Thanks everyone for reading along. It's been such an amazing journey writing RCR. I was shocked when I had nothing left to do but put "The End" in the story. I'll be uploading a longer author's note to talk about my future plans.

Cheers xoxo

Epilogue

Celebrity Hot Topics: MISAKI AYUZAWA AND TAKUMI USUI GETTING MARRIED

Anyone that's seen Oscar winner Misaki Ayuzawa lately has seen the glittering diamond on her finger. Seen in the photo, Misaki is clearly sporting an engagement ring. Misaki and Takumi have been Hollywood's hottest couple since the release of Red Rider where Misaki played the Princess heroine and Takumi played her dashing lover.

The couple had been secretly dating and only revealed it to the public when Vivian Sullivan told the press about Misaki's supposed eating disorder. Now, a few years later, it looks like Misaki and Takumi are ready for the next step.

Reports say the couple left for a holiday trip recently but no one is quite sure where they went. It's rumored they took a plane to somewhere in Europe. The media completely lost track of our favorite couple for a few weeks, completely missing the engagement.

Picture two shows the couple coming out of the airport. Takumi Usui looks like he has a juicy secret and Misaki Ayuzawa makes no attempt to hide her new accessory. Both look very refreshed from their vacation.

"Yes, Takumi proposed to me in Italy!"

-Misaki Ayuzawa

Exclusive interview revealed that the question was popped at the summit of the hiking trail in Cinque Terre. The world is now dying to see this wedding, currently set for June 20th. The couple claim to want a small wedding but whatever wedding it is, Celebrity Hot Topics will keep you posted.

"Misaki, are you ready?!" Sakura squealed.

Misaki touched the pearl choker around her neck. "I'm really nervous," she admitted.

"Oh, Misa," Minako said. "It's your big day!"

"Yeah...I know," Misaki said, looking into the mirror for the hundredth time. She hoped this looking in the mirror habit would stop after the wedding.

"You look beautiful," Shizuko, a long time actress friend, reassured her.

"Yes," Erika agreed. "Even without my makeup, Misaki is always the prettiest!"

"Thanks," Misaki said, smiling.

Misaki's hair was curled and pinned into a bun. On the side, a silk ivory colored rose was pinned. Her makeup was soft and romantic.

Misaki clapped her manicured hands together. "I don't know why I'm so nervous," she admitted, laughing.

"It's very normal," Minako assured Misaki. "Everything will go smoothly," she promised.

"Yeah," Suzuna added. "Besides, only your photographer is allowed onto the venue. All paparazzi will be kept very far away from the beach."

Misaki nodded as she put in her dangly earrings.

Takumi and Misaki decided on a romantic beach wedding. The ceremony itself would take place on a large boardwalk. Afterwards, the reception was in a large pavilion also located on the beach.

"Everyone else looks beautiful too," Misaki added.

The bridesmaids all dressed in flowing sea foam green dresses with their hair down in stylish beach waves. The groomsmen had corresponding sea foam green ties.

"This day is definitely about you," Alice stated. "Forget my cousin."

Misaki laughed. "It's kind of hard to forget about the guy I'm marrying."

Alice giggled. "I'm so glad this wedding is finally happening. We all worked so hard!"

Misaki smiled at the thought. Obviously, news of their engagement spread like wildfire. Misaki and Takumi only guest starred on various TV shows in order to plan for the wedding. Even with the usual workload lessened, Alice, Honoka and Satsuki had to all pitched in to get the planning done. A lot went into a wedding… wedding dress designer, flowers, venue, catering, invitations, cake, decorations… The list was pretty long.

"Time to put your shoes on!" Alice sang, coming over with the box.

The photographer snapped pictures of Misaki sliding on the jeweled heels. The little clusters of jewels linked around Misaki's ankle, making Misaki feel like Cinderella.

"I think it's time for the dress," Minako announced while the photographer took a few more shots.

Everyone admired the dress as Minako and Alice took it out of the bag. Despite it being a designer wedding dress, Misaki had wanted it to be very simple. She was use to all the fancy and flashy dresses she wore to events so she wanted her wedding dress to be different.

It was a traditional pale ivory gown. The bodice was embroidered in crystals, forming a floral pattern. The silk of the dress formed a sweet heart neck line but the crystals formed two straps. The skirt part of the dress was completely plain, not a single bead or scrap of lace. The back was completely open, fitting the summery beach theme.

There was a brisk knock on the door. Suzuna hurried over to get it.

