Hi, sorry about the delay, here is the final chapter.  I've also put author's notes at the end, enjoy!

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respective owners.  This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 3: The Remainder of the Day

As we walk back to the station, I look at the stores that we pass by. 

"Reika?"

I turn and say, "Yes, Ayato?"

He smiles and says, "Would you like to get some ice cream?"

I take hold of his arm and say, "How did you know?  How do you always know?"

"That's a secret," he says as he winks.

I poke him and say, "You!"

"So, shall we go?"

I grin and say in response, "Well, since you offered."

He laughs and says, "Of course, of course."

We walk towards the parlor and he opens the door and waits while I walk through.  I step to the counter and look at the choices.  After I give the person my order, he walks forward and chooses a shake.

We pick a table and he brings a highchair over.  I take Quon out of the carrier and place her in the highchair before he and I sit down. I open the bag that I brought with me and take out the bluebird rattle that is usually in Quon's crib, and give it to her.  She eagerly accepts it and starts playing with it immediately. 

I then smile at him and start eating my ice cream. 

I watch Reika and notice how happy she looks. I put my cup down and say, "Do you like your ice cream?"

She looks at me and smiles as she says, "It's delicious!"

I grin and say, "I'm glad," before picking up the cup and drinking again.

After a few minutes, Reika asks, "Are you nervous about starting?"

I stop drinking, move the cup, and say, "Yes, I am somewhat nervous, but I'm excited, too."
"That's good," she answers.

I smile and say, "I couldn't have come this far without you, Reika."

She blushes and responds, "Thank you, Ayato."

Quon suddenly starts making noise and moving restlessly.

I look over and say, "And, of course, you too, Quon."

She laughs and says, "Dada!"

I turn back to Reika and say, "Why don't we take more pictures while we're here?"

She shakes her head yes and takes out the camera and gives it to me.

"Quon," I say.

She looks at me and smiles, and I use the opportunity to take her picture.

Reika leans towards me, looks at the picture, and says, "Good job!"

"Thanks," I answer.

We take turn taking pictures of Quon and each other.  Afterwards, except for intermittent noises from Quon, we finish in calm silence.  When we stand to leave, Reika puts Quon back in the carrier and then I take the trash and throw it away while Reika waits by the door.  I open the door and she walks through, and I follow.

We head to the train station and check the schedule as we enter, and then walk to the platform to wait.

We sit down on a bench and Ayato says, "Reika, since we have time, why don't we look at the pictures?"

I shake my head in agreement and take the camera out of the bag.  He sits down beside me and I start to slowly display the pictures.  Each of us comments periodically on ones that we like.  I point out an adorable one of Quon watching a peacock walk by near her and a nice one of Ayato at the table at the ice cream parlor.  He looks longer at one of me on a pathway at the zoo and another of Quon watching a lion.  He also has me pause on the picture of the three of us in front of the flowers. While we are still searching, we hear the train coming and put away the camera and stand up.    On the ride home, Quon is initially fascinated again by the motion, but soon after dozes off. Not wanting to wake her, Ayato and I sit in the train and walk back home in silence.  After we enter and I put down the bag, I carefully take Quon out of the carrier and place her in her crib.  She unconsciously takes hold of and clutches Buchi as she continues to sleep peacefully.  I look up and see that Ayato has taken off the carrier.  He motions to me and I follow him out of the room into the adjoining one.

He looks at me and quietly says, "I was planning to go out and get boxed meals for us while you prepare Quon's supper, is that all right with you?"

I shake my head yes and gives him the thumbs up sign. 

He smiles and responds, "Ok, I'm going to go out now, I'll be back soon."

I hug him and say, "Have a safe trip."

"Thanks, I'm off."

After he steps out, I turn around and head to the kitchen to prepare Quon's dinner.  When I finish, I go to Quon and lift her out of her crib, removing Buchi from her grip as I do so.  She gives me a groggy and surprised look and yawns. 

"Quon-chan, it's time for dinner."

I place her in her highchair, put her bib on, and start feeding her.  Soon after I begin, Ayato walks in the door with the meals.

"I'm back," he says.

"Welcome back!" I respond.

