Author's Note: Wow…it's been a crazy long time since I've updated. I actually considered just dropping it without finishing (which you all may have preferred after you read this short chapter). But even though I've kinda outgrown this pairing, I decided to finish what I started. I apologize in advance for a really rushed ending….but I've totally got writers block….ah well. And thanks to all those who still periodically check in for updates. It means a lot and I wish I could give you all a better ending. R.A.

Disclaimer: The writing's mine; the characters aren't.

Chapter 11: Short, Sweet, and to the Point

That night, Houki (with the help of Nuriko and an entire harem…literally) was all dolled up by the time a palace guard came to escort her to dinner.

The guard led her to an elegant dining hall….then continued through a set of double doors to a balcony, complete with a table for two, candles, and a musician. Houki nervously looked around. She hadn't had an opportunity to leave the harem quarters for a long time, and she felt totally out of her depth. Luckily, Hotohori swept in a few minutes later and grandly offered her a red rose and his hand before leading her to the table.

The two sat, waiting for dinner, just staring into each others eyes. Hotohori cleared his throat.

"I….We're having dinner in five minutes."

Houki sat looking dazed for a minute before some emotion flitted across her delicate features and she did a sort of double-take….and burst out laughing. Hotohori cracked a smile, but it wasn't long before he joined in her laughter.

After that awkward start, the date went beautifully. Taiitsukun congratulated herself on one match well made.

--

Meanwhile, Tamahome was back in his room….well, really his bathroom, making friends with the porcelain god when he heard a knock on the door. He groaned, hoping whoever it was would just go away.

Unfortunately for him, the person on the other side was under the impression that no answer equated to "come on in". And so it was that Keiichi walked in on Tamahome with his head in the pot.

"Tama…you ok? Well…not ok. But will you survive?"

Tamahome looked up at her with a look of pure suffering. Keiichi snorted and coughed, trying desperately to keep from laughing at his pain. Instead, she knelt down by him and started to rub his back. "Why didn' you go to th' infirmary?"

"Don'….need…to…" He gritted out, looking decidedly green.

Keiichi laughed. "Suuuuuure ya don'. C'mon, I'll take ya." She dragged him to his feet and led him down the hall.

"Watch out…the floor's movin' all over. Be careful not to fall…."

Keiichi rolled her eyes. "I'll watch out for that. Y'know, you're an awful drunk. Can' hardly hold any liquor." She huffed. "I'd drink ya un'er the table in no time flat."

Tamahome groaned. "Please don't talk about alcohol…I'll just throw up again. B'sides, if I could hold my liquor, you wouldn't be here taking me to the infirmary."

"Ah….so I guess that's an upside?"

"Yeah….it is…"

Keiichi looked at Tamahome only to find him looking back at her. They blushed like teenagers before looking away.

From somewhere in the distance, Taiitsukun cackled. A tiny start is better than no start at all, after all….

--

And back to the two original Love Birds:

Nuriko and Miaka sighed as they sat in a gazebo, watching the sunset together. They looked deep into each others eyes and saw the contentment of a lifetime.

Sometimes, a slight intervention to get the destiny ball rolling is all it takes for a happily ever after.

THE END

Author's Note: This is the LAST chapter. I swear. I'm done with this fic for good. Hope at least one person enjoyed it  Cheers, ya'll. R.A.