the last one of the story -cries- this really was a lot of fun to write and i really enjoyed all of your guy's input and review for the story . A big thanks to : Startime101, AoifeM, Big Dreamer555, BloodCherry, and The Sky is Not Always Red, for reviewing in the last chapter. look below after the end for some news!

Epilogue: Scored

In the world of dreams sometimes you find yourself recalling memories from a long time ago. As I lay there in bed, eyes half open and tracing the shadows on the wall I remembered one such memory.

It had involved a stuffed horse; the kind with floppy limps and soft fabric, with the beads filling the hooves so that if you placed it just right, it might stand on its own. When I was little it was always with me; a best friend and pillow all in one. I remember clearly how much I cried when the twins had taken it from me and I had found it later with a hole in its neck.

My mom had hushed me and taken it from me telling me she was going to make it even better then before. Like a normal five year old I believed every word that came out of my mother's mouth. When I got it back I found the hole hovered up with a dark purple patch on it. I hadn't understood the things she said before to me back then, even so, the words still echo in my mind clear as a spring day after rain.

A sharp knock on my door half killed me as I shot up into a sitting position and tried to brush my hair back into place. "Enter."

On my command the door opened and a maid came in, bowing her head. Honestly I found the whole thing a bit silly, but this wasn't my house so I couldn't very well say anything. "Miss Masami, Mr. Ootori had requested to see you in his office."

On any other day earlier in my life I would have just about died in dread at such words. Thankfully I'd been expecting it so I was able to nod and slip from the bed without bursting into tears.

"Alright, I'll be out in a minute… is Kyoya up by chance?" Maybe if he came with me I wouldn't feel so stressed this early in the morning. The maid shook her head.

"I'm afraid he won't be up for a while, he has never been a very early riser." Sighing I nodded my head and watched as the maid bowed again before leaving the room.

Shaking my head I moved to get changed, grumbling about how unhelpful Kyoya was in the morning.

Stupid low blood pressure of his… Though disturbing him was something I would rather not do. It could be kind of life shortening.

With a tug I pulled off my nightshirt and walked to the mirror in the corner. On my side was a dark red chuck of scar tissue that was about the side of a quarter and cover the width of my side from front to back. Near the middle of it, was a purplish scab and a bright red ring encircled it.

It had been almost three weeks since the events of that night when Ryuu had snuck into the party and ruined it for me and everyone I had known. I don't remember much of what really happen after I'd smashed my spike heal into his foot but that alone make me swell with pride. I'd gotten the rest second hand from Kyoya – while recovering in the hospital again, and that helped piece together the fragments.

Thankfully the gunshot hadn't been a bad one, it'd just grazed my side about half an inch deep.

I was in the hospital for about a week and a half before I was released with warning from Kyoya's brother no not do anything too active. With that the brother had told me he hoped the next time he saw me it wasn't on the operating table.

By the time I was released Ryuu had been taken to court with three more attempted murder charges – one of which had been aimed at Kyoya. My father had been very careful with me until the trial was over and Ryuu had been sentenced to twenty-five years in prison with no chance of parole. That is simply why you don't mess with a powerful family, let alone two.

That had been over a week ago and now as I turned and got dressed in my summer outfit I could hardly contain how exited I was. In only a few hours I'd be on my way to Germany. I'd spent the night in a guest room at Kyoya's mansion so that my father wouldn't have to wake up early to drive me over here.

Takashi and Hunny wouldn't pick us up for about three hours still and that gave me plenty of time to go talk to Kyoya's father and recover from it. Fully dressed and groomed I walked towards the door; my hand grasping the green pendant around my neck, hoping it would keep my strong and safe like it always did.

I followed the maid silently down the corridors of the Ootori estate all the while hoping I hadn't done something wrong. It seemed like the more time I spent in this rich life the more rules I came across. I tried to keep myself busy, looking around the house and trying to memorize the turns so I'd know how to get back.

When we got to a set of dark oak doors the maid smiled slightly, bowed, and turned, walking away with out a sound. I watched her go until she turned the corner and then I faced the doors pressing my lips together and as firmly as I could I knocked on the door. It was silently for a moment before the strict voice of the head of the family seeped through the wood and commanded me to enter.

