Ah yes, it is indeed the end of this story. Writing this has been a trip, y'all. It's also the first story I've ever finished? So there's that. Anyway, I appreciate all of you that took the time to read this. This is not the end for Kim and Monty here, as there is so much more I want to write for them (that will probably come in the form of one-shots). But here is the epilogue: set a month after last chapter's events. It's short and sweet and just a little choppy. Please enjoy!

Graduation.

A day she once feared would come too soon, and then not soon enough. It's a relief to be handed her diploma, cheered by both friends and family who have been with her through the long journey. The ceremony does drag, and while she suffers along with her classmates through every wretched moment sitting beneath the blazing sun, she knows it will be worth it in the end. Worth it when she gets to return home and celebrate properly with the one person not in attendance.

Monty never was going to come to this. Even though he wasn't asked, for obvious reasons, he made sure to list off to her the long stretch of inconveniences it would mean for him. The top one she now finds herself agreeing with, melting on a football field. Not, of course, that he was still a criminal at large. That didn't even make his list. At the very least, he wouldn't be confined to the basement during the celebration which does in some way make up for his absence at the ceremony.

It's something she's looking forward to, even on one of the most important days of her life. She didn't get the chance to see him that morning, and while she's got nothing to complain about considering he is staying just a couple of floors beneath her, he's still missed. After all…the previous weeks have done nothing but escalate their bond. It feels as if no amount of time together could possibly make up for the little amounts they are apart. The thought alone makes her want to knock her head into something. It's almost shameful how hard she's fallen for him, thinking it was bad before.

Nothing could have prepared her for this.

It was only a week ago that the two had finally addressed it to her parents. All of them spending weeks tiptoeing around what had happened on the deck. It drove Monty insane. He was eager to get it out of the way– but how? Schedules kept conflicting, and more then that her father was a tad…withdrawn. Avoiding it, she thinks. Well, it's confirmed when finally she coerces her mother into a dinner just for the four of them. The moment Monty mentions it she can see the grimace on her dad's face. There was no hiding from it any longer.

But they speak, and it goes well. Well enough. The clearest memory of that conversation being the incredibly uncomfortable warning her dad gives about anything more than PG happening in his house. Something Monty assures him will be nothing to worry about– all while his hand hides beneath the table, sitting high on her thigh as a tease of what would follow that very night.

Nothing anyone could label as PG.

It was out of the way and things started to fall back into what normal was for them all. A little more open in their affection for one another, but still reserved in the presence of others as to not unsettle anyone. A game for Monty, who was eager to see just what he could get away with while also appearing the perfect poster boy for her parents. It was amusing and a little concerning, but Kim made no complaints. It was all usually in her favor, anyway.

The thought alone sees her flushing. It doesn't matter how far from him she is, even in that moment, his hands and mouth are still felt upon her. A canvas for the master painter waiting for her at home. And as the ceremony ends she still isn't quite free. Pictures are taken and conversations are had. When her family leaves to prepare for the guests they'll be hosting in their home, Kim finds time to spend with Ron and Monique. Both who are in attendance, and one visibly unsettled at the idea of seeing Monty again.

Monique is at the very least intrigued. She has yet to meet him, but does love hearing his voice in the background when they're on the phone. The request to be put on with him happens nearly every time, but Kim refuses. There's no doubt her friend has an arsenal of questions ready for the man, something Kim has already warned him of. Nothing that could worry Monkey Fist, she thinks, but there's no mistaking the subtle worry on his face when she mentions it. If anyone was to be worried, she was certain it would be herself. Not knowing how her friends and family would take the two of them. But she decides early on that's it one worry that isn't worth it. There's nothing that that can disturb what has grown between them, and she doesn't doubt that her parents, grandmother, and brothers will make sure of that as well.

