Epilogue
'My name...is Shioshiro. That will do for now.'
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'But I do admit to being your son.'
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'I should be more deferent to my elders, right...otousan?'
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'Do I make that bad of a culmination of the two of you?'
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'Careful, Yotan. Don't be hitting on my father now.'
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'I have something I want to show you.'
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'Why feel any sympathy for someone who has yet to be born.'
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'It's not really that I think we can 'make friends', but Schwartz isn't our enemy.'
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'It has to be your choice. We'll do what we can without you. I just hope you change your mind in time.'
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'I hope you understand now the importance of what I am doing, even if all I have explained is that your own lives are at risk.'
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'It is a tough job ahead of us, but we can do it. I have faith in that. History will not repeat itself.'
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'I want this solved without anyone not going home when it's over.'
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'My parents are the man you know as Ran…and…the man standing next to him.'
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'Our final goal is to eradicate Estet and the institution, Rosenkreuz.'
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'Death itself is no reason for anything.'
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'We are indeed a force to be reckoned with…and I think it's about time we proved it.'
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'My promise is fulfilled...Omiji.'
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'I'm a little…scared…to be honest.'
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'Forgive me…Uncle Youji. But this is the only way to be sure.'
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'He's coming back in now, Kento.'
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'It's in the child's handbook: 'must be grossed out by parents being lovey-dovey.' I can't admit I find it adorable. It's against union rules.'
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'Kento…dying? Where'd that come from?'
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'I hear you, Yotan.'
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'I'm sorry, I'm trying not to, but…I just keep seeing it, happening in my head. Happening all over again.'
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'I did it…I saved you. It's…it's all okay now...'
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'I-I love you...'
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The breeze is light, billowing through the pairs' coats as they stand, side by side, in the cool morning air…in front of their son's grave. Parents should never outlive their children, but in this case…even though they have yet to start from the beginning, losing him as they did seems to hurt so much more than it had to.
It has only been a few days now since Ken picked the boy up in his arms, shaking the entire time as he carried him, with Ran walking beside him every step of the way. No one had known what to say to them at the time. Nothing would have been enough really, and they all knew that. So there was silence…even from the psychics who could not comprehend the loss…as a broken family left the compound.
Ken's fists clench now, his nails leaving half-moons on his palm. There are tears in his eyes, but he will not let them fall. Not again. "I…hate this."
Eyes seemingly dry, his own hands loose at his side, Ran turns to look at Ken next to him. Only what lies behind his violets betray how he too is crumbling. "There was nothing more we could have done. He…did what he came to do. In actuality…his home no longer existed for him to return to."
"But we don't know that." Ken bites back, his eyes trained on the grave--paid for fully and completely on Kritiker's bill of course. "What if…he could have just gone back and learned all new about the things he'd changed? What if…he would have just changed when he went back, and…just suddenly…would have known all the things that he made different. He could have gone back. We don't…we don't know."
Violets close, Ran stilling himself as he has had to do too often in the past few days. Nothing seems quite enough, however, to make this easier. "Ken…it is because we don't know…that I choose instead to hope. The Shioshiro we knew is gone. But…perhaps it was the only way things could have ended. And by living as he hoped we would, by…one day having that child…we can somehow repay him for all he sacrificed. We have to hope…that doing that will be enough."
Ken releases his fists, a stubborn tear streaking down the side of his face as he clenches his eyes closed. "I know, Ran. I know you're right. You're always right. You've always been…stronger than me. But I…just…miss him so much. Ya know?" As Ken stands there, shaking even though his hands are loose now, he gladly welcomes the warmth of Ran's hand as it settles into his.
"I know." Ran says, and even though Ken's eyes are still closed, he can hear the redhead's smile. "And Ken…I am not stronger than you. How could I be…when all the strength you see in me…comes from you."
