"… so, they arrived at their hotel, exhausted from a day of fun and excitement. They had some energy left, and decided to see where the rest of the night would lead-"

Ryuuji interrupted. "Ok, I think that's enough."

"Not getting embarrassed on us Takasu?" snarked Ami.

"No, it's just- the kids, and- uh- tea!"

Ryuuji handed the guests a cup of tea as they all stood up to stretch their legs. He was about to take some to the girls but noticed they were already fast asleep. Everyone, becoming aware of how late it was, quietened down as they started collecting all their things.

Taiga hadn't stood up since the story had finished and continued dazing out of the window into the night. As Ryuuji handed her a cup of tea, she looked towards him.

"Hey Ryuuji, do you think we're still here for a reason?"

Taiga had one of two moods when she was tired. Either her untamed narcissism was unleashed upon Ryuuji in fits of anger and hostility, or, she went deep, if not philosophical, where her and Ryuuji would often connect on an emotional level. Thankfully, she was in the latter state this night.

"What do you mean-"

"It's just, I've been thinking about God lately."

"I didn't know you were religious Taiga?" said Ami.

"I went to a Catholic middle-school. My mother is Catholic, and I guess it's always been a part of me. But one thing I remember is that they used to talk about how God had our whole life planned out. How everything has a purpose."

Minori, seeing where this was going, walked over.

"You think you're still here so you can go see your dad?"

"Maybe."

"Well, I'm still not sure about it" said Ryuuji, "I have bad memories about what happened last time. I mean, I thought you'd feel the same Minori?"

"I thought I would as well. I think every time I saw him of how he took advantage of my Taiga and her dependence. He tried to get her back in his life for his own selfish reasons; played with her young heart. That's what worried me Takasu. I didn't want her to ever think that's how she should be treated. But she has you now. She doesn't need him to make her happy…"

Minori lowered her head and whispered to herself. "…she doesn't need me."

"I'll always need you Minori" said Taiga as she came and gave Minori a hug. Taiga's small head rested on Minori's chest as she embraced her friend.

"I'm ok Taiga. These past few years I've just realized how important it is to cherish the moments you have and enjoy the company of everyone in your life. Whether that be your family, or your sports team."

Minori wiped away a few tears that had slid down her cheek, and then turned back to Ryuuji.

"You've supported her Takasu, and she's grown and strengthened with you beside her. And now that I think of it, it comes back to what Ami said earlier: perhaps you're still trying to protect her."

He looked over to Taiga who had her arms wrapped around Minori. She had that look on her face. Her strength beamed from somewhere deep inside her, but it was cloaked in a sense of love and care.

She really had grown. No longer was she the needy girl who had relied on Ryuuji to care for her. He looked now and realized the capable, beautiful, determined woman she'd become. In some ways, he'd always seen that potential in her, but perhaps he was still living in the past. Trying to shield her from the rest of the world; not realizing she was ready to shine in it.

"Ok" he replied, to which Taiga smiled. Suddenly her face changed to concern as she looked over to her children turning into dominoes. Ah, the girls have school in the morning and it's quite late as it is.

Ryuuji went to go take them to bed, but Taiga held him back, implying she was going to do it.

"It is your birthday after all" she said with a wink.

Taiga said her goodbyes, then scooping up the girls, carried them into their room and shut the door behind her. Breaking the silence that had settled into the room, Minori made the first steps towards the door.

"Well, I should be heading home. We've got a game tomorrow, and I'm already zonked and bloated from so much food. Thank you for a great night Takasu, and for dinner. I hope we were able to make your birthday that bit more special."

"I had a great time" replied Ryuuji.

Kitamura rose his hand.

"Hey, let me walk you home Kushieda. I'm staying near where you live."

Minori blushed slightly but obliged. Looking back to the group she saluted.

"Uh. So fair well guys. My phone's always free if you ever wanna chat!", and just like that she and Yusaku were out the door and into the darkness of the night.

One by one, the rest of the guests left. Haruta tiptoed out, being cautious not to wake the girls, and Noto marched off beside him. Maya gave Ryuuji a hug goodbye, then took off after her husband who almost seemed like he had forgotten about her.

Ami was the last to leave. She stood in the doorway, facing away from him. She handed him a small package that was tied with a green bow.

"I didn't know if we were bringing presents or not."

As he opened it, a small book revealed itself. A travel guide, signed by some famous novelist named Matt. Just another sign that perhaps it was time to move.

"You did say you were a few steps ahead of me."

"Always" she replied, "except, now it's more like a marathon."

She remained looking away from him, and her voice remained monotone, so Ryuuji couldn't tell if she was joking or not.

"Well, see ya" she said quickly as she was about to walk off. But Ryuuji grabbed her arm, forcing her to turn around. He noticed a tear in her eye, but she did her best to hide it.

Ryuuji stood stern.

"I meant what I said back at graduation. If you ever need a friend, I'm here for you"

Ami pondered his words for a while, and then making eye contact she said, "I know Takasu. It's just… sometimes you need more than a friend."

She pulled her hand free and smiled at him.

"And sometimes, you just need yourself."

She walked down the stairs and into the night behind the others.

"Take care of yourself Ryuuji."

Ryuuji shut the door. You too Kawashima.

He made his way back through the house, walking into the girls' room to find Taiga asleep against the wall. He could smell something and looked down to see she was still holding onto her tea. She'd spilt it after dozing off, staining her dress and some of Toi's blanket.

Klutz, he thought while smiling. This is going to be hard to get out.

But noticing her and the girls sleeping soundly, he thought it best to not worry about it until the morning. He lifted his wife and carried her to the door of the room. He glanced back around briefly, seeing his three little angels all lying next to each other. Though, they only ever acted like angels when they were asleep. With the smile still stuck on his face, he looked up to the heavens in an act of gratitude, and then closed the door. He carried Taiga back to their room, got her changed out of her dress and into a night gown, and pulled the blanket over her.

"Happy birthday Ryuuji. Love you." she slowly murmured, still half asleep.

In a moment he'd go clean the dishes, lock up the house, the usual stuff. But he took this moment to really remember the promise he made to himself back at the wedding. He didn't have to ponder for long to realize how thankful he was for his life. Even before he'd met Taiga, his life had been leading him to this moment. Perhaps God did have a plan for their life… for his life. He knew what ever happened, he'd always be the dragon to her tiger; he'd be the father he never had, and the husband Taiga needed. They'd had their beginning, and now it was time to move forward.

"I love you too Taiga."

Because that's the way it's meant to be.