The three of them stick around to say goodbye to those not in attendance, as well as school staff; all of which are very vocal in how they are unprepared to have her brothers as students. By the time they make it back to her house the street is lined with cars. Some familiar and some not. They're all glad to rid themselves of cap and gown before heading into the house where the drinking has already began. Something she feels relieved for, as they are far too happy and distracted to draw any attention to them. They seek to head to Kim's room first to clean up, both Monique and Kim changing while also fixing hair and makeup. Ron only sticking around for fear of bumping into the man without their... mediator.

She wonders how obvious it is that every detail she seeks to fix on her person is with only him in mind. Monique scoffing at her with folded arms answers that very question. "Girl, you look fine. Didn't this guy see you as like- a monkey?"

"Probably liked you better that way." Ron is quick to make the comment, seeing Kim send daggers his way.

"Ron." She turns back to Monique then, a sheepish look in her eyes. "Well, yeah... but..." there is no 'but', really. Monty has made his attraction more than apparent, but she was never going to pass up the opportunity to really impress him. It's nothing her and Monique hadn't spoken about before, considering the very dress she wears was chosen with her help.

"Then what are we waiting for?"

They head back down, watching as Monique grabs Ron's arm and drags him to where the liquor sits in the kitchen. Kim is only a few steps behind, thinking that a glass of something with certainly ease her nerves. But before she can catch up, a hand is wrapped around her wrist and tugging her backwards. She lets out a gasp, finding her back pressed against a wall with a towering frame that keeps her there.

Monty.

Her arms are quickly released from a controlling hold that finds her hidden in a room not being used by any of the guests. Large hands slide down to her waist, snaking around in a familiar hold that sees her begin to smile.

"You've got a queue of people wanting to see you." He greets, leaning back a little to fully drink in the sight of her. His eyes are unforgiving, and she can't help but to flush beneath his gaze. "I wanted to get to you first."

But it's hard to focus on those words when she takes in his own appearance. A dark blue suit not unlike the one worn on his birthday. A kimono-like jacket sits over it with a gold chain beneath his chest. He looks incredible. Her hands move to slide over the different fabrics of his front, grinning as her eyes finally meet his own.

"Who helped you with this?" Kim almost laughs at the offended look he gives her.

"I do have some semblance of fashion." He argues, feigning insult while allowing her to peel out of his arms so that she could observe him fully. "Your grandmother did help. Thought I should dress the part of…ah…how did she say it? Monkey Lord with a civil touch." Kim laughs at that, earning a smile from the man who is delighted by her joy.

"Well…I think you hit the nail on the head with that one. Still…" She steps back into his space, hands finding his own to guide them back to her. They need no further convincing to find the warmth of her form. "You look so handsome."

Monty grins, a sinister thing that equally scares and excites her. He leans down touching their foreheads briefly, his voice low and intentionally deep, "And you…" It's sweet bliss when he kisses her– a sensation that while more familiar at this point, still sends a shiver down her spine. "Taste as good as you look."

The comment rewards him another kiss. One that is far more normal for the both of them. One of hunger and intent. It's one she needs to be careful with, as Monty can and will easily drag them down a hole neither will return from. Not that she would hate that, but they are in a house now full of people who as he states, expect to see and speak with her. And so while their lips and tongues reacquaint themselves, she's forced to place a hand at this chest. Gently pushing to break them apart. And he allows it, not without a displeased growl.

"I think I need to get to that line of people." She admits, knowing that of them both– one has to be strong enough to stop them. But Monty isn't as convinced now, his hand coming up to cup her chin.

"They can wait a little longer." She grins into the kiss delivered, but her hand ultimately takes away the one at her chin, setting it down to her side where she slides her fingers between his own.

"So can you." She challenges softly.

"Doubtful. We've still got a few loose ends to tie up, don't we? Need I remind you what those are?" His free hand slides between her thighs then, the back of his knuckles slipping beneath the fringe of her dress and tracing the inner flesh that comes dangerously close to its destination.

She stops him quickly, not without a sheepish grin and blush to greet her cheeks. "Monty…" she warns softly, hands now with some control over powerful wrists that briefly allow it. The look in his eyes is almost worse. A look that reminds her of recent conversations and recent…explorations. For just as their bond had escalated, so had their intimacy.

