I'm What?

By theladyknight

Disclaimer: Digimon—not mine!

Calare: Our hotel really was pretty, but the plumbing sucked. And we couldn't find our room. I was with three other girls and we couldn't find our room number. Turns out we were on the top floor in a room called "Saint Francis of Assisi" and our room was half outside and half inside.

Eiliriel: Yeah, Ava was around the age of fifteen. Originally I was going to have the main plot with her and her brother be around Yamato, but then I didn't have him show up on the island with the others. So I changed my mind. I was going to include more with them in this chapter but kind of ran out of time. I promise they'll be in the last chapter, though.

SaffireStarz: I've come along way from where I started. I never imagined I'd get one hundred reviews on any of my fics, and I'm in such incredible awe of how well things have gone over and how supportive everyone is.

Inconnu: I'm not crazy about the whole rape scene things, but it was the only way I could fit something in. Glad you liked how it was portrayed and hope your laptop gets hooked up soon!

And thanks to: outxofxemotions, Ballet Kitty, blueicepop, sorato-takari, nickygirl, JyouraKoumi, Wishinstahhz, and Mrs. Ishida-to-you.

Chapter 21: Of Fairy Tale Finales

Sunday December 31
My Room

"Sora, everyone is waiting for you."

Mom poked her head into my room, looking a bit concerned and very uncertain. "Mom, I don't think I'm feeling so well."

Alright, I could have been brave and met fear face to face, head held high and reputation on the line. I could have been strong and done my best, ready to face the consequences. I could have done all these things.

But I chickened out.

I decided to take the easy way out. I panicked; I couldn't take it. These people have such a high perspective of me—from the image my father has been conveying for the past few months—and in the next five minutes, it'll come crashing down. What will they think of me? Normally this type of thing isn't a concern, but I'm an outsider entering their world. How are things going to go? I'm supposed to be the future queen, but after this soon-to-be mishap, they most likely won't accept me.

"I'm sure it's just nerves, honey. Sure, there may be a lot of people out there, but they all believe in you. You'll do fine."

"Mom, you don't understand. I can't do this."

"Sora Takenouchi, do not think like that! I raised you for sixteen years and never taught you to think like that. I can't even believe you are stooping to…"

Well, I guess I did manage to stall for time. Unfortunately, it's a result of Mom's raging temper. She doesn't get unbelievably mad all that often, but when she does, it's best to hide for cover.

"…giving up like that will get you nowhere! Sora, I don't think I've ever been this disappointed…"

Okay…this is getting a little out of hand.

"Mom! Would you let me finish?" I clapped my hands in front of her face for emphasis, hoping she would stop her ramblings. "I can't sing this because I don't know the words. Yamato was going to sing to it, but he obviously isn't here. And he never gave me the words…he told me it would be a surprise. All I know is the melody. It sounds really familiar but with only the guitar part, I can't identify it."

Mom had changed. Instead of looking like the raging, dominant lioness she had before, she now resembled a goldfish, mouth hanging open in an almost drunken stupor. "I guess that changes things."

"What can I do? Is there a way I can get out of this? I don't even know where to begin. I'm going to embarrass everyone."

"No, you're not, sweetie." I glanced at her, very uncertain of what she was alluding to.

"What do you mean?"

She smiled at me, placing an arm on my shoulder. "Honey, people will be proud of you for going through with it even though you don't know the song. Just announce—truthfully—that you don't know the song, but you're going to play if for everyone anyway. People appreciate honesty, even if it's not always what they want to hear. And I have a feeling the people on this island are going to want a future queen who is honest and willing to admit things to them."

I was running out of excuses, and we both knew it. My feeble protests would get me nowhere. There was no more denying the inevitable.

My feet took control of my body, shakily forcing me to stand. I would go out there and be strong. I didn't know for sure what was going to happen. I didn't know how people's reactions would come off. I was just going to do it.

This confidence carried with me until I entered the ballroom. I nearly dropped the guitar Mr. R. had brought with him. Mom pushed me forward to the stage where Mr. R. and Dad were waiting for me. "Attention everyone," Dad announced in both Spanish and English, "I'd like to introduce you all to my daughter Sora."

