Here it is! The final chapter! I just want to thank everyone for staying with this story for so long. I hope you enjoyed the wild ride. :)
After the senior dance, Takumi and I head to Camilla's, where we are free to do as we please.
"Have fun, boys," she chirps and leaves us to our own devices. I know what she means.
But despite the freedom we have here, I don't want to do that and I can tell neither does Takumi. We stare at each other for a few moments when he says, "I really want out of this kimono."
I chuckle and lead him to my room. I shut the door and he starts stripping.
"My, Takumi, you are so eager tonight," I joke. He just glares.
"We're not doing that," he argues. "I just want out of these clothes. You got any spares?"
Of course I do. I always keep a few spare clothes at Camilla's in case I need to escape. Now, there is no need for an 'escape' but old habits die hard.
I rummage through the dresser in the room and pull out some joggers and a v-neck t-shirt. "Is this good enough?" I ask.
"Yeah, that's fine," he answers and I toss him the clothes. He's down to his under-clothes of the kimono and starts pulling those off too.
I turn away, taking off my jacket and loosening my bowtie, looking for something to switch into. I find another t-shirt and another pair of sweats and switch quickly.
Once we're done, we sit on my bed and I ponder about tonight.
It started rocky at first, but it soon became a night I won't forget. I got to dance with my boyfriend without judgement, or at least as little judgement as possible. We skipped the after party, because really any extended amount with my class is enough to give me a headache. We had a good group of friends who supported us. Odin and Niles were sad to see us go, but while Odin gave us a salute, Niles just smirked suggestively and told us to have fun. He's a little much, but I couldn't ask for a better friend. Oboro, Kaden, and Hinata also wished us a good night and left for the after party.
"You thinking about tonight?" Takumi asks suddenly. "Sorry I had a fit at the restaurant."
"You're fine, Takumi. I was feeling insecure too. It was for the best."
"True. I was too nervous to eat anyway. I'd hate for you to spend money on my fickle self."
"I love your fickle self. Don't forget that."
He just chuckles and holds my hand. "So what now?"
"We can just watch a movie. Or go to sleep. I wouldn't mind that actually."
He yawns, confirming this. "I could use some shut-eye," he admits.
So we scoot back further onto the bed, getting under the covers, and he falls asleep in my arms.
It's finally here. The final chapter of our high school lives. Graduation. I can't say that I will miss high school, but poor Camilla, Corrin, and Elise are beside themselves. Camilla fusses over my suit and Elise is crying, saying I'm growing up too fast. I mention that she's the little sister and that she's growing up too fast, but she waves that aside and says I need to not be such a butt. Her words. Not mine. Corrin smiles at me, a sad smile, but also proud.
We drive to the arena at the nearby college where the graduation will be held. Camilla drives slower than usual, probably due to prolonging the inevitable. She's emotional and I say nothing, not wanting to make her cry more. Surprisingly, her makeup hasn't ben smudged, but I know she uses only high grade items, so it's probably all waterproof.
We eventually arrive to the arena and we get out. I straighten my graduation gown and Camilla snaps a picture of me on her phone while I'm in the middle of doing so.
"Camilla! Really?" I chastise. "I hate candid shots. You know that."
"I can't help it, Baby Brother. You're just so cute." She giggles, but I can still see the sadness in her eyes. "Let your big sister have this moment."
I roll my eyes and Elise just laughs at me. We walk from her car and head inside the arena.
There are quite a few students here already, but since we arrived earlier than everyone else, I know the building will be crowded soon. I go to the area designated for the seniors and tell my sisters I will see them soon. Camilla kisses my cheek, Elise and Corrin hug me, and I just blush and leave, not wanting to prolong such a sappy moment.
I enter the area, the gymnasium, and see Takumi is already here. He's chatting with Oboro and Hinata and he turns around at the right moment and smiles, waving me over.
"Today's the day!" Hinata cheers! "We're finally gonna be out of this hellhole!"