With a deep breath I did so, pushed the left door open quickly so I didn't have time to think about what would happen. The room was vast, like every room in every house I'd been in lately besides Haruhi's. Quickly scanning the room I saw a wall of book shelves filled to the brim and four comfortable looking chairs around a large table. In the middle of the room in front of a large window was a desk that could of easily made four instead of one. Behind it sat Yoshio Ootori in all of his terrifying glory, his hand neatly folded on the desk, his face as blank as a new sketchbook.

Ah hell. I was doomed.

"Good morning Mr. Ootori, you wanted to see me?"

The man nodded his head and the gestured to the chair placed in front of the desk. "Have a seat Miss Arai."

Biting the inside of my cheek I quickly walked over to said chair and sat down running my hands over my pants in an effort to smooth them. I made eye contact and smiled at him, trying my best to look confident.

Mr. Ootori looked at me critically before folding his hands in front of his face much like his son did. "How are you doing? My son informs me that on your last check up your injury was healing as expected."

My god, could he just ask straight up if I was feeling alright? Shifting a bit I nodded my head. "I'm doing well sir, your son did an excellent job. I hardly feel any pain at this point any more." I bowed my head slightly and I saw the flicker of surprise on his face. "I am truly grateful to your family, this was your second time helping me. I can't help but feel a bit indebted."

I raised my head making eye contact with him, feeling a bit better. I had really been meaning to show my gratitude for all of the instances he'd helped cover up with Ryuu. Once again I found myself in silence as he stared at me, looking me over before he finally nodded his head.

"Normally I would agree, but I can't this time." I literally almost had my jaw hanging open but instead clenched my teeth to stop. I was surprised but that didn't mean I needed to make a fool of myself. "You see Miss Arai, in taking the bullet shot you may have very well saved my son from injury or death in that situation. Kyoya and I have talked about it several times, and I am, after all still, a father."

Though he didn't say it I got the feeling he was trying to say that he loved Kyoya the way any father did and he was thankful nothing had happen. I smiled kindly at him.

"I wasn't about to let anything happen to him if I could help it sir. After all I care about your son." More then he'd ever know I thought silently as the man in front of me stood and turned to face the window and I couldn't help but thing about how movie-like that was.

"That is the reason I called you here Miss Arai." He spoke firmly and I swear I just about died.

Was he going to tell me that I couldn't be with his son? Was I not good enough? Did I cause too much trouble? No it didn't matter what he thought; Kyoya and I would still be together. At lest I hoped so.

"I'm glad that you came here Masami." Wait what? Confused I stared at Mr. Ootori not really processing that he just said that. Since when did I have a first name to him? "I wasn't sure at first but now I am. You entering my son's life has done more good then I could have ever hoped for. " He turned then and looked at me, at my face that must have been too stunned to even twitch. "Kyoya is ambitious in nature but he never really seemed to care for the topic of the family company as he grew up. I believe he showed interest in becoming the heir because he wanted my approval, and so I let him believe that. It is good for someone as intelligent as him to have some goal in mind."

I started to understand what it was he was doing at least a little bit. I didn't approve of it really but each parent shows their support for their children differently, or at least that what my father had said when he'd talked to me. Mr. Ootori paused waiting for that to sink in and after a moment I silently nodded my head afraid to speak and clasped my hands together on my lap.

"Then you moved in with your father and started going to Ouran, and it took no time at all for me to realize something had changed with Kyoya. He search history on our net works showed he was looking for information on you, not that he found much as your father and I had arranged." I felt myself grimace; I still couldn't believe he'd Googled me. Sadly though, it did fit Kyoya's personality. "Two months ago, Kyoya informed me that he was stepping out of the race for heir. When I asked him why he said that he'd been woken up and pointed down a more ideal road for him. I'd resented it at first but after thinking it over it made sense. He informed me a day later that he'd chosen you for a girlfriend."

As always, when ever that word and Kyoya came up in the same sentence my face got all warm and red and I smiled a bit rubbing my neck. "I am sorry for that sir, but I felt I needed t point something out to him. I hadn't really expected him to take it so far in the beginning. But if I may sir, I'm glad he did." And I really was and if saying so got me kicked from the house then I wouldn't have said any different.