Before I knew it the people were either bowing or curtsying though I hadn't officially been crowned princess yet. Taichi, Hikari and Takeru looked lost but soon repeated the gesture.

"She will be playing a song for a class at school and would like to present it to all of you. Her teacher, Señor Reynolds, will be judging her for certain musical aspects."

I took a deep breath as he pointed to a chair and gestured for me to sit down. The limelight was on me; it was show time. "Please enjoy."

So much for that game plan.

Those were the only words that escaped my lips. I had this whole detailed explanation planned out, but somewhere between seeing the crowd and sitting down, I lost it. There was no explanation, no reason why. Mr. R.'s confused face tried to understand what I was doing.

But how could he when I didn't even know?

I glanced out into the sea of people below me, searching for a familiar face. Mom had been washed away and brought somewhere near the middle. My friends had drifted from sight.

I was all alone.

My hands crept to the strings, and I was about to begin playing when something very familiar caught my eye. Pink hair? How can Mimi be here? Looking in the same direction, it was gone. Maybe I was just seeing things.

Dad, Mr. R. and Grams were all seated in lavish looking chairs on an extended platform. All seemed expected, waiting for me to begin.

But where were Yo and his family?

I hadn't seen him in a long time. Sure, he had called for me to come down, but he wasn't within any seeing distance. He must be standing somewhere with his family out of the limelight. Normally, Antonio will stick with Dad, as he's been doing ever since we've gotten back, but maybe this time's different. I couldn't see him anywhere, though, and that put even more of a damper on my mood.

My resolve was wavering. I had to play the song before I lost the courage to do so. Slowly, I plucked the opening chords of the song, hoping and praying I'd be able to get through this. The beat steadily picked up, but I had no idea what to sing. Maybe I could improvise. Maybe I could sing a song that doesn't fit this melody? Maybe…

"When you feel all alone…"

Maybe I didn't need to worry about it.

A mike picked up a very rich baritone. I recognized him immediately and FORCED myself to keep playing. Yamato? My gaze drifted—though I was still attempting to focus on my playing—and I was in for the shock of my life.

Antonio stood next to the blond with a radiant beam overtaking his features. The pink-haired girl was not an illusion; Mimi, accompanied by a grinning Koushiro, stood in the same area along with the rest of Yo's family. Yamato's cerulean eyes looked directly at me as the mystery song, "Crash and Burn" by Savage Garden, escaped his lips.

So that was Antonio's surprise. I was lost in a steady stream of emotions. Much of the attention had shifted in Yama's direction. Dad's eyes had narrowed, as if he was considering sending guards to arrest the blond. But he was unsure what to do, suspicions clouded over by the fact that Yo seemed to have invited them. And this was invitation only.

The song blurred around me; I hadn't even known he'd been singing it until it was almost complete. The words just fit, describing every way Yama had been there for me from the start.

Those in the crowd looked pretty impressed. A good deal of them were bilingual (or semi-bilingual), allowing them to understand the words. For the rest, Yamato's sincere tone and voice had hypnotized them, making up for my somewhat shaky playing. Okay, my playing wasn't that bad; I just occasionally stumbled for found myself entranced with man I've already fallen head over heals for.

His beautiful voice ended the song on a long note, stretched out and amplified by the ballroom we were in. Applause began even before I finished strumming. It was nice to know I somewhat had their support or at least they liked Yamato. But I was unsure where Dad's vote lay.

I was fairly certain he got an idea of who Yamato was after a few moments. From what I could infer, though, he hadn't formed an opinion of him just yet. Dad and Mr. R. were leading the enthusiastic cheers, and Mr. R. made his way over to me.

"Gracias," I called out into the microphone left up for me.

Dad slowly joined us, after some heated whisperings with Grams—probably demanding that she contain the crowd and explain things to them—and led us out of the ballroom to a small conference room next door. "Viene," Come, he mumbled over a microphone connected to an earpiece he was wearing, most likely commanding Yo to come to where we were. With his guests.

Dad is going to meet Yamato.

"Que bueno, Sora!" How great, Sora! "I'm very proud of you. You played very well. But I think you have…"

A knock on the door interrupted our tête-à-tête.

