The last chapter! Thanks everyone for reading! Epilogue is next!

Chapter 37: A Promise Fulfilled

3…2…1!

The explosives went off causing the large pillars to crumble. Chandeliers crashed onto the poker tables and fire caught onto the lush carpets.

The two specialized spies and the pretend one all dove behind a counter to avoid being crushed.

"This is Agent Lewis!" the woman yelled into her radio. "The entire building is coming down. Evacuate. I repeat, evacuate!"

"Tamar," the other man said. "Should we do a last sweep?"

"Gabe," Tamar said, looking around. "We don't have time."

"Nathan," Gabe snapped at Nathan who was staring at the destruction before him.

"Let's get out of here!" Tamar yelled, pulling Nathan. "The entire Casino is coming down!"

"Wait," Nathan exclaimed, jerking back. His eyes were calculating the scenario.

The entire building shook. A piece of the ceiling landed at their feet, shattering.

"What are you doing?!" Gabe demanded as Nathan started heading the opposite direction of the exit.

"I have to go back!" Nathan yelled.

"Nathan!" Gabe said, grabbing Nathan's arm. "Are you crazy? You'll be crushed."

"You don't understand!" Nathan yelled above the chaos. "Jacqueline is still in there!"

"She'll be dead," Gabe said. "Besides, you don't even know where she's locked up."

"No," Nathan said. "I made her a promise. I promised if I ever left, I'd take her with me."

"She's just a casino girl!" Tamar exclaimed. "She was with Yin and Yang anyways. She's the enemy, remember? Did you forget when she pointed a gun at you?"

"You know Yin and Yang forced her," Nathan replied. "She's an innocent. You're supposed to save people like her!"

Gabe clenched Nathan's arm. "Our job was to take out Yin and Yang…no matter the cost. The only thing we can do now is save those we can, which includes you."

Nathan shoved Gabe off him. "I'm not part of your little secret spy team anyways," he snapped. "You go back. I'm going back inside. I'm not leaving without Jacqueline."

"Nathan!" Tamar exclaimed, grabbing Nathan's hand. "Is she worth it?" she asked. "Even though you're not a trained spy, you have so much potential. You could have a bright future-"

"I'm sorry," Nathan said, letting Tamar's hand drop.

Gabe and Tamar watched in defeat as Nathan ran back into the crumbling building.

"Wait-"

Gabe placed a firm hand on Tamar's shoulder and shook his head. A tear trickled down Tamar's cheek.

"Let's get out of here," Gabe said, pulling Tamar out.

"Jacqueline!" Nathan yelled, running through the halls. "Jacqueline!" he kept calling.

Just then, Nathan flashed back to when Yin and Yang locked him in an old dressing room. Room 532.

"Please be here!" Nathan muttered through his teeth as he picked up a large broken beam. He took a step back and rammed it into the door. The rickety door easily splintered to large chunks.

"Nathan?" Jacqueline gasped, whirling around. Her eyes filled with shock. She rushed toward him but her chains pulled her back. Jacqueline glanced back at the long chain embedded into the ground that link to the cuff on her wrist.

Nathan let out a sigh of relief and threw his bag on the ground.

"What are you doing?" Jacqueline asked. "Why are you still here?" she asked, concerned.

Nathan kneeled and started rifling through his bag. "Where else would I be?" he asked, pulling out a blade and began sawing at the chain.

"You were supposed to get out when your people came!"

"You know me better than that," Nathan said, furiously jerking at the chain. "You didn't actually believe I was an official spy, right?"

"It doesn't matter," Jacqueline replied. "They would have insured your safety."

"I don't like being safe," Nathan said, good humoredly though a drop of sweat formed on his forehead.

"You're an idiot," Jacqueline whispered. "You shouldn't have come back."

"I said I wouldn't leave you, didn't I?" Nathan asked. "I always keep my promises," he added.

Jacqueline tried to hold back her tears. "No, you idiot," she said. "You're a compulsive liar."

Nathan snapped the chain in half. He stood up, remembering all the impersonations and lies he created since he went undercover and shrugged. "I guess there's a first for everything then," he said, grabbed Jacqueline's wrist. "Let's get out of here."

Jacqueline smiled and nodded. "Together," she agreed.

"Attention all passengers," a voice said. "The plane is now landing. Please buckle your seat belts and turn off all electronic devices."

"Just when we got to the good part," Takumi complained, buckling his seat belt.

Misaki rolled her eyes. "Why do you always make us watch our own movies?" she whispered, buckling her own seat belt.

"It was only one," Takumi said, defensively. "And plus, it was like the only good movie on the selection. Next time, we're taking a private jet."

"Whatever," Misaki said, leaning back in her comfy chair. "I don't mind commercial flights."

"I guess," Takumi said. "The Poker Player is still my favorite role though," he added.