Their eyes meet, and they are content sharing a smile they have not been able to have…since…
Ran turns his head back to the monument. He lifts his left hand, staring at the simple band he now wears. Ken had insisted he take it, insisted that Shioshiro would want the redhead to have it, since he still needed one to compliment Ken's. It is strange, but…oddly comforting to wear the ring. As if…Hiro is still with them…standing right there…beside them. Ran turns his eyes back to the name engraved so neatly.
'Himiya Shioshiro. Son, Savior, and truly One of a Kind.'
"Ken…we are home finally, and Hiro is home as well." Ran speaks, eyes trained on the grave, though his grip on Ken's hand tightens. Ran knows Ken has turned to look at him as he feels the weight of those eyes--eyes that have been damp with ready tears since Shioshiro passed. "We have not called Tokyo home for so long…but…I am glad to be here. I…wish to stay…right here."
"Yeah…I think so too."
Ran smiles. This…this is how it should be. "Ken…will you come with me…to the Koneko?"
For a moment Ken wonders if he has heard right. But…won't she be there if they go? "Ran…?"
"I want…to see her. I want…for her…to meet you. I…know now…that we have no need to run…anymore. Will you…will you come?"
Ken tugs on Ran's hand, pulling the redhead in for a tight embrace that nearly has Ran toppling over for its suddenness and its force. Ken smiles, truly and honestly smiles. "Ran…you don't even have to ask." he says, and tilts his head up, capturing a quick and chastely simple kiss.
There is small tug of embarrassment that slips into the pit of Ken's stomach. He smiles a little more widely within the kiss. 'Gomen…Hiro. But I'm gonna take all the lovey-dovey, sappy-ass shit I can. And I can…because of you.'
Before heading away from the monument, Ken takes a never-quite forgotten picture out of his pocket. Together, he and Ran study the now familiar image, wondering what it might be like someday…soon…to be those people. To be those parents.
Carefully, Ken sets the picture down in front of the grave, returning it…just as he promised.
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On a plane headed for America, Brad Crawford shifts in his seat, at first feeling annoyed at the visions forcing themselves into his thoughts. But as he begins to watch in his mind's eye, he closes the real thing and takes it all in, enjoying for a moment the very near future he sees.
Nagi has gone with Omi back to Tsukiyono Castle to go through his…inheritance. The blonde has donated the grounds to Kritiker and plans to find a place far away from it for him and Nagi to call home. They have considered opening a computer shop since both are so technologically adept, but other things may be in the works since Nagi has appointed himself caretaker of all the Rosenkreuz children who had no home to return to. So perhaps…he will help them come into their powers and he and Omi will work with the children. Omi could easily buy the orphanage the children have been sent to with his family's money. Therefore, with so many possibilities ahead, and both boys being so young, for now they are content merely being together and feel that any big decisions…have plenty of time to be worked out.
'Disgustingly cute, aren't they?'
Youji. His new--and hopefully final--woman has not had much time to herself since the blond returned to her. He really is deliriously happy doting on her, and Asuka…finds it all too adorable for words. They have not had sex. Youji decided it would be better to wait this time. He is currently helping out at the hospital, volunteering while working on his new apartment. He had considered going back into detective work, but that thought quickly went out the window. That part of his life is over. But since he could never imagine being a salary man, maybe he could try something more along the lines of…a handyman, jack-of-all-trades. That…he could definitely see himself doing.
'Handyman? I knew Kudo could never really settle down.'
Having caught a flight back to Ireland, Farfarello and Sally are busy wrapping up a few loose ends before heading for America. Though Sally is German-born, she spent much of her childhood in the states, and both feel that being across the ocean is exactly where they need to be. Before they leave Ireland, however, they are hoping to see what they can find out…about Farfarello's father. From what they discovered after visiting Sister Ruth's grave--her body having been sent home after her death--Farfarello's father might not even know he exists. It would be nice to find him now…before the couple finalizes any…wedding plans.
'I sure as hell never thought Farf would find a sane, stable girl. Kinda creeps me out, to be honest.'