Mr. R. put a hand on my shoulder. "Congratulations, Sora. I haven't tallied up your total points for what I was grading you on yet, but I have a very strong feeling you passed with a high enough score to test out of the class."

His comment brightened my growing good mood. Until I realized something: "There's probably a pretty strong chance I won't be in the US for school anymore, though. It's not like it matters."

"You don't know that for sure. There's always a chance things will turn out in your favor," he answered as Antonio and my friends entered the room.

"AHHHHHH!"

Mimi nearly knocked me to the ground in excitement. "Mimi, you got to let me breathe."

Her death grip never wavered. "I was thinking about how things with you had to be going and hoping for the best when Yamato called me and Koushiro, saying he knew a way we could get to the Isle for free. Of course I was going to jump on! I didn't want to miss your big day."

I would've responded but my air supply was becoming very limited. Seeing this, Koushiro marched over and ripped his girlfriend from my arm. "Don't mind her. She's just a bit excited. It's nice to be here, Sora. You did a good job."

"Thanks, and I understand about her." I was inching to talk to both Antonio and Yama but had a feeling things probably wouldn't work out that way.

One guess why.

"Yamato Ishida, I presume?"

The blond bowed down. "Yes, King Olivarez,"

"Come with me, boy. We have a lot to discuss…"

Sunday December 31
Beauty Parlor

I'm getting as nervous as I was when it came to playing. I am to be presented before the public in three hours, forty-six minutes and seventy-nine seconds.

The make-up and hair designers, all organized and bossed around by Grams, finished with me a few minutes ago and now are working their magic on my female friends. I asked Grams why she demanded I know how to put make-up on if I'm actually going to have others employed to do that.

She just stormed off. I'm pretty sure she's not happy with Dad or me. I skipped out of lessons she had scheduled in order to catch up with my friends. Dad skipped out of a meeting with her yesterday to spend the entire afternoon with Yamato.

I still haven't had a chance to talk to the blond as Dad kept him out for quite some time. We both—along with all my other guests—have spent the morning and a good deal of the afternoon being pampered.

But I did get a chance to talk to my bodyguard.

"I assume that was my present,"

"You could say that."

"How did you arrange it? Why did you arrange it?" I asked as he began unloading the three newcomers' luggage. I pushed the others off to Ava who was more than happy to give them a tour—and meet up with Tai, Kari and Takeru.

"It wasn't as hard as you would think. I contacted the boy and told him I could get him here, asking, as well, if he knew anyone else close to you who may want to come but wasn't invited earlier."

It clicked. "You saw Mimi's change of heart at school and after the dance."

"Sí, Princesa. With that in mind, I sent the plane to pick them up and then arranged for myself to slip away and meet them at the airstrip. All were fairly tired but very happy to be here, particularly Yamato. He was incredibly anxious, too, once he found out about the singing deal."

"But Antonio…why? I mean, it's not like I've always been the nicest person…"

"…you reminded me of Ava in ways I'll never be able to explain. Princesa, you have taught me a lot in such a short time. Things haven't always been smooth, but they've been fun. I'm honored to be in your presence and serve under you. I anticipate the day you become queen of our island."

"Yo, none of this mushy crap. You're my friend! You're like that caring—every now and then overprotective, annoying—older brother I never had. You wouldn't believe how much you've influenced me. Thank you so much for getting the three here. I just feel really bad I haven't gotten you anything this nice.'

"Who's being mushy now?" he sarcastically replied. The man returned the hug a little less enthusiastically, but it was clear Antonio was touched. "You already did. I talked with Ava last night…and thank you, you really helped her…"

The time is ticking away. Ava, Mimi and Kari are getting made over as I write. I can hear them giggling like crazy behind me. Grams brought in what seems like truckloads of every dress type imaginable. The three of them are picking out their favorites while they get their hair and make-up done, ready to try them on when they're finished.

I'm done; everything is complete. Apparently, I was the first mission. So here I am at the moment, hair and make-up done, fitted dress resting on me, and I'm doing everything I can not to get ink all over my dress.

Grams would freak if that happened, more so if I got ink on the dress.