"Honoka!" Misaki greeted. "Satsuki!"

Honoka's blonde hair was curled and she sported a red wine skirt with a black blazer. Satsuki followed behind her in an elegant gray dress.

"Congratulations!" Satsuki exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

She remembered to hug Misaki gently, careful not to ruin Misaki's hair and dress.

"How's the press out there?" Misaki asked.

Honoka snorted. "Obviously, everyone's going crazy but don't worry. Stan and the rest of the security team will help you make your escape from your hotel room to the venue."

Misaki's bridal party was getting ready in this hotel suite. The largest suite was obviously very pricey but the hotel insisted on discounting the price. A celebrity getting ready for her wedding in the suite somehow made the suite even better for future occupants. Misaki was worried they might hang a plaque there after she left.

"You ready to go?" Satsuki asked, snapping a million pictures with her phone.

"Flowers?" Misaki asked.

"On site," Suzuna told her sister. "Incase, we have to run away from reporters or something."

"Great," Misaki sighed. "Ready," she said, nodding at Satsuki.

Honoka and Satsuki walked in front as Misaki and her bridal party headed down to the lobby. They took an emergency exit to the wait limo. As Stan pulled out, Misaki could see the crowds of reporters.

"Misaki Ayuzawa!" they yelled, suspecting the limo was hers.

Misaki just watched through the darkened windows of her limo. Security guards helped them clear a way to get on the road. Misaki didn't doubt that they would all follow. Luckily, there would be even more security at the wedding ceremony.

"The reporters won't touch you," Honoka reassured Misaki as the limo came to a stop. There were long red ropes that kept them back.

Misaki knew the drill. Stan opened the car door and Misaki stepped out. She was greeted by a storm of flashing lights and screams.

"Misaki Ayuzawa! How does it feel?" they all demanded. "Who are you wearing? Look here! Can you say a few words?"

Nothing was going to ruin her day though. Misaki just smiled and walked to the beach house that would lead to the boardwalk where she would walk down the aisle. Honoka, Minako and Satsuki went to go take their seats. Through the curtains of the window, Misaki could distantly see Takumi standing at the altar.

"Here's your bouquet," Sakura said, handing Misaki the white roses and green hydrangeas.

"Thanks," Misaki said, tearing her eyes away from the window.

Just then, the wedding planner hurried over. Her name was Julie.

"Oh, good, you're here," she said, dressed in a business suit with a thick notebook in hand. "The ceremony is going to start in five minutes."

Misaki nodded and fiddled with the ribbon wrapping around the stems of her bouquet. Sakura helped Misaki attach her long veil. It would billow beautifully in the beach breeze.

Julie lined up the bridesmaids and turned on her headset.

"Music," she ordered. A few moments later, she motioned for Suzuna to start walking. Alice, Sakura and Shizuko all left until it was just Misaki and Julie in the beach house.

"The Bride is going to start walking," Julie said, nodding at Misaki. "Music cue. Good luck," she whispered to Misaki.

Misaki swallowed and stepped out into the bright sunshine. Her heels echoed on the wooden boards as she walked into sight of the guests. The music was very light and bright. There was a small quartet of a flutist, piano, violin and clarinet.

Everyone stood at her arrival. Misaki saw Takumi's head immediately turn to her direction. She gave him a nervous smile. He looked absolutely breathtaking in his tux. Ivory vest and tie with a matching rose pinned on his lapel.

The venue was set up with the guests sitting in white chairs with large white umbrellas overhead. Along the aisle was tall glass jars filled with green hydrangeas. The actual aisle was littered with white rose petals forming swirls like beach waves. The altar was at the front of the boardwalk. There was a black wire frame with white paper lanterns swinging in the breeze.

Among the guests was a mixture of Misaki and Takumi's family, California friends and several directors they had been close with. Misaki even managed to pick out Benedict Riser in the sea of faces. He had an easy smile on and his shirt was slightly less wrinkled than usual. Beside him was Regina. It looks like those two actually got together.

As the music played, Misaki made her way down to the altar. Takumi held out his hand and Misaki placed hers in his. She handed her bouquet to Suzuna and they approached the minister.

"Welcome to the wedding of Takumi Usui and Misaki Ayuzawa," the minister said into the microphone. "Usually, I have to say some things but it's my understanding the lovely couple has their own vows they'd like to share with everyone."

Takumi gave her a wink as Misaki opened her envelope with her letter to Takumi inside. They decided to surprise each other with vows at the wedding instead of reciting the traditional ones to each other.

