Taki-kun! Can you hear me?

Mitsuha?

Perched on the rim of the second crater of what used to Itomori was Taki. All by himself, disoriented but beckoned to by a familiar voice.

Mitsuha! Mitsuha, where are you?

Taki-kun! I'm right here! I, I think you're right in front of me, but I can't see you!

He reached out in front of him, hoping that he would feel something. And very faintly, a weak presence touched him back. It wasn't much, and it was fading fast, but what else could it be?

Mitsuha! Mitsuha!

Taki took a second to blink, and he opened his eyes to Mitsuha standing in front of him. But this was younger Mitsuha. The 17 year old Mitsuha he met in this spot.

"TAKI-KUN!"

And they lunged at each other, and took tight hold of each other.

"Not letting you go this time. Not again."

Neither of them knew how they ended up back here. Or why. But the situation was all too familiar. And perhaps some missed steps set stage for a miserable few years without each other. They thought for sure this time they wouldn't go through the same thing.

But the magic of twilight was confusing. Tricky. And in some cases cruel. Before they could savor each other for very long, they saw each other begin to fade.

"Taki? Taki! Wha- what's happening?"

"Mitsuha! You're fading! H- wha- Mitsuha!"

In their own eyes, they themselves were fine, but the sight of seeing the other disappear evoked feelings of grief and fear. Feelings they thought they deserved to be spared of forever. So they gripped each other. Harder. Tighter. Trying in vain to keep the other where they were. But when they realized they couldn't reverse what was happening, they just looked each other in the eye. Not with sadness. But with vindication.

"I don't know why this is happening again. But I will find you again, Mitsuha. No matter what."

"Ha! I bet I'll find you first!"

And the two shared one final laugh before being indefinitely separated. For the second time. When the other disappeared, the lights of twilight enveloped their surroundings, and bathed them in a myriad of colors, brightening into an overwhelming white. Which brought them back to the world they belonged in.

They opened their eyes with a gasp. And they found themselves back in Taki's apartment. Lying in his bed, holding each other. The first thing they saw was the gaze of the other, and when they realized that it was just a dream, the relief triggered emotions they thought they would've been immune to by now.

"You too?"

"Yeah…me too."

And their eyes were glued shut with tears and their foreheads connected like magnets. It was all a dream. And they sure were happy that it was. Neither of them were close to prepared to go for who knows long without each other.

So they kissed. For a while. And for some reason, it felt the same as it did the first time. The spark and passion were still there. But maybe that was because of the circumstances. They didn't care though.

"Taki-kun…how many times have you had that dream?"

"It…it's actually the first. And that was the first time I saw that crater since I came looking for you so many years ago."

"I think…if we keep seeing these dreams…we need to do something. There's no reason for us to experience this every night. Maybe…maybe something back at the crater will tell us. There might be a way to figure this out if we head out there."

"I couldn't agree more. It…that dream hurt…a lot."

"I bet it did. I didn't make me feel very good either."

"Well then. All the more reason to do something fun. Get it out of our system. Did you still wanna go for a hike today?"

"Of course! It'd be really nice to get out and see the scenery. Get the blood going and taste the fresh air. Let's get ready, then."

They quickly got dressed, and teased each other about what they were wearing. Taki wore a tank top that brandished his sculpted arms, while Mitsuha wore leggings that wrapped around her lower body tightly and molded every curve.

"You think you'll impress anyone with that farmer's tan?"

"I hope you realize how many old men and little boys are gonna be looking at your butt."

They settled their banter with a good laugh, and got to business deciding where to go. Tokyo had a lot of popular hiking spots. There were those that tested the physical resolve of participants, and rewarded them with a spectacular sight. In search of something awe-inspiring, they accepted the challenge of hiking up Mount Takao, a roughly 460m trek westward of Tokyo. Of course they'd seen pictures that hikers and photographers alike would publicize for the viewing pleasure of commoners. But they knew there wasn't anything like the real thing.

When they made it out to the trail, they weren't really sure what to think. Of course the opening entourage was a nice easy flat trail, but what they knew would inevitably be a strenuous series of oscillating inclines and really uneven footing was obscured by the surrounding fauna.

"Drinks on whoever craps out first."

"Sounds fair."

And they foolishly sprinted up the opening steps and expended a lot of energy racing each other through the flat leveled opening. They ran up a couple of hills, letting the competitive juices flow. Mitsuha actually caught Taki off guard with her surprising athleticism, as she was able to keep up with him for the flat trail and a little bit of the hills before she began to lag behind. He slowed up a bit, as running side by side with her meant more to him than getting drinks off of her. And she noticed too. He came here to spend time with her after all. When they eventually ran out of nitrous, they took a stop and hunched over with their hands on their knees, their chests expanding and contracting rapidly.

"Well…huh…huh…aren't you noble." Mitsuha panted and panted, her eyes shut by fatigue, but still maintained a bright smile on her face.

Taki, also short on breath, kept a smile as he answered Mitsuha. "That…that race was over before it started."