Holding the bag, he walks over to us and places it on a chair before he smoothes Quon's hair and says, "Hello, Quon-chan."  She grins and makes noise. 

He turns to me and says, "After you finish up, let's have our meals."

"Ok, sounds good!"

He pours drinks and sets out chopsticks as finish feeding Quon, humming as I do so.  When I finish, I wipe her face with her bib.

I turn to him and say, "Shall we start now, Ayato?"

"Sure, Reika."

We pick up our chopsticks and proceed to eat, while Quon alternates between watchful silence and happy noises.

"Delicious!" Reika says as she finishes.

"I agree."

I look over and see that Quon has fallen asleep.

"Reika, I'll clean up while you put Quon to bed, ok?"

"Sure," she responds.

We perform our respective tasks and meet up again afterwards.  We relax and Reika flips through a magazine while I read a book.  Eventually, we decide to watch television, so Reika moves closer to me and lays her head on my shoulder while I place my arm across her back and rest my hand on her shoulder.  Not long afterwards, I notice that her breathing pattern has changed so I look down and see that she has fallen asleep.  Careful not to wake her, I bring her closer to me. I use one arm to lift her legs and place my other one around her back.  I then stand up and carry her back to our bed and gently place her down.  After I change, I get into the bed, which rouses her awake.

"Ayato?" she says groggily.

I turn my face towards her and say, "I'm here."

She smiles and her eyes widen as she turns her face towards me. 

"Tell me, Ayato.  How do you always know when I want ice cream?"

I smirk and answer, "Just a feeling, I guess."

Louder, she responds, "Ayato!"

I smile as I say, "Ok, ok, I'll tell you.  Ever since we've known each other, whenever we walk together and you'd like ice cream, when we pass by an ice cream parlor, you slow your pace and stare longer than you do at other stores."

She looks surprised and blushes as she says, "Really, I do?"

I put my hand on her face and answer, "Yes, don't be embarrassed though, it's one of the things I love about you."

She looks down slightly and says, "I'm glad."

I smile and lift her chin as I say, "I've decided what I'm going to paint next."

Looking interested, she responds, "Really?  What is it?"

"The picture of the three of us in front of the flower garden."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea."

"I'm glad you think so."

She moves closer, places one of her arms across me and rests her head on my chest near my shoulder. 

She leans up and kisses me on the cheek and then shifts her head back and says, "I had a nice time today, Ayato, thank you."

"I had a great time, too."

"I'm sure that you'll do well as a professor."

"I hope so, and I appreciate your support, Reika."

"You're welcome."

She relaxes slightly and says, "I love you, Ayato."

"I love you, too, Reika."

"Good night."

"Good night."

Shortly afterwards, her breathing changes again and I know that she has fallen asleep.  Glad that the three of us were able to share this day, I relax and feel myself slipping into sleep.

 Author's Notes:

Thanks for reading!  I've decided to take a break from writing RahXephon fiction to write my Fruits Basket story.  However, after I complete that, I'm open to doing any of the ideas listed below, including a new one added since I first put up the list at the end of "Lost Melody" (letter e under RahXephon). Any preferences/other ideas?

RahXephon:

a) Haruka and Itsuki's relationship when they were in college, likely switching point-of-view between Haruka and Itsuki

b) Short story taking place over the 6 days (Normal time) and 1 day (Tokyo Jupiter time) before Operation Overlord, switching point-of-view between Haruka and Ayato

c) A one shot or short story featuring Haruka and Ayato and taking place in the midst of episode 13, likely switching views between the two

d) Select chapters of "Lost Melody" from Haruka's point-of-view

e) Story from Maya's point-of-view taking place from her appearance with Quon at the shrine until (most likely) the decision to create Itsuki and Ayato.

Wolf's Rain:

a) Either a continuous storyline or a series of flashbacks of Cher and Hubb's relationship (starting when they met), not sure whether it would be fully from Hubb's point-of-view or switching between his and Cher's

Fruits Basket:

a) One shot from Yuki's point-of-view taking place a few years after he is forced to become Akito's servant. While running an errand, he meets Tohru, whose memory has been altered

Escaflowne of the High Skies:

a) One shot of Van coming to Earth to visit Hitomi, likely 3rd person