Epilogue: Ten years later

By: Seravy

Dedicated to: Nagumo

Happy New Year to you, O'Evil One, Asian Overlord

Infamous Rene: Thanks! And seems like I made it before New Years! (a day earlier but I guess it makes up for the late Christmas)

HimeISN: Thanks for such a positive review! Put a grin on my face and a crown on my ego (hope ego doesn't get too big, heh) And I agree… I think we need a little more variety too… as much as I love Shizuru to death, it's nice to see other stuff too. Chie and Aoi especially need a little more love. They're really quite amusing people and probably deal with the more everyday non-HiME part of things.

Idubovercds: thank you for reading and the positive review!

Paxbanana: wow… thanks for all the encouragement. You're too kind! Oh, and I've been reading The Chase… I really like how much thought you've put into Shizuru's background and Natsuki's growth although, to me, there seemed to be too many OCs in there. I'll leave a more detailed review later (internet and computer not very friendly these days..)

Midorihitomi: And here's the epilogue. Hope you like it!

The 13th Knight: yeah… that's kindda my rule… the bigger the angst the happier the ending… if I read an angst fic, I prefer to have that happy ending… feels too sad to see a sad ending after all the emotional suffering…

Royal Destiny: Glad you liked it!

Kieli: HEY YOU!!! I think it was mostly because this was a fresh topic for me and I had a lot of room to work with seeing as not much was given about these two. But really, I couldn't have done it without you… and hope you don't mind but the epilogue has a little something that you once shared with me.

June Love: Yep! Chie and Aoi does look cute together! They feel like a solid couple to me.

Itanshi: Thank you for reading! Nice to hear that everything worked out in the fic. Big relieve on my part.

LunarMiko07: Might have disappointed you in the couple department as the amount of Chie/Aoi in the epilogue isn't much… I mostly focused on Chie and her development

mecurianangel: thanks for the noticing the HiME specials! It's what this fic started upon

throwing-dynamite: LOL! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm! Made me feel quite energetic after reading it… but…uhh… just making sure… you'll be cleaning up after yourself right? (I'm not very good at hiding exploding body parts)

Thanks to all who have read this. Great to know that people do like Chie and Aoi!

Epilogue: Ten years later

Higushi Mitsugi. Nineteen. Summer intern for Mainichi Shinbun. There, this young lanky college student got a job that most would cheat, lie, murder and die to attain while he himself would cheat, lie, murder and suicide to get out of. (Metaphorically speaking of course.)

To fully understand Higushi Mitsugi's plight, one must go back a full month when the boy was still "innocent and free" (in a manner of speaking). It was the first day of his internship and he was very realistic about what his job would entail. He knew it was going to be hard work and that action wasn't around every corner. Therefore, he was more than prepared for his share of tedious office work and repetitive menial labour.

He was hopeful though for in the very least, he was working in the same company as his idol, Senda Eiji (千田 永慈). (Should I go into more details, it'll become pointless Higushi Mitsugi fan-boying so let's just say that Senda Eiji is a renowned and sought after photographer who managed to make a name for himself just after fours years in the industry)

So, for the first day of work, Mitsugi walked in with clean jeans and a button-up shirt, attire that was appropriate for both indoor and outdoor activities. He was assigned to a relatively unknown photographer for the newspaper named Harada Chie. She was nice enough although oddly handsome for a woman. (She also had a quirky habit of flirting with her fellow female coworkers who seemed to fully enjoy the attention and would occasionally spew random melodramatic lines.) Unfortunately, even his worst-case scenario could not prepare him for what he was up against.

Everything that he had predicted—the paper work, the menial labour, the boredom—all came true but in an extreme form beyond his imagination. Everyday, he'd get a small stack of files to print and once he was finished, which only took around an hour, he was free to do as he pleased. All that paid free time from nine to five was like a gift from heaven. He got to catch up on a few animes and games that recently came out, revisit a few old favourites, and even work on perfecting the art of paper airplanes.

Who knew that free time could get boring so quickly.