It's not something I ever would've picked out, but I actually liked it once I tried it on. Poof is about the only word I can use to describe it. The dress is a mixture of baby blue and white. The top is completely white with blue flowers adorning it. The rest goes down, rotating between bands of blue and white. It's a really pretty color, but just so pouf that it kind of scared me away. I could drown in the dress if the opportunity presents itself.

At first I didn't want to try it on. It was one of these dresses that I saw girls wear and laughed at them behind their backs because their dresses were so big. But after A LOT of cajoling on multiple peoples' parts, I tired it on and the rest is history.

So now I sit here, bidding my time, hoping the people will accept me, hoping I don't fall on my face or trip with my heals on, and hoping I'm finally going to get to talk to Yamato. The time is fleeting away. The clock is ticking…

Monday January 1
Dining Room

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This year is off to an AMAZING start! If the rest of the year continues in the same fashion then wow…

The trumpets were blaring triumphantly. The nearly thirty flutes trilled their highest notes at every octave imaginable. The PPI national emblem "Rey Divino" Divine King came to a resounding end with a dramatic cymbal crash.

Dad and Grams both leapt to their feet an applauded, a little unladylike in Grams' case. I slowly rose as it seemed the open courtyard erupted with noise and exuberance. Everyone in attendance was enjoying the celebration. And by everyone, I mean nearly every person on the Isle was present tonight. The beach front around the castle was caked with people, area stretching out to just where the waves crashed against the shore.

We were sitting up on a high extended platform with other dignitaries, all of whom I'd been introduced to earlier. My friends, Mom, Mr. R. and Yo's family were up in the front row in a designated section. Yamato caught my eye and flashed me a reassuring smile.

This was it. Sometime in the next thirty minutes the coronation would happen; I would be crowned princess, future queen on of the Isle. Dad walked up to the microphone and stood next to the prime minister. The other man clapped my father on the back and sat down in his chair.

This is it.

"Ladies and gentlemen…" Dad's deep voice belted, translated into English by a woman, "on this day, the 500th celebration of our nation's birth…" Cheers. "It is only fitting that we officially crown the next ruler of our island."

He paused to take a breath, as it was hard for him to be hear over the screams of approval and a chant— in which I had a strong feeling Taichi was the ringleader—of "Gimme a S! Gimme an O! Gimme an R! Gimme an A! What's that spell? SORA!"

"My daughter never knew she was of royal blood, growing up in a more sheltered environment and lifestyle. But I couldn't be happier about how well she's grown and matured thanks to her mother and upbringing. So she was in for a gigantic bombshell upon learning her true fate. She could've chosen to reject it. She could've opted to give up when things got messy and were leaked to the press. But she held her head high and never gave up."

I came pretty damn close, though.

Grams stood up and joined Dad. "My granddaughter has been working very hard to learn everything expected of her as a future citizen and leader of the Isle. I'll admit, at times my confidence in her wavered, but the more I have been around her, the more I know the future of this land is in excellent hands."

Whoa…HOLD THE PHONE! Did Grams just say something nice? About me? In PUBLIC?

As Grams headed back to her seat, the prime minister, bearing one big-ass tiara on a royal purple pillow, stepped forward. Dad motioned for me to approach them and the butterflies in my stomach flew me in their direction.

The scraping of my heals against the wooden floor was the only sound that could be heard. The tiki torches around us gave off a brilliant shine. I could see the people looking expectant, the area set aside for post-coronation celebrating and ringing in the New Year and a jumble of food stands and booths all abandoned as people crowded closer to watch.

Curtsy down, the prime minister mouthed. I obeyed the command, more so because my knees basically gave out on me. I could feel the heat of the lights from cameras and press pictures. My breathing was so loud that it could have replaced the fifteen bass drums in the PPI philharmonic symphony.

"Sora Isabel Anamaría Takenouchi Olivarez, do you solemnly swear under the oath of God and all those present, including your father Rey Olivarez, to lead and protect the people of this island from the moment the future king dies, making the best decisions in the name of our great kingdom?"

"I do," My eyes were clenched shut as I willed my voice to come out as strong and powerful as possible.

"Do you swear to abide by all the nation's laws, work hand in hand with government and always, always strive to put the lives of the people of this country before anything else?"

My ruby eyes entered the world. "I do."

