Thanks for the following reviewers from last chapter!!!

Courtney1033 - Thanks for liking it.

HikariYugiYamiAtemu - Thanks. So, you're having a great time writing stories too. hahah. well who doesn't? ;D

Clare - Haha, sorry Clare, but I had this in a poll, and most people wanted a split-ending. But I'm really glad you loved this.

flare-hugs - Yeah, I really realized it was a bit short for their moment. *sniff*. Oh, thanks, the composition is actually longer, but I didn't put it up since it's incomplete, I change some parts from time to time whenever I feel something else. Hehehe

gizelle-chan - Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

BlueRoseParamour- Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Hahaha

Description of this chapter: So much for work of art in the last chapter....*mutters* Anyway, here's the ending for Aoi! I hope this will be better! Well, if there's more reviews for this one, I'll change the status pairing to Aoi and Kahoko. hahaha. So...this chapter will be about losing hope and finding it again. Love surely has its complicated ways does it not?

Disclaimer: I don't own this anime

Chapter 14

Aoi's Ending

When I first heard her music, I knew I was in love with her. Her smile, her voice…I love her.

All those times, I've come to stay by her side. The times I've seen her weak side, seeing her slowly opening up to me. How she blushes whenever I tease her…

"Take care if her"

Those words from Kazuki-senpai still stayed in my mind.

It had been in the middle of the night when he called and asked me to meet him somewhere. When I got to where he was, he was seated on a bench under the lit lamp-post. He had a bottle on his right hand. Had he been drinking?

When I was nearer, I cleared my throat.

He slowly looked up, "Hey," he acknowledged.

I winced a bit, the stench of beer. So he has been drinking. "What are you doing?" I asked.

"Just thought of getting drunk, just like in the movies," he managed to grin.

"They only do that when they're depressed."

"Exactly."

"So then-"

"Kahoko." Was all he said.

As I heard her name, my heart jumped. What does his depression have to do with Kahoko-san? My mind started racing in panic.

"She's fine," Kazuki-senpai said, sensing my rising tension.

I let my tensed shoulders fall, "So, what's wrong?" I asked, my voice full of relief. As long as nothing's wrong with her… "What do you want to talk about? If you have any deep problems, I'm all ears."

"First of all, let me tell you about something. About the girl I love." He said, waving his empty bottle in front of me.

"The girl you love?" I asked, puzzled. Come to think of it, I never heard him talk about a girl before or one that he's interested in.

He looked up at the sky, "Yeah. The most important girl who pierced my heart."

At that moment it was as if he wasn't even drunk. He spoke with a sure voice, with clarity. A cold breeze suddenly passed.

"Winter's near," he murmured, then he looked at me again, "Want to take a seat?"

I shook my head and leaned on the lamp-post. He sighed and we were silent. For a moment I thought he wasn't about to say anything.

"She's the first girl I've fallen in love with, and probably the last too…" he paused again.

"Pierced your heart…you mean…" I said in a low voice.

He looked into my eyes and somehow it was like his eyes reflected his endless torture. It's as if I could feel his burning inside. "Sorry," I muttered.

"Don't be sorry. It's not like that. While yes, she did reject me." Then he chuckled, "It's not love at first sight, but as time passes, there it is, I've fallen in love with her. I felt the great need to protect her, the need to always be by her side. But, I should tell you, it was unrequited love from the start." His voice was filled with a mix of regret, exhaust, yet there was triumph somewhere. I couldn't understand.

"You love her, but you can never have her," I murmured.

"That's it. I love her so much. And even if it wasn't unrequited, she's still in love with someone else. Someone who touched her life so much. Someone who changed her life for the better. She rejected me in the softest way that I can't possibly move on. I wanted her to hurt me, so that forgetting her would be easier...I've tried to act fine in front of her all these times, and I guess all the anguish just came pouring out right now."

"Like I said, I'm all ears."

"She's such a stubborn girl. Refuses to be worried over. She thinks she can handle everything all by herself, maybe that's why I felt compelled to by her side at all times. But, it isn't me that she wants by her side, it's someone else...someone else that she needs. Well I shouldn't be too surprised after all. But the thing is...she was the one who changed my world."

"Changed..." suddenly I remembered Kahoko-san, the first time I actually got to talk to her. I didn't know where the confidence came from when I stood up and half-mocked Tsuchiura. With her there, I felt like I could do anything.

"You've heard about my parents right? My real parents I mean...well she's the one who changed me when my parents were killed. She's the one who helped me up, always there by my side. No matter how hard I tried to push her away, she was there. Smiling gently at me..."

I did a double take. Why is it that the person he talks about is somehow someone I know?

"She's a really stubborn person, as I've said." he continued, "But these past few days, she's been broken, torn into two. Her life is in chaos. And I think I must've added into it when I told her my feelings."

