The Years On

A/N - This is it. My last installments - this chapter and the Epilogue. I wrote the epilogue a while ago. Just to recap, I started to write this story after reading an article about how a 'broken heart' can lead to a heart attack. The link is found in the fist chapter. Thanks so much for all your comments. Please still give me your reviews and thoughts - they will be much appreciated.

I really enjoyed writing the story. I know that the story is a little depressing - to say the least. I will try to write a happy story the next time. Thanks again.


Yuki walked down the street leading to his brother's store. It had become a regular habit – everyday after his work, he would walk down this street to get his brother and they would walk home together. Today was different however, Aoi called him at work and told him that she wanted to show him her work.

He was very proud of Aoi – as proud as a father would be. She graduated near the top of her class and the demand for her work has been increasing. She and Jun, Mine's son, were slowing taking over the business.

He walked through the door, the little bell tinkled as he shut the door. Everyone seemed to be in the inner room. There were loud Ayame's sounds floating out of the room. Yuki winced but smiled. His brother was slowly becoming his old self again. After all, it has been two years since Tohru's dearth. One should move on, Yuki guessed. He pushed open the door and everyone was holding a champagne glass. Ayame turned when he heard the door opened.

'Yuuuuukkkiiiiii…guess whatguesswhatguesswhat!'

'Uncle Aya, you have to calm down', laughed Jun. He was becoming a handsome young man. His dark brown hair tied in a low ponytail and his eyes were bright as well as intelligent. Yuki smiled at the young man and turned sternly to the older man.

'What are you up too? Ojii-san?'

'That was not nice, Yuki.' Aya pouted. Yuki laughed, it was good to see his brother like this.

"So what is the big news?'

Then, he heard Jun gasped. He looked at the direction, Jun was oogling. There was Aoi. She was in silver dress. The dress was cut a liitle too low – in Yuki's opinion, the waist was emphasizing a little too much – in His opinion, the material was clinging a little too tightly – in His opinion. As Ayame beamed, Yuki threw a long length of material over Aoi, covering her from head down.

'Ahhhh?' Aoi exclaimed.

'What are you thinking? That dress is not for you. March right back to the dressing room and change.' Yuki roared, pushing Aoi towards the smaller, inner room. Jun looked at him with his mouth opened. Yuki turned to him and gave him a death glare. 'You better not be thinking what I think you are thinking.'

'The same thing you were thinking when Tohru first dress up here?' Aya whispered into his brother's ears. Yuki turned, 'Yes…' He stopped when he saw the look in Aya's face. Aya laughed at his brother's embarrassment. Yuki blushed. Aya laughed even more.

'Ano, Uncle Yuki…this dress was my winning dress.' Yuki turned. Aoi was still in the dress. The dress had a square neckline, the bodice was simple – flowing from her small waist down to her toes. The dress curved at her hips, falling to a fish-tail. The sleeves were of the same colour but a different material. They were flimsy- tight at the arms and fanning out at her waists. Aoi looked lovely.

Yuki took Aoi's face in his hands, 'You are growing up too fast.' Aoi laughed her delightful little laugh, the one she reserved for Yuki, when she thought he was being protective. 'Uncle Yuki, I am getting married.' His eyes widen. She smiled at him, 'To Jun.' He was surprised. As the information was sinking in, he heard a loud bang.

'Monnn Cherieeeeee….' Shigure swept into the room. He floated to Ayame and held his hands. 'Our baby is leaving?' Aya nodded, feigning tears. 'She is flying?' Aya nodded, now tears freely. They hugged each other and whined loudly.

Yuki rolled his eyes, 'Shut up.' Jun and Aoi laughed. They were used to this type of scenes. They were put through it every time Jun picked Aoi up for dates.

Aoi linked her arms with Yuki's. 'Let's celebrate.' She smiled at her uncle.

'Yes, we should. Congratulations, you two.' Yuki smiled at Jun. At the same time, he held his gaze, warning Jun of bodily harm if he even thought of hurting Aoi. Jun smiled his lazy smile and nodded slightly in acknowledgement.

000---000---000---000

Yuki threw the keys onto the coffee table. He walked into his study. He needed quiet. Celebrations involving Shigure and Ayame were always loud. As he settled down at his table, he felt a tug in his chest. He felt really sleepy. He looked at the only picture on his table and then reached out to hold it. He was glad that his brother had recovered from his grief and Aoi no longer needed him like she used to. She had Jun's hands to protect her. He liked Jun – a dependable young man. He felt like his promise to Tohru was fulfilled. He fell alseep.