After the first week, Mitsugi began to pace himself to complete the printing as slowly as possible. He managed to extend his work a full hour. After the fourth day, he began to offer his service to absolutely anybody who wanted it. Everyone had politely refused so he was reduced to staring out into space, envious of the busybodies of the workplace and the stories of all the other interns.

It got to a point where he was actually assigned to play computer games and was given explicit orders to not bother his mentor (and he used this term loosely) who spent her time in her cubicle playing online monopoly. The only time they did anything meaningful and remotely exciting was photographing this ramen store for a restaurant column. That took all of thirty minutes, traveling time included. His job was to hull Harada Chie's second-rate camera that matched her second-rate status through the public transit system.

To say the least, his sanity was truly beginning to take a hit. Just imagining spending the rest of his summer like this, wasting away with boredom, stooping so low as to BEG for work was more than he could bare. He also knew that it wasn't because there was a shortage of assignments for there were a total of four occasions where Harada Chie "snuck out" WITHOUT him. Needless to say Mitsugi was furious.

So why are we going through this random lanky college dude's life you ask? Don't worry, we're getting there. For the time being, just note how desperate Higushi Mitsugi was. Desperation could reach a point where one would despair without a shred of hope, inducing extreme acts outside of logical consideration. Mitsugi never did quite hit that point but he was 19 and bored which border the effects of desperation. Revenge seemed like the best way to entertain himself and sad to say, he had all the time in the world to plan it too.

After years of exploring and mastering the Internet (yes, he's what most would call a "techie"), it made perfect sense to hit Harada Chie where he was an "expert" in. With people's increasing reliance on computers, the prevalence of viruses as his alibi and the majority's lack of competency with this machine, he had the perfect crime.

It was nothing fancy, just the usual "hack and destroy". All he had to do was wait for lunch break and perform the deed, which took all of fifteen minutes and a disturbing discovery of what it was exactly that Harada Chie did whenever she "rotted" in the office (writing sappy "heartfelt" and "emotional" rants about love, life blah blah blah).

To keep the prank harmless, he made a copy of Harada Chie's hard drive as to reverse the damage after forty-eight hours as if nothing had ever happened. In no way would this immature joke improve his situation but Mitsugi knew it would make him feel a hell lot better. This prediction proved to be true. The long tormenting scream that erupted from his mentor's cubicle made his heart soar and the entire office halt in silence for ten full seconds before resuming its fast-paced routine. However, like every high, it eventually wore off and Mitsugi found himself back in his old chamber of slow torture.

All of this would have meant nothing except serve as a good story to tell had he not picked up the newspaper during a weekend bus ride. People always left behind the sections that they didn't want, making perfect reading material for the bored traveler. (I personally find it ethical, not littering, to put it back where I found it for the next person.)

The newsprint page in which he had in his hands featured a column by Awai Gurei, a name which he couldn't help but recognize from constant discussion among the women of his workplace. Awai Gurei was like the Japanese Sean Connery and Johnny Depp put together. Women read his Saturday column in Mainichi Shinbun like religious devotees attending church on Sunday. They'd swoon over his words and gush about how "sensitive", "handsome" and "charming" he was. The sad part of it all was that none of these females even knew who this Awai Gurei was (obvious from the use of a pseudonym that literally meant "Light Gray") much less what he looked liked but according to Mr. Gurei's fans, that made him "mysterious" and "sexy".

Amazing how some unknown character got so much female attention while another guy (himself), healthy with a face, in the flesh, hadn't even held a girl's hand since he reached puberty. It was hard to admit but he was a little envious and jealous curiosity prompted him to read that column that any man would avoid like the plague. To his horror and surprise, those words looked oddly familiar. It wasn't until after he bought the latest Fate/Stay Night doujinshis, got home, made himself "dinner" (ordered pizza), read those doujinshis and finally took the time to restore Harada Chie's data that it hit him.

He had seen that article in its incomplete form on his mentor's screen when he had hacked in two days ago! It was ethically wrong to say the least but Mitsugi went through the stolen data for other "rants" and it all matched with past Awai Gurei columns. As much as he'd like to conclude this as Harada Chie being a huge fan of the popular columnist, seeing those documents in various forms and versions from the editing process gave no other explanation. No wonder the world had such trouble uncovering this person's real identity. To begin with, they made a grave mistake in their assumptions.