"Hey, watch your mouth!" Oboro admonishes. "We might be graduating, but we should still be on our best behavior."
"Lighten up, Oboro," Hinata groans. "We're finally free to do what we want."
She rolls her eyes and turns to Takumi. "Can you believe this guy?"
"I can. I've known you both since kindergarten," he laughs.
She sniffs haughtily and crosses her arms. There's a tap on my shoulder.
Niles is here now, as discreet as a rainbow. He has his graduation gown wadded up under his arm, wearing the same suit he wore to the dance. He laughs.
"We did it, Leo! We made it!" He claps my shoulder.
"You're awfully cheerful," I note. "Something on your mind?"
"I'm just glad to be free. Now I can do whatever I want and not have to worry about perfect attendance or good grades." He flicks his hair back. "It might never have been a problem for you, but it was for me."
"I know, old friend. You needn't tell me that."
"Heh, look at you, Mr. Valedictorian! Talking so formally. So, you have a speech prepared?"
"Yes, but it's nothing too big. Just the typical 'let's do our best now that we're free' and the like." I shrug. "I looked up a few online, and I have no intention of deviating from that. It's bad enough I'll probably be booed."
He scoffs. "Anyone who boos you will answer to me. You know Odin and I will stand up and fight whoever dares to cross you," he warns.
"Hopefully, that won't be necessary." But speaking of Odin, he's suddenly there, chiming in.
"Ah, my friend, should the need arise, Odin Dark will avenge your honor!" Gods, I will miss that when I'm in college. Odin is heading for Ylisse after graduation, to visit family and take a year off. Not a bad decision really.
"I know you will, Odin. But do go easy on them, both of you." I look mainly at Niles. After the Hayato incident I feel I have to especially watch out for him. I'd hate for him to have his diploma recanted.
"Oh, Leo, you don't need to worry. I'll go easy on them," he says, as if reading my thoughts.
Takumi clears his throat. "They're rounding us up. We better get in line."
The teachers gather us and help us go in alphabetical order, by last name except those who received honors, such as myself. We're at the front of the line. Takumi and I are far from each other, but he gives me a small thumbs up and smiles. I smile back, returning the gesture.
Once the lines are deemed acceptable, we file into the main arena, heading for our individual seats. I sit in mine, the very first, and I feel some nervousness hit my stomach. My notecards for my speech are safely in my pocket and my mind reels, realizing that this is happening.
I'll be done with this hellhole, as Hinata crudely put it, and I am free to be myself. I feel free finally.
My father is gone to prison, having lost his case. I no longer have to worry about being under his thumb. The students around me may not approve of me still, but I will soon be free of them too. I'm sure some will roll their eyes at my speech, maybe some will boo, but I don't care. I don't have need of them. I have Takumi, my family, and friends. That is all I need.
After long speeches by the superintendent of the school and the principal, they call my name and I go up to the podium and say my speech.
It's short enough to not be boring, but long enough to show I've put some thought into it. Of course I start with the typical 'to my esteemed peers' and say how it is finally time for us to shine to the best of our abilities and to never give up on our dreams. Pfft. As if. I'm sure very few of these plebeians have dreams.
Someone boos in the middle as I start to thank our teachers for guiding us through the years and I stop, seeing Niles get up and rush to the offender, but a teacher wards him off. I hold back my chuckle. Good old Niles, staying true to his word.
"Finally," I finish, "I would like to thank our family and friends who have stood by our sides as we faced this tumultuous period of our lives. High school is difficult because of many factors, from us growing to accept ourselves to the coursework assigned to us. The support from those we love," and here I look up, trying to find Camilla and Elise in the audience and managing to do so, "is the greatest support of all. May we continue to have this support in our post-high school years. Thank you."
There is quiet applause, something I expected. It isn't easy being both the valedictorian and the son of a racist terrorist, but we can't win every battle. There's another boo and this time it's Odin who stands up, declaring battle or something, but another teacher shushes him.