Crashers--all of Crashers--has decided to remain with Kritiker at their usual no-kill status. Under Rindou's management they find themselves even more pleased with what their mission can accomplish. Manx and Birman are sure to keep the somewhat reclusive man under surveillance, but despite Rindou's rash nature, he has a surprising amount of restraint. Kritiker…is now the new superpower, and with a handful of new superpowers under their employ, business is sure to be booming.
'The white-coats will do just fine. Surprisingly enough.'
Ayame and Azami have returned to take care of their bar. They will continue to live together, Ayame will continue to receive the help Kritiker has offered him, and Azami…has gone back to playing the non-lethal violin in the hopes of possibly achieving a little latent recognition. He is content running the bar as long as Ayame is with him, but every time he plays the violin lately it causes Ayame to smile at him with emotion he is starting to see…as the love he has been waiting for.
'Heh. Lucky bastards.'
Shion. Though it is impossible for him to return home to his family, he dreams of perhaps one day…knowing his daughter. For now, he has found an out of the way place far from any city, any forgotten enemies, and any…hurtful memories. He will visit Ayame and Azami often, keep tabs on a certain former pupil, and…perhaps someday soon…he will take Rindou up on his offer to help run things in Kritiker. Perhaps. But not quite yet. Peace is a thing best attained over time.
'Yeah. Won't deny that. Though if I was him…I'd seriously want to get laid.'
"Schuldig…would you please…shut the fuck up."
A smirk. "Language, Bradley, really. There are children on this plane."
Brad sighs, deeply, a hand lifting to rub pointedly at his temples.
"So…" Schuldig presses, "what about…the other Weiss kittens?"
Is that…concern in the redhead's voice? "Do you care?"
"Heh. No. Just…it'd be nice to cap things off. They…heading back to life then?"
Brad would dearly like to push Schuldig's buttons a bit more on the matter, since he is quite certain the German is lying through his pearly white teeth about not being concerned. But…he doesn't always have to be a jackass.
He closes his eyes again, if only to see things a bit more clearly. The images flash rapidly in front of his eyelids. Red…brown…violet. Until he focuses in…on the not too distant future.
Ran and Ken walk down a familiar street towards a familiar storefront. They speak to a young man setting up displays outside. He listens. He nods. He calls inside the shop, "Aya!" And only a few moments pass then…before suddenly…a young woman comes rushing out of the store to latch on and cling tightly to her long-lost and sorely missed…older brother.
"I think the Weiss kittens are going to be fine…in that shop." Brad pauses…thinking…with his eyes still closed. "And also…with some days set aside for soccer. And…children."
Schuldig raises an eyebrow. "You can see that far ahead?"
A huff. "Of course not. But who says I need to."
And as the plane passes over the Atlantic, leaving Germany and thoughts of all others over the world behind, Schuldig finds himself smiling. Genuinely. "So…what do you see for us?"
Yet another annoyed sigh. "Schuldig, have you not yet learned? Surprises can be a good thing."
"Whatever. But just for argument's sake…do you think you can see us…maybe…joining the Mile-High Club in about five minutes?"
Brad does not acknowledge that. But five minutes later, when he has grabbed Schuldig by the collar and is pulling him into the small bathroom, Schuldig decides…
'Yeah…surprises ain't half bad…'
-----Bonus: 5 years later-----
"Ken!"
"In the kitchen!"
Ran enters the kitchen, setting the mail on the countertop as he passes it. He is not surprised to find Ken cooking. The brunette has been doing that a lot more lately. Almost…obsessively.
It really is a shame Ken has to stay inside like this, but Ran knows his companion isn't too bothered by it considering the circumstances.
"You know…you shouldn't be on your feet so much." Ran chastises, only half-serious. He steps up behind the brunette, wrapping his arms loosely…around the bulge of Ken's stomach.
Ken stops what he is doing long enough to gently rest his hands over Ran's. He smiles; he really is glowing. "Do you think Hiro left this part out on purpose?" he asks with a lopsided grin.