"Ladies and gentlemen of this island and the world, I am pleased to present to you the future ruler of this country and future queen…" I felt the weight of the, surprisingly, heavy, jeweled tiara on top of my red up do. "Princess Sora Takenouchi Olivarez!"

Applause rang out. The cheers and whistles met my ears, and I nearly cried at how supportive the people were. Dad pulled me to my feet, wrapping me in an enormous hug. "Congratulations, hija. It is finally coming true!"

This was easier than I thought.

He turned me towards the crowd, and the prime minister pushed me forward in front of the microphone. "Princesa Sora will now make a speech!"

WHAT?

The cheers increased, and I had to do everything I could not to scream. Speech? I knew this was too easy.

I stared out into the crowd with absolutely no idea what to do. Everyone gradually quieted down and was waiting for me to say something, anything. "Go ahead," Dad nudged from behind.

"Um…wow…I don't really know what to say. No one informed me that I'd…um…have to make a speech."

Devil ears were sprouting out of Grams head, and I could feel the heat of hell behind me. I continued on, though. This may not be how a princess is supposed to behave; I'm no normal princess, though.

The laughter of those in the crowd gave me a burst of motivation. They caught the joke; this might not be so bad. "I guess I should say thank you to all of you for being so supportive of me. You don't know much about me but you've chosen to look past that and you've accepted me into your kingdom, to be your future leader. That says a lot about your character and that of the Isle. It'll be an honor just to be here with all of you. Right now, I'm far from knowing the things I need to know to do my job in the future. But I'm learning, thanks to the help of some very important people in my life. I want to learn everything I can about the land and you, the people, because you are the most important part…"

One person in the very back began to applaud and soon the action carried over. People were cheering and screaming. Little children were waving pompoms of various colors. It seemed like they all appreciated what I said. "That's all I have right now. I really just want to express how thankful I am to you for giving me a chance."

I backed away from the microphone, signifying the end of my impromptu speech. In the background I heard the prime minister smiling and speaking to the crowd about something or other.

My first task was complete. I am officially now the Crown Princess of PPI. I hope that looks good on any resume I should have, should I remain in the US for another few years. That's another thing I need to find out. But I have one priority before that: I need to talk to Yama…

"Sora, where did they get this music at?"

I laughed at Taichi's expression as we danced to like the umpteenth waltz the symphony had played since the dance started over twenty-five minutes ago. Every type of waltz, promenade or old-fashioned dance had made its presence known. That was starting to bug the younger generation.

"Grams warned us about this,"

"I know, it's just," he looked both ways to make sure that—for once—no one was taking notice of us. "This is so boring. I have a cd I brought with me, and I'm looking for a chance to slip it in…"

"…good luck and do that at your own risk. Dad or Grams will hunt you down if they find out you're the culprit."

"We just need a bit of a twenty-first century flow and…Sora!"

My eyes flashed back to him. "Huh? What were you saying?"

"Sora, I know you've been waiting for a really long time to see your boy toy, but another few minutes won't kill you."

"Why does Dad want to talk to him again? He hogged him all day yesterday."

"Calm down; he probably just wants to have a few more words with Yamato. How am I supposed to know? You'll get your chance, though." The final beats of the waltz sounded and the bushy-haired teen, hair tamed the best it could be for this day, let out a sigh. "Thank God it's over. Now I've got to go find away to get this cd in the mix when the orchestra takes a break." He had a glint in his eye, looking like a boy who was ready to go spike the punch at a wild party. Tai kissed my hand and grinned. "Go get him, Princess."

I rolled my eyes. "Good luck. If you get caught, I have no power to get you out."

"I won't get caught!" he yelled with a hand in the air.

This is it. I could see Yamato standing in a far corner of the room, politely conversing with Dad and Mom. Since when did Mom get over there? Oh well, it was my job to get him away from them and to me.

Casually, declining the offer of a few young men to dance, I glided over to where they were standing. "Sora, how are things going?" Mom enthusiastically asked. "This party is fantastic!"

"Things are fine, Mom. I'm having lots of fun. The Isle certainly knows how to throw a party, Dad."

"I'm glad you agree. That's just what Yamato was telling me."