"How come?"

"It was just a fun role. My character was rarely serious which was refreshing."

"Mine was super serious," Misaki recalled.

"And super sexy but that's you always."

Misaki sighed. "The costumes were really nice too. I wore a lot of evening gowns."

"I wore a long sleeve and jeans, fancy suits and then a long sleeve and jeans," Takumi added. "Men's fashion."

Misaki laughed. "I liked that project too," Misaki said as they began their descent. "As much as I love our job, I still think this vacation is very much needed."

Takumi smiled. "Especially all that effort we used to lose the paparazzi."

"Worth it," Misaki said, tying her hair into a ponytail. "A camera free vacation."

"Except for our own," Takumi said, tossing his camera up and down.

"Not now!" Misaki exclaimed, covering her face.

"Okay, geez," Takumi teased.

They got off the plane and began the slow process of customs.

"Do you think anyone's noticed us?" Misaki whispered as they grabbed their suitcases.

Takumi adjusted his sunglasses. "Possibly. Just keep your sunhat on."

Misaki felt particularly happy when they effortlessly made it out of the airport.

"Welcome to Cinque Terre, Italy," Takumi said, taking Misaki's hand.

Misaki smiled, squeezing his hand. "It's gorgeous," she stated, taking in the scenery.

The city was at the coast of the Ligurian Sea. The tall buildings were stacked on the rocky hills. Inside the city was bustling streets.

"Remember several years ago," Takumi began as they walked down the cobblestone path. "I promised to take you on a backpacking trip where there was no press or reporters at all?"

"I think so," Misaki replied, thinking. She paused. "Are we…?"

"What is Cinque Terre known for?" Takumi asked. "Come on, hiking junkie."

"Sentiero Azzuro!" Misaki exclaimed. "Oh, that's so exciting!"

The trip Takumi had planned was a long backpacking trip that went from village to village along the coast. Lots of sightseeing and tourism all in one. Takumi and Misaki were also spending a ton of time in the wild so everything was completely press free.

"Where should we start?" Misaki asked.

"How about checking into our inn, lunch, a nap and then gearing up to start our hike?" Takumi suggested.

Misaki nodded. "Sounds perfect."

The inn was very cozy. Not quite spacious and luxurious like those found in the cities but lovely none the less.

"Mmm..." Misaki sighed, sprawling out onto the bed. "So comfy," she declared.

"Come on," Takumi said, pulling on a less wrinkles shirt. "I'm starving."

"Yeah same," Misaki agreed.

They strolled down the streets and walked into the first restaurant they saw.

"Ciao," Takumi greeted the hostess.

"Ciao," she greeted warmly back.

Takumi held up two fingers. Both Misaki and Takumi didn't know that much Italian.

"Due," Takumi said.

The lady laughed. "Welcome to Cinque Terre," she said in English.

"Thank you," Takumi replied as they were seated at a table for two.

"Wine?" the lady asked.

"Yes, this is Italy after all," Takumi replied.

"You know which?"

"How about Sciacchetra," Takumi said.

The lady was impressed with Takumi's knowledge of wine.

"And some iced water," Takumi added.

"What's that?" Misaki asked as the lady left to get their drinks.

"It's pretty alcoholic," Takumi warned. "But it's an expensive wine. Takes a lot of grapes to make a little of the wine."

"Interesting," Misaki said, taking a sip of the drink.

Takumi took a look at Misaki's face and burst out laughing.

"Okay fine," Misaki admitted, taking a long sip of water. "Tastes like dirt to me."

Takumi took a sip of his and savored it. "Don't worry, sweetheart," he said as the hostess set a basket of bread on the table. "There's plenty of good food."

"Focaccia," the hostess explained. "Originated here in Liguria but Cinque Terra makes the best."

"Grazie," Takumi said.

"You're welcome. I'll be back to get your entrée choice in a few minutes," the hostess replied.

Misaki took a bite of the savory bread and immediately smiled.

"It's delicious," Takumi agreed. "It's basically flat bread with olive oil and salt but the baker makes holes in the dough before he bakes it with his fingers."

"How do you know so much?" Misaki asked through a mouthful of bread.

"I read the pamphlets on the plane while you were sleeping," Takumi said winking.

For entrees, Misaki got Pansotti which is ravioli with ricotta cheese and spinach, served with hazelnut sauce. Takumi got spaghetti with fresh pesto. Despite each person having their own orders, Misaki and Takumi kept taking bites of each other's dishes.

"You've really never been to Italy?" Misaki asked after a sip of water.

"Nope," Takumi said, wiping his mouth. "Never had much of an interest in vacations."

"What about now?"

"You know the answer to that," Takumi said, smirking.

Misaki smiled. "I'm glad you enjoy my company then."

"I love it," Takumi stated.

