Disclaimer: 1/2 Prince belongs to Yu Wo.
A/N: I took a few liberties with this epilogue since I don't know the real ending of Half Prince. For those of you that do know, DO NOT TELL ME I DON'T WANT TO KNOW. I'll read it on my own when the time comes and I want to properly enjoy all the feelings of joy, anxiety, loss, completion, etc.
My epilogue is a world where Second Life remains and Prince is still an active part of it. I also don't know what year Feng Lan actually is in school so I'm guessing purely based on her age. For individuals whose names are unknown in Real Life, their Second Life names are used instead.
Thank you all for following my story and reading through to the end. Half Prince will no longer be primary focus in fanfiction writing since I promised to take my other stories off hiatus and finish them. My next endeavor will be a Fruits Basket fic called Tohru's Secret Crush so please check that out if you read such things.
Thanks again to my darling beta-reader, Astroelvengoddess. I'm sure you'll never get rid of me.
Epilogue
Even after two years, Feng Lan still blushed a delicious shade of red when Gui Wen greeted her with a gentle kiss to her forehead and absentmindedly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His hand slipped into one of hers perfectly as he carefully placed a light bundle into the other and smiled. "Congratulations," he whispered into her ear.
She gazed into his adoring face, hardly believing that such a person could ever have fallen in love with her. How the professor continued to find her interesting evaded her. He was so accomplished and talented for his age. She was nothing but normal, that is, in real life. In Second Life she was still the ridiculously famous and gorgeous Blood Elf. However, today she had achieved a monumental accomplishment in real life. Today she had finally graduated from XXX University.
And rather belatedly, she realized that she was still standing on the graduation stage, dressed in her cap and gown with diploma now in hand, making eyes at the professor voted hottest male on campus by the XXX University female student body and therefore elected to hand out diplomas to members of the graduating class. She could feel hundreds of angry sets of eyes glaring intensely at her figure. The silence echoed deafeningly loud at the realization of the unveiled relationship that Feng Lan and Professor Min had hidden for so long. The graduation announcer cleared his throat awkwardly as he recognized the tension rising in the air from the female population in the room. "Feng Yang Ming," he called into the microphone nervously to signal the boy's turn to walk onstage and receive his diploma.
As Yang Ming stepped out, an eruption of angry feminine voices exploded into the stilled air. Simultaneously, catcalls and whoops of approval were coming from Feng Lan's personal cheering section in which sat her parents, Ling Bin, Tian Lang, her cousin Ou Yang Mei (Snow White Rose), Long Shui Han (Lolidragon), and the real-life counterparts of Doll and Yu Lian. Shortly after she and Gui had gotten together, she'd revealed herself to the rest of her teammates and city officials who had all taken the news surprisingly well. Few, if any, seemed overly shocked at the revelation that Prince was played by a woman. Rose, Fairsky, and Ice Phoenix had all paled upon remembering their kisses with Prince earlier in-game. Especially Rose who seemed to enter a horrified sort of shock upon realizing she had been lusting after her female cousin before finally settling down with Broken Sword. But that was the past, and things were normal now.
Feng Lan glared at the professor who only grinned sheepishly as the room behind her turned to chaos. "Well, you're not my student anymore. Best let the world know we're an item," his blue eyes danced in amusement.
"Just you wait until tonight," Feng Lan threatened. She was so going to beat him down in Second Life once she regained her increased strength over the bard.
Gui's eyes only lit up more suggestively at her word choice. "Oh? Is that an offer? You know we don't have to wait, but I'm looking forward to it." He winked as Feng Lan flushed at the insinuation.
"That's not what I meant," she glared.
Yang Ming cleared his throat behind her. "Sis, as much as I love watching you make googly eyes at the professor, I'd really like to get my diploma."
Feng Lan turned bright red as Yang Ming pushed her aside to receive his diploma from Professor Min. Yang Ming grabbed Gui Wen's hand by surprise and gave it a hearty shake. "Take care of my sister," he said. "I wouldn't trust anyone else with her."
Professor Min looked surprised and oddly touched by the words. "Thank you," he said. "I will."