The blond gave me an irresistible grin, and this seemed like the perfect time to drown in the poof, melting from how handsome he looked. From what I gathered, he seemed very comfortable talking to my parents, not wanting to get out of there either.

But I was going to make him.

"Is it alright if I steal Yamato for awhile? I want to show him around some of the sights of the castle?"

"Of course, sweetie…" "Well, we were in the middle of a conversation…"

The answers spit out at once. I looked between the yes vote—Mom—and the no—go figure it was Dad. "Haruhiko, let him go. You can bore him with your information later."

Yama beamed at Dad. "You weren't boring me, King Olivarez. I'll catch up with you at a later time and we can discuss it more in detail. I've been itching to see some of the sights around the castle. Tai's been rubbing it in my face that he knows all this stuff and I don't."

"That sounds like fun," Mom encouraged, putting her arm on his shoulder. "Let them be kids, Haruhiko…"

"…fine." Dad finally relented, upset he had lost this argument. "We'll talk later. Run along, both of you. But try and be back for the ringing in of New Year's."

"No promises; we may be out in the gardens at that time." I called back, looking at the large makeshift clock outside. 11:45.

Dad took a deep breath. Apparently Mom's easygoing attitude was wearing him down. "Alright, but be back as soon as you can."

I winked at the singer and linked my arm through his, reminding him he had to look like my escort. We walked along the beach path, and I took a detour away from the party. And the gardens.

"I have a feeling you didn't pull me out of here to sightsee."

"How'd Dad's third degree go?"

He beamed at me, pulling his arm free but instead wrapping his hand with mine as we walked along the beachfront set apart from the party. "It was nothing serious. Your dad is a good guy. We got along pretty nicely. He was just telling me about the music program here on the Isle when I told him I got accepted at Julliard."

"You got accepted?" I stopped walking, bringing us both to a halt.

"They gave me word immediately after I had finished my performances. I pushed it to the back of my mind until your father asked me what my future plans were."

His hands found both of mine, and he turned me to look at him, layers of poof flowing around me. "I guess we're going to be around thousands of miles away from each other then. You in New York and me here."

He grinned despite the situation. "Actually it's going to be New York to Chicago, so it won't really be that far."

"Wait? Chicago? But I thought I was staying here."

His expression grew sheepish. "Pretend I didn't say that."

I wasn't going to let him forget it. "What do you mean? I'm supposed to stay here on the Isle. That's what Dad told me."

He had already dug himself a hole and we both knew he couldn't escape it. That would be like me trying to keep myself drowning in the poof anytime I look at him. Yamato's hair was gelled back and sticking up at all odd angles, looking windblown and a bit sexy. He was decked out in a jet black tuxedo, as were all my other male friends, except, unlike them, he chose not to wear a tie. Instead, the first few buttons were undone, giving him a little rebellious look. It was impossible not to drown when looking at him. Match that in with his adorable facial expressions, and I had officially become poof as well.

"Well, you're not supposed to find this out for another few days, but your Dad has decided you can stay in the United States through college, making frequent visits here, of course. And you'll be spending your summers here, too."

"So will you." I automatically said, biting my lip for letting the last bit slip.

"Oh really?" his tone was playful and it didn't look as if he was questioning it. Rather, he looked amused.

I decided to play along.

"Dad told me I could invite you guys here over any holiday or anytime I wish for you all to come visit me."

"Really?"

"Really. And I expect you to be here."

"Why's that?"

My eyes molded into a glare. "Because…of this…"

I released my hands from his grasp, leaning up and wrapping them tightly around his neck, pulling him to me and capturing his lips in one fluid motion. The act took us both by surprise, but it didn't stay that way. I moved closer to him and kissed him with as much passion as longing as I held within me. He let out a growl and returned it with equal fervor, opening my lips and attacking my tongue.

I don't know when one of us pulled away or how long it had been. We were both lost in the kiss, floating off the ground in the power it held and in the meaning.

"Because…" I panted, deciding it was time, "because I'm falling in love with you."

I wasn't sure what his reaction would be. To some guys, love is a subject you never breech. There's a fine line there, and you don't cross it or even put a foot near it. To others, they can get soft for the moment, but then freak out and get all commitment phobic. That's the most common one. Others tend to go soft and then get all clingy and pathetic. Some turn into love struck fools. Some are completely cool with it and things work out in fairy tale mode.