Now, if he was female, he would probably be jumping with joy, but alas, he had a penis and plenty of pent up testosterone. After a little more consideration though, Mitsugi immediately realized that he had a powerful bargaining tool at hand… something that could forever free him from this death cage. Awai Gurei obviously kept "his" identity secret for many reasons. For one, much of "his" popularity depended on this illusion. The company's weekend readership would definitely take a hit should this mystery be solved. If he wanted money, all he had to do was send this story to another newspaper. For something even better though, given Awai Gurei's level of fame, s/he just might be able to pull a few strings at the company to give him the internship experience that he rightfully deserved… even… even… arrange a meeting with Senda Eiji! (insert fanboy-ing)

The very next day, Higushi Mitsugi arrived extra early for work. There was still a full thirty minutes before the day officially started so only a few early birds were around. The sun was bright, the air-conditioner was working great, one couldn't ask for a better day to blackmail someone.

The moment he saw that lazy assistant-abusive womanizer walk in, Mitsugi marched up to Harada Chie's cubicle and boldly asked if she wanted coffee. His mentor answered 'yes' so he went down to the canteen to get her a cup with money from his own pocket. He went again after he finished his printing quota. The sun was still out, not a cloud in sight, everybody much too busy to notice an unethical transaction. It was the perfect opportunity. Mitsugi snuck up and made his demands clear: He wanted more work. Request denied and he sulked back to his own little cubicle.

Third was the charm and with the world hungry for lunch, Mitsugi strode in with confidence and asked if his mentor knew what the time was. Harada Chie pointed to his functioning watch before resuming her game of monopoly. By now, you must be all as bored as I am. Thankfully, there was no fourth time. The 19-year-old college intern compliantly stayed at his little square space until five. Mitsugi banged his head (literally too) on his desk, sighing as he resigned himself to his fate.

He maybe a techie/geek, the unpopular kid throughout high school and currently, college, girlfriend-less and a little bit of an "otaku" but he was no scum. Unfortunately, saving his conscience did little to console the fact that he had just lost his potential meeting with Senda Eiji. Perhaps he should get that other game that he wanted as a little consolation prize? No, no, his budget couldn't handle it… maybe a couple of hours of gaming would sooth him…

Then, a soft tap on his shoulder broke him out of his pool of despair and contemplation. It was his mentor, who motioned for him to follow with a flick of her finger. Did she know?! Wait, that's not possible. He was perfect… maybe an assignment?

At that thought, Mitsugi followed his mentor eagerly although a little baffled when they arrived in the emergency exit stairway, a part of the building that nobody used given the efficiency of the elevators.

Harada Chie opened with, "You're the one who did it."

Coldness, starting from within, flashed throughout his body before becoming a hot breeze, alternating between the two extreme temperatures. He was no liar so even as he played the usual "What do you mean?", "I don't understand", his heart raced loudly that he could hear its rhythm.

Harada Chie gave him one of her annoyingly smug smirks before spelling out his prank to him. From the hacking to the exact moment when he restored her computer down to his plans for blackmail, it was like she knew every detail. She went on to complain about his incompetence and his work ethic, when technically he never had a chance to truly show any before going on about his irrelevant hobbies. Then the woman had the nerve to comment how he wasn't even able to pull off blackmail properly.

It was then that Mitsugi decided. Fuck it.

"That's it drama king! THIS is the thanks that I get for trying to be a decent human being?! Just because you treat me like dirt doesn't mean that I have to stoop to your level!!

Yeah, that's right! You're the one who's scum. I'm here as an intern, as in to learn. I'm not a printing machine. I already said nothing when I was assigned to you, a second rate nobody. I thought I'd be nice and give you a chance since you've been around the place for some time. So what, I do a little gaming and get a little worked up over animes but what about you? All you ever do is play monopoly and write sappy rants! I at least do try to be useful. Everyday, I've asked anybody and everybody and especially you for something to do but you just assign me to be useless!