"Dear Takumi," Misaki read. She felt almost shy to read this in front of everyone. "Today, I take you as my best friend and my faithful partner in life. I promise from this day forward to always encourage you when you're discouraged. To inspire you when you're stuck. To lift you up when you're down. From the first time, I met you in person, I thought you were obnoxious."

That got a laugh out of the audience.

"I thought you tried too hard to be funny," Misaki said, laughing herself. "But as time passed, I learn to treasure this humor and wit you have. You are my best friend and soon to be husband. There will always be a special place for you in my heart as I know I have in yours. I promise to love you truly, without glamour, without the bright lights, without the cameras. I love you in a pure simple way that no director will be able to recreate and no movie screen will ever have. I vow to always be there for you, through any adventure we may have. Hiking partner. Costar. Fellow foodie. Best friend. Soul mate. Wife," Misaki listed. "I hope my role in your life will always be leading because you're the star of mine every day."

Everyone clapped. Misaki's mom cried. Satsuki clutched her handkerchief so tight, Misaki was worried she might faint.

Takumi smiled at Misaki and pulled out the folded piece of paper from his suit jacket.

"Misaki," he began. "You don't know how long I've waited to marry you. There was always a movie to finish up, an interview to do. Finally, we're getting married and without this piece of paper, I would have forgotten all my lines."

Misaki grinned. Takumi Usui messing up. How rare.

"Misaki, you're beautiful," Takumi continued. "Beautiful inside out. I promise never to take this light in my life for granted. I promise to always love you without condition, to honor you each and every day. I promise to laugh with you when you're happy, dry your tears when your sad, be a support for you when you're lost. Listen to you when no one else does. Let you be right even when you're wrong. Refill the popcorn bowl when we run out. I will always challenge you to be the best of you and allow you to do the same for me. I thank you for putting up with my silliness and immaturity over the years because there is no one else in this entire world who I'd shamelessly tell jokes that aren't even funny to. It is truly an honor to be together with you, Misaki Ayuzawa. Whether we're climbing a mountain or kicking back for a Friday night movie, there is nothing I'd rather do than spend it with you. It brings me great joy to know that from this day forward, I have the pleasure of spending every day with you for the rest of our lives. I, Takumi Usui, swear to always be your biggest fan, your most secretive confidee and forever faithful husband."

Everyone applauded as Hinata came forward with a small wooden box and handed it to the minister. He gave Misaki a discreet thumbs up as he returned to stand with the groomsmen.

"Misaki Ayuzawa," the minister said, handing Misaki a ring. "Place this ring on Takumi's finger to symbolize everything you've promised today."

Misaki slid the ring on Takumi's finger. Takumi grinned and took Misaki's ring from the box.

"Takumi Usui," the minister repeated. "Place this ring on Misaki's finger to symbolize everything you've promised today."

Takumi gently slid the ring in place.

"Now by the power invested in me-"

Takumi didn't wait for the minister to finish. He grabbed Misaki around the waist and pulled her into a kiss. Misaki threw her arms around her neck and kissed him back just as hard.

The guests erupted into cheers.

"Mr. and Mrs. Takumi Usui," the minister presented, good humoredly when they broke the kiss.

A fast song started playing as everyone began congratulating them.

"How are you feeling?" Takumi asked as they rushed down the aisle together.

"Great! You?" Misaki asked.

"Never been better!"

By the reception place, there was also a large open floor. The DJ played upbeat songs as everyone danced.

"I can't believe it!" Sakura exclaimed. "You're married!"

"I know!" Misaki replied, laughing. She held up her hand to examine her rings. Just then, another hand covered hers.

"May I have this dance?" Takumi asked, twirling her around.

"If you don't mind my dancing!" Misaki laughed.

"Should I have added that into my vows too?" Takumi teased.

"No," Misaki said, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Your vows were perfect."

Takumi leaned down and kissed her again.

"How about a dance for the bride and groom?" the DJ announced. "Since they can't seem to stay away from each other."

Misaki broke away from the kiss, slightly embarrassed. The sun was just beginning to set so a spotlight was shone in the center of the dance floor where Takumi led Misaki.

"You look beautiful today," Takumi whispered as they danced.

"You're not so bad yourself," Misaki replied.

They stopped talking, simply listening to the elegant music playing as they danced their first dance as a married couple.

"Alright everyone," the DJ said as the song ended. "Give it up for Mr. and Mrs. Usui!"