"If you love her so much, then shouldn't--"

"Avoid letting her get hurt more? Yes, that's true. I don't want her to get torn apart more...but I just had to tell her. It's my way of telling her my last goodbye and that I'll become the person she wants me to be."

"A friend?" I asked. Somehow I could understand her pain. Asking to be just a friend...just like how Kahoko-san wants me to be...though she hadn't told me her decision yet, I know Tsuchiura is the only one her heart truly yearns for. And even though I knew, my heart still aches so much.

Senpai shook his head groggily, and I knew in a few seconds, he's going to pass out already, since I'm sure it's his first time to drink.

"It's not as a friend that she asks of me. Like I said, it's been requited from the very beginning..." then his next word came out slowly and almost inaudible, but I still caught them, "She...wants me...to be...just...her...brother..." then he passed out.

I froze for a while. A brother? Could he mean...Kahoko-san? If so, then that made sense...

Before I could think more, I concentrated into bringing senpai home.

I approached him and heaved him up. Sliding his arm over my other shoulder, letting him lean his weight on me. This is the first time I've seen Senpai so gloomy, senpai without his usual cheerful mood. I guess everyone hides their pain...

As I began walking, I began to think again.

Could the person senpai love is...Kahoko-san? Is that what he meant by unrequited love?

And it's possible...Kahoko-san...so far, she's the only girl he's been hovering over, I don't mean in the obsessed way...I've never heard him dating someone, not even in their old school...well, that's what I've heard from Kahoko's

"How come I've never seen Kazuki-senpai date? Does he have a fiancee too?" I had once asked.

Kahoko-san just shook her head. "No, onii-san just doesn't date. He's never interested in anyone, not even in the past. Sometimes I think it's my fault."

"Your fault?"

"He's too obsessed with being protective of me, that he doesn't have time to date."

And maybe the real reason for that must've been...because senpai was in love with her all those times...

And soon enough I reached their mansion. Great thing it wasn't far.

I rang the doorbell.

"Aoi-kun!" Kahoko-san answered from the video-intercom.

"Good evening, well good morning, whichever. Sorry for waking you up in the...past the middle to the night..."

"Don't worry, I was awake anyway..." suddenly she looked slightly uncomfortable, "I've been talking to someone, I have a guest you see...so...um..."

"Oh, sorry to interrupt. But you see, I came here to deliver someone."

"Deliver...someone?"

Then Kazuki-senpai slowly moved towards the intercom and shook his hand off my shoulder, "Hey Kahoko," he said, waving and a bit wobbly.

"Kazuki!" she gasped, "Wait, I'll be right there!"

Then the intercom shut off.

"Hm...who could be her guest..." murmured senpai and he almost slipped.

Good thing I caught him.

"Senpai, get ahold of yourself." I said.

"Heh, sorry. Well anyway..." he suddenly slumped again.

I sighed. Passed out yet again.

The way Kahoko-san called her brother suddenly registered in my mind. She didn't call him onii-san like the usual...just...Kazuki...

And then I heard the main door of the mansion opening, though I couldn't see who came out. Soon, that someone was at the gate, Kahoko-san. She opened the gate hastily.

"Kazuki!" she said in panic, "What happened?"

"He got drunk, don't ask me why 'cause I have no idea." I said, telling a smooth lie. It's better she didn't know the real reason.

"Geez, what a careless brother. Um, would you mind..." she asked, and did I just notice her blush?

No, it must be my imagination. I shook my head lightly and followed Kahoko-san as she entered the house ahead. Soon she lead me into senpai's room and I helped him get onto his bed. Kahoko ran out of the room to get a warm towel. As I let go of senpai I heard him say, "Take care of her,"

I looked at him in surprise, "What do you mean, surely the person she chose---"

"Oi," came a very familiar voice.

I turned around and saw Tsuchiura at the door's frame.

"You're here..." I said briefly.

Then I heard Kahoko-san voice from outside, "Ryoutaro! I told you to wait downstairs." then she entered the room, wiping the warm towel slowly across her brother's face.

Seeing them like this really looks like they are brother and sister. I can't believe Kahoko-san could still act the same way as ever as if nothing happened, wait, something did change...

After Kahoko-san thanked me I left, ignoring Tsuchiura.

Why was he there at her house...and so late? I guess senpai was too drunk.

There's no way she would've chosen me...

"Never knew that one moment would change everything..."

A simple Sunday morning.

It's a nice weather outside, though its kind of freezing. It's winter already, though snow hasn't exactly poured down yet. I received a message from Kahoko-san...surprisingly. But I guess it's time already. I bet she wants to tell me everything now. That she's chosen...him...

Well then its now or never.

I left the house early in the morning, refusing any body guards or a ride to the destination. I decided to walk. The air was cold and freezing and I left my gloves at home. Well...I guess I wasn't thinking right...who could think right in this situation anyway?