"As am I." Surprised again by the man in front of me I tilted my head slightly in question, which he took for wanting him to continue. "I wasn't sure what you were like at the time, I had only met you in order to take care of sensitive matters. I needed to make sure my son wasn't making a bad choice, which is why I had him bring you to me to the party." He sighed rubbing his eyes with a hand the way anyone overworked and stressed did. As soon as that was over though his business face appeared again and had me again wanting to shrink in to a corner.

"Masami, there is no doubt in my mind that your relationship with my son is one I feel no reason to object too. You're not with him for the status or the money like most, your life with your mother made sure of that. Kyoya, at least for now, needs you in his life and as dramatic as it is his description of you as a ray of light is one I can't disagree on."

Wow, I mean, my god. What do you say to that? First off I had no idea Kyoya ever talked about me with his father, and certainly taken to calling me that. It was sweet but something about the whole thing made me uneasy. For the time being? Did he think I didn't plan on sticking around? Shaking my head I looked Kyoya's father in the eyes.

"I am glad you told me all of this sir, but I feel there's something I need a correct for you." Mr. Ootori raised an eyebrow at me looking a bit bemused by my tone. "You see I don't think, I'm much of a ray of light, sir." I bit my lip the sudden image of my stuffed horse from back when I was little appearing again along with my mother's words. "I'd like to think I'm more of a patch."

For the first time since I had met him Mr. Ootori looked interest. "A patch? Explain." Trying to ignore the annoyance I felt from being ordered around I did so.

"You see, sir, rays of light, well, they're as fleeting as time itself, only lasting moments, maybe minutes if lucky. But patches, well they're sewed on with care and normally love and meant to say there, mending something for a lifetime. I'd like to think I'm a … patch of light for Kyoya because I honestly don't think I'll be going anywhere for a long time."

With my heart beating in my ears from my words I watched as Mr. Ootori sat back down with a thoughtful look on his face. The room was silent for a very long time as I tried to calm myself and listened to the tick of the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. Finally he looked at me again and with a nod he reached across the table with his hand. "Very well, I hope to work with your family for a long time as well."

Magically shedding fifty pounds of dread I smiled at him and reached out, put my hand in his, and shook it.

….

When I'd gotten done talking to Mr. Ootori, I left the building pretty fast and went outside to walk around. Kyoya was still asleep and I frankly didn't feel like just sitting around in my room for another hour or so until he wasn't. Instead I grabbed my sketchbook from my carry-on bag for the trip and found a nice shaded tree to sit under while I doodled something.

I don't know how long I was out there alone drawing random scenery, but, around the time that I had started on the details of a single flower near by, I heard footsteps.

"I don't understand how you can be awake and functioning already." Kyoya grumbled and I saw him sit down and leaned on the tree's trunk from the corner of my eye. I was about a foot away and slightly forward from him but I could tell he was still sleepy.

"Maybe you should just get a healthier sleep routine. You know, go to bed at a descent hour get up at a decent hour."

"Ten is plenty decent during break." I smiled as his lame argument and closed my sketchbook lean backwards to get a better look at him. He at least looked ready to be haled off to the airport.

"If you say so oh wise and plotting Shadow King." He scowled at my sappy and completely sarcastic remark. I smiled at him and he rolled his eyes. I win again.

"The maid told me my father spoke with you." Ah, right to the point then. Well, I wasn't going to start retelling him things he didn't need to know, but lying never got me anywhere with him either. So I told him the non-sappy, kind of intriguing part of the hour-long conversation I'd had with his father.

"There seems to be a new kind of surgery practice being done now, something he said might be able to heal my shoulder injury over time if done right. He asked if I was interested and I told him I'd have to speak with my parents."

Kyoya nodded his head. Apparently he had already known about it, not all that surprising. "Are you going to try it?"

I shifted a bit looking down at the grass "I'm not sure. It's going to take some real thinking. It would leave me without use of my left arm for several weeks, that would be pretty annoying…" I frowned thinking. "And you know how much I don't like hospitals."

"Understandable, but you know I wouldn't let you go throw with it if I didn't think it wasn't safe." He pointed out, and like always I blushed like a tomato and scooted a bit closer to him so I was leaning on the side of the tree adjacent to him.

