A/N: Sorry if I've been unable to update in 2 months :C My schedule was crazy, so much to the point of me getting the colds in Christmas Eve :/ But it's okay because I still enjoyed the holidays! So this is the last chapter of the story and I hope some people would still want to read it. Now for those who forgot what happened in the story, here's a recap of what happened before:

'Yumi-chan was almost raped by two men…Please mend her broken soul Sachiko-sama…'

"Let me help you with those potted plants Yoshino-chan. They look really heavy."

Yoshino gave him an appreciative smile before handing over the potted geraniums. The raven-haired girl couldn't really help because she herself has her hands full of flowers.

"Let's go visit Yumi-chan and Kaoru-kun then, shall we?" Suguru suggested eagerly. "They will be awake in no time because of the fragrant smell of those flowers you guys bought." He continued jokingly before beginning to walk. Both girls started following him quietly, not uttering a single word or sound.

When they got near the hallway where both Yumi and Kaoru's rooms were located, a female doctor in her early 30's approached them with a remorseful look plastered on her face.

The next words uttered by the doctor caused a potted flower to collide with the floor's surface; the slow, deafening sound of the ceramic pot magnified by a thousand times.

So basically who died? Sorry in advance to those who will not like the ending. And a BIG thank you to veamgee for taking your time to edit this chapter (At the second-half of the story you could listen to this song by Yanni called Until The Last Moment for some effects)

Disclaimer: I do not own Marimite or any of its characters. All belongs to Oyuki Konno.

Chapter 22: Together Again

An alarm's buzz could be heard when the appointed time set was triggered; thus its unwanted beeping sound quickly spread throughout the quiet room, disturbing the sweet tranquility of the place.

A hand sluggishly reached out from underneath the bed sheets and felt its way along the night table towards the device with the hope of stopping its annoying noise from disrupting her peaceful slumber. And once silence was regained, the sleepy person went back to dreamland. But since the alarm was on snooze, it rang once more five minutes later on. Reluctantly, she pushed the covers away, wherein her body immediately missed the warmth of it; and somewhat slammed her hand hard on top of the ridiculously annoying and still buzzing device. Irritated, not to mention feeling extremely grumpy at the moment due to her low blood pressure every morning, she roughly ruffled her hair while looking around at her surroundings. Everything was in the same spot, as if nothing had changed since the past couple of years.

Letting out an exhausted sigh, she got up from her bed, gathered some clean clothing from the cabinet and went into the bathroom for a morning shower.

While water was filling up the bathtub, she walked over to the sink having decided to wash her face first. After taking a detailed look at herself in the mirror, she contemplated that she was visibly more worn-out compared to the last time she checked. The dark circles under her eyes were getting bigger after each passing day and gradually taking away her will to live. Well, not that there was much to live for right after her soul got crushed by a regretful loss in life. Scooping a handful of water in between her hands, she splashed the cold liquid onto her tired face, successfully abating away the drowsiness that still lingered even after being already a few minutes awake. Droplets of water were dripping down her cheeks as her attention once again refocused at the reflection presented before her. Sadly, the face that stared back at her was the face of a person that bore a broken soul.

Grabbing a towel hanging on a nearby rack, she quickly wiped her face to dry it up as the tub was a good three-fourths full. Subsequently turning off the running water, she took off her night dress before gently lowering her entire figure into the warm water. Lukewarm water immediately came in contact with smooth skin, relieving the tension of the nerves within her felt. Everything felt so nice just by being alone in the quiet atmosphere. She cautiously leaned her head back as strong and captivating blue eyes were hidden momentarily from the world, allowing its bearer a peaceful bath in the morning. Basically, it was the only time of the day wherein she can let herself loose without the knowledge of others, as tears slowly ran down her porcelain cheeks; disguising themselves as condensed steam.

After spending twenty-five minutes in the bathroom, she took a bathrobe hanging on the rack, put it on and walked back into the bedroom to blow-dry her damp raven-colored hair. She then sat down in front of the vanity dresser wherein the hair dryer was switched on shortly. Running slender fingers through her wet hair, lifeless gazes landed upon the reciprocated image perceived right in front of her. Like usual, her own reflection changed into the very person whom her heart and soul has been missing ever since that dreadful day. Every year, every month, every day, every minute, and even every second that slowly passed by, images of the latter will appear out of nowhere. It was as if her mind had set a mental alarm of its own to recall those familiarized features.

Just as her used-to-be silky hair was dry, she paced over the room-sized closet to change into her working attire. And once her clothing was that of a black formal business suit, she stood in front of a body mirror to ensure that everything turned out right. While straining her collar, her fingers coincidentally brushed against a silver rosary hanging around her neck.

Holding the cross between her thumb and index finger, a gentle kiss was given to the delicate accessory. This indicated the start of another day without the physical presence of its former owner. Somehow, it became a habit through the years to look at the only connection she has-and will forever have-with the latter.

