Author's Note: Sigh... There's only one chapter left following this one. It hardly seems real that this tale is coming to an end so soon since it only took me about five days to write the whole thing and type it. I'm only sorry this chapter isn't very long, but I felt I couldn't drag the scene out any more than what's here.

I hope you'll all enjoy this chapter! Like Takakura, I sometimes have trouble putting all the right words together, so I appreciate all the support I've received!

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Chapter 15: Over the Edge

My legs were heavy, threatening to pull me to the earth, and both my head and my heart were thundering, pounding in unsteady rhythms. The confidence Gustafa had given me washed away with every step I took on the forest path. I certainly had been given enough encouragement although I doubted Dr. Hardy would be too keen on the idea. Still, as far I could tell, he and Alexandra were the only ones to object.

Overhearing from Griffin on what I set out to do, Muffy had offered to keep Tanya busy for the day to help me clear my thoughts. I wouldn't think she'd be at the spring already although I couldn't see her being the type to girl-talk for much longer. I chuckled at the thought of Muffy chattering to a young woman who couldn't care less about Patrick's athlete's foot. Yes, it shouldn't have been any surprise for her to be there before me.

Even so, all I could think was Oh my Goddess... when I saw Surge grazing beside the mysterious giant oak. An unsettled feeling came into my chest, but I accepted fate as now or never. It left me a little shaky, though, which I suppose would've existed regardless of whether she was already present or not.

I did a quick search for her with my eyes, yet she eluded my sight. I didn't need to look long before her distinct voice caught me from the shadows. "Oh good, you're here then." I must've jumped since she began to laugh softly. "Sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean to scare you."

"I-it''s okay," I tried to assure her though my nerves were obviously frayed. She raised an eyebrow. but she was kind enough to take my word at face value. However, her violet eyes continued to linger on me patiently searching for something. Because of her curious intensity, I had no choice but to look away. I could feel my cheeks beginning to warm as I tried to speak again.

"Taka, what's wrong?" she asked at last, clearly troubled herself. She had crossed her arms, and her ever-present smile was gentle with concern or pity (I wasn't certain).

I drew my first even breath and began to walk down the enlightened path with my hand cautiously around her wait. "Don't fret about me, Tanya. I'm a bit nervous is all," I confessed. "There's something on my mind..."

"Are you sure I shouldn't be worried?" I wanted to sneak a glance at her, but I knew I'd start stuttering if I did so. Therefore, I kept my gaze straight ahead of me as I guided her along the path.

"Not really. I don't think... It certainly isn't a bad thing."

"Just tell me then," she insisted, stiffening at my side. "If you don't come and say it, then I'll never know what you're trying to say."

Typical of Tanya, frankness was the best remedy for any unsorted feelings. I genuinely smiled for the first time since meeting her there. Normally, a confrontational attitude wasn't what someone admired in another, but she managed to behave this way without offending. In fact, it was my final encouragement.

"You're right." We were standing before the spring which sparkled in the glow of the mysterious blossoms. I felt the chill of its power and influence flow through my body and mind as I closed my eyes and breathed in deep. The setting was more than appropriate, the timing was perfect, and all I needed... were the words that said everything. "Tanya," I said at last.

"Hmm?" she was leaning into me gently, and I felt myself relax just a little.

I took my hand from around her waist and turned to see her head on. The soft light fell onto her face, reflecting the night's wonder in her gorgeous eyes as she stood patiently waiting for me to make a move. My heart wavered, but I pressed on.

"Do you remember how I suggested you find yourself a husband?" I asked plainly, meeting her violet gaze.

Her expression was a bit befuddled, but she nodded that she did indeed recall that moment. A small collection of tiny, light-hearted giggles came from the oak tree, but I didn't pay it any mind although Surge certainly seemed interested... All I could make out were three itty-bitty tuffs of color, red, blue, and yellow. However, I refused to allow my thoughts to wander. I had to do this...

"Well, you don't have to look anymore... that is..." I fumbled a bit to find the precious treasure tucked safely in my satchel. When I felt its soft touch, my cheeks flushed scarlet, but I kept myself together enough to lift the meaningful object into the light of the moonglow blossoms. Tanya let out a little gasp, but she said nothing, waiting for me to say the words. "That is... if you'll marry this man."

I was right when I thought that setting would fit the mystical blue feather. Radiant colors of indigo, violet, and emerald danced on its cerulean surface as smooth as the spring itself. She was speechless (a first) in her wonderment in its beauty. Her gloved hand held it before her eyes as if she was uncertain it was a part of reality, not some cruel dream she'd fallen into.

"Taka... are you... are you sure that I'm the girl you want to marry?" she squeaked. "I mean... I'm not exactly..."

"Tanya," I said quietly, closing the small space between us, "you're no more a girl than I am an old man." With that, I kissed her more tenderly than even I could've imagined, and I held her fast against my chest, not wanting to ever let her go again. She melted in my strong arms and let me be her everything. Yes, I was crying silently from both happiness and relief and so was she, but we aren't the type to gush with, "I love you"s. I didn't need to say those kind of things to Tanya because she knew without a single word of it.

I've never cared for a woman more than I did her. Where there was once an empty space, she filled it with everything that was herself. Even when he was alive, Aaron couldn't ease the ache I had from being hallow all that time. I guess I have to thank him for bringing this wonderful little lady into my life... which by default includes Alexandra. too... But in the end, I made the decision to love her.

And right then she decided to love me... for all that I was worth.