Ran chuckles, leaning his head on Ken's shoulder so he can offer a small kiss on the cheek. "Yes." he says simply. "Yes I do."
An echoing laugh. "Good thing I don't mind then, huh?"
"Mmm."
"Ehh…Ran?"
"Aa?"
"Can you finish dinner? My feet are killing me."
Laughter echoes again--so common in this household--and Ran leads Ken into the living room to help the now 7 month pregnant man down onto the couch.
Yes, Ran will finish dinner, and he will dote like a good husband should. And Ken…will accept all of it, though in the back of his mind he is constantly chanting, 'I am not the wife. There is no wife. I'm just…barefoot and pregnant and…oh damn it all to hell!' And Ran will laugh again, knowing exactly what Ken is thinking. The redhead may or may not remind his companion that he had volunteered to do the carrying part, but…all in all…whatever the little things may be…life is pretty for the expecting parents.
It's when the expecting part is over that they're a little nervous for.
-----5 years later-----
"…Daddy?"
"Yes, Shioshiro?"
"So…I was named after him?"
Ran smiles, Shioshiro's tiny, five-year-old hand clasped in his. He looks over at Ken, who has hold of the boy's other hand.
Ken returns that smile all too easily before kneeling in front of the familiar grave. "That's right, Hiro. You were named after him. He…saved our lives…and a whole lot more…a few years before you were born. And his name was Himiya Shioshiro too."
The slightly confused and embarrassed look on the small boy's face fades, and he smiles broadly, the expression so much like Ken's own, while violet eyes hold a light every bit as bright and clear as Ran's. "Cool! I was named after a hero!" He then adds, with much enthusiasm, "Just like Anpan Man!"
Ken does not even try to mask his laughter. "I bet he got a real kick out of hearing you say that, Hiro."
While Shioshiro blushes slightly at his father's bemusement, Ran soon joins in on the laughter. Sometimes he would swear that everything out of Shioshiro's mouth has the power to lighten his mood…and his heart.
Watching with some curiosity, Ran allows Shioshiro to release his hand as the boy takes the flowers they have brought from Ken and steps closer to the grave. Ken remains crouched, but shares in Ran's curiosity as they watch the boy step forward to present the flowers.
"Umm…Konbanwa…Shioshiro-jisan." the boy speaks to the monument, the flowers clutched tightly in his hands. "I'm sorry I never met you, but…thank you for saving Oran and Kento. I really need them around. So…umm…here you go." he says as he lays the flowers down. "They're really pretty. Oran and Kento arranged them together. I like it when they do that."
For a moment, Ken wonders if the combined sensations of Hiro being so cute and sweet along with memories of the Shioshiro they lost…might cause him to implode.
Truthfully, he doesn't really mind, though. He feels blessed that he can experience such an overload at all.
"It was good to stop and see you, Shioshiro." breaks in Ran's smooth voice, the redhead's heart truly swelling with pride as well as remorse for the past…present…and always too distant future. "But…I think we need to go now."
"There are a few things about this Shioshiro we need to tell you someday, Hiro." Ken adds, swooping the boy up into his arms to place him behind his head and carry him on his shoulders. Little Shioshiro squeals in delight. "But…we gotta wait til you're a bit older, I think."
And no amount of pouting is going to change either parents' mind about that.
"Oh, we can't forget. Ran…are you gonna tell him?" Ken asks, gesturing to the grave with a hint of pleased deviance in his smile.
Though a part of Ran may want to challenge that look, he cannot deny wanting to join in with a similar expression. "I suppose." he concedes, leaning in closer to the grave as if he is about to share some ridiculously personal secret. Well…he is. "Shioshiro…this dear family you fought so hard to protect…is going to have a new addition."
Really, Ken is truly beaming now. "And guess who's carrying this one?" he says with a wink.
