A/N: Wow, it's been like what? Three months? Maybe more? I've missed all my wonderful reviewers SO much! I hope you guys missed me too. When I tell you things were difficult, I do mean they were Difficult. I'm just so happy that I'm back and everything is finally ok! So um I hope you're ready to read the next chappy because here it is (smiles).

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"It's nice to have Shouta back to normal. Things seemed somewhat off balance with him in a bad mood." Marika said to Yuzuyu over the phone that night. Yuzuyu looked out her bedroom window as she listened to Marika.

"Somewhat off balance? I think you mean completely."

"Maybe you're right." Marika corrected herself. "Completely off balance is more like it."

"It's nice to see him smile from his heart again though. I got that bursting feeling back. My heart can't take it when he smiles. It'll be the death of me I know it. Hahaha." Yuzuyu said as she smiled. After the events of that day, things seemed to fall back into place, where they were supposed to be. During that time it was as if the planets were out of alignment. Pluto had come before Mercury; it was like everything completely shifted from its rightful position. She was glad everything was back to normal.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow? Since you're going to see his mom and all? By yourself I might add." Marika asked.

"A little." Yuzuyu answered.

"Only a little? She doesn't scare you at all? I mean after today, I would be scared stiff around her." Marika said. She didn't know what to think of Shouta's mother at the moment. But Marika was never one to like to deal with confrontation.

"She's not as bad as you think. From what I heard and saw, she was just very lonely, with her son hardly home because of sports and her husband working all the time. You would get a little insecure too if you were her. But she's had a lot of time to build all of that up so it's going to take a while before she can completely get rid of her fears and insecurities." Yuzuyu said with nothing but sorrow in her voice.

"Hmm…I guess I would be like her. It's a shame things had to get that bad though. But, it's a very good thing everything is back to normal."

"Yeah, and I want to keep his mom company too. It makes me sad that she got so lonely you know. I mean, there's probably not much I can do for her but I'll try to do something."

"I swear Yuzu, you are definitely the most caring person on the face of this earth. I'm so lucky to be your best friend."

"Aw Marika, I'm the lucky one, having you." Yuzuyu smiled.

"Well, true." You could tell Marika was smiling as well. "But there's no arguing with me on this one Yuzu. Everything is peaceful in the world when you're smiling. You know what? That's it. Its not just me, it's the whole WORLD that's lucky. It's just a better place with you in it."

"Aw, Marika, you really are the greatest. I love you so much! But please stop! I'm turning red!!" Yuzuyu yelled in embarrassment but couldn't erase the smile on her face.

"Heehee love you too Yuzu. Well I think it's time for us to go to bed. Today was a long day and you deserve some sleep."

"Yeah, you're right."

"What time do you plan on going to his house?"

"I'm not sure yet. But, I'll let you know how it went if I don't talk to you before I leave ok?"

"Alright. Good night Yuzu."

"Sleep tight Marika." Yuzuyu said to her best friend and hung up the phone. She turned off her lamp that was on her desk. She crawled into her bed and thought about the events of that day; she had to rethink back just to make sure it all happened the way it did. She thought back to the conversation her and Shouta had after they left Marika and Ken.

(Flash Back)

"Thanks again for today Yuzu. I know things are finally going to get better from now on." Shouta said as he held Yuzuyu's hand. He was walking her home from a restaurant they had decided to go to with Marika and Ken. They didn't talk about his mom while they were eating. So Shouta decided to talk now.

"Shouta, you don't have to thank me. I'm just glad that things are ok." She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"But my mom has been this way since I was five. You would think that she would have changed over ten years. But she didn't and for that I'm sorry."

"Shouta, you can't help how your mom felt, it really was not your fault. You were doing what you were supposed to do to make her proud. She just didn't notice. Maybe she might show up to your meets now."

"That would be nice. We've been disconnected for a really long time. I miss her." Shouta said as he looked up at the clear night sky. The clouds had cleared up from earlier. Ironically.

"Well, I think it'll be nice for me to finally get to know your mother."

"Oh that's right she invited you over tomorrow. I'll be there. But I think she wants to talk to you alone. I doubt I'll be allowed downstairs for a while."

