Hey! I have some things I want to say. For the story, I have always meant for it to be modern, ancient (more like the olden days) setting for the story. Like some things are modern and some are more old and in the past. That is why things tend to switch. Like the dresses the women wore at the party were modern, the fact that they drove carriages, not cars. (Honestly, it was because I couldn't think of any solution without it going crazy and just too messed up, meaning this chapter.) Just want you to know that, so that you will understand what will happen next. Oh yeah, for the last chapter, when An-chan said that she and Ritsu can have a child, honestly it was out of good intentions. I didn't phrase it too well. Sorry! Anyways, enjoy the next chapter!

An-chan asked, "What if… What if… Ricchan and I have a child together and Takano-san and Kaori-chan have a child, would that work?"

…

What will become of the future of Ritsu and Takano?

Everyone was in shock at hearing what An-chan had just said. An-chan was nervous with all the eyes staring at her with astonishment.

Ritsu finally broke the silence and exclaimed, "An-chan! What are you talking about?"

An-chan replied, "I meant we could go to the hospital and I can surrogate a child with you."

Hearing that, everyone was blushing and laughing nervously because they got the wrong idea of what An-chan meant.

An-chan said, "I have already given up on Ricchan you know. I only want him to be happy and I want to help him to achieve it."

Ritsu got up and went to An-chan to give her a bone-crushing hug and said, "I- I honestly don't know what to say, but thank you, An-chan, you truly are an amazing person."

An-chan just smiled and returned the hug. Takano was not even jealous at the sight of the scene because he happy to know Ritsu had someone who was willing to care for him dearly for all these years when he could not be by his side. After a while, Nadeshiko spoke up, "So will that be alright, your majesties?"

Kiyomi responded, "I guess. The child will still have the blood of our line, which follows the rules of the kingdom. I can't say no when I see my son wants to be with someone he truly loves."

Ritsu said, "Thank you for understanding and accepting."

Takano asked, "What about Kaori? I doubt she would do it; after all, she does not have a single clue about Ritsu and mine relationship. When she hears, she will most definitely be upset and angry."

Everyone sat in silence and thought about it for a moment. Hikaru broke the silence and said, "How about we wait for a while? Surrogating is a method that will solve this problem because it will keep the blood line of the family in the heir and we don't have to do it just yet. We can wait for a while before we follow through with procedure. We can get Kaori to accept it first and if that does not work, we can always ask someone else who will be willing to do it."

Everyone nodded in harmony to the idea since it was reasonable and there was no need to rush. Ritsu gave An-chan one last hug and went back to his original spot next to Takano, who gave him a small peck on the cheek to show his affections and happiness on how well everything is turning out to be. Ritsu blushed and turned his head away and mumbled words that sounded like, "Stupid Takano-san…." Everyone laughed while Takano just wrapped his arms around Ritsu's waist to pull the brunette closer to him. Every person smiled at the sweet scene before there eyes. The parents and the young adults all knew that Ritsu would be in loving hands.

Seeing the outcome of Ritsu's and Takano's situation, Chiaki, Hatori, Kisa, and Yukina were wondering whether or not they should also confess what type relationship they are in, but they did not know if the girls would be willing to do the same thing for them. Mitsuko, Nadeshiko, and Chinatsu noticed the worried expressions on the men's faces, but did not know why. An-chan also noticed and realized instantly why four's facial expression was weird. She tapped the three girls' shoulder and whispered softly, "You know, they also want to know whether or not you would be willing to do the same thing for them as I am doing for Ricchan. They want to confess their love to their parents, but are afraid to due to the outcomes may be different."

Mitsuko, Nadeshiko, and Chinatsu had a gentle expression after hearing that. They all turned towards Kisa, Yukina, Chiaki, and Hatori and said at the same time, "We are willing."

The four men all had a confused expression on their face when they heard this. Chinatsu explained, "We are willing to do the same for you. If you want to tell them now, we will help you." The four men's facial expression softened at hearing that and said, "Thank you…"

The parents were staring at the interactions between the men and women wondering what they are talking about, so Ryuu (Chiaki's father) asked, "What do you mean?"

Chiaki spoke softly, "Mother, Father, Tori and I want to tell you something…"

All the parents looked at each other and had the same thought, "Could they also be in the same type of relationship like Ritsu and Takano?"

Fumiko (Chiaki's mother) asked, "Chiaki, what is it?"

Chiaki started, "Umm… Mother, Father… Tori and I are… together…"

The parents just heard the words that once again confirmed their suspicions…

Ryuu asked, "What about Nadeshiko-chan and Chinatsu?"

Chinatsu said, "Nadeshiko and I have already broken off the engagements. We are also willing to do the same thing as An-chan did… We care about them and both of us already knew about their relationship for a long time and we know they love each other very much…"

Hatori spoke and said with a loving expression, "Ryuu-san, Fumiko-san, I really do love Chiaki. I always have and always will."

Chiaki smiled and snuggled closer to Hatori to feel his warmth. Watching the scene, Ryuu and Fumiko could see the waves of love from the two and had no choice, but to say, "We will allow the relationship, but we need to talk to Yoshiyuki-kun's parents first."

Hatori said, "That is reasonable and thank you."

Yuichi (Kisa's Father) and Katsumi (Kisa's mother) turned to Kisa and Yukina and said, "I'm guessing what you two want to tell us that you two are also in a relationship and that at least Mitsuko-chan has agreed to help surrogate a child with you, Shouta. Are we right?"

Kisa and Yukina nodded to respond to the statement/ question.

Yuichi asked, "We don't mind the relationship, but Yukina-kun, you do know that Shouta is 30, right?"

