Epilogue - Modern Day

"So that's how you two started dating, huh?"

Lukas rolled his eyes. "Like I said, a very long story," his lips curled into a small smile, "not a bad one, though," he added.

Tino took another sip of wine and admired the golden band on his finger. "It's been six years..."

"Six long an' happy years," Berwald said firmly, planting a kiss on Tino's cheek to the other man's delight. "T' our health," he raised his wine glass and clinked it with those of the others present. "Happy anniversary, m' love."

"To you, too." Tino returned Berwald's kiss, and they continued to eat and drink and make merry throughout most of the night.

Mathias watched Tino and Berwald leave the restaurant together. "Hey, Luke," he asked, "you think we'll be like that in six years?"

Lukas simply laced his fingers with Mathias's. "Perhaps," he answered, "hopefully not as sappy as them, though. Besides," he gave a small smile, "we've got our own future to write."

XxX

Tino and Berwald weren't "married," per se, as same-sex marriage was not completely legal in Germany yet, but they had filed for a registered partnership and now lived together in a lovely house in Zehlendorf, one of Berlin's nicest neighborhoods. Modeling had paid off nicely for both of them, leaving them to pursue other interests. Tino had taken up a second career as a children's book illustrator, and Berwald's passion for debate had led him to write opinionated articles for different magazines (under a pseudonym, of course). After all these years, both of them still practiced Taekwondo and went to classes together; Berwald had by now earned his fourth degree black belt and taught classes occasionally, and Tino was working on getting his second degree.

True to his word, Tino had never been in another fight since his tussle in the rain with Lukas, other than the controlled sparring matches he loved to participate in. Berwald hadn't relapsed since then either, a fact he was very proud of.

They fought every so often; sometimes it would be over something silly like whose turn it was to do the laundry or take out the garbage, and sometimes it would be serious, like how they should budget their life while paying off debts from college and Tino's new car (Berwald sometimes liked to spend a little too much). Nevertheless, they would always find a way to make up.

It was a pleasant existence. Not entirely perfect, but pretty damn close.

XxX

"Ber, are you going anywhere after work today?" asked Tino, peering over Berwald's shoulder in the break room as the larger man washed makeup off of his face.

Berwald shook his head. "Nah. Been a long day. Got another article t' finish, too," He furrowed his brow at this, "what time 're ya comin' home tonight?"

Tino looked up at the ceiling, something he normally did when he was deep in thought. "Mmm... I was gonna go to Taekwondo and then pick up something for dinner on the way back. Is there anything you want?"

"Other than you?" Berwald smirked, earning himself a playful swat from his lover. "I was thinkin' fish."

"Fish it is, then," Tino kissed the back of Berwald's neck, "I'll see you at home tonight?"

"Mm-hmm." Berwald finished rinsing off his face and Tino turned to leave. Before he could, the taller man caught him in an embrace from behind.

Tino laughed as Berwald kissed his hair, his cheeks, his neck. "You're getting water all over me, darling," he broke away and sealed his lips to Berwald's, "love you lots!"

Berwald watched Tino leave and smiled.

Our future will be filled with good and bad, but as long we have each other, we'll be fine.

The End

AN: Holy wow. It's done. I can't even... wow.
Writing this has been a real breathtaking adventure, especially with all the love that I've earned from you guys! Thank you so much for reading, reviewing, faving, following, etc.
I'm not sure what I'll be doing in the future, or if I'll be writing something as long as this again. I've got some shorter stuff in the works, though, so I'm not gone! :D
Senior year of high school is fast approaching, and that's when all the college application stuff happens. I was also totally stupid one day and packed my schedule with AP's... /cries
Writing is huge solace for me, though, and it makes me so happy to hear that it gives you happiness.
Thank you for all your support through this endeavor. I hope my next story provides such entertainment as well.

Hugs and kisses~
-Jayy