And so what if I played that prank! I did fix your hard drive and I wouldn't have done it if you weren't such a pathetic mentor! We've only ever been on ONE assignment and that was to photograph that stupid ramen store. And don't think I don't know. You've went on other assignments but neglected to bring ME, your assistant! You leave me behind to do NOTHING.

And technically, you're wasting company resource! I do get paid you know. So you know what, Harada Chie? Fuck you. If you want to fire me for the prank, here's your chance! I'm wide open! Hope you're competent enough do it properly and not choke like I did! Any other job I get would be better than this! In fact, I deserve something much MUCH better!!"

There, he said it, the remainder of his words reverberating throughout the vast emptiness of the thirty-story building's stairway. Seconds later, to his confusion, soft clapping joined in the disappearing echo of his voice.

"Now that's more like it. Took you quite a while though."

"What?"

"You pass, Mitsugi-kun. Congratulations."

Was this the start of another one of those dramatic speeches? Mitsugi kept his mouth shut and just stared incredulously at his-soon-to-be-ex-mentor.

"Honestly, I wanted a cute college girl for my assistant but I thought I'd give you a chance and let me say, I'm impressed. You're growing on me, Mitsugi-kun. I like you."

That entirely threw him off… especially the "I like you" part.

"Is this a… c-c-confession?"

Amazing how quickly Harada Chie's face could twist into another expression of an entirely different mood.

"I'd smash your face in if I didn't have to touch it first."

"So… no?"

Even though she was still smiling, something within those dark cobalt eyes answered his question for him.

"So, what is it that you would have asked for should you have succeeded in your blackmail attempt?"

The question caught him off guard and Mitsugi found himself answering docilely to the sudden change in Harada Chie's attitude.

"To meet Senda Eiji."

"That's it?"

"And to be his assistant."

"Thy will be done."

"What?"

"You want to meet Senda Eiji and be her assistant right?"

"Yeah." (Why the "her"?)

A rather dramatic pause overtook them as Harada Chie smirked, nudged her glasses then flipped her short black hair into the air in a way that looked almost indulgent.

"You're looking at her right now and as of this second, even though you're a little too much of a hentai otaku for her taste, you're her assistant too. Come in at five tomorrow, we have a big day ahead."

Harada Chie then turned around and headed for the exit like it was the most natural thing on earth.

A loud "WHAT?!" couldn't help but explode from Mitsugi's mouth.

"Reward for being a nice guy. The world doesn't have enough of your type," was Awai Gurei/Senda Eiji/Harada Chie's answer.

It was a very dramatic exit to say the least. To this day, Mitsugi wondered if she had planned this all to the last detail. Anyways, as instructed, Mitsugi arrived at work at exactly five the next morning. He was barely awake and in a foul mood due to the ungodly hour before Harada Chie and her other two alter identities fulfilled her promise.

Just two weeks into his internship and Mitsugi wished for death. Cleaning windows for thirty story hotels, pretending to be grass dressed in full military camouflage equipment in extreme heat for hours on end in God-knows-who's backyard and random golf courses, getting rid of infestations in dirty apartments that are better off burned, are just a few of the unusual events that he had had to live through. His body had never felt so sore and numb with previously absent phobias of insect, dirt and height. To make matters worse, he could share this with no one after swearing (and signing three separate contracts) to not reveal Awai Gurei/Harada Chie/Senda Eiji's secrets.

(Later, he learned how the other two identities showed up. At first, his mentor had wanted to avoid all the attention, fame and possible harassment from the people that she had shamed with her initial success and therefore created Senda Eiji. With her increasing workload and readership, she was able to negotiate a quota. The column showed up as a means of giving her light work under the alias Awai Gurei during the time that she wasn't "working". Who knew that the column would be such a success and his mentor had to go into hiding once again, creating the second rate photographer for the rest of the world to see.)

Like a masochist though, he found himself addicted for everywhere they went, they'd find something. Revealing conversations during stake-outs, incriminating photographs and secrets that could change a celebrity's fate. The world would go crazy should they even get a fraction of some of this information. However, not all of it was used. Only selective pieces, carefully chosen, made it to the press that he'd read proudly the very next day. The rest of it became fond memories, startling revelations and private jokes between he and Harada Chie.