Yang Ming smiled mischievously. "Good because I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemy."
"Yang Ming!" Feng Lan whapped him on the arm but both he and Gui had burst into laughter.
"Alright, you two, now get off the stage and I'll see you at the reception this evening," Gui Wen waved as Yang Ming dragged a scowling Feng Lan away. Lu Jing and Yun Fei gave them both hugs as they joined the ranks of those with diplomas already in hand. They all gave individual cheers of joy as the graduation ceremony eventually concluded and the entire class tossed their hats into the air in celebration. Feng Lan found herself looking up to catch Professor Min's eyes from his spot still on the stage. Her face burst into a happy smile. She couldn't believe this day had finally come.
~o~0~o~
Min Gui Wen stood staring out the balcony at the hotel hosting the graduation reception. Inside Feng Lan and Yang Ming were surrounded by their friends and family as the twins were congratulated repeatedly on graduating from XXX University. He fingered the metal object in his pocket nervously. He could hardly believe this day had finally come.
He heard soft but firm footsteps enter the landing as an individual came to stand slowly next to him. Without looking, Gui greeted the person. "Hello, Ling Bin."
"Gui." Ling Bin acknowledged the older man. They stood in comfortable silence for a while, past transgressions since forgiven. Gui eventually glanced over to see Ling Bin standing with hands shoved comfortably into his pants pockets. The younger man eventually stretched out, a flash of silver glinting on his ring finger as he reached his hands high into the air.
"How are things going with Ice Phoenix?" Gui inquired, despite already knowing the answer.
Ling Bin's face broke into a happy grin. "So you heard?" he couldn't stop smiling as he held up his hand, showing off his engagement ring. "She said yes."
"Congratulations."
"I should be saying something similar to you."
Gui's face paled as his hand went back to the metal band in his pocket. "So you heard?"
"Yang Ming spilled the beans," Ling Bin admitted. He smiled lightly as he looked back over to Gui. "When are you asking…" His voice trailed off as he looked meaningfully over at the group of people standing not too far away. Feng Lan stood in the middle, laughing about something that Doll had just said.
"Tonight."
Ling Bin turned surprised eyes to the professor. His face softened at the anxiety written all over the older man's face. He smiled encouragingly in an attempt to ease the professor's mind. "Have you ever given her any reason to say no?"
"Too many," Gui Wen sighed and tried to smile lightly, but the worry etched into his eyes ruined the nonchalant effect he'd been going for.
Ling Bin laughed. "Haven't we all?" He patted Gui on the back and turned to leave the balcony. "Stop looking like someone's trying to force feed you lemons. That girl loves you more than words can say."
Just before Ling Bin left entirely, Gui spoke up. "Was it difficult when you asked Ice Phoenix?"
"It was excruciating," Ling Bin answered bluntly. His eyes softened as he stared into the distance recalling the memory. He smiled. "But it was incredibly worth it in the end. Good luck."
Gui nodded weakly and turned back to look out over the balcony. He took in a shaky breath and exhaled.
Footsteps echoed across the balcony again, this time lighter and accompanied by a familiar and teasing voice. "Min Gui Wen," the voice sang almost melodically. "What are you doing out here all alone?"
Gui's face broke into smile as he turned around to face Feng Lan. "Waiting for you," he replied as his eyes took in her full appearance for the first time that evening. She wore modest heels and a very simple, but elegant black summer dress that tied behind the neck and was covered with shimmery pink flower designs. Her hair was tossed up in a messy bun and soft ringlets framed her glowing face. She was beautiful.
Feng Lan blushed at the professor's intense gaze. "Professor Min…"
"It's just Gui now," Gui Wen found himself responding in a much huskier voice than intended.
Feng Lan blushed harder. "Gui…" They stared at each other, and unbeknownst to them their companions inside had gone strangely silent as they all stared with wide eyes and grinning faces as they watched expectantly at the scene playing out before them. "Why don't you come inside and join the party?" Feng Lan finished as she regained control of her voice.
Gui swallowed nervously as he reached inside his pocket again, hand grasped tightly around the ring waiting to be taken out. "In a bit," he swallowed nervously. He looked uncertainly at her and felt the strange urge to suddenly be sick. Feng Lan looked at him in concern.