I now know what mode Yamato Ishida falls under.

His eyes and expression was unreadable. I was waiting for some sort of sign that he comprehended what I said but received none. Just as I was ready to repeat the words, hoping he'd heard me, he made a motion.

It wasn't a speech or a repetition of some words. "I never got a chance to give you your Christmas present."

That's it? Those were the only words he muttered. Yama reached a hand into his tux pocket and pulled out a velvet box. That can't be a bad sign, right?

"Go ahead; open it."

"I feel bad," I tried to stall for time, hoping I'd get some other response out of him. "Your gift is up inside. Shouldn't I wait to open this till then."

"No, I want you to open it now. Please?"

Damn patented faces. Slowly, I opened up the case, hearing him offer an apology for it not being wrapped in the background.

"Oh God…how much did this cost you, Yama?"

"It really wasn't that expensive," he assured me in a gentle tone. "I saw it in a store a couple weeks ago and knew it was perfect for you."

I pulled the necklace out of the box. It was a heart outline made of white gold with a small blue diamond hanging in the middle. "Not a lot? Seriously, you've got to be kidding me!"

"I've got connections. A friend of a friend of a friend runs this nice store and told me he could get his employee discount. Add that into the fact that Takeru owed me some money…it wasn't that much. And I would've spent that much on you if none of those other circumstances popped up."

I fingered the necklace, flipping it over to marvel it. That's when surprise number two kicked in. "Yama…I…"

He took the jewelry from me, holding up the back to the bit of light we got from the tiki torches in the distance. "I guess it's kind of obvious what my answer is."

I reached my hand up to touch the engraved back YI + ST and smiled at him. My hand moved back, instead going up to my neck to take off the $5000 of bling Gram made me wear with my dress. "I think this belongs up here."

"You'd ditch those for this?"

"Any day,"

His grin spoke for both of us. Yama secured the necklace around my neck, and looked me in the eye. "So you don't care about the distance issue or the fact that I'm eighteen and considered an adult while you're still a minor?"

"Did Dad bring that up?" I quizzically asked. "Since when has that been an issue for us?"

"No, I was expecting him to, but he never really breached the age subject."

"Why should it matter then? I'll be seventeen in May and eighteen in fewer than two years. You and I really are under two years apart. My parents won't care about that too much. And we can tackle all the things. Remember, I have my own pilot who can fly me to you or vice versa."

Yamato beamed like a child on Christmas. "Well then, I don't know why I was worrying…"

In the background, the area was suddenly illuminated, large shouts coming from the crowd. "TEN…NINE…EIGHT!"

"Did you know that the person whose arms you are in when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve is the person you're supposed to be with for all time?"

I had no idea why I said that. "In that case, you'd better come here then."

He pulled me into his arms again and kissed me to the sounds of, "ONE…HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

I released him moments later and rested my head against his. "What is it? Why'd you have to break the kiss? I was enjoying it," he whined like a child the moment Christmas is over.

"Do you hear that music?"

Yamato's face contorted. "That's not what they were playing before."

Our eyes shifted to the dance floor where one lone individual was going all out, signing along with the words of the song "I Love Rock and Roll" and drawing everyone's attention.

Apparently Yamato and I didn't have the only fairy tale finale…

A/N:dances ecstatically: Sorry for the long wait, but I think I made up for it with a long chapter. And good news: only one more chapter to go! This story's been on an incredibly long, winding ride—at one point it looked like it had hit a dead end too—but now here we are at the end. Tell me what you guys think of it. Unlike a few of my other stories, there will NOT be a sequel of any sort. I'm all idea-ed out. But rest assured, I'm saving all my creative powers for Artistic Differences, once I finish writing a 4-page paper for my Literature class. And once I finish celebrating Homecoming—we won our football game earlier tonight (for the second year in a row), dance tomorrow and trying to figure out if our float got disqualified for the 4th year in a row. But enough of that; please review and tell me what you think! Oh, I don't own either of the songs mentioned and apologies for any errors; I'm proofing this very late on Friday night. Please review!