Releasing a heavy sigh, she walked out of the room, went towards the kitchen and got a bottle of water from the refrigerator. Sipping a small amount of water from the bottle, she took a seat on a stool near the counter and enjoyed the last few minutes she had before taking her leave. Feeling satisfied with her little relaxation moment, she grabbed her warm winter coat by the coat hanger—which could be found near the door- and placed on her black leather boots, ready to leave her apartment.

After the grievous incident, she wanted to become independent. She wanted to stand up on her own two feet and explore the world without anyone keeping a keen eye over her. Well at least that's the reason she told everyone. Truth be told, she didn't want to burden anyone with regards on how she was able to cope up with her life after losing her. She didn't want her family and loved ones to entirely see how pathetic and torn she looked like internally and physically. That's why she had decided to live on her own in an apartment.

Though before her hand came in contact with the doorknob, two consecutive knocks were heard, signaling the only occupant in the room that someone must be at the front of her apartment entrance. Twisting the knob and opening the door, a small smile graced her lips for a mere second before speaking.

"I didn't expect your visit at all Youko-san. Would you like to go in?" she asked politely with a courteous smile and a traditional bow while stepping aside to make way for the older girl.

"I'll have to decline your offer for now, Sachiko" Youko greeted with a bow and smile of her own. "Well frankly, I'm here to ask if you would like to spend some bonding time and have tea with me at the café nearby" the former Red Rose asked with a tinge of hope in her voice. "And don't worry about your classes for I already had a talk with several of your professors" she added with a reassuring tone, "So what do you say?"

"Well if you put it that way, I couldn't decline such an offer now, could I? The café it is then." Sachiko replied.

The two close sisters, although not in any way related by blood, walked out of the building and strolled down towards Youko's black Mercedes-Benz. When Sachiko was about to pull open the handle on the left side of the car (since in Japan, the driver's seat is on the right side) a silly question suddenly popped inside her head.

"By the way, if you don't mind me asking, why we are taking your car if the café is just nearby?" the younger of the two asked with a hint of curiosity.

Youko looked at her with sincere and warm green eyes before answering:

"You'll find out soon. Today is the day after all."

Apparently, Sachiko's grand soeur didn't mention anything about her girlfriend—the former Rosa Gigantea, the ever playful Satou Sei, joining them at the café. They were seated at a table near the counter wherein she, Sachiko, sat across Youko and Sei. They were having their usual tea time delicacies: warm and newly-baked biscuits and tasty croissants with steaming cups of Jasmine tea.

"Why don't you guys showcase your sweetness towards each other somewhere else? Your sweetness meter might break. Plus, it's really disturbing for others to see you know. Especially when that amount of sweetness you radiate attracts a lot of ants. Geez, you're giving me goose bumps here!" Sachiko stated a bit loudly while rolling her eyes in annoyance. She made sure the others heard her loud and clear.

"No, no, no. We have to share it with everyone so that they will know what a lovey-dovey couple we are," Sei stated cheekily, proud of the affection she was showering her girlfriend with.

"Say ah, Youko baby~!"

"Not in public you baka!"

Sometimes, seeing their interaction made the younger girl envious and incomplete. If she was brave enough in the past, then she might be able to experience such shuddering dulcitude with her other half.

"You still blame yourself, don't you?" Sei asked sadly, her tone being as gentle as possible.

"Huh?" Sachiko looked up at the blonde, obviously dazed by the thoughts that were appearing in her mind.

To further prove her assumption, Sei pointed at Sachiko's hand, indicating the latter to look down. Whenever Sachiko thought about the most significant person in her heart and soul, her hand would unconsciously play with the rosary. Such gesture and habit was developed when Sachiko visualized the rosary as being the one and only that owns her heart.

She heaved out a sigh, knowing that it's completely idiotic to treat a lifeless object as a living person who is actually long gone.

"You know, it was not your fault for what happened, Sachiko." Sei stated with a heavy tone.

Sachiko didn't reply and still sat there like a statue with a dazed expression. Her mind was occupied with the still vivid memories of two years ago. Such were definitely memories one would want to remember; but in her case, would be better off forgotten.

Youko looked at her lover with an annoyed expression. "I think you have pestered Sachiko enough, don't you think? And especially today of all days." She shook her head in disappointment.

"I already visited her, just to inform you girls." Sei replied with a bitter smile. She took out her hand and patted Sachiko's still ones on the table before standing up. "I'm leaving you two here. I still have classes to attend to." Sei stated before leaning in to peck her girlfriend's cheek.

But before walking away from the red rose sisters, Sei turned around as her gaze softened when it landed on Sachiko. She stated, "Oh Sachiko, she's waiting for you."

The latter just nodded in response. "I know Sei-sama… I know."

When the blonde's figure was out of the café, acknowledged by the sound of the glass door closing, the elder of the two stood up, held out her hand in a way of offering for her younger sister. "Let's go and meet up with our favorite imouto, neh?" her tone sounded like it was forcefully cheerful, possibly wanting to act strong in front of her petite soeur.