I've been thinking since the time I saw Tsuchiura in Kahoko-san' house, that I should prepare my heart, because it's about to be torn into two. I just hope I won't end up like senpai...obviously torn. But during the next day I saw him, he was back to his normal self again. Cheerful as always.

I sighed.

I cursed under my breath as I realized I reached the park so quickly. I wanted time to drag on further. Then I saw her, she was leaning on the park wall, blowing warm breath onto her freezing hands. She didn't wear gloves too, I noticed.

She seemed to feel my presence, because when I got near her, she looked up.

She smiled.

That smile.

Her smile.

I could slowly hear my heart crashing.

"Um...sorry to call you out like this...a beautiful morning too..." she said, suddenly shy.

"I don't mind being called out by you," I said softly, honestly.

She blushed. And then blew warm breath on her cupped hands again.

"If you're freezing, you should've worn gloves and you shouldn't have worn a miniskirt...and fashionable clothes. You should be kept warm." I said, eyeing her clothes over.

She blushed a deeper shade. "Sorry...I just...felt like...being presentable..."

I looked at her once more. She was wearing a red woolen long sleeved turtle-neck and a creamish-colored miniskirt over leggings, with blueish-gray knee-high boots. She didn't even wear a jacket. But I'm relieved she at least wore a cream colored scarf.

"Presentable? You know you look beautiful to me---"

She suddenly raised a finger to silence me.

I see. I guess she doesn't want to hear me pouring out my feelings to her if she's just going to break my heart.

"Listen," she said in a soft voice.

"Actually I think I already know what you're about to say..."

Her eyes widen, "Really?"

"Good for you." I murmured, "I hope you will be happy with Tsuchiura. I guess he's the best on for you."

Her surprised expression change into a confused one. "Ryoutaro...he..."

Ryoutaro. She's gone back to calling his real name. Wait. She did call him that already the last time I saw him...

"It's okay Kahoko-san..." I said, "But I just...could I just be alone for a while. Sorry." and I started to walk away.

I guess I wasn't really strong enough to hear her rejection. Huh. What a coward I am.

"Wait." she called.

I stopped walking, but didn't turn around to look at her.

"What are you talking about? Ryoutaro---"

"You've chosen him, didn't you? That's why he was in your house---"

"No." she said, cutting me off. Then intensity of her denial made me turn to look at her.

She shook her head.

"No. Ryoutaro was in the house because we had to talk. Because I want to tell him that I've chosen. I love him, yes, but I don't love him the way you think. I love him because he's one of the people who has been part of my life. And I've chose you." she said the last four words softly.

I froze.

"What?" I asked, not sure if I heard right or if I was just hallucinating.

She smiled gently, "I love you," she said.

The three words I've been wanting to hear from her. Those words being said without her being bound to something at all.

I took a step forward and in that instant, snow fell from the sky.

It was harsh snow. It was a gentle snow. Snow reflecting my feelings.

As I took another step, Kahoko-san...no, Kahoko---my Kahoko ran towards me and hugged me, I instantly hugged her back.

"I'm so happy," I murmured through her hair.

She pulled away slightly and I could see it, feel it...that she has really chosen me. Chosen me as someone who will stay by her side...to love her. She leaned her forehead against mine.

"I love you," she said again.

"I love you too," I said and took advantage of our closeness, I kissed her.

When we pulled away she hugged me and murmured into my ear, "I should confess something," she said.

"What is it?" I asked, a bit light-headed.

"Before that, did you know when things patch up between two people during the first snow of the year...they will last forever? Together, always." I could feel her smile.

"I think...I've heard of that before," I grinned, "And now for your confession?"

"Remember first that I do love you more than anyone. But I love Ryoutaro and I love Kazuki, so you can't harm any of them okay. Especially Kazuki." I could hear the slight sheepishness in her voice and it made me more curious.

"Um..." I began.

"Promise you won't do anything to him." she said.

I nodded.

"Wait, you do know about senpai's feelings right?" I asked.

"Yes, and you see..." then she whispered something into my ear.

"What!" I said as she pulled away.

She skipped along the pathway and I followed her quickly, "You can't be serious!" I said.

She just giggled.

And from that moment I knew something. I will protect Kahoko from now on, taking that responsibility off senpai's shoulders. But geez, he should've mentioned that, so that I would've known better and refuse the promise I just made with Kahoko. I sighed.

Too bad.

I caught up with Kahoko and hugged her, her laughter was truly like bells and music. "Come here you," I said.

"Forgiveness is divine." she said.

"First kiss is crucial." I said.

And she laughed again.

"Kazuki...onii-san...has already taken my first kiss..."

.

A/N: Done!!! Waaaah!!!! I'm so glad! Well then I'm off to complete my Cardcaptor Sakura fic first before I go along making a new one for La Corda...or maybe I should make one for Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne first? Hahaha....see you guys again soon!

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