so brusque. Unseen to both, Kira raised an eyebrow.

"I take that as a yes. Sara, why are you doing this?" Setsuna asked, his clipped manner now gone…replaced with a sadder and more resigned tone.

Limb by limb, tooth by tooth
Tearing up inside of me

"How dare you ask me that? You know why. You know why Setsuna," Sara gasped out, fighting back more tears.

 "You know why I did it Sara! It—no you don't. I realize now it was to protect myself. Should one mistake of words ruin a lifetime of happiness?" Setsuna asked quietly.

"Don't be so presumptuous Setsuna! Why do you automatically assume I can only be happy with you?" Sara replied, drawing on an almost dry well of strength.

"Because I know I can only be happy with you," Setsuna replied almost in a whisper.

Kira twitched and went inside to buy a drink, more disappointed than ever it couldn't be alcoholic.

Sara was silent. Setsuna spoke once more. "You-you don't feel the same Sara?"

Every day, every hour
I wish that I was bullet proof

"I-I don't know Setsuna. Please don't ask me that again. You know how I felt before…how I feel now—oh I don't know!" she finished, exasperated, and covering her face in her hands.

Setsuna hesitated; afraid she would shove him away once more. He moved to her slowly, kneeling at her side.

"It's ok Sara. I don't need an answer now. I don't need an answer ever. It's up to you. You've-you've given me so much. It's time for me to give back to you," he said softly, uncovering her face from her hands.

They're eyes locked. Her face quivered and tears silently spilled down her cheeks. Setsuna leaned up and kissed them away and suddenly he felt her mouth descend upon his.

It was a hungry, desperate kiss, as if she was seeking some type of validation for this moment, for why this had all happened to her.

Wax me, mould me
Heat the pins and stab them in
You have turned me into this

But at the same time it was sad, and for that reason Setsuna pulled back, a question at the tip of tongue.

"That was goodbye Setsuna."

Kira drank his Yoo-hoo more as a distraction them from actually thirst. He frowned as he raised his eyes to the ceiling, his thoughts drifting towards speculation.

'I really hope Sara gives Setsuna a chance. No one ever gives the kid a goddamn chance,' Kira thought.

"Time for me to head out," he said to himself as he walked back to the glass entrance of the hospital.

He blinked, raising his eyebrows as he saw Sara aggressively kissing Setsuna.

'Where did she learn to kiss like that?'

Suddenly Setsuna stopped and Sara said something that made Setsuna's hopeful but confused look crash. Kira hurried outside.

Just wish that it was bullet proof,
was bullet proof

"Sara? Setsuna?" Kira asked, eyeing each who seemed frozen. Sara's eyes were trained upon her feet and Setsuna's were trained upon her.

"I think you should go now," and all three turned their heads to see of all people Kirin.

Setsuna frowned slightly and spoke only loud enough for Sara to hear. "If that's what you want Sara, goodbye." He stuffed his hands in his pockets and headed towards Kira's car without protest.

"Kira, who was that?" Kirin asked him, turning big blue eyes on him like twin headlights.

"It was him," Sara said, her voice monotone.

"Him…? Oh! I see. Him." It was almost comical to see the blush form upon her cheeks in her embarrassment.

"Kira," Sara called to him, her voice still flat.

So pay the money and take a shot
Lead-fill the hole in me

He let his eyes snap upon her. "Yeah?"

"Don't say a word. And the address is 83 Chestnut Street. It's right off of West Avenue. I suggest you keep that to yourself. Kirin, let's go please," she asked closely her eyes and settling her hands within her lap. She didn't look up again.

Kira took that as a hint, nodded, and headed off to his car.

Kirin waved goodbye to Kira and rolled off with Sara, Sage emerging from leaning back against a car and escorting to two to their own vehicles.

I could burst a million bubbles
All surrogate and bullet proof

"And we're hoooome!" Bella sang out happily, twirling her way into their large flat.

"Sara, we're home darling. Aren't you happy?" Kirin whispered softly, smiling at her and patting her shoulder. She didn't answer and continued to pretend to be asleep. It would be easier just to sleep it all away.

"I think she's pretty tired. Let's try to get her into bed without waking her too much," Sage replied, knowing the truth but aware of why she was probably still "sleeping".

"I agree completely. Where does she sleep?" Sara's Mom asked her spirits suddenly very high. She had been happy with Sara's "decision".

As Kirin and Bella opted to put Sara to bed, Kirin stayed behind for a short while.

"Sara…I know it's hard, but you're a strong girl. You're going to need all that optimism for these next few weeks of physical therapy."

"Kirin?" she suddenly asked softly.

Kirin jumped but quickly moved to her side, stooping to hear her.

Sara smiled at the feel of her soft hair tickling her nose and her obvious concern.

"Could you…could you call Kira over tomorrow? I don't mind if he can make it during my physical therapy time either. He can come too."

Without asking any questions Kirin agreed and left the room.

Sara smiled to herself, not sure why she suddenly felt slight happiness in her heart.

And bullet proof
And bullet proof
And bullet proof

Short and...bittersweet. More social interaction between certain characters. Sara's mom will only drop by for visits.

Angel of Mirth