"You won't be allowed downstairs?"

"Either that or she'll make me leave." He chuckled.

"Well that's ok."

"Are you nervous?"

"Only a little bit. But your mom seems sweet. I just caught her at a bad time yesterday that's all. I'm sure tomorrow won't be bad at all." They slowed down as they got toward Yuzuyu's house. When they stopped in front of her front door Shouta pulled her into a tight hug.

"I love you. I don't know how many times I can say that." Yuzuyu wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder.

"As many times as you want."

"Are you sure? I don't want you to get sick of me saying it."

"I doubt that'll happen. You're talking to the girl who's waited for you for ten years. You owe me." She giggled a bit and he let go and smiled at her.

"I love you."

"I love you too Shouta." He gently pulled her chin towards him and kissed her lips softly. Yuzuyu's heart fluttered. Shouta was so much like a prince it was ridiculous.

(End Flashback)

Yuzuyu smiled and drifted to sleep.

Oxoxoxoxoxoxo

Yuzuyu walked up to Shouta's house and knocked on the door around one o'clock. Yuzuyu figured coming in the afternoon would be the best thing since she had school tomorrow and she didn't want to go too early. Mrs. Hanasaki opened the door and gave her a gentle smile.

"Good afternoon Yuzuyu." She greeted Yuzuyu and moved out of the way so Yuzuyu could walk inside.

"Hi Hanasaki-san." The nerves were starting to hit her harder than she thought they would. She tried to calm herself as she walked toward their living room.

"Please have a seat Yuzuyu dear." His mother said as she pointed to the couch for Yuzuyu to sit. "I'll go get some tea. Do you like chocolate chip cookies?"

"Oh I love chocolate chip cookies, thank you very much." Yuzuyu said cheerfully. Mrs. Hanasaki went into the kitchen to get some tea and cookies for them to snack on. When she came back she set them down on a coffee table in the middle of their living room.

"Shouta and his father went out to the store so we'll have some time to chat with each other." Yuzuyu thanked her for the tea and took a sip. It was silent for a little bit. Yuzuyu didn't know how to start off the conversation. She looked at the floor for a minute trying to think and then she heard Mrs. Hanasaki swallow and put her tea down.

"Yuzuyu, I do apologize from the bottom of my heart for yesterday. My behavior was completely unforgivable." She said, as she looked at her teacup not able to meet Yuzuyu's eyes.

"Hanasaki-san, please don't apologize. I'm not mad or anything."

"I judged you and I shouldn't have and I said such horrible things. Things you shouldn't have been subjected to. Things Shouta shouldn't have heard either. I feel like a terrible mother. I don't understand why he loves me sometimes." She smiled a weak smile. "Ever since he was just a little child, I was never able to be nice to him. I can't understand what happened. It was like I was suddenly never able to control my emotions or the pain I felt in my heart once he was born. The feeling never seemed to go away. And the result of that was treating my own son like he shouldn't have been born. I treated him like every little thing he did would amount to nothing in the end. Just like me. You probably think I'm the worst mother in the world. I know that's how he feels. And yet he still says he loves me…" She sniffed trying to fight back the oncoming tears.

"But he does love you. He loves you because you are his mother Hanasaki-san." Yuzuyu said softly. Mrs. Hanasaki looked up, her face with tears ready to fall from her eyes. Yuzuyu continued, "He doesn't hold anything against you at all Hanasaki-san and he never will because Shouta isn't like that. You are the most important thing to him. The only thing that scares him is having you angry at him and not speaking to him." Mrs. Hanasaki let the tears fall.

"You know him so well Yuzuyu. I'm so thankful he's met such a girl. Someone who's completely understanding even in the worst situations." She wiped her tears and stood up. Yuzuyu stood up instantly in response. Mrs. Hanasaki walked over to Yuzuyu and gave her a tight hug.

"Thank you so much for caring about him." Yuzuyu smiled and wrapped her arms around his mother.