Suddenly, Mitsugi saw his mentor in an entirely different light. She had instincts and patience that no other could match, his previous treatment merely training to prepare him for the long hours. She had the amazing capability to find the truth under embellishment, the exclusives that that awed the city, the headlines that sold papers.

And during the time that they spent together, whenever they were allowed to speak, Harada Chie turned out to be a decent person unlike the womanizing sarcastic tomboy image she excluded when they first met. She was funny, easy-going and just a little sadistic like an evil older sister one couldn't help but hate and love at the same time.

Sure, their increased interaction dramatically opened himself up for random insults and melodramatic lectures but he was also learning and seeing a world so different from what he had experienced so far. She was indeed Senda Eiji.

Most importantly, Harada Chie taught him a few things about himself.

One day, she was teasing him for the nth time about his lack of girl-luck when the conversation suddenly took on a different tone. His mentor said,

"You lack confidence. This isn't just about getting girls but the way you live your life. Why else do you think no one gave you work when you asked for it? You're too cautious and concerned about the impression that you leave that every interaction becomes impersonal, rendering you unable to move beyond shallow conversations. Not to mention, it just makes you plain boring. You're a nice guy, Mitsugi-kun but no one will appreciate it if you don't show it. Not everyone will like the real Higushi Mitsugi but relax and do your thing and you'll find a few that do. People may not realize it but most of us do appreciate truth and honesty.

Plus, that's the only path towards success and happiness. Someone taught me that years ago and now I'm passing it onto you as you are technically my unworthy student. Technical skills is important as well but you have nothing to worry about with me as your teacher."

Even though, Harada Chie had managed to thwart his confidence (unworthy?!) instead and named a few things that made him suffer in silent shame, it was all true. Being the underdog all of his life, he became almost solely concerned about being "nice" and "friendly" to people which somehow left him to spend most of his time alone with his games and other solitary activities. He had no problem striking up conversations and make the usual small talk but none of those turned into friendships much less any sort of romantic relationships.

It was tough to admit but he was fortunate to have met Harada Chie… except the times when they were stuck in the office. Then he'd be downgraded to his "slave" status in charge of bringing her her fan mail that were never few, contained in large open cardboard boxes, always filled to the brim and OH-SO-heavy. (Very unsuitable labour for his delicate nimble hands that should only be used for gaming and pressing the shutter.)

Taking a deep breath to send oxygen to his aching arms, Higushi used his elbows to knock and turn the knob to a small homely office, his mentor's latest success in bargaining with the head honcho of Mainichi Shinbun. The first thing that Mitsugi noticed was the weird looking rooster alarm clock on top of his mentor's desk. Its eyes were so huge that one couldn't help but stare with morbid fascination.

After adding in Harada Chie's expensive and disproportionately large, ergonomically correct chair, a file cabinet off to a corner and three other boxes of fan mail, there really wasn't enough room for him and another box to fit.

"Your fan mail for the week."

"Ah I can already feel their youthful exuberance, woes and passions surrounding me," said his former idol in a voice that his female coworkers often described as "full" "smooth" and "magnetic". Was he the only one who noticed the condescending and mocking tone of it all?

"Just don't understand what these girls see in you, drama queen. Oh, I mean, drama king."

"The fact that you don't is the single most powerful factor that made you dateless on that fateful night of prom."

"Ha. Ha. Ha," laughed Higushi dryly, "Wish you'd be more creative when you take a jab at me. Besides, what is it that you have that I don't."

"Charm..." breathed Chie as she gracefully extended her arms around her, "And good looks."

"You write in an anonymous column, oh wise one."

"And we've just pinpointed the second factor to your singleness: a lack of imagination. And before you answer, Internet porn does not count as imagination."

A coat of red flashed across the young man's face as he wished for the ability to teleport… or to get a girlfriend.

"You don't know me," excused Higushi. It was a feeble attempt but he had to say SOMETHING. Thankfully, investigation into what he did in his spare (dateless) time ended most abruptly as "cute" chicken chirps from that hideous rooster alarm clock filled his boss's office. One push on the rooster's crown stopped the annoying racket.