"Yes?" She wants to hit him in that moment. Playing pretend, as if he isn't trying to completely unravel her. It would be so easy to play into it. To play along with this game with no regret as she knows it will be rewarding. But she pulls it together, taking his hand properly.

"Come on. It's just a couple of hours. You've got a few people who want to meet you."

The face he makes at that sees her overly amused. She leads him around the corner and back near the stairs where they head to the kitchen. "I've met enough of your friends."

"Just the one."

"Exactly." Kim shoots him a look at that, both sharing a grin. She pulls him down for one last kiss before she offers to fix him a drink. Knowing that if she doesn't, he'll find it himself. Of course, by the time she's poured out his whiskey, she sees Monique already up in his face and asking him twenty one questions.

And as much as she's tempted to go and intercept one of them, she walks over and lets it play out. Monty, out of much practice, turns on the charm to the best of his ability. Well, enough to keep Monique's curiosity sated. His drink is handed off to him and Kim guides her friend away before either of them can ruin the delicate moment. They share a look, one that promises their separation won't be long, but alas Kim does have a role to play for now. Making her way through the rooms to greet family and friends, answering the same questions and running out of ways to make it different for everyone.

Monty on the other hand tries his best to dodge anyone he can. It fails, for the most part, as there is an air of curiosity surrounding him. He's grateful for the twins who seek him out eventually and drag him towards the living room where he is 'forced' into a card game. Not that he'll complain– anything is just about better than socializing. And so he sticks with that for a while, tending to his drink and keeping his eyes peeled in between turns to keep an eye on Kim. The social butterfly.

The two do their own thing and while not together, they find some way to enjoy themselves among the chaos. It's all she could have hoped for that evening, and finally when she sees a chance to slip away momentarily– she takes it. Taking note of the empty glass accompanying Monty, she stops in the kitchen first to get him a new one. Something he appreciates before she even makes it to the sofa. His game over then, and the twins having moved on to another victim, Monty happily accepts the new company.

"At the bottom of your queue already?" Kim sits down beside him, handing him over the new glass fixed for him. She lets out a long exhale, resting her head against the arm draped behind her.

"Close." She turns to look at him, silently inviting him in for a kiss but the two know that won't happen. Too many eyes on them. And as much of an inconvenience as it is, she accepts it.

"Sounds like you need this more than I do." He hands the drink back to her, but she smiles and shakes her head.

"I could never. I don't even know why you drink it."

"Try it. It'll take the edge off."

"All of them?" They both share a smile, Kim reluctant but ultimately giving in to the drink.

"Not even the strongest one can do that. Go on. Drink up." Kim feels the pressure of his gaze when she takes to his glass, letting the bitter liquid slide down her throat. She can't stop the grimace on her face as she quickly hands it back to him. He grins at her reaction, laughing as she tries to settle with the taste.

"Oh it's not so bad. Come on, one more."

"One has been more than enough." But he doesn't accept the drink back, intent for her to take that second pull.

"No no, another, Kimberly. It'll help. For later."

That sees Kim's brows lift a little. She sets the drink on her lap, turning to face him with brows drawn together.

"Later?"

"Later." Monty confirms, a small smirk sitting on his lips.

"Do you know something I don't, Lord Fiske?" She bites at her lip, wishing they were anywhere else in that moment. To behave and play this role in front of everyone is a struggle. They sit there and pretend that being so close and having to restrain themselves is easy.

She'd willfully drink this whiskey if it were from his own lips.

Kim sees his eyes shift for a moment, surveying the room before he leans in to whisper in her ear. "As if you didn't pick out this dress knowing I was going to peel you out of it."

She flushes deeply at that, hating both the arrogance and...truth of his statement. Of course her choice was due in part for how the man might react to it. And of course Monique had not so subtly planted the idea in her head. And of course Monty and her had been working up to that moment, exploring each other and testing boundaries constantly. She trusts him. No matter how devilish he looks when he speaks upon it. And even if she knows that the man will do everything in his power to make it a good experience, the very concept of giving something so delicate to him does see her uneasy.