"Is everything alright?"
Gui nodded his head, afraid of the words spilling out of his mouth. "I have a question to ask you."
She gasped and held her hands up to her face as he knelt down before her and pulled out a shiny, silver ring.
~o~0~o~
That night in Second Life, the Odd Squad and Infinite City's officials threw a small party for their liege lord.
"Congratulations on graduating," White Bird greeted Prince.
"Congratulations on the engagement," Lolidragon followed with a smug grin.
"Engaged?" White Bird looked wildly from Prince's blushing face to the bard standing on the opposite side of the room talking to Ugly Wolf. "Since when?"
"This evening at the graduation reception," Lolidragon answered for Prince, who scowled slightly at the thief.
"Didn't I say to separate the me in real-life with the me in Second Life?" he narrowed his eyes, sounding slightly perturbed.
"But I just can't help but share the good news!" Lolidragon exclaimed. "And anyways, Gui's face has been glowing all evening. It's kind of hard to miss," she stated matter-of-factly.
Prince turned around to see if this was true. Gui was talking animatedly to Ugly Wolf, Wicked, and Wu Qing. His face was lit up with a handsomely boyish grin and he'd never looked happier in his life. Prince melted on the inside.
"Congratulations," White Bird repeated, smiling gently as she whispered into Prince's ear. "I wish you two all the best."
"Thank you," Prince muttered in embarrassment. "But you really don't need to do that."
White Bird ruffled Prince's hair in a motherly fashion. "All we've ever hoped for is your happiness. You made Second Life what it is today. You made it more than just a game and we're more than just a team or your constituents. You're a legend to us and to Second Life. Every legend deserves a happy ending."
Prince flushed completely at White Bird's words. He'd never realized she cared so much. He mumbled another embarrassed thanks to which she simply smiled at him, eyes beaming with pride and delight, and walked away to her own husband who was now talking to Feng Lan's parents. He suspected she had gone to give her congratulations to them as well.
Before Prince knew it, Gui had sidled up next to him and slipped his hand gently into his. "Care to take a walk with me?" he asked quietly. Prince, still in a pleasant daze from White Bird's compliment, merely nodded his head and followed the bard wordlessly out the door.
When they reached outside, Prince realized they were in the courtyard and thousands of dazzling, brilliant stars gleamed overhead. He smiled tenderly at the realization of their location. He leaned against the wall and smirked. "You did this on purpose, didn't you?" Prince asked the bard directly.
Gui flushed. "Aren't you the cheeky one these days?" he retorted, though he did seem pleased that Prince immediately recognized their surroundings.
"Funny, how this is where it all started and you don't remember a thing."
"But," Gui said, "if I had the capacity to remember anything I wouldn't have done anything. So aren't you glad for my forgetfulness?"
"How many times have we had this same argument?"
"Too many," Gui smiled as he placed his hands on either side of the elf and leaned down to kiss him.
Prince held a hand to his chest, stopping him short. "Is there a reason you brought me out here? The guest of honor can't go mysteriously missing halfway through the celebration."
Gui pouted and played with the hem of Prince's collar. "I've barely gotten any alone time with you all day. Is it wrong to want to spend time with my fiancé?"
"Gui…" Prince blushed profusely. It was true. Preparations for the graduation ceremony had taken up most of the day. Then there was the graduation itself. The reception hadn't afforded much alone time either. As soon as Feng Lan had answered yes through happy tears of joy, the two were immediately surrounded by their friends and family who had been watching the whole time waiting to congratulate the two on their future happiness. After that, Gui had secretly been wishing to whisk away his bride-to-be all evening, but before they knew it, the entire group was leaving the reception only to hurry home and log into Second Life for Prince's party.
Gui nuzzled the side of Prince's face. "I've missed you so much," he whispered.
The blush remained steadfast on the elf's cheeks. "You spent time with me yesterday," Prince pointed out, trying to sound irritated but failing miserably.
"It wasn't enough," Gui answered as he began trailing light kisses along Prince's jaw line.