Sachiko gave her Onee-sama a grateful smile before reaching out her own hand and gently tugged on the offered hand. Both pushed their respective chairs in before leaving the café with mournful hearts.

"I never meant to hurt you. I never meant for any of this to happen. I'm so sorry for being a stupid fool back then. I was too afraid to fight for you, your love… for us. Please say you'll forgive me. Please…"

The raven-haired girl stood alone before a white smooth marble stone, half-consumed underneath the frosted grass surrounding it. She stared above into the heavens, whispering helplessly these words of sorrow as the cold winter breeze danced and floated carelessly through the night sky—illuminated by millions of tiny stars and swirling galaxies which, unfortunately, could not be seen by the naked eye.

Youko left the poor girl alone some time ago to deal with her own pain. Honestly, the older woman could not stand to see and feel the pain that her soeur was going through. People say that time heals everything; that friends and loved ones would be able to take some pain away. Apparently, the person who created that saying could never be more wrong.

Eventually, her knees gave away, leaving her no choice but to sit on the cold and hard flooring as tears continued to poor down her cheeks. Somehow though, a tiny smile graced her lips as she admired the flower-adorned stone. Different colors of flowers around the stone made it look beautiful; roses, daffodils, lilies, orchids, every kind and type of flower was there, and this made her grateful.

Grateful that there were people who still remembered her. Ironically, who could ever forget?

"Did you know that Youko-sama and Sei-sama are together now? It sure took them awhile, don't you agree?" Sachiko softly spoke to the stone. And in that manner, so gentle and full of love, she began to tell stories of what happened within the past two years. She told stories of how people got together, what occurred in her life, how their loved ones were doing.

And of how she coped with everything that has occurred since then.

"You know, people keep telling me that it wasn't my fault; that I was not the reason why you lived a life filled with grief and anguish. I knew it and I've realized that. But regretfully, I wasn't able to make it up to you. Well, since you ended up being there while I'm stuck down here without you! So how could it not have been my own damn fault?!" Sachiko stated angrily at the white, pale stone as she forlornly continued, "If it wasn't for me, you'd still be here. You'd still be laughing, talking and smiling with your family, friends…"

'And with me…' she agonizingly added mentally.

Her hands angrily wiped the running tears on her face as she forced herself to stop crying. She screamed and screamed until she can't anymore, her throat became raw and completely painful. Everything that she so desperately bottled up deep inside her for the past two years had finally opened up like a dam. Sadness, remorse, helplessness, pain, guilt…

Everything…

Several minutes passed before she was able to collect herself, only having the occasional hiccups here and there. She took a deep breath before shakily whispering. "They say that it's time for me to move on and find someone new. But you know what? That's just the most impossible thing to do. I literally can't and won't ever find someone else because… Because I know my heart only belongs to you. I know that my first and last soul mate and love is and will always be you, Yumi…"

"I keep on wondering…" Sachiko caressed the gravestone tenderly, "…how you were able to suppress your real feelings and still smile like there's nothing wrong with you. Remember the time when you confessed to me that I stole your heart?"

Sachiko looked up to keep her tears at bay. "…Well you stole mine too. You taught my frozen heart to love you, but you didn't teach it how to not love you. Though I'm actually glad you didn't, because then I'll still be able to love you even more till the day I die too. Actually, I'll love you even more when I die, because until then we will be together once more." Sachiko smiled wistfully, slowly inching her way to the tombstone's right and leaning on her left side.

Azure eyes gazed upwards and found a bright star. For some reason, it shined more than the rest, explaining why it caught her attention. Lifting her arm, she pointed her finger to the direction of the star and gingerly whispered to the gravestone.

"Isn't that star beautiful, Yumi? I know you're not with me here physically, but I know you'll always look out for me and everyone else because you're up there. You're beautiful and shall always shine like that star, Yumi."

"I love you Yumi… In death do we part, but through it, we shall be together once again. And this time, it shall be for an eternity."

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being an ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

-Elizabeth B. B.

The End.

A/N: Please don't throw your keyboards and mice (lol get it?) at me! I have a surprise for you guys! If you guys still want it, I'm currently working on an alternate ending where it's happy because let's just say I'm a sucker for happy endings. But I know some would like the ending like this where it's not always butterflies and rainbows. People make mistakes, and they have to suffer the consequences no matter what. So to those who still want a happy ending, I will just PM it to you. If everyone wants it, I will post it as a chapter I guess this means I will have a poll vote? (whatever you call that…never had that before)

We finally made it to the end guys! Through blood, sweat, and tears, I have finished my very first multi-chapter story here ^^ Thank you so very much for standing by me and reading this story till the end. As a late Christmas gift, I will upload a one-shot that's sad and happy at the same time. Don't get what I mean? Just wait and find out! Comment, review, PM me for your opinions etc. ok?!

A very special thank you to those who reviewed before and to my lovely beta-reader veamgee. You're truly the best one out there! I will repeat this again: If you guys want the alternate chapter to be posted, PLEASE VOTE in the poll to those who have an account!

Hope to hear from you soon,

AsulNaRosa