Beautiful moment between Max and Saori...best way to wrap up Max's 12th birthday!

Chapter 29: Watching the Fireworks from Afar

While the fireworks kept going on, Max and Saori snuck away from the crowd and headed to the steps of the Sacred Peach Tree to watch them from a distance and as they sat down, both of them were watching the night sky being surrounded by fireworks and Max pulls out his bandana and wraps it around his head and looks at Saori with a smile and the white tigress looked at him with the bandana on and she just giggles a little bit and she said, "You look handsome with it."

"Thanks." Max said, happily.

Saori looks up at Max and she said, "How did you like your 12th birthday?"

"I loved every single minute of it! It's everything that I thought it would be, but I love it when everything's so unexpected. At first, I never wanted everyone to make a big fuss about it because I never wanted anyone to go above and beyond to make it extravagant. Just to keep it simple. But I got the best of both parties. Simple and just amazingly awesome. It's really cool to have everything I need and share it with the people in my life." Max said, very humbly.

Saori was happy to see Max so happy and both tigers are way happier around each other and she said, "Well...I'm glad to hear that. I just hope that whatever time we have left, we can spend it with each other before you leave for the Valley of Peace."

Then, Max sees that Saori's a little sad about Max leaving one day, but he knows that his heart will never leave her at all and he knelt on her side and said, "I'll come by and visit you a lot. You will never feel like you're alone."

"I know. It's just that it won't be the same." Saori replied.

"Saori...you're the only girl for me and I would never trade you nor leave you for anything. Whatever time we have, it will always be treasured. Maybe when you and Akashi visit Shanghai Secluded Valley, you'll find me there. But just know that there is one part of me that will always stay with you...my heart will stay with you as yours will stay in mine." Max said, looking at her in the eyes.

Both tigers looked at each other in the eye and all of Max's comforting words started sinking in and it made Saori feel at ease and both of them kissed each other on the lips so tenderly and it was like neither of them wanted to let go of each other, especially on a special day like this. After they kissed, Saori looked at Max and she said, "I love you."

"I love you too." Max whispered.

"Awwww!" everyone exclaimed.

Both tigers looked up and noted that all of Max's friends, family and the Jade Palace masters and students caught them kissing under the Peach Tree and both of them were completely embarrassed that they got caught and Max said, "I knew they would come in!"

"You two just can't keep away from each other, don't you?" asked Akashi, folding his arms.

Saori scoffs at her brother and she said, "My heart beats for Max."

"Well...on that note, Max...how did you enjoy your birthday?" asked Shifu.

"It was awesome. Thank you, everyone! This birthday has been one of the most meaningful than I've ever had and I deeply express my gratitude for everyone who's made it special." Max said, smiling.

"Here's to making this moment last forever because you're awesome!" Po exclaimed.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAXIMUS!" everyone cheered.

Stay tuned for the alternate ending!