There are some final words from the principal and then we all stand up, cheering. It's over. This hours-long ordeal is over.
Students everywhere throw their graduation caps into the air, but I stand still, searching for Takumi. I feel myself shaking, overcome with joy, and I'd rather share the moment with him than partake in some typical tradition. He finds me and we cheer together, grabbing each other in a fierce hug.
We run off, ready to be done with this thing. Niles, Odin, Oboro, Hinata, and Kaden join us and we congratulate each other, our friends saying my speech was marvelous. Doubtful, but the sentiment is appreciated.
Camilla, Corrin, and Elise find me and Camilla envelops me in her arms. I groan as she hugs me tightly, Elise clapping me on the back saying "good job!" Takumi's family comes up too, essentially doing the same thing. I know Takumi is embarrassed by all the attention, as am I, but we make it through.
When the congratulations die down, Camilla declares she's taking us all to dinner. Ryoma shakes his head, claiming he couldn't bear to receive such generosity, but Camilla insists. It's hard to refuse my sister when she's on a mission. Takumi's family can't help but accept.
And that's how we end up at one of the nicer restaurants in the city. I can see how uncomfortable this makes Takumi's family, and even I am surprised at Camilla's generosity, but she shrugs it off, saying that after all we've been through together, we all deserve it. They all thank her, Hinoka grabbing Camilla for a kiss.
So we eat, tell stories of the years past, and discuss our futures. Takumi and I both received scholarships for our academic excellence and Camilla is sure to order extra dessert for us just for that accomplishment.
It feels so natural to sit with his family and mine and be ourselves together. In this moment, I couldn't be happier.
It's like I've finally found home.
A week later, Xander is back from college and with that he brings over a surprise guest: his girlfriend.
Camilla is overly sweet to the girl, Mozu, and I can tell it's the kind of sweet that is also threatening, the kind that says 'if you do so much as break my brother's heart I will end you.' That's just who Camilla is.
But after Xander is settled in and hears of my high school success, he decides we should hold a party to celebrate. Of course, he wants to invite Takumi's family too as well as our friends and I agree. We just had the pool installed after some sort of delay and though I'm not much of an outdoors person, I know Takumi is. He'll be eager to jump in the water, though he'll deny it at first.
So after a few phone calls to Niles, Odin, and Takumi, we plan the party. Xander and Camilla will cook, Elise will be sure there are games to play (namely poolside volleyball), and I will…do nothing, because as I said, I'm not much of an outdoors person. It suits my family just fine; they understand.
Corrin is excited to see Kamui again, something I can see in her eyes. She denies it, but I know that there is something going on between those two. Maybe it's just a sort of kinship since both had similar childhoods, but regardless, she's excited.
Elise is excited to see Sakura and I joke about how in love she is. She denies that.
"Sakura and I talked about it, and we decided it's best we stay friends. Having her as a girlfriend was cool, but I value her friendship more," she declares. A surprisingly mature statement from my sister, but I'm proud of her nonetheless.
She may feel the need to preserve a fine friendship, but I excitedly have taken my relationship to its full extent and can admit I am passionately in love with Takumi. Friendship wouldn't be enough for either of us.
When the day of the party arrives, I admit I am a bit nervous. This will be the first time my entire family, save for the graduation day and the ill-fated Christmas dinner, will be with my boyfriend's family. The graduation dinner went well, even though it was awkward at first, but hopefully this party will ease whatever leftover tension there is.
Elise is already in her bathing suit, hopping around excitedly with a beach ball. She's zipping around the house, impatient and wanting her best friend over already. I just chuckle at her antics.
I go outside to find Camilla sunning herself with a martini in her hand. She lowers her sunglasses and just smiles, clearly content.
"I thought you were going to help Xander cook," I say.
"Oh, he insisted he and Mozu do it and that I relax. I'm always relaxing though. I don't get in a tizzy like others I know." She winks at me. I just look away, too shy to admit she's right.