"I know, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't think about it. With Ryuu gone, things with be easier for all of us."

That was something I was really looking forward to. I couldn't wait to go back to school and the host club and have fun like I had before all of this happened. I wanted a normal life. Well, as normal as it can get at Ouran. Speaking of which, that reminded me.

"Masami, can I ask you something?" Kyoya said suddenly which had my words caught somewhere in my throat. I glared playfully at him from around the tree and he gave me a confused expression.

"I was just about to ask you something." I explained and he chuckled a bit grabbing my hand from the ground.

"Fine. You answer mine and I'll answer yours, is that fair?" Sighing I grumbled a fine smiling the entire time so he knew I wasn't really upset. He was quiet for a minute after that, his thumb rubbing circles on the top of my hand. I closed my eyes and relaxed against the tree letting him get his words together. When he did speak, his words surprised me. "Why didn't you deicide to go back home to your mom?"

That was a good question and it had been one I had thought about a lot in the last few weeks. My mother had come to the hospital after the incident with Ryuu and argued with my father and pleaded with me to go back with her. Ryuu was behind bars for good now and my friends back in my hometown missed me. I knew it was mostly her that really missed me though and I'd talked to her for a long time about everything that had happened.

I told her I really liked Ouran and it was nice to get to know my brothers better. Of course she told me that it must have been because of Kyoya and I admitted that was part of it. In the end I told her that from now on I'd come see her during the breaks in school and that seemed to make her happy.

I squeezed Kyoya's hand and leaned forward to look at him from around the tree "Because this is my home now too." My answer was simple but it seemed to make him happy before he quickly leaned forward and kissed me. It didn't last as long as I had hoped though, because moments later we heard the sound of a car pulling in the front driveway and we knew it was Takshi and Hunny. It was time to go to the airport and head off to Germany.

Kyoya pulled me up with him and tugged me towards the front. "The maids already have our stuff out front so don't worry about that." He assured me and I gave him an annoyed look which he returned with a silent question.

"You never answered my question." I pointed out and he smiled but kept walking.

"Ask me now then." I rolled my eyes at him before smiling.

"Okay fine. So I've been wondering Kyoya, why in the world is our school pink?"

The Shadow King's expression turned startled for a moment before, from out of no where, he started laughing, and it was such a free laughter I couldn't help but smile back.

As we rounded the corner and saw Takashi leaning on the side of a limo and Hunny bouncing up and down waving his arm franticly I didn't bother to ask Kyoya to give me an answer. Because I realized in that moment after hearing him laugh like that, one of the few times I'd ever seen him act like a really teenager, that it didn't matter. All that mattered was that we were happy and together and I made it my goal then and there to make sure I heard him laugh like that more often.

~Fin~

Credits:

Theme song: Unwritten By Natasha Bedingfield (Masami's out look on life)

Other songs/artist mentioned/seen in story:

~ Hey You by Tokio Hotel

~ Nickelback

~ Long Lived By Taylor Swift

~The Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss II

~ Storm by Lifehouse

Every song or artist was picked for a reason, either to help or hint at story themes and/or character personality traits.

Art Work: Because I'm an art major and a writer by hobby I tend to draw out scenes when unsure of how to write it out. These were done quiet a while back but I always forgot to upload them. Enjoy :)

Remove the spaces to see~

Story Cover: www. kendara. deviantart gallery/#/d4pbwim

Story sketch scenes:www. kendara. deviantart gallery/#/d4rjoy7

If for some reason they dont work go to DA, look up my screen name Kendara and you should find me :)

In Other New:

So Masami's story come to an end... or does it? lol, i'm not to sure what i'll be doing next n the writing department. I have a random 3 part YuGiOh fanficion I'll be putting up once i finish it. (Do not ask me why, it just kind of happened one day and then i couldn't get in out of my head ~.~; )

As for other stories i have a fe started in the air that never got very far such as 'Soul Bound Detective' A Yu Yu Hakusho fic. You learn more about that one on my home age on this website, just scroll to the bottom. As for anything else i'm not sure, but with collage coming to a close in a week or two and summer on its way i should have a lot more time to think and to ponder over story ideas.

For now i hope you guys Enjoy my OHSHC Fanfiction, Patches of Light and be on the look out for other stuff this summer!