"No need to thank me. I love Shouta…if that's ok…and I have for a really long time…thank you for letting him come back…" Yuzuyu's eyes began to water. "But there's only so much I'm able to give Hanasaki-san. You were the first important woman in his life. He misses you and wants to spend time with you. He wants to show you things you've never seen. He wants you to be apart of his life." She hugged his mom tighter. "There's just things that only a mother can do. When you were sad, Shouta was sad. And when you were angry, he cried. He loves you so much. Unconditional love." Mrs. Hanasaki cried a little more and then let Yuzuyu go to wipe her tears.

"You don't think I'm too late?"

"Of course not. He's waiting for you to be happy again. And when you're happy, he'll be truly happy. His feelings correspond to yours in so many ways." Yuzuyu smiled at her. Mrs. Hanasaki smiled back. It was completely genuine, like a veil has been lifted from her eyes.

"Well Shouta sure knows how to pick them. Smart, sweet, and just as adorable as can be. I don't think there is a better match for him in this world." Yuzuyu cheesed.

"Thank you Hanasaki-san!" Yuzuyu exclaimed. As if on cue, Shouta and his dad walked through the door.

"KAKOE WE'RE HOME!!" Mr. Hanasaki yelled out.

"WE BOUGHT CAKE TOO!! YOUR FAVORITE!" Shouta called out as well.

"TECHNICALLY I BOUGHT IT! SHOUTA HAS NO MONEY!" His dad yelled with a playful look on his face.

"ACTUALLY IT WAS MY IDEA! DAD FORGOT WHAT CAKE WAS YOUR FAVORITE! HE FORGOT WHAT MINE WAS TOO! I HAD TO REMIND HIM!" Shouta yelled back with a smile on his face. "How could you forget dad? You're horrible." He said doing his best to guilt his father.

"You act like we buy cake everyday. I was bound to forget someday. Do you remember the last time we had cake? Because I don't." His dad explained, trying to defend himself.

"Excuses, excuses." Shouta chuckled a bit.

"Nice kid. Get me in trouble right after I got myself out." Mrs. Hanasaki walked into the kitchen with Yuzuyu following and smiled. Shouta and his father were shocked to say the least.

"H-Hi mom…" Shouta stuttered. He couldn't remember the last time he saw his mother smile like that. He actually realized for the first time that her cheeks were a bit big.

"I'm glad you guys are home." She walked over to Shouta and hugged him tightly. He blinked with his arms still at his side. He saw Yuzuyu moving her arms like crazy; he figured she was trying to tell him to hug his mother back and he obeyed the instant he understood.

"It's good to be back mom." He said as he smiled, he was a little breathless as his mom's pretty face. She let go of him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She walked over to Mr. Hanasaki and hugged him too.

"How could you forget Shinji? Something as simple as my favorite cake?" She asked with a playful tone. Mr. Hanasaki picked up on it as soon he heard it. It was so rare; he had to mentally collect himself before he answered. He wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled.

"You know what? You and Shouta are completely right. I should have remembered the type of cake you two liked, because I don't have a full time job with a million bills to pay. Cake is definitely way more important. I'll definitely remember that next time."

"You better." Mrs. Hanasaki laughed at her husband's sarcasm and it sounded like heavenly bells to Mr. Hanasaki. He kissed her on her head and laughed too. Shouta went to hug Yuzuyu and then he whispered in her ear.

"You didn't happen to make my mom take anything did you?" He asked as quiet as could in her ear. He backed a little to see her face and hear her answer.

"Of course not. She's just…happy. I think she's finally realized a lot. She seems like she's free doesn't she?"

"What did you do? I didn't know you were a miracle worker. I can't remember the last time I saw her smile like that. You know, you should put that on your resume when its time for you to get a job. Miracle worker." Shouta smiled at Yuzuyu. She giggled.

"I think I will. Along with best girlfriend in the whole entire world right?"

"Hmm…I'll have to think about that one…" He paused for a quick second and Yuzuyu squinted her eyes at him; he smiled. "You'll have to change that to 'in the universe' or it just won't fit."

"Hahaha, ok." She kissed him on the cheek.

Oxoxoxoxoxoxo

After Yuzuyu ate dinner with Shouta and his family it was time for her to go home. She thanked them and her and Shouta walked outside.

"Please come back anytime Yuzuyu dear and I'll make sure to give your aunt a call."