Yukina chuckled and said, "Yes of course. Age does not matter to me, after all age is but a number. As long as I can be with the person I love, nothing else matters to me."

Kisa said softly, so Yukina could only hear, "I love you so much too. Thank you for loving me. I am happy to have met you. You changed my life…"

Yukina smiled and wrapped his arms around Kisa and said, "Same for me…"

Yuichi and Katsumi smiled and Katsumi said, "We do accept the relationship, but we need to talk to Yukina-kun's parents first and also there is also the problem with Fujita- Sayuri-san right? We will help you. For our son to love somebody this much, I never thought it will be possible, but it happened, didn't it?"

Kisa said, "Through this love, I finally understand what love is… Love is something that is possible for anybody, but you yourself must find it and not turn away from it…"

Hearing what Kisa said made everyone think about what they believe the meaning of love is.

Then Chiaki said, "Love… Love is what keeps us going. Once you love somebody, that person becomes your other half. When you love somebody, it can last forever…"

Ritsu said, "Love is bounded to our fate. Love can be frightening, but also at the same time warm and gentle. Loving somebody can break you. Love can cause misunderstandings. Love will bring you back to the person you are fated to. Love always remains in your heart. Loving somebody, but trying to bury your emotions for the person you love can always resurface no matter how much we want to wash it away. Nothing can ever compare to love. First love is something that can last, even though many say it can't. Love is never easy, but that is what brings two people together. Through the hardships they have to face."

What Ritsu said hit everyone the most. They knew that was from Ritsu's experience and that is how he felt through the years for Takano. Takano pulled him closer and said softly, "I agree. Love can do that…"

Everybody could not help, but to smile. Then An-chan said, "When you love a person, you will wish for their happiness, not your own."

Chinatsu said, "Even if we love somebody, but the person loves somebody else, you still can't help, but to love them anyways."

Nadeshiko continued, "Love at first sight can happen, but the love will not always be returned easily, it takes time…"

Mitsuko said, "Love can shatter and remake everything because it is the one emotion that drives us crazy. It controls our desires."

The parents looked at the young adults with tender expressions. They knew that each one of them suffered for the person they love. Ritsu and Takano breaking due to their past, but finding each other and also facing obstacles in their path of love. Chiaki was not able to see that Hatori loved him and also the pain of knowing the person that meant the most to him could possibly love someone else because of a misconception. Hatori loved Chiaki since they were children. Even though it hurt to be in love, he still loves Chiaki anyway. Kisa could not understand what love was and constantly had flings. Yukina was always so popular and girls surrounded him, but they only wanted him for his title. An-chan, Chinatsu, Nadeshiko, and Mitsuko falling in love with someone they have known for years, but not to have to their love returned and in the end having to give it up and helping the person they love to achieve their happiness.

Kiyomi said, "Girls you truly are some of the noblest women out there. You are right. When you love somebody, it can drive you crazy, but when you truly love somebody, what you actually want is the person you love's happiness."

Mizuki said, "Surely there is someone out there destine for you. Somebody who is worthy if your love."

An-chan, Chinatsu, Nadeshiko, and Mitsuko said, "Thank you… We know…"

Everyone just sat a while in silence just to think of what had happened recently in each one of their lives. Finally, Atushi broke the silence and said, "I think it is time for dinner, so why don't we head to the Dinner Hall."

Everyone nodded and went to the Dinner Hall. During Dinner, everybody was back to their lively selves. The young adults and parents were all chatting happily with each other. For once after so long, everyone was a better mood and things were going well.

After dinner, everyone decided to head off on their own. The parents went to the garden and talk. Takano and Ritsu went to Ritsu's bedroom. Chiaki and Hatori went to the room they shared. Yukina and Kisa also went to the room they occupied together. An-chan, Nadeshiko, Chinatsu, and Mitsuko went to a more private room to talk with each other. Kaori and Sayuri were curious to why everything was okay now and were talking to each other to figure out their next move.

The parents sat in the garden to talk to each other about what happened recently.

Kiyomi said, "I am happy to see my son to be able to fall in love with somebody and just be happy."

Mizuki said, "Me too. All I want for my son is to be with the one he loves."

Atushi said, "Seeing each and every single one of the children, I can see they each have a true understanding of love."

Hikaru said, "They all went through the hardships of falling in love and being with the person they love."

Ryuu said, "Even though they know, the path of love will still be hard even now, they are still committed to one they love."

Fumiko said, "Love is an extraordinary thing, isn't it?"

Katsumi said, "It is. I don't think I will ever be able to understand love to the degree our children and the girls have."

Yuichi said, "I don't I will either. Our children show to us that love has no boundaries. When you fall in love, you just do and you can't help it. That is what love does to our emotions."

Kiyomi said, "Even though we have figure out a solution for the situations, but what about Kaori-san? I don't know what she will be okay with it. I don't want Ritsu and Masamune-kun to keep on suffering. I can see their love for each other and I don't want anything to break it."

Mizuki said, "There is nothing we can do, but believe in our sons and let the future take its course."

Everyone just wanted their children to have a good future. They already suffered enough hardships. They sat in silence for a while and talked about other things later.

As for Takano and Ritsu, when they arrived in Ritsu's quarters, Takano pulled Ritsu in for a passionate kiss.

Takano said, "Ritsu… I love you so much."

Ritsu put his hand on Takano's cheek and said softly, "I love you too, Masamune…"

Takano was shocked when he heard Ritsu's voice say his first name. He loved the way Ritsu's angelic voice said his name. He said, "Ritsu…" and pulled the brunette in for another kiss.

The two continued with their passionate love making and fell into a gentle sleep.

Love and Kisses!