Ran huffs slightly, bordering on actual offence. "Of course, why would I not want to carry our second child? Especially considering--"
"I said I'd leave you if you didn't?"
Not funny. "Ken…"
"Kidding! So kidding. Really."
"Hee. Oran's mad now, Kento."
"Hiro…don't encourage him." Ken pleas, backing away, and hanging on tight to the boy's legs as they hang over his shoulders.
But Ran isn't being any more serious than Ken is at the moment. The redhead looks down, touching a hand to his own only slightly swelled stomach. He still has a good many months to go before his scheduled c-section, and though he is not looking forward to adding any more battle scars to his body…considering how sexy he finds Ken's…it doesn't sound too bad. Not if it brings them another Hiro.
Well…a girl would be nice.
-----6 years later-----
Speaking of that girl…
Himiya Touru is now the age her brother was when she was first living safe and snuggly in their father's body. She came into the world with a shock of deep red hair, and her large, chocolate eyes are enough even to soften her big brother into doing just about anything she might ask of him.
Right now, Shioshiro is enjoying…his eleventh birthday. Though not nearly as much as his brunette father, who now knows…if things had happened differently…he may not have lived to see the boy turn 11.
"Hey…Ran?"
"Aa?"
"I…really like this."
"What do you like, Ken?"
"The whole thing. Me. You. Family. It…really is…even better than I though it would be."
"There are certain…blessings. Problems too."
"Every day is not a picnic, I know, but…I really love you, ya know?"
"Yes. I know."
Ken looks above Shioshiro to stare fondly at the framed photograph on their mantel. It isn't exactly like the one the other Shioshiro had given him, seeing as how Ran--while still having one arm around Ken--is now holding a little baby girl. But…Ken imagines Shioshiro must see the picture as a definite improvement.
A little red blur brings Ken's attention back to ground level. He bites his lip to keep from laughing.
"Uhhh…Ran?"
"Yes?"
"Looks like Touru got into the cake again."
-----3 years later-----
Shioshiro could tell right away that the look on Ran's face could mean only one thing: he was in deep, deep trouble. The problem is…he has no idea why.
"What?"
"Shioshiro."
"Seriously, Dad, what? I haven't done anything." The brunette thought about that a moment. "Lately."
But Ran is steadfast. Ken is out buying school supplies with Touru, leaving him all alone with their now 14-year-old son. And by the glare Ran is giving that son, one might think he was about to disown the poor thing. "When you are ready to tell me the truth, then I will listen to you. Until then…I do not want to hear a word."
Shit. This is really bad and Shioshiro doesn't even know…
A sudden flash of Yue streaks across the boy's mind. The slightly older girl had mentioned something about joy-riding, even though she is well underage to be driving. She has no license. She has no permission. She has no…car.
And Shioshiro distinctly remembers now that he had not seen his redheaded father's Porsche in the driveway when he came home. Not a good correlation. Yue is going to owe him big for this.
"Dad…really, I am so sorry. A friend needed the car and I said they could take it. I'll call them up right now and get it back, okay, just…please blame me. It wasn't…his fault."
'Please let me get away with the lie, Oran, please…'
"As I said, Shioshiro." Ran responds, arms crossed firmly in front of him. "When you are ready to tell me the truth…I will listen. And only then."
Well…hopefully Yue won't kill him for trying…and failing. After all, she gets him into situations like this so often…it's a wonder they aren't dating.
-----4 years later-----
"You like her."
"I don't…like her, like her. She's like my sister. Almost as much as Touru is."
"Yeah, right, bro. No one believes that." the barely teenage Touru speaks up as she comes out of the kitchen. A few pieces of chocolate pocky are sticking out of her mouth.
Ken's grip on Shioshiro's hand tightens, feeling that the boy has grown even more antsy now that his little sister has been pulled into the conversation. "Ru, let me handle this, okay?"
"Sure thing, Kento. I'll just be backup." the redhead grins, her smile always oddly subtle since her mouth takes so much after Ran. She plops herself down into a chair near where Ken and Shioshiro are sitting on the couch.