"Thank you. I'll make sure to come back soon."

"Shouta you might as well go and stop by the jewelry store and get her a wedding ring because, I won't be accepting any other girl as my daughter-in-law." Mr. Hanasaki said with a smile.

"DAD! Don't you think it's a little too early to be thinking about a wedding? Jeez." Shouta and Yuzuyu blushed insanely.

"I'm only kidding. Calm down kids." He laughed. "Can't wait to see you again Yuzuyu." He waved and Yuzuyu waved back and headed off home with Shouta walking her.

"Well that wasn't embarrassing at all." Shouta said still completely red.

"Nope, not in the least. I like your dad. He's funny." She was still red too. She couldn't bare looking Shouta in the face. Marry him? As in Cinderella getting her prince forever and ever? She turned even more red at the thought.

"Yeah, he's a real comedian." Marry Yuzuyu. It wasn't a bad thought at all. In fact, the idea seemed like heaven wrapped in a package. He hoped that maybe if they stayed together things would go that way for them. Maybe even…kids…

"Gah! Please!" Shouta's sudden outburst made Yuzuyu jump. "Sorry Yuzu; didn't mean to scare you. My head wouldn't shut up."

"What was it saying?" She asked curiously, looking at him now. He turned his head away and blushed again.

"Nothing."

"Oh. Ok." There was silence. Shouta was able to calm himself down and then he smiled. He grabbed Yuzuyu's hands as they passed their school.

"You are so amazing. Just thought you should know."

"No, I'm really not. I just say what's on my mind and people often agree. It's luck."

"No. It's not. You know how to connect with people so well. Man, am I a lucky guy or what?"

"Oh Shouta, I know for a fact, a proven fact, that I'm the lucky one."

"Proven? Really?"

"Mhm."

"How so?"

"I took a survey. I asked a bunch of girls if I was lucky to be going out with you and every single last girl said yes. Not a single one said no. So there."

"Wow, really now? That's flattering. I bet you got some dirty looks though."

"You bet I did. You're quite the catch, so I knew there was going to be some jealousy issues. But I'm not worried."

"Hahaha, and you never should be. You're the only girl for me."

"I love you Shouta." She said.

"Love you more. You know I just realized something." He said as if his eyes were finally open to the light and he could see the world for the first time.

"What?"

"I'm not the only lucky one. This WHOLE world is lucky that you're in it."

"Oh my goodness Marika said the same thing to me! You guys are too much! Aw no! I'm turning red again. Please stop Shouta! I think I might just pass out from all this blushing!" Yuzuyu put her hands to her cheeks to cover the blushing. Shouta laughed loudly. He prince-like laugh rang through the night. Yuzuyu would never get enough of that laugh. She smiled.

"You're too cute Yuzu." He chuckled wrapping his arm around her waist while they walked to pull her closer to him. "Yup, way too adorable for words." He moved her hand and kissed her on her cheek. She turned toward him and kissed him tenderly on the lips. She was the happiest and luckiest girl in the world. No one believed her but she knew it. There was no one on this earth that could be as happy as she was right that moment. She had her prince charming, her best friends, and a loving family. What more could you possibly need?

Oxoxoxoxoxoxo

When Yuzuyu got inside her house she called Marika and told her all about her day with Shouta's mother. Marika was happy that things had gone so well for Yuzuyu. She had been worried stiff the whole day. But then she realized how silly she really was. Yuzuyu had this pull, this irresistible charm that no one could resist. Not even the angriest person on the planet.

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Well I hoped you enjoyed that chapter. Hopefully I haven't lost my touch. Let me know what you liked, or what you didn't like ok? And don't worry this story isn't ending for a while so no worries about this being the last chapter ok. I owe you all that much for being away for so long. It would be so nice if I'm able to reply back to everyone's review personally, so if you can help it, please have an account. Though I don't mind anonymous ones, I LOVE saying thank you to people personally. It's taken me a long time to get this far. I worked hard believe it or not and that's a shocker because I'm a very lazy person (smiles). My mother would agree with me. So please let me thank you! (Smiles very big!) Anyways, hoped you enjoyed it and see you next chappy!!