[I updated Chapter 11 yesterday, but somehow did not show it on the main page :'D, so for those who have missed reading it, it's up now :3]

"I hope this is okay," Sakura muttered to herself, watching the mirror. She spun around, looking her form in the dress from every angle. It was a dark red dress adorned with laces. It underlined her elegant posture. The Japanese's hair was tied in a bun, a small flower clipped in it, matching her red lips. Claiming that she was nervous for the upcoming evening was an understatement.
The clock almost struck seven as Arthur waited in his car in front of her house. He almost stopped breathing when he saw her exiting the house. His gaze did not cease form her as she got into his car.

"W-wow, y-you look," he whispered, clearing his throat. "Y-you look s-stunning." Sakura's face brightened. Her small grin turned into a big smile, while her face's colour matched Arthur's. "T-Thank you."

The Brit tried with every fibre of his body to not glimpse at her too often while driving. He had thought her adorable and cute, but today she looked absolutely breath-taking. "A-Are you excited?"

"W-What?" she was startled by his question. But of course she was excited and nervous; he would confess to her tonight and the girl would reciprocate his feelings.

Arthur detected her strange expression – although he did not quite understand why – and clarified his inquiry once again. "I-I mean for tonight's party and event."

The blonde was a little confused of why she would wear such a startled look on her face. It did not help him at all, considering that he would openly admit his feelings to her tonight. They arrived at the Kirkland household, loud music shaking the building while familiar people were streaming into the house. Sakura's friends detected her as she and Arthur entered the house. Felicia rushed to the Japanese, hugging her tightly. "You're absolutely gorgeous."

"T-Thank you. You look beautiful too."

Both chatted while Ludwig looked around; probably looking for the bar to get a beer. Arthur felt a little out of place and left the two girls to chat alone. He would need a drink to calm his nerves, especially for the later part of the night. Walking to the kitchen, he grabbed a beer trying to avoid anyone's questions and weird glimpses. Nevertheless, Arthur could not stop himself from observing Sakura through the open kitchen door. For him, she was the most stunning person in the house and every time she smiled, the room would lighten up. He could picture himself next to her, holding hands together, but dismissed the thought quickly. If she would feel the same way as he did, he would be the happiest man in the world.

"You need to tell her," Francis whispered in his ear, too close for Arthur's comfort. "What do you want?" The Brit hissed once again, getting annoyed every time the Frenchman was indicating something about his love for Sakura.

"It is obvious that you love her. Go on," Francis pressed, "I have a bet to win."

The last sentence got him a nudge in the rips. "You made a bloody bet?"

Francis laughed heart fully, "You don't think I am the only one, don't you?"

Arthur's fingers pinched his bridge of the nose. "Are you bloody jesting? Please do not tell me that you made a wager with our classmates?"

"Well, Emily started it," Francis slapped his shoulder, "but honestly, I think the two of you would be cute. You two are made for each other."

Silence filled the room before Francis continued mischievously, "And she does look really nice today."

That was all it took for the punk get angry and to disappear out of the room. He found her quickly and stayed with her, talking and making jokes. He did not leave her side for the rest of the evening; glancing darkly at every present male who dared to look at her with a wink or smirk

.

Time was passing by and it was thirty past eleven. Only thirty minutes left until the New Year would begin. By now the Brit was clenching his fists; sweat drops were rolling down his forehead, his shoulders tense to the point where no massage in the world could relax them. It was time to tell her.

He waited for everyone to get on the terrace and in the gardens to shot the fireworks in the sky. At that moment, the music would be turned off and they would be alone. When Emily exclaimed loudly to get outside for the upcoming festivities, Arthur softly grabbed Sakura's hand. Fixating the floor, he told her to come with him upstairs to the balcony. He was relieved as she nodded and followed him. Although Sakura knew what was going to happen, her fingers shook just like his.

"H-Here is a blanket, because it is still a little fresh outside," he told her with a caring tone, taking the fabric out of a dresser before they walked to the balcony. The blanket was put on her by him; his tinted cheeks and averted gaze made her smile which he noticed seconds afterwards. "Y-You are smiling."

She nodded still a little shaky. "y-you are always so caring when it comes to my well-being."

"I can't help myself," he confessed, mimicking her smile; his blush still present. "I only want the best for you." The atmosphere had shifted from casual to seriousness as he gazed into her eyes. 'Now or never,' he told himself, trying to calm his nerves a little.