Though Shioshiro turns those glare-ready violets of his towards her, Ken remains firm, and tugs his son's hand to grab back the boy's attention. "Listen, Hiro, it's okay, you can trust me with this. I know you like Yue. Everyone knows you like Yue. Only Yue doesn't know you like Yue. And ya see…that's where the trouble starts. You gotta tell her."
"But…Kento…I…what if she…I mean…what do you mean everyone knows?"
"Heh." Touru laughs shortly, big brown eyes somehow managing to look scolding from under her red, red bangs. "Come on, bro, get real. The only reason Yue hasn't figured things out is because you are now deeply dug into the friend-zone black-hole of no return. But…if you grow a pair for a change and fess up,"
Ken would groan if he wasn't used to this,
"then maybe everything will all work out. I mean…come on, Hiro…that's what you want right?"
And then…Ken wonders why he even bothers when Touru is around, because her tactics…never fail.
Shioshiro's cheeks had burned red as the young girl spoke, but…when she finished…his anger was completely melted away. With a tight squeeze on Ken's still-clasped hand in his and a kind glance in his sister's direction, the brunette breathes a little deeply to gain the nerve he is going to need…for later tonight.
Yue.
-----3 years later-----
After almost a year of being engaged…one more thing on the proud parents' checklist can finally be marked off. Yue and Shioshiro are now officially…the first Himiya couple. And the many gathered for the celebration couldn't be happier.
Dear Aunt Aya and her now college-bound twin boys, Ranmaru and Kenji, are groomsmen with Ruth O'Grady, daughter of Farfarello and Sally O'Grady, as one of the bridesmaids. Ruth continues to emit an aura about her that Brad Crawford seems very wary of, but he isn't sharing any more than need be.
New Testament indeed.
A few of Omi and Nagi's adopted psychics have also been actively involved in the wedding, and…of course…Himiya Touru is the maid of honor, proudly ready to send her brother off--with a few sound warnings to behave himself and treat Yue right, of course.
"Well…I could say quite a few things about Shioshiro and Yue…many things being rather embarrassing and blackmail-worthy, but…Oran made me promise I would keep my speech clean." The lovely redhead, her eyes so beautifully large, with a perfectly petite and subtle mouth that can smile with a million hard-to-read expressions, raises her glass. She looks out at many faces in the crowd whom she knows as family friends, though they could have so easily ended up enemies…or worse…if not for her older…well…if not for a certain violet-eyed brunette. "So…considering I love this guy just about as much as is possible for a younger sister to love her older brother…Aunt Aya possibly excluded, of course," she adds with a nod to the still lovely older woman seated nearby. "I will keep things merely to this. I love you, Hiro. We all love you and Yue so much, and we hope only…that you aren't stupid enough to mess this up." She grins.
Really, Ran thinks, seated between his sister and Ken, how is it that both of their children ended up with Ken's sense of humor?
"To the future, bro! After all…you're good with things like that."
Ken casts his gaze sideways to catch Ran's eye and both grin. Long ago they told Shioshiro the whole story. The whole truth. And though it had been difficult for the boy to believe, and even harder to accept…he eventually found it to be quite the exciting and unique tale.
'Yeah, named after myself. Freaky.'
Touru had been told too, and though she had at first felt left out, being a younger teenager than her brother had been when they were told, she came to realize how cool it was that she came into existence because of the sacrifice…
'Of someone way cooler than you, Hiro.'
'Ru, it was me!'
'Right. So not the same.'
Which had become a fight Ran and Ken eventually had to break up, but…they were used to such things at that point.
Today, however, with Shioshiro and Yue married and the last of so many worries put to…some sense of rest…Ran and Ken…feel a little like they are floating on air. Though…wherever the Shioshiro they lost is today…they are more than certain…he is flying much higher.
"So…tell me, Brad, how have your predictions panned out?"
