Hey everyone! Okay, so here it is... the epilogue. It's taken a while because I've been upside-down and up to my ankles in crap... work really. Anyway, I'm putting this up finally. I actually have time to edit and everything. So, I want to thank my now TWO pre-readers. Thanks to the both of you and you know who you are.
Anyway, here we go...
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Tuesday
Morning
Epilogue – Letters and Confessions
SethSolare
As Naru walked back out to the multitude of shops, she stopped for a second as she heard fast footsteps behind her. With high hopes, she turned around quickly. But as she turned to face the person, she realized that it was her best friend. She smiled as someone she knew would always be there approached her.
"Hey there, Naru!" Kitsune exclaimed.
"Hey there, Kitsune. Where is everyone?" Naru asked. She wasn't particularly sure if she really wanted to have that conversation anymore.
"Naru, I wanted to tell you something," Kitsune started. He heart began pumping.
- ~ -
Keitaro held the letters in his hand, staring at them. It had already been twenty minutes since he left Tokyo. Curiosity overtook him as he read Kitsune's name over and over. There was a strange fear that went through him. "What could she want to say? I guess I should read it, maybe," he thought. He wondered if this could have been a little going away present from all the girls.
"But, it's pink," he thought. "She never used to like the color pink a lot." He felt incredibly nervous as he opened the envelope. As he slid the letter out, it had the scent of her perfume. Her name was written neatly and beautifully on the actual letter. He unfolded it slowly hoping Seta was really asleep. He read the letter to himself:
Dear Kei,
I couldn't stop wondering if you've gotten a little help from Naru. I wanted to tell you something that's going to happen tonight. She's going to find out. I'm really going to tell her. I don't really want to keep a secret from my best friend.
I also wanted to tell you one more thing. I love you. I can't believe that I do. You're such a strange person, really. But, I fell in love with you, Kei. I, however, wanted to tell you, that it's over. I can't love you when there's someone that's better than me and is better for you. I can't give you what you want.
I don't know if that's just me telling me that, but that's what I feel. For the next few months, I'm going to try and make friends with Naru after I tell her. But, you have to be there for her, too. She's going to go to you, I know. Just tell her the truth. Tell her that you chose her over me. And tell her that you love her more than anything in the world.
When you get back, don't worry about me being all lovey-dovey. I think these six months away from each other is going to help, really. I'm just going to be the Kitsune everyone remembers. So, when you're back, it'll be like the month after we first met.
I hope you have a wonderful trip. Call us often.
Love,
-K
"Kitsune…" he said to himself. Keitaro, unlike many times during the past few days, didn't know how to react.
- ~ -
The two sat down in the huge lobby in the airport. Naru sat next to Kitsune on a couch. Kitsune's heartbeat raced faster than it ever had. As she faced her best friend, she breathed in and prepared her words. She hoped that today, Naru would be very forgiving.
"Naru, I wanted to tell you something," she began. She felt the blood rush to her face as her cheeks turned red. But, no matter how hard it was, "I have to do this."
"I, uh, I think I'm starting to like someone," she said.
"Huh? Who?" Naru asked without a clue.
"Well, he's wonderful, for one thing. He's smart and he's kind. And, well, I've already kissed him," she said bashfully. She started staring at the ground like it was something completely new to her.
"Wow! Really? What's his name?" Naru asked her.
"Well, that's kind of funny," she said with a straight face. "I love your boyfriend."
Naru's face went blank for a second. She didn't know whether or not she should be angry or withdrawn. "My best friend kissed Kei? How could she do that? How could he do that?" she wondered. Her expression was emotionless, but her emotions screamed in terror.
"I don't know how it happened. But, Naru, listen. It doesn't matter. It was just a moment. When we were kissing, the only thing on his mind was you. I swear to you that he loves you more than anything. And no matter what, he'll always love you." Kitsune's words were like words of despair for her. She couldn't understand why she was saying something like that. But, before she could continue, Naru put up her hand.
"What was it like? Kissing him?" Naru asked.
"Probably not as incredible as it will be for you."
Naru didn't understand what she meant, really. Her mind remained focused on what Kitsune felt for Keitaro. "He kissed her. And he kissed me. What does that mean? I… I can't be with him. That's what it means. He's just like every other guy," she thought.
"I guess not. You said it yourself; he really loves me, right? Besides, I can't be angry with you. You're my best friend. Nothing should stand in the way of best friends right?" Naru said with a smile.
"I guess not. I'm glad you're not going to kill me. And, I know you and Kei will be very good together," Kitsune said, attempting to sound convincing. She, herself, didn't know whether or not Keitaro would ever be completely set on one girl.
However, Naru smiled. She tried her hardest to smile at something that made her so sad. And yet, she found that her best friend was definitely always going to be her best friend. Yet, now, more than ever, she was afraid of what Keitaro might do. She didn't know if she could ever face him again. "Maybe I should just run away from him…"
"Come on. I'm ready for a drink," Kitsune claimed as she stood up with a brisk smile and leap. Naru, forcing a smile, took Kitsune's hand and walked off together.
- ~ -
Keitaro sat in his seat wondering what was going to happen now. But, there was one last thing left on his mind. "If the pink envelope is from Kitsune, the white one must be from all the girls." He attempted to convince himself that this was the truth. And as he opened the letter and pulled it out, it was blank on all sides. Again, he opened it slowly and read.
Urashima,
I have a confession to make to you. It would feel like a dishonor as a friend if I did not tell you this now. Urashima, I…
"Motoko…" he thought.
"Naru…" The name was the last thing on his mind before he put on his headphones and tried to sleep.
-End
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Yup yup... that was short. So, yeah, my shortest chapter is also my end. I hope you'll still stick around for me real AU. Yeah... I'm actually going to do one. It'll be fun for me. I won't have to stick to the original story... or something... Anyway, thanks guys!