He reads that clearly.

His hand moves to her lap but sits palm up, an offering that she takes. Her hand sits in his and those strong fingers close around her own. Monty's voice softens then, "How does that sound?" She lets out a gentle breath, leaning back into his arm and quietly thinking.

"Honestly?" She looks to his eyes, less menacing now. "Terrifying."

Monty smirks at that, drawing her hand up and placing a gentle kiss over her knuckles while sharing a response hidden from anyone else. "I've undressed you before."

She smiles, amused with the way he plays with their words while bringing down some tension strung within her. "That's not exactly the scary part." She admits with a grin. "It's everything that comes after that."

"Because you think I'll hurt you?"

"It's more than that. It's giving you something I can't get back."

"Sounds like something we've both done already." Kim laughs, shaking her head at him. He isn't wrong, no matter what it is he means. The shirts she refuses to give back to him, or the words he's shared in private that have very much imprinted on her soul.

"Did you practice this in a mirror? Saying all of the right things..."

Monty grins, "I might have prepared to ease any worries you may have."

Kim chews her lip as she stares at him. Her decision already made, and it had been made for quite sometime. If there's anyone she knows she can trust, it's the man beside her. And so she takes another long sip of the whiskey. That in itself is an answer alone.

"I think I'll hold onto this." Monty beams at that, careless as he leans in to kiss her. It's a kiss with restraints, but a kiss nonetheless and in her book it's a win.

"If you're going to give my granddaughter whiskey, it better be the good stuff." Her Nana is heard behind them, approaching to sit next to Monty.

"Oh I assure you, I give her nothing but the best." Monty grins at the older woman who is visibly amused by the eye roll Kim responds with. He's not entirely wrong, but it's far too soon to be making such claims.

"I expect nothing less." Her grandmother gives him a look at that, seeing Kim raise her brows and begin to rise.

"Come find me later." Kim leans in to kiss his cheek, their hands lingering before she steps away and returns to the party.

Monty's eyes linger on her briefly before he remembers the pair currently focused on him. Leaning back, he finds her grandmother's gaze that is just as hard to read as it had ever been.

"She likes it." He breaks the silence while gesturing to his outfit, smirking as he thinks back to their stop at the tailors. She returns the sentiment and waves her hand.

"Was there ever any doubt? Come. I need some fresh air." Monty rises at the request before she does, offering his hand and walking her out to the deck where she sits in a seat and he stands nearby. He leans against the railing, staring out to the yard and the trees past it.

"You look happy, Monty."

He smirks at the observation, turning to look at the grandmother over his shoulder. He turns around fully then, resting his back to the railing and folding his arms over his chest.

"I am." He confirms, his gaze shifting through the glass doors in an attempt to spot the very girl who had made it possible.

"Well then, what's your plan?"

"My plan?" Blue eyes are drawn away from his search and back to the woman.

"Surely you don't plan on staying in that basement forever. Kim will leave to college soon, and I myself will be headed back home this weekend."

That sees his brows furrow, turning fully to look up her with confusion.

"You're… leaving?"

"Of course I'm leaving. My job here is done, for now. One might argue the same goes for you. So, what's the plan?"

He hadn't given it too much thought. Perhaps due to being overly caught up in Kim. Over the past month the two had consumed one another. Leaving them still in what feels like a dream land.

"Couldn't wait until I was a few more glasses in to ask me?" He walks over to sit across from her, resting back in his seat with a heavy sigh. The joy feels as if it had been suddenly sucked out of him, not entirely prepared for the reality check. "There is no plan."

"Well I suppose to think of one you'd need to come out of that honeymoon mindset of yours." He makes a face at that and scowls, seeing the grandmother grin. "The reality is, as good as things feel right now- it will change. And fast. Change like that could see you falling back into old ways."

