Merry Christmas or whatever it is you celebrate. It's been a good year and here's to many more.

-Epilogue-

If you don't want to talk to me, I understand. But there's a lot I need to say, so I hope you'll at least listen. In case Lloyd didn't pass on the message when he gave you my letter: I'm sorry.

For a few things.

I'm sorry for keeping my trip from you. I didn't want to upset you and, once you turned down my invitation, I didn't know what to do or how it would affect our standing. I want you here with me. And maybe I'm being selfish, but I believe with all my heart that that's where you belong.

On that note, I'm also sorry for breaking my word and going to speak with your boss. I had to do something, Miku. I don't want to lose you. You're one of the few people who see past Luka the pop star and see Luka the person. I'd rather have spent one moment holding you than a lifetime knowing I never could. For once in my life, I didn't have to try-to be someone else, to be charming, to be happy. When I'm with you, it just happens. I want to be the reason behind your smile because you're the reason behind mine.

Please reconsider my invitation. I've taken care of everything.

Yours,

Luka

"Everything" had included essentially buying Miku's freedom as well as paying her way to the UK, where she'd personally overseen the purchase of new clothing and other essentials to replace the ones she'd left behind. The numbers made her dizzy when she tried to keep track of them, but Luka had seemed nonplussed, her fingers wound through Miku's as they navigated the narrow streets back to her flat.

The chain of events had happened so quickly Miku hadn't even had a chance to stop and consider the emotional debt she now owed the woman who had essentially granted her a second lease on life.

Miku rolled onto her side and buried her fingers in the long pink tresses of her bedmate, angling the girl's face and kissing her deeply. When Miku pulled away, Luka's cheeks were pink and her gaze was unfocused.

"What was that for?"

Miku smiled. "I was just thinking."

"About?" Blue eyes were curious.

"You."

They exchanged another tender kiss, cuddling closer beneath the thick fleece blanket. There had been a cold snap earlier that week.

"Are you happy?" Luka'd asked that question every day for a month now-as though she couldn't believe that Miku was here and that they were together. Sometimes, Miku had trouble believing it herself.

"I've never been happier," Miku confessed.

Over the past few weeks they'd explored the area, a small town on the outskirts of Westminster, hand in hand. They'd dined, shopped, chatted, and otherwise appreciated the change of scenery together. On occasion, Miku had seen a small smile on Luka's lips- painstakingly beautiful in its unguarded openness-that made her heart skip a beat. The reality of dating a pop star hadn't yet hit her. Though Luka was due on stage the next morning in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, live and on TV, it still felt like they were just two young women who cared very much for one another. A normal couple.

She'd have to face that reality some day, she knew. But for now?

Miku squeezed Luka's hand, her body warm and her heart full. The arms that encircled her waist made her feel safe and she sighed happily.

For now, everything was perfect.

-End-