"S-Sakura, I need to tell you s-something."

He let go of the blanket around her shoulders and rubbed his neck with one of his free hands. Despite the darkness outside, the colour on his face was visible. "I-I – er – I."

He hesitated, his words failing him; apparently the beer had not stabilised his nervous state, if anything, the drink has worsened it. Neither di Sakura's big lovely eyes help. He wanted to scream it out to the world, tell her why he was not only smitten by her but genuinely in love with her; just like he did days ago when he spoke to Emily. But the words did not want to come out. "I…," he began before steading himself with one hand on the banister. "Darn it, w-why is this so hard." Arthur turned his head to see Sakura struggling with herself. "D-Don't be so harsh on yourself," she encouraged him but the poor boy could not open his mouth again.

"This is ridiculous," he murmured, not expecting her to hear it. Sakura cringed a little, but told herself that he had problems expressing himself properly. "It is not," she whispered, "it's not ridiculous."

Upon hearing her soft voice, his turned back around, giving her his full attention. Sakura decided to speak for him. All the past months he had spoken for her when somebody was bothering her, now it was her turn to form the words for the man she had fallen in love with. "I-I know it is hard to express how you feel and to show your true feelings," she eyed him attentive, "You have spoken for me for months now, but now it's time for me to do the same for you." The Japanese thought about her own words and decided to structure her confession in the same order he did. At first she would list all the things about him that made her love him, before saying the three most important words.

Confusion was everything Arthur's face showed; he was not aware of her intentions.

"I-I was never aware of your kindness, protective manner or warmness. After I got to get to know you, I discovered all these traits which I hold close to my heart. You have a unique soul, Arthur," she closed her eyes shortly and breathes through her mouth, calming her racing heart. "Some may disapprove your quirks, but I really love them. They make me laugh and somehow calm me down. Others would say that your impulsive temper is exhausting and making them feel uncomfortable. I don't know why but I love how it makes me smile every time. I always have the need to calm you down afterwards; it is a part of you. A-and that smile of yours, makes me forget everything evil in the world."

Arthur stood frozen in his place; his mind was as racing just like his heart. 'Could it be, that she loves me too,' he mused, hoping with every pray to let it be true. Sakura continued, looking straight into his eyes, "A-and your eyes, such green eyes. They reflect your soul and whenever I gaze into them, I forget everything around me. It's only you and me in a timeless room."

Beside the speaking sounds of people in the garden, Sakura swore that he could hear her heart throbbing in her own chest. "Y-You complete me; my soul. You've been a hero for me for the past months and I want to be the same for you. I don't care if you cannot cook or swim, I can do that for you, teach you, and share it with you," she gulped, staring right in his soul. "Because I love you."

Arthur forgot everything around him as she uttered those three words. Without thinking, he strode forward, cupped her face and leaned down. His lips brushed hers; his arms encircling her body, pulling her to him. It was a sweet kiss and he pulled back quickly, his face brightened by a grand smile. "I love you too… I wanted to tell you this, but I never thought I would be this happy," he leaned his forehead against hers, "you make me so happy."

Sakura's expression matched his. "I-I overheard you, days ago. W-when you confessed to Emily, I-I was kind of in the hall, i-it was not on –"

He held her tighter, spinning her around in a lovely embrace. "So, you knew how I feel," his eyes fix on hers while his hand was stroking her cheek. "I was so afraid of facing rejection, but I know better now." He could not help but smile until his mouth would hurt. Only seconds afterwards, the first firework lightened the sky. "Happy new year, my dear," he whispered, kissing her lightly. She smiled against his lips.

Emily and Marguerite grinned from behind the balcony doors. "Finally, they are a couple now," the former one exclaimed happily. Marguerite smiled devilishly, "Sakura confessed first, so where are my twenty euros?"

Emily smirked, her sister surely was mischievous, stretching her hand to her sister, she handed her the money. "Francis and Felicia owe you too," the American chided, before pulling her sister downstairs. They did not want to interrupt the new couple, who observed the fireworks in each other's arms.

[A/N: Yey :D here is is :D I just really adore that ship :D and I decided to make an Epilogue :D (it's already written but I will post it tomorrow :D)]

Reply to Review:

pastaaddict: Punk Darcy would be funny xD Punk and Prejudice ~~

Guest: Thank you :D