"Well, it's good to see you enjoying yourself, but do be on your best behavior," I implore. "It would be uncouth to get drunk at your brother's graduation party."
"Oh, come now, Leo. I'm always a good girl. Besides, this is a celebration of the union of our families."
"It's hardly a union. We're simply all very close, some of us dating."
"Hmmm, well, maybe something good will happen," she says mysteriously and puts her sunglasses back on. "Now go be a good boy and wait for your boyfriend. I know you're excited to see him in a swimsuit."
I open my mouth to make a comeback, but she shushes me and shoos me away. Damn Camilla sometimes. She's such a handful.
Corrin is in the den, texting rapidly on her phone. She's also in a swimsuit with a modest cover-up, and she looks up and smiles.
"I'm so excited to see everyone again." She goes back to texting on her phone.
"I can tell, if your texting is any indication. Kamui?" She blushes and looks at me with baleful eyes. "I figured. It's good to have some sort of love interest, Sister."
"He's not a love interest. We're just…fond of each other. He gets me."
"Well, regardless of what the truth is, I'm glad you found some kinship with someone."
She gives me a big smile and thanks me. I leave her to her phone.
The bell rings and I open the door to find Odin and Niles, both of whom seemed to have ridden on Niles' ancient bike.
"Couldn't your mother have driven you, Odin?"
"Alas, my dearest mother turns her ire to me, for fear of corruption of my very soul."
"She's not pleased that he still hangs out with you," Niles translates. I ask him to clarify.
"She's still sore about the whole Christmas bombing your dad did," Niles confirms. "Though, Odin did his best to defend you. She just shooed him out the door and here we are."
I frown. "I'm sorry, Odin. I didn't realize your mother disliked me so."
"My mother has bears no qualm with you, dear Leo, but she fears that your father's influence will in turn influence me."
"Nothing influences you but those stage plays you read," Niles drawls. "So shut up and let's jump in the pool."
Odin gestures, ready to make a speech, but Niles shushes him and we head to the pool together. Camilla is still outside and waves lazily, Niles whistling at her in response.
"Niles, though I appreciate your appreciation of my body, I hope you know that one, I have a girlfriend, and two, I could cut you to pieces if given the chance," she threatens. It doesn't deter Niles, but he makes less of a show of his gawking at her. He jumps into the pool as does Odin and I curse when the water splashes me. I tell them I'll go grab sunscreen, since really Odin is nearly as pale as me and the last thing I want is for his mother to be even more displeased with me when her son comes home as toasted as a lobster.
I go inside and find the sunscreen in the downstairs bathroom when I hear the doorbell ring again. This must be Takumi's family.
My hunch is correct and the entirety of Takumi's family, plus Oboro (sans Kaden) and Hinata, is here. I welcome them in and point them in the direction of the pool. Takumi's family as well as his friends go outside, leaving me and Takumi alone in the foyer.
"So, after all that has happened, it's come to this," Takumi says.
"To what? A celebration of our success?"
"You could say that." He shrugs. "I'm just…surprised we made it."
"I am too. It's been a wild ride, but it's over. No more drama. We can head to college peacefully and live our lives."
He sighs. "Yeah, without each other."
"Second thoughts on the Hoshidan college?" I ask, worried.
"No, but it'll be weird not seeing you everyday. I'll just have to settle for cybering I guess."
I choke on air at his implication. "Takumi…!"
"Oh, like you weren't thinking it." He rolls his eyes. "Whatever. Give me some of that sunscreen. I forgot mine."
So I slather some on him as well as myself, and we go outside.
Camilla and Hinoka are sitting by each other, both with intense looks on their faces. It's like they're planning something.
Corrin and Kamui are in the shade not too far off, talking and giggling as they are wont to do. Elise and Sakura are passing the beach ball to each other, warming up for a round of poolside volleyball.
Ryoma sits at the edge of the pool, looking a little awkward as he watches everyone, ever a protective older brother. Oboro and Hinata get in a splash fight with Niles and Odin.