"You no longer exist for the next thirty minutes," came the prompt command.

Higushi just rolled his eyes as he indulged his mentor's extreme obsession. As he quietly exited, he wondered just what exactly was so interesting about the morning news.

Once the door was shut, Chie turned on the mini-tv and watched it come to life. It wasn't much but it had all the basic channels and that was all she needed. In all honesty, she didn't care much for the morning news. It was dull with limited information but that was not the point.

To her delight, it had only taken eleven minutes today before the news anchor passed the stage over to a young woman in a smart dark gray dress suit. Today was definitely a good hair day seeing as how compliant and shimmering the young woman's long hair was. She also had a small amount of make-up on, the basic lipstick, foundation and eyeliner. It really brought out the brilliant life shining in her eyes. The energetic and comforting smile on her face welcomed one to listen.

"At exactly six this morning, two toilets imploded due to trapped air pressure in the pipes of Ichiban Sushi restaurant. An apprentice who was unfortunately in the stall when the incident occurred was injured. He was rushed to the hospital but the ambulance got into a minor traffic accident on the way because the driver was laughing too hard. Luckily, no one was hurt. The apprentice's injuries were minor. The doctors said he'll make a speedy recovery although the same probably couldn't be said about his dignity. This is Senou Aoi reporting. Back to you unemployed Chairman Kaga."

Chie spun on her chair and grinned from ear to ear, oblivious to the weather report in the background. Aoi truly looked great on camera. Retrieving her cell phone from the small plastic sofa holder's hugging arms, Chie dialed the first and most familiar number on her speed dial list. A soft 'click' resonated from the earpiece after three rings. Due to the magic of caller display, the "hey" coming from the other side was one that was filled with warmth and familiarity.

"Saw you looking very hot at exactly 6 this morning."

/What about before six?/

"Even hotter."

/You were asleep./

"Yeah but I saw you in my dreams."

/Was it a good dream?/

"Let's see now… there was a bed, you, me. And a can of whipped cream. I'd say it was pretty good. And very sweet."

/You expect me to believe that?/

"No. But I certainly have the ability to make the dream reality right after the six O'clock news tonight."

/Chie! You know how embarrassing it is for me to watch myself! Anyways, I got to go. I just got a page to get to Ginza. I'll see you later tonight hopefully. Oh! And make me your fried-noodle-panini specialty tonight!! I've been craving for one of those all morning./

"Your wish is my command."

A soft giggle from the other side confirmed her success.

/Later, you flirt./

"Later, princess."

/And no whipped cream. It gets way too sticky./

The Not-so-Ambiguous-They-Live-Happily-Forever Ending


Author's Ending Thoughts I suppose One Could Call it (very optional reading):

Here, I'd like to give a quick thanks to Kieli. Her encouragement throughout the writing process really kept me going. Also, many bits and details from this fic were inspired by just random stuff we've talked about in the past. So a big thank you to Kieli!

Also, the concentration of Chie is for dear little Nagumo. She's a big Chie fan and I wasn't able to think of any other gift that I could get my fellow Canadian for Christmas.

Just for fun, Ten years later HiMEs:

Yukariko: the woman of the house with three children and Ishigami-sensei as her devoted "husband"

Nao: Graphic designer… single still and lives with her mother. Maybe she'll end up with a nice guy who will treat her right but if we go on the yuri route, I see some Mikoto/Nao possibility

Mikoto: Kendo instructor with her own style called "Ramen Ryu". Living with Mai and Reito.

Tate Yuuichi: who knows. Who cares. Not me at least

Shiho: Inherited the temple

Shizuru: fast-tracking med school… in the future, I see her working with "Doctors Without Borders". Whenever she comes back to Japan, she teaches tea ceremony.

Natsuki: started a dessert store with Mai. Her specialty is chocolate with exotic flavours: the only food group that she could master. She discovered this talent when searching for the perfect birthday gift to Shizuru one year. Together with Shizuru (in an ideal future where they do manage to out work their problems). Later on, when Shizuru goes out of the country for Doctors without borders, I think Natsuki would go with her. It's for a good cause anyways and allows Natsuki to see the world.