"Old ways?" An interesting choice in words. He's not sure he has the heart to tell her that those 'old ways' don't feel that way at all. Instead, he elects to say nothing else. Closing his eyes and wishing he hadn't handed over his drink so fast to Kim.

"I wonder, Monty, how you might feel in joining me. It might not be as invigorating as working with monkeys but, it could be a nice experience for you."

Monty is surprised at the offer. He'd grown attached to the woman, and hearing that she plans to leave has left quite the mark on his heart within that moment. And with Kim planning to go off to school, he knows that he needs to do something. Needs to have a plan, one that leaves all parties involved happy. But to believe that he could choose anything that would accomplish that would be foolish.

The conversation ends there, even if it does remain prevalent in his mind for the rest of the night. The grandmother doesn't push him, and doesn't need to. Monty will take his time and think carefully over the paths ahead of him.

For now, however, there is only one path to take.

—

"Where do you think you're going?"

Later that night Monty stirs beneath the sheets, eyes landing on Kim who carefully removes herself from the arm keeping her at his side. Eyes trace the curves of her bare form, one he'd become far more familiar with that night. They had both been so patient, waiting for the party to end, for the clean up to finish, and for all other family members to go to bed before finding their way into his own. The taste of whiskey and her still linger on his tongue, and he finds him self willing to do anything to keep it there. To keep her there. Within his reach so that he may relive the blissful moments shared under that moon.

Kim smirks and turns to look at him over her shoulder, the question seeing her insides twist from the tone that suggests she has no right to leave him so soon. Everything burns and aches from those hands and that mouth attached to the deep voice heard. Even out of his hold she can still feel the ghost of him upon her. The weight of him keeping her under the spell that is a hungry mouth and powerful hips. She thanks the darkness in that moment for hiding her blush as the memories are quick to return to her. Memories she won't soon forget.

"Are you going to explain to my parents why I'm naked in your bed?" She asks, about to lean down to collect her clothes when a strong arm wraps around her stomach and pulls her back to a broad chest.

"Gladly. And in detail, if you'd like." His mouth finds her shoulder, and while she wants to let out a laugh at his words, all she can manage is a quiet moan. Her hand moves to slide over his own, comfortably leaning back into him. "We are due for seconds..."

She has to stop him at that, bringing his wandering hand back to her middle before it goes too far.

"Not tonight. I'm ...still sore." She admits, almost ashamed to say it. But the man doesn't push, and instead plants a gentle kiss to her neck.

"All the more reason for you to stay. I'll take care of you." She turns to him then, sliding her hand into his hair and leaning in to kiss his lips tenderly.

"I know. But we're already pushing our luck with them. Please?" The request sees him exhale softly. How could he possibly say 'no' to her?

"Fine. I'll walk you up."

Ever the gentleman. Even if getting dress proves to be difficult, considering his hands that seek to touch her as much as they can through the process. He simply pulls on his sweatpants, letting her take his hand to guide them up the steps. They succeed in making their way up to her bedroom undetected, Kim moving into her bed and grinning as Monty follows suit.

"You're not safe here either, you know." She muses, even if she's not quite ready to let him go just yet.

Monty still plants himself at her back, sliding an arm around her to keep her tucked against him. Her hand moves to find his own, tracing fingers over his knuckles before falling into the spaces between them. His chin rests over her shoulder, and in that moment she knows there is nowhere safer in the world than within his embrace.

"I'll be gone before they suspect a thing." He assures her, exhaling deeply as he settles at her back.

Kim enjoys this more with each passing moment, but something scratches at the back of her mind. Something she can't shake even within her current state of ecstasy. She knows the longer she lays there and holds onto it, Monty will pry it out, and so she takes a breath and closes her eyes.

"There's a lot we need to figure out, Monty."

His grip tightens around her.

"I know."

Silence falls between them for some time, before the man speaks again.

"I'm not ready to figure it out yet."

His voice is soft. Honest. Kim appreciates it, bringing his hand up to her lips where she places them upon his palm

"I know."