Everyone seems so at peace. It feels right for this to happen.
Xander and Mozu come out and head to the barbecue pit after finishing preparing and marinating the various meats. Xander nods at Ryoma, who returns the gesture, and Xander and his new girlfriend get to work on cooking.
Takumi and I sit at the edge, legs dangling in the water. We stay silent and observe everyone having a good time.
Elise decides to set up the net and we split up into teams. Elise and Sakura team up with Oboro and Hinata while Niles and Odin stick with me and Takumi.
Suddenly, Xander is in the pool and wants to play too. Ryoma goes to his little sister's side. Mozu waves at us, saying she'll watch over the food.
Five on five seems fair and Elise starts by serving the ball.
We play aggressively and Takumi and I read each other well, teaming up against the other team. Xander is aggressive as is Ryoma and it almost feels like it's just the two of them, going head to head. Old habits die hard it seems.
We continue playing when Mozu announces the food is done. Elise and Sakura cheer. Corrin, who had been keeping score, declares the game a tie and everyone groans. A rematch is in order but after we eat.
Everyone grabs paper plates that Mozu brought out and we help ourselves, taking to sitting poolside and scarfing the delicious food down. Xander and Mozu really outdid themselves. Naturally, I compliment them. Mozu blushes, saying it was nothing in her peculiar accent and Xander nods, trying not to seem too bashful, but I know my brother well. He's appeased by this.
Then, I hear Camilla clear her throat.
"While we're all feasting on this delicious food, I thought it was time that I make a show to entertain us all." She sets her food down and rummages through her discarded sundress.
She pulls out a velvet box. My eyes widen in shock.
She gets on one knee and turns to Hinoka. She takes a breath.
"My dearest, sweetest Hinoka… You have given me happiness beyond measure and we have gone through so many things, only to strengthen our bond. It would be my absolute delight if you accepted my hand in marriage." She opens the box and inside is a giant ring, plastered in diamonds and rubies, something that suits Hinoka immensely.
Hinoka takes a moment, probably even more shocked than everyone else, but then…
She nods. She sniffles a bit, but she still nods.
"I will, Camilla."
With a sigh of delight, Camilla slips the ring on Hinoka's finger. Everyone cheers.
Takumi turns to me. "Did you know…?"
"I did not. Camilla can be an enigma." Niles has a disappointed look on his face, but I admonish him. "She told you she had a girlfriend, Niles."
"Fiancée now," he grumbles.
"Regardless, you never had a chance," I say, jokingly vicious. He just sighs and rolls his one good eye and jumps back into the pool, sulking underwater.
Everyone finishes up their food and congratulates the newly betrothed. Hinoka is flustered, but Camilla accepts the attention like a queen. She was never shy.
The day goes on just like that. When the sun goes down, Xander suggests putting up a giant canvas and pulling out an old projector to watch a movie. Everyone agrees and Xander goes to prepare.
Everyone sits on the grass in the backyard, our friends and siblings in a tight cluster, buzzing with excitement from today. We eagerly talk about the things to come, Elise cooing over Camilla, Sakura asking about possible wedding details, and Oboro claiming she can help make custom dresses if they'd like. Camilla relishes in all the attention and answers each inquiry eagerly while Hinoka just nods, excited but also nervous. Takumi told me as much. Hinoka is easily flustered, though she is a confident woman.
Xander finishes setting up and asks for suggestions. Everyone agrees on some lighthearted film and he rifles through the family collection. Suitably, he chooses one about high school students coming to term with their identities while keeping a lighthearted air.
We all separate and get into our own little pairs. Takumi and I sit on the lush grass, holding hands as the movie starts.
He turns to me and I can see in the starlight the emotions flooding within him. This moment is bittersweet in its own way. This may be one of the last times we can be together so openly before we head off to college.
It seems this summer will have to be full of adventures together, to make up for the would-be lost time. My heart, too, is flooded with emotions, but I know that no matter what, no matter who, no matter why, Takumi and I will always be together.