Mai: co-owner of the dessert shop with Natsuki. Got together with Reito

Haruka: law enforcement, Japanese Judge Judy II, or inherited the family business

Yukino: Wherever Haruka ended up

Midori: Still with her professor in God-knows-where and getting into a lot of trouble

Youko: got back into university, completed her Ph.D and is now a full-time researcher in a big bioengineering company. Also came out of the closet and got together with a nice co-worker.

Takumi and Akira: Together studying in the U.S.

Akane and Kazu-kun: Together of course. Happily married. Kazu-kun is a chef with his own restaurant. Akane helps out.

Chie and Aoi already done but in the later future, I think Aoi would become a talk-show hostess. Chie would be a radio hostess, following her column success. She would still do some journalistic photography but as a free lance one mostly.

A little more ranting: Why Chie and Aoi make a great couple

Even though the ending does say "Happily-ever-after", realistically, it wouldn't be all lovely-dovey fun and games all the time. Once the romance wears off, the hard work kicks in but I personally feel Chie and Aoi has incredible lasting power.

Chie may have some issues but she's someone who's willing to listen and change, especially for Aoi who played such a pivotal role in her life. As for Aoi, she is a mature person to begin with and her role as the open and honest communicator really gives them room to work things out should trouble arise. Their relationship might not be the most "WHOA-ShizNat-troubled-pasts-Drama-fireworks" but the way they compliment each other really makes them solid.

It's mostly gut feeling but they feel like people who are willing to make compromises and sacrifices equally (so one side isn't doing all the giving). On a side note, they don't feel like clingy people so in the course of their relationship, they would be able to keep separate lives while being together instead of two people fusing into one entity (those are scary) and keep things fresh and lively.

Background Assumptions (purely my thoughts. none of it is canon):

Senou Aoi

I have thought about doing a part that looks at the future from Aoi's point of view and reminiscing about what she saw in Chie but… too much work (and I think some parts of Aoi showed through from Chie's POV's already). All in all, I just think Aoi is your average high school girl but who's very mature compared to most people.

Her parents I imagined to be middle class, easy-going and nice folks although they tend to dote just a little too much (and when she does tell her parents years later about her relationship with Chie, they'd probably be ok with Chie. They won't be thrilled about it but their daughter's happiness comes first). That's why Aoi decided to go to a school where she is alone and could more or less learn to be more independent and understand herself better.

Aoi has an older brother and a younger sister and like her position in the three, she's not the best nor the worst. Her brother I think is a nice guy and a little bit of a mama's boy. Her younger sister though is very competitive and quite the model student who constantly tries to compete with Aoi. That doesn't go very well because Aoi is just proud that her sister does well. The sister probably feels a little outside of the family at times. I don't know why but, I could see her being the one who will have a problem with the lesbian thing… but turns out that she was just jealous of Aoi and tries to steal Chie (which fails of course).

Thanks to her parents' upbringing, Aoi is someone who realizes that one could find happiness in the common things. It's not to say to settle for less but to always try your best, treasure what you have and understand yourself well. After all, there are merits with being "common" even though it's hard to appreciate that a lot of times with the glory that is associated with what is considered success. Aoi does do the occasional "superstar dream" but she "keeps it real" in the end. But it's also nice to feel special sometimes and Chie was the one who noticed her and treasured her for the little things that nobody else noticed. Aoi probably sees Chie as someone who is a little insecure and needs to be taken care of to a certain extent but gives her a lot of freedom. So I conclude that Aoi is the one with the pants in this relationship.

Harada Chie:

Chie I envisioned to be an only child whose parents are together but might as well be divorced. Her father just comes and leaves like a person living in a hotel and doesn't really have much love or attachment towards Chie and his wife (mistresses or prostitution is probably highly possible). Her mother, I think, is very traditional with high expectations of her daughter and Chie rebelled against it. (Chie does love her mother but it gets frustrating sometimes). I see her going berserk when she finds out about Aoi but hopefully, a chat with Aoi and the Senous would change her mind.

Also, because of her background and whatnot, Chie would probably be a very devoted and loyal person so Aoi has no problem in the "cheating" department.