Even though she wasn't overly exhausted, she used her loss of energy as an excuse to collapse into Taki's arms, who caught her and wrapped his arms around her sweaty body. Their breath alternated between panting and laughing. Partly out of happiness of just being with each other. But also due to realizing how stupid racing up hills was.

"Okay, seriously though…I bet we didn't even get through 5% of the trail."

"Aaand we're out of breath. A bit lacking of oversight. On both our parts."

"Well. Then let this be…the real challenge. We've gone through quite a bit of emotional adversity. But I've personally never exerted myself physically. I…I wanna get to end of this trail. And I want you next to me when we get there."

"Well, hey. That's we came here for!"

And the next few hours were some of the most agonizing physical stress either of them had ever experienced. The uphill climbing, the shoddy footing, and the already lacking energy almost proved to be too much for them. There were several points where one of them broke down and felt like giving up. But like all couples do, they pushed each other and motivated each other. Didn't let the other turn back. So they chugged through. Labored through, devoid of feeling in their feet. But when they finally got to the top, they were rewarded with what the many others before them were too.

Before them was an absolutely breathtaking view. A panoramic scene that oversaw Tokyo in all of its magnificence. Taki, despite having lived here his whole life, had never been able to see his home prefecture from this perspective. From the inside looking out, it felt like an endless utopia. But from this view that gave the look outside in, the Greater Tokyo Area seemed simplistic almost, having its entirety captured in this one incredible view.

"It…it…I never thought I would ever see Tokyo like this."

"Me neither. We made it, Taki-kun. We did it." Mitsuha clung to Taki's arm as she enjoyed the view with him.

Taki was speechless from what he was beholding, but if there was one thing he would've like to see the sun just behind the Tokyo skyline. But when he realized it'd have to be sunrise, he didn't find it as important anymore.

He and Mitsuha took a seat on the ground and enjoyed both the view and each other. Mitsuha took several pictures, really cool pictures at that, that she was so excited to share with her family and friends. Sayaka and Tessie would've been impressed that Mitsuha was able to make it all the way up Mount Takao, and more importantly, it would've been more evidence for her grandmother and Yotsuha that Taki was beyond dependable and that these are the kinds of moments she shares with him.

They angled themselves for a selfie, capturing themselves with the Tokyo skyline as the backdrop. It didn't take long for them to see that Mitsuha had instantly found a new phone wallpaper, and wasted no time changing it. And with almost perfect timing, the fatigue and expenditure of energy evolved into hunger. Taki opened up his backpack, and despite not remembering either of them preparing any sort of lunch, he for whatever reason thought he would find something in there. But he didn't. And Mitsuha gave him a silly look.

"Somehow I knew exactly what you were looking for before you even opened your backpack. But I decided to let you be disappointed anyway."

"Well, big news, smart one, you don't have food either."

They laughed at each other's expense for a little bit before the reality of not having food returned to them. And then they weren't laughing so much anymore. So they ran to the funicular line and took the car down to the base. They made their way back to Tokyo and stopped at a market, having almost no care what there was to eat as long as they ate something.

After having lunch, they returned to Taki's apartment to clean up and restore some energy. They both considered the thought of showering together (for efficiency and convenience purposes, of course), but decided against it. Mitsuha went first, and then while Taki was in the shower, she loaded the hundreds of pictures she took along the trail onto Taki's laptop. She took the liberty of setting aside a folder in his hard drive dedicated to their moments together, something she knew for certain he would appreciate. So into the folder went all the pictures of the hike, along with all of the pictures they took at the café and Akihabara yesterday. And throughout the process of transferring these priceless memories, she couldn't help but smile as she had someone to do all these fun things with like Taki. And they were just getting started.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing; they watched a few more episodes of Oregairu, took a nap, and had a quick dinner of instant noodles. But by the time 20:00 hit, they ran out of stuff to do. And Mitsuha began to develop a small concern.

"Taki-kun?"

"What's up, sweetheart."

"Do you think…maybe we're taking our relationship too fast? I mean, just the 3rd day together and we hiked up Mount Takao. I…I'm just afraid that we'll run out of steam before we know it. I don't want us to grow apart."

"Well, I mean, it's Sunday. We both have work tomorrow. I would've totally asked you if you wanted to go out tonight if it wasn't a work night. And besides, it's our first weekend together after so many years. I figured we get some of it out of our system. Before we start thinking about the rest of our lives together from a serious point of view."

"Taki-kun…"

"When I said I'd spend the rest of my life with you, I said it wholeheartedly. It's my full intention on being with you forever. So for both of us to be comfortable…things would have to be discussed. And compromised. The first weekend isn't very appropriate for that. I thought maybe you understood."

"Well, when you put it that way, it makes so much sense. And it means more to me than you know that you take what we have together seriously. I love you so much. And I want to be with you as long as you want me around."

"I love you, too. And I agree, we've already taken enormous steps that for most relationships would be way too big. But…ours is special. I doubt anyone has ever gone through what we have. We can afford to take the fast lane sometimes."