Prince squirmed. "Gui, we can't do this now! The party…they'll be wondering where I am…"
"They won't care," Gui responded breezily and he moved downward to Prince's neck. The elf unconsciously leaned to the side slightly, giving the bard better access as he exposed more of the skin on his neck.
"Gui, really, we can't…ahhh…what are you doing?" Prince clutched desperately at the bard's shoulders as his knees suddenly turned to jelly. He closed his eyes as the briefest moan passed through his lips.
Gui pulled back smirking. "Still in a rush to get back to the party?"
"I…what…you…" Prince stared up at Gui with dazed, unfocused eyes. He couldn't seem to think straight much less form a coherent sentence.
"I love it when I leave you speechless," Gui remarked in satisfaction and leaned forward to capture Prince's lips with his own. The elf didn't even have the capacity to protest. He grabbed the front of Gui's shirt to pull him closer and felt the hardness of the stone press into his back as he became trapped between the bard and the wall.
Prince sighed happily at Gui's gentle kiss which was very controlled and heartfelt. It was like Gui was pouring every ounce of love possible into the intimate gesture. The result was divine and Prince could only stand there feeling blissful as his tongue dueled gently with the bard's. Prince felt Gui's hands cup either side of his face as if to pull him closer so Prince responded likewise by sliding his hands up the bard's chest to encircle his neck. They stood there, entwined in each other's embrace and enjoying the feel of their bodies pressed together, until the sound of someone clearing their throat loudly and rather unabashedly broke the spell and forced them to look up.
Click!
"This is going on the front page of the Infinite Enquirer," Lolidragon announced gleefully with photo critter in hand. "Prince seduced under moonlight by dashingly handsome bard. His true orientation revealed? Ah, I can see the headlines now!"
Prince's eyes widened as he still rested in Gui's embrace. "You wouldn't dare."
"Gui announced your relationship in front of the entire school today. I think it's only fair you finally renounce your supposed bachelor status in Second Life. I've been waiting for this to go public since it first began," Lolidragon smirked wickedly. "It's not right for just your teammates to know."
"Lolidragon…" Prince growled.
Click! Pause. Click! Click! Click!
"Oh, and now we have photos of you two looking upset about being caught. Too perfect! I have an entire story now."
Elf and bard immediately sprang apart and began scrambling for the photo critter which rapidly took flight from the thief's arms. Lolidragon cackled like mad as the two made leaping gestures throughout the courtyard as they chased after the tiny robotic creature. "When you've finished, we're expecting you back at the party to make a toast so we can eat the cake. Then we'll open the bottles of rice wine," Lolidragon called to Prince as she exited the courtyard, still laughing and shaking her head at the sight of her two ridiculous teammates.
As she reentered the party, Wu Qing took her by the hand and gently kissed her on the cheek. "So are those two finally coming back or do we need the Jaws of Life to pry them apart?"
"Oh, they'll be coming back soon enough," Lolidragon's eyes gleamed as she waved him off. "They're just a little busy at the moment."
Wu Qing made a face. "Thank you for that disgusting imagery. I can safely empty my stomach now."
Lolidragon didn't even bother to correct him. She merely grinned to herself, wondering how long it would take for Prince and Gui to finally capture the photo critter. She grinned even wider at the thought of how long it would take for them to realize it didn't have any film. Once an idiot, always an idiot, Lolidragon thought to herself and reached up to plant a very firm kiss on a surprised Wu Qing.
Moments later, an extremely angry and disheveled Blood Elf walked through the door with an equally irate and mussed up bard. "Lolidragon…" Prince began and threw the now broken photo critter at his feet.
Yu Lian eyed the wrecked contraption in horror. "Is that my…"
Before she could finish, Lolidragon took off in delight, laughing merrily, as Prince and Gui both charged after her. The remaining members of the party looked on in vague amusement as the three ran circles around the room. As soon as Yu Lian had some semblance of what was going on, she began yelling at Prince from the sidelines for breaking her expensive equipment. Ugly Wolf just stood next to her, chuckling and half-heartedly trying to console his very angry wife.
All was well in Second Life, and no one would change that for the world.
The End
~0~o~0~