After paying for their delicious meal, Misaki and Takumi headed back to their inn.

"Full stomachs always make me tired," Takumi stated, tossing his shirt on a chair.

"Well, get some sleep then," Misaki said, pulling down the blinds.

"I can't sleep without you…"

Misaki kicked off her shoes and sat on the edge of the bed. "You do it regularly," she reminded him.

"Do I?" Takumi asked, pulling Misaki closer.

"Uh huh…"

"We're going to have to fix that then," Takumi mumbled.

"What?"

Takumi was already asleep. Misaki just shook her head and closed her eyes too.

"Wake up, Sleeping Beauty," Takumi said, planting a kiss on Misaki's lips. "We need to get started if we want to make it to the next stop before sundown."

Misaki opened her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Around two in the afternoon," Takumi replied.

Misaki yawned. "Let's get going then!" she said, sliding out of bed.

She dressed in hiker boots, cargo shorts and a tank top. Backpacks filled with supplies, they started out on the trail.

Over the years, Misaki and Takumi had hiked some rough trails. This trail was flat for the most part. There were some rocky places but overall it was a beginner's hike.

"This isn't actually a very long trail," Misaki noted as they followed the coast line.

"Only 7.5 miles," Takumi agreed. "But we're making a ton of pit stops."

"More food?" Misaki asked, hopefully.

"Definitely," Takumi said, taking her hand.

"Let's go down to the water," Misaki said, pointing to the little path leading to the rocky beach.

They hurried down to the banks. Misaki took off her hiking boots and dunked her feet in the cold water.

"You hungry?" Takumi asked. "I packed some stuff before we left."

"Yum, more bread," Misaki laughed as Takumi got out the food.

"Farinata," Takumi explained, handing Misaki a piece. "It's flat bread but with chickpea flour."

"How do you always know so much?" Misaki wondered.

"Non lo so," Takumi said.

"What?"

"I don't know,"

"When did you learn Italian?" Misaki asked.

Takumi pulled out a little book from his backpack's side pocket. Italian 101.

"Of course," Misaki said, not surprised at all.

"Aiutami," Takumi said. "Is help me."

"How about food?" Misaki teased.

"Cibo,"

"See-bo," Misaki pronounced.

"No, it's more like chi-bo," Takumi corrected. "You better not go anywhere without me," he added. "You'll be lost forever."

Misaki snorted. "I'm sure people speak English here as well plus, I know Italian."

"Do you?" Takumi asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ti amo, il mio extraterrestre," Misaki said. "I love you, my alien."

"You're pronunciation sucks," Takumi said, bluntly. "But I wouldn't have it any other way, mio amore. My love."

Misaki blushed and rested her head against his shoulder. Takumi pulled Misaki closer as they watched the waves crash onto the large rocks over and over.

"Wow, we reached the summit!" Misaki called to Takumi who was two steps behind her. "Hurry!"

"I'm coming!" Takumi chuckled, throwing down his backpack. "Wow," he whistled. "Look at that view."

They could see the village in the background but the sunset over the ocean was beautifully exotic. The orange and black colors rippled onto the blue waves.

"The sun is just beginning to set too," Misaki added. "Make sure you take some pictures."

Takumi snapped a few photos and then put the camera away. "Let's sit on that rock," he suggested.

Misaki let out a sigh of relief as she sat down. It was nice finally taking a break.

"Fun?" Takumi asked.

Misaki nodded. "Thank you for this trip," she said. "It's been the best vacation yet."

"Would you want to take another soon?" Takumi asked, casually.

Misaki laughed. "You done working already?"

Takumi chuckled. "I guess we'll have time for vacations in the future."

"The future, huh?" Misaki asked, admiring the scenery.

"Mhm," Takumi said, taking a seat next to her. "So I found this strange rock while we were hiking," he explained. "I couldn't identify it so I just kept it in my backpack until we stopped for a break."

"Oh?" Misaki asked. "Let me see it."

Takumi kneeled on the ground to rifle through his backpack. "It's pretty small so I kept it in a little box," he added. "Didn't want to lose it. You don't see something like this every day."

Misaki was curious now. "Wow, it must be really cool then."

Takumi smiled and revealed the box. Misaki slowly lifted the lid and stared wide eyed. The box didn't have a rock in it… It had a ring. It had a large diamond in the center with two smaller ones on either side of it.

"Takumi…" Misaki breathed.

"Yes?" Takumi asked, grinning. "Can you identify the rock?"

"I- you mean? Really?"

Takumi nodded as a smile broke out on Misaki's face.

"Will you marry me?" Takumi asked, still kneeling. He couldn't help but smile bigger.

Misaki laughed. She couldn't believe what was happening. After a deep breath, she composed herself. "

Of course," she said, smiling at Takumi.