Seated at one of the many tables in the reception hall, Brad does not even turn his head to acknowledge his companion's question…even if he does intend to answer. "Not that I was counting on anything…because the worst thing anyone can ever do is assume, Emery. But...I don't think I could ask for a better…present. Could you?"
Schuldig has had many years now to get used to being called Emery again, since he isn't really Schuldig anymore, after all. The German grins. "Yeah…the present is pretty good, Bradley. You see any…surprises in store for us though? I can't help but wonder. I mean…everyone is together for this. All of us who fought together. And we haven't all been in the same room since…you know when. Ayame and Azami are over across the way by Rindou and the those Kritiker chicks. Next to them is that Shion guy, right? And his daughter did the catering I hear. Oh…the whole Crashers crew--plus their families, if you can believe that Knight guy is still 'married' to the cutie he found 15, 20 years back--they're all here. More random psychics than I'd like to count, besides us, are here. Naggles and his kitten, of course, right over there. And…all the proud parents too. Not to mention Farf and Sally. What is up with their kid, anyway?"
How is it one man can always create such headaches. "Emery…please…you know I can't tell you anything. I honestly can't see enough to know anything, anyway. Can you please just be happy we are all here, as friends, enjoying a…festive occasion. Please."
Is anything ever that easy?
Schuldig throws an arm around his…long time partner. His eyes dart a moment to the many grey hairs on Brad's head, each one sexier than the next as far as he is concerned.
"I could. But…I'm still curious. Anything we should know?"
Not wanting to give in, since it would give the German far too much satisfaction, Brad almost chooses to ignore the comment and begin his meal rather than answer. But…love does funny things to a person. Like…making them do what their partner has asked, even if they don't really want to. "Let's just say…as large as this…family of ours has grown," He pauses, turning bronze eyes to look into blue for the first time. He adores the German's grey hairs too, he thinks, as he smiles…with much honesty behind the expression. "This family…is only going to get larger."
-----3 years later-----
"Oran! Kento! Your new grandson is here to see you!"
The REAL End
A/N: Sorry, I'm in Barcelona as I am finishing this, so...things have been tight. I was in Paris the other day, and I have been traveling like mad, so forgive the lateness of this. However...here it is. I don't know if it is everything I want it to be, but...it's everything it can be. I would like to go through and address each reviewer for how amazing you have each been, but...if you want this posted I have to do it and go to bed. So...I hope you all know that every review is more precious than the last, and that you, the readers are always more precious than any review you leave me. You have been so supportive, given me so many good ideas, and...you all love my Shioshiro. I could not have imagined a better journey, or better people to travel it with. So...I hope this caps things well, and leaves you with many things to think about for...off-shoot fics? I know a few of you are thinking it, and I would welcome any attempts. I am sworn to a Saiyuki fic next, however, so nothing can come from me. But maybe someday.
Emery Schuldaussen is the name I have decided on for Schuldig. His real name. This is the third or fourth fic I have used it, and he will always be Emery to me. Others can imagine whatever real name for him they want.
Sorry, Yue never even got to speak. But at least you got a few ideas about what she is like.
I hope Touru was fun for you guys. She is the Tou from Toushiro, while Shioshiro had the shiro. And...Fruits Basket might have played a hand in it (Tohru). Imagine her a lot like Ran as far as being more reserved and serious, but she speaks her mind, as you can see, more like Ken. Scary, huh?
I made the cutest pic of a chibby Ran, Ken, and Shioshiro, with a plus sign between Ran and Ken, and an equals Shioshiro. I think I might post a response page after this to address you reviewers personally someday soon, and I'll put a link perhaps.
I hope I covered everything. I got Shioshiro's ring, the picture, the sister...all the others. If there are questions, fire away, because I might just respond once I am safely in England. So...before I force my bedmate to wait up for me any longer...I am posting this puppy. I love you all. Thank you more than I can say, and...see you next ficcie, minna!
Crimson