With that, the beach was quickly filled with upbeat music again.

"Benedict," Misaki and Takumi greeted as they made their rounds.

"Congrats," Benedict said, gruffly.

"Thank you," Misaki replied.

"Regina," Takumi greeted.

"Nice to see you two again," Regina replied. "Such a beautiful wedding. Benedict, do you want to get some punch?" she asked.

Benedict nodded. "Good luck," he said to Takumi as Regina led him away.

"Misaki," Sakura said, hurrying over. "Can you please throw me the bouquet later?" she asked.

Misaki laughed. "Why?" she asked.

"Weddings are so beautiful," Sakura sighed.

Misaki and Sakura wandered a little further from the crowd.

"How's Kuuga?" Misaki asked. "I saw him earlier."

Sakura nodded. "It's still kind of weird to actually be dating him though. We had been a fake couple for so long."

"Well, you know," Misaki said. "Love comes from where you least expect it to."

"Well, you're an expert now," Sakura teased. "So, toss the bouquet to me," she whispered, nudging Misaki.

"You do know it's random-"

"Thanks Misaki!" Sakura said, hurrying off.

Misaki sighed and shook her head. Only Sakura would try and rig a bouquet toss.

"Misa Chan," a voice said.

Misaki turned. "You kun," she said, walking over.

"Congrats," Hinata said, giving her a friendly hug. "You looked great today."

"Thanks," Misaki replied. "So, are you enjoying yourself?"

"Oh yeah," Hinata agreed. "The wedding is great." He paused. "Would it be too much to ask for a dance- as friends, of course."

"I would be honored," Misaki said, walking with Hinata to the dance floor.

"By the way," Misaki said as they danced. "Thanks for taking Suzuna to NYC next week. The art school there is really into her photography."

"No problem," Hinata replied. "You're sister is super sweet."

"Best of luck," Misaki said after the dance finished.

"You too, Misa,"

It took three more dances before Misaki ended up beside Takumi again.

"Tired?" he asked.

"A little,"

"The night is still young," Takumi said, clinking champagne glasses with her. "Cheers to us."

"Cheers to us," Misaki agreed.

By the time the food was eaten, cake was cut and served, bouquet tossed (somehow Sakura did manage to catch it), Misaki was dead on her feet.

"You ready to blow this party?" Takumi asked.

Misaki smirked. "We're going to blow our own wedding?" Misaki asked.

"Why not?" Takumi asked. "We ditch every party early."

"Seems kind of rude," Misaki contemplated.

"Please," Takumi laughed. "It's our big day. No one will mind."

"Fine," Misaki said, convinced. "Our escape route ready then?"

"In the dock," Takumi said, jerking his head to the dark waters.

"Let's go then," Misaki said, signaling to the DJ.

"Announcing the bride and groom departure!" he announced.

Everyone was given a sparkler which they all lit on the beach. Misaki held her shoes in her hand so she could feel the sand in between her toes. Everyone then lined up as Misaki and Takumi ran down the dock together to the waiting yacht.

"Bye!" Misaki called to her friends and family. She waved to them while Takumi told the captain to pull out of the bay.

Takumi wrapped his arm around Misaki to keep her warm as they stood on the top layer of the dock. In the distance, the music and bright lights of their wedding were slowly going out of sight.

"What a day, huh?" Takumi asked.

"What a day," Misaki agreed.

The moon shone onto the dock of the boat, giving them all the light they could need. They were taking the boat to a nearby city. First thing tomorrow morning, Misaki and Takumi were taking a plane to the Bahamas. The boat trip was mostly because the press couldn't find them if they went by ocean.

"Can you believe it?" Misaki asked.

"I can," Takumi said, taking her hand. "It's been a long engagement."

"I thought you were the patient one," Misaki teased.

"Not today, I just want to tell the whole world I love you," Takumi said.

"Why don't you then?"

Takumi grinned and easily picked her up, spinning her around.

"I LOVE MISAKI!" he yelled into the open ocean. "And I will for the rest of my life," he whispered as he set her down.

Misaki interlaced her fingers with his, shivering slightly from the night breeze. She pressed her lips to his which were soft and warm.

There she was. In a movie, it could have been a perfect ending. The camera would pan out from them and scan the beautiful night with the full moon. Maybe some romantic music would play in the background but Misaki didn't want a movie. This was only a beginning for her and Takumi. Instead of ending credits, Takumi swept her off her feet and they laughed together as he spun her around again.

The End