Mitsuha pressed herself into Taki's body and hugged him tight. The latter returned her embrace and laid a kiss onto the top of her head.

"Hey! I've got an idea! Let's go grocery shopping. Like a real couple living together. That's what we are after all, right?"

"Sounds good to me."

With the remainder of the night before they had to go to bed, they picked up ingredients at the market to prepare dinner for the week. Things to make pork cutlet, hamburg steak, yakisoba, pretty straightforward meals. But despite the simplicity, there was no denying that this one trip to the market brought them closer together as future newlyweds. And it brought them more joy than they would've thought.

After putting away the groceries, they freshened up and cuddled together in Taki's bed. They both fell asleep almost instantly, guaranteeing that they would be fresh and well-rested for work tomorrow.

Having a second eye in the morning to point out and fix up the little things had a lot of sentimental value. Mitsuha spent more time experimenting with Taki's hair than he probably did himself his entire life. Taki had to endure the impossible question of "which one looks better on me", but Mitsuha was nonetheless accepting of Taki's pick.

"Y'know. This is the first day since we found each other that we won't spend together. And already…I'm missing you."

"Oh, please. It's only for a few hours. Everyone has their own dealings. Besides, looking forward to seeing you at the end of the day will make it go by faster, I'm sure."

"If you say so."

In stark contrast to his previous day at work, this Monday for Taki was notably sharp. He was dialed in, on his game, and really pushing the envelope for both himself and his group members. What was supposed to be a 3 day deliberation and review of the current revision of the plans were expedited and completed that day. All thanks to Taki's concentration and insight. Perhaps he had a little extra motivation today, but he didn't think it would push him this hard. Mitsuha herself had a productive day at the branch. She nabbed a couple of loans and finished up a refinance, earning her the praise of her manager, and of course a nice incentive payout. Huh. I guess Taki-kun must be my good luck charm.

When they both arrived at Taki's apartment around 17:30, they were just as delighted to see each other as they were every time before. They prepared a dinner of pork cutlet, discussed their days over it, and finished up the evening with a few episodes of Oregairu. Before heading to bed before doing it all again the next day.

But before they could fall asleep, Taki decided to reach out to Mitsuha on a topic that he knew bothered her and would inevitably have to be resolved.

"Mitsuha…what should we say to your grandmother the next time we see her?"

"I…I'm not sure. And to be frank, I don't really wanna think about it right now. I'm having the time of my life with you. We're living together like a married couple. I don't want to ruin what we have together."

"I really want to talk about it someday. But I get it. I guess not tonight."

"No. Not tonight. Just kiss me good night already, would ya?"

They leaned closer together and slowly kissed each other to sleep. Mitsuha dropped into slumber rather quickly, but Taki's mind had more pressing concerns that wouldn't let him.

How am I gonna fix things with her grandmother? Where are we gonna get a decent place for the two of us? When will I marry her?

The normally calm and worry-free Taki had these things swimming around his mind. And he laid awake for a while thinking about them. He turned his head over to see his clock read 12:30. His muscles eventually had to stretch and he shifted slightly, trying not to wake up Mitsuha. But his effort was wasted, as Mitsuha woke up anyway. Wow, she's not a heavy sleeper.

"Taki-kun…you're still awake?"

"Yeah…I am. Just…thinking about things."

"Well…talk to me, then. What's going on?"

"It's just…if we wanna be the happy couple we wanna be, there's so much that has to happen first. I'm so worried about not giving you the best life possible. And don't you dare say 'oh as long as I'm with you I'm happy.' You deserve a lot more."

"Well…I don't know what to say then. Because being with you is the best life I can have already. Anything else would be icing on the cake. But if you really feel like you need to do extra to make me happy…then I'll do whatever I can to help make that happen. Because it looks like it would put you at peace too."

A/N: Heyo! So because my glorified-amateur baseball career has taken me out of town, I've had many less distractions and things to do other than put these chapters together (other than of course…y'know, playing baseball), so my downtime has been spent on this fic. I finally rewatched the movie for the first time since I watched it in April, and boy am I both glad and not glad I did. On one hand, it refreshed my memory of these two cuties, and capturing their character and personalities was immensely easier this time around (of course due to my writing style, some slight OOC is still there). But of course the twilight scene and the ending scene turned me into a fountain of feels and I cried my eyes out AGAIN! Nevertheless, it was a totally different experience watching it the second time (one of my teammates actually walked in and watched it with me), and it goes without saying that you understand things much better after seeing it once before. Anyway, once again, it's that time of the week where I thank each and every one of you for the overwhelming (yes, overwhelming to me) support I've gotten on this fic. The consistent viewership and heartwarming reviews are what drive me to keep writing these. In addition to the fact that I LOVE these two as a pair. So again, to anyone who has made it this far, thank you so much for reading. It means more to me than text can describe. So that's it from me for this week, and as always, see whoever in the next one. Cheers.