Title: Crossroads
Part: Chapter 7 - Crossroads

Author: Kazelei
Disclaimer: Do Not Own Any of the Characters
Pairing: SenRu
Genre: Angst

A/N: Wah! So, this is the last chapter. Hope you've had a good time reading my story and well, thanks for everything, for reading, reviewing, watching out for the next update and finally, we've come to the end of the journey, this story is all over. And ever wonder why the title is CROSSROADS? Now you'll understand. So, scroll down and…read!

Chapter 7 – Crossroads

Barely a month had passed.

A month spent for searching heart donors that would help Kaede.

Akira has contacted his loyal friends to help but nothing happened.

Mitsui on the other hand did the same thing but still, they weren't successful in finding one.

While Kaede, Kaede is getting worse as days pass by.

Akira watched him as he lay asleep by the bed together with all the necessary life support that he needs. Kaede wakes up and looks up at Akira.

Akira smiles, giving Kaede an assuring smile.

"It's ok Kaede, you'll get well soon."

"Akira, will you do me a favor?"

"Ok. What is it?"

"Can you take me by the beach? Can you play basketball with me? Can you watch the sunset with me?"

"We will, Kaede, as soon as you get well," Akira answered holding Kaede's hands.

"No. I mean now, I missed the fresh air. I'm getting sicker with all these medicine and hospital stuffs…please?" as Kaede tried his best to convince Akira.

"But…How about Mitsui? He'll get mad?"

"No, he won't know that we went out. We'll be back before he comes…please?"

"Ok. But Kaede, promise me one thing…"

"What?"

"Be strong, okay?"

Kaede didn't answer Akira. He just reached for Akira's handsome face and gave Akira a chaste kiss on the lips.

On the beach…

They were able to play basketball at a court nearby.

They did not have their usual one-on-ones but Akira was there assisting Kaede in his shots. Though drained of strength, Kaede still was able to shoot the ball perfectly into the ring. He could still do a jump shot, a lay-up shot, and even a slam dunk.

However, roughly after seven minutes, Kaede was already panting so hard. Akira has to stop him and they walk hand in hand by the beach.

The sun was already setting. It brought an enticing view to the sky. Its red orange rays that signify the end of a day and the start of the night cast out a nice color at the horizon. Kaede stopped and faced the setting sun, enticed by the view, then he faced Akira.

"Akira…"

"Hmn…"

"The sunset's beautiful."

"I know. But you are more beautiful."

"I know…" as Kaede smiled.

"Hey! That's new…"

"Nope, I know I am beautiful to you."

"You're right, you are really beautiful," as Akira caressed Kaede's cheek.

"Yare Yare, Akira."

"Hmn…"

"If I die…"

"Hush! Don't say such things! You will live okay? We will find a heart donor."

"B..but.. it's barely seven days more…if we won't be able to find a heart donor…"

"Kaede, I thought you promised…"

Kaede just closed his eyes.

"I know, but sometimes I can't take the pain anymore. Sometimes I feel like its better if I die so that I won't feel the pain…even the medicines won't take it away anymore. Aki, I'm trying…desperately trying but I cannot hold on to forever, I…"

But before he could continue what he's saying, Akira has already captured his lips for one searing kiss.

"Akira, what if I can't hold on anymore? Will you let me go?"

"I won't. You promised remember?"

"But…what if I can't? I'm already tired Akira. Perhaps this is where my life is up to. Perhaps we couldn't do anything. Akira, death does not take me away from you. I'll always be with you. I won't leave you as promised. Aki, I'm already tired."

"No! Kaede please! You love me don't you? Don't do these. If you die, I'll die. Don't you know, our destinies are entwined. We are one Kaede." As Akira embraced Kaede in a possessive manner.

"You will live Kaede. Don't lose hope."

'Akira, I'm desperately trying to live for you, for us. But you are not me, you can't feel the agony I'm going through. It's really painful. I hope you can move on when I'm gone. We have to face reality. What if within a week, no heart donor is still found? I won't have any chance anymore. Akira I Love You,' as he reciprocated Akira's embrace with a tight one.

'Let's hope Kaede. If I could take away the pain that you are feeling right now, I would, if there's only a way. Please Kaede I don't know how to move on without you.'

"Akira"

"Kaede"

"My heart only beats for you and you alone and even if my heart stops beating, always remember, that you're still the one that I'll love from here to eternity."

"I Love You Too, Kaede."

'I cannot hold on forever Akira. Seven days more, I think I should start my count down. If not for you Akira, I may have surrendered in the hands of death earlier. But you're the reason why I'm still alive, you give me strength, you give me hope…'

'Kaede please, don't give up the fight. Please live for the both of us. Don't give up. We will be able to find a heart donor. You will live. You have to…'

'Let's face the reality…'

'Let's hope…'

"Kaede, let's not lose hope, miracles happen."

"Do miracles really happen, Akira?"

The End

A/N: So that's the end. Hehe, were you expecting a happy ending or a sad ending? Told ya, the story would turn out into something that you're not expecting to happen. Well, honestly, this chapter was finished last month but I just haven't had the time to proof read and edit. Wahah! Hope, you've had a wonderful read. I hope I surprised you. Now you guys have a part in this story…what is that? If you want a happy ending then you can have the happy ending that you want and if you want a sad ending, you can also have the sad ending that you want? Who knows, someone also wants a tragic ending or a magical ending. It all depends on your imagination guys.