Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN KEKKAISHI!

*Nervous laugh* Sorry about not updating for a while! I've been SUPER busy… babysitting, writing other stories, writing books (HECK YEA!) And fan dubbing… total otaku life style. BUT! Because this story MUST be finished, I shall end this story with this chapter! PREPARE YOURSELF FOR… THE AFTERMATH!

Chapter 6: The Aftermath

A month has passed since Yoshimori got his injury, and it's been a month since the invisible Ayakashi incident. Many things have changed, mostly all for the better. Yoshimori's injury has healed up completely- not that it was stopping him anyways. But to Yoshimori, the best thing that has happened is that he found out that Tokine likes him- hopefully. After the kiss happened, it didn't really come back up. They both kind of blushed and turned their attention to something else. Then, before either one knew it, they were home. Both had zoned out deep in thought.

"Oh, well." Yoshimori sighed, placing his hands behind his head, and then proceeded by lying back onto his futon. "Not… like… it…..matters…" He mumbled, barely getting the end out. Of course it mattered, he is in love his childhood friend, and she might love him back. It's practically the perfect scenario for a great and terrific relationship. What's better than being in love with someone you know perfectly and have for years? But yet, he knew that wasn't true. Their previous period of being Kekkaishi caused them to drift farther apart- much to Yoshimori's disapproval.

It was sunset and night was coming fast, which meant it was almost time for him to get to work.

-.-.- Tokine's Side

Tokine's thoughts raced back to the previous month, her mind trying to wrap around what happened and how she felt. She felt one way for sure- disconnected. She likes him. She knows it. But she doesn't know why, or if it's the correct feeling to feel. She had these same questions last month- and still hasn't answered them. Then suddenly, it hit her. Love is love. Don't the people on the TV always say that its boundryless? Even the great William Shakespeare made a whole story, grasping on the concept. Romeo and Juliet. 'Wait…' she questioned, now deep in thought, 'Romeo… and… Juliet…' Slowly, like a puzzle, she grasped all of the ideas within her reach. 'Is our story- Yoshimori and my story- just like… Romeo and Juliet?' Two households… both alike in dignity… the Yukimuras' and Sumimuras'… Montague and Capulet, wasn't it? 'Oh my god… that's… creepy… wasn't there even an age difference in there?' She questioned, and as soon as she answered herself, she proceeded by hugging her pillow on the bed she now lay on. Blushing, she rolled around in confusion.

-.-.- No Specific Side

Within the first ten minutes of sundown, Yoshimori and Tokine both felt the presence of an ayakashi at their school. In just a few moments, they were clothed in their uniforms and were heading out the(ir) door(s). Within no time they were at the site. Hakubi was the first to speak up, bringing grave news. "Its back." He stated, and commenced with his growling. Soon, loud thumps were heard around the school, headed in their direction. Slowly, Yoshimori gave a determined look to Tokine, who answered with one of her own. "Let's do this and beat it once and for all." With a nod of acception, the two bolted off towards the invisible beast. Tokine took the left and Yoshimori took the right, both using their 'dogs' as their eyes and ears as they racked their brains for the correct plan. Soon, both dogs yelled "NOW!" Suddenly and in unison. With that, Yoshimori and Tokine stopped dead in their tracks, about 100 feet away from each other. A roar echoed thru the forest, but was silence by the quadruple-layered-kekkai created by the two with the words, "HOI, JOUSO, KETSU!" And then, finishing it off with both having a fun-loving grin on their face, Yoshimori yelled, "METSU!" At that moment, the beast shattered into oblivion and dust, creating a mock-explosion. Yoshimori took a single step back and shot Tokine a goofy grin, causing her to blush. "Milady?" He said, clearly offering her the chance to suck up the monster, which she did with hesitation.

After all was said and done, the two walked up to each other, both smiling. Slowly, Yoshimori stretched out his hand towards the girl. "We finally beat it." He stated, and immediately was engulfed by a hug from Tokine. "See, baka? Team work." Once they separated, they still stood hand-in-hand, and Yoshimori gathered up the courage to ask him what's been bothering him for months.

-.-.-

I SO WANT TO END IT HERE! But… I wont… (The ending song from Toradora, Vanilla Salt, is now playing in my head. {I SUGGEST YOU LISTEN TO IT!})

-.-.-

"Tokine? Do… do you l-like me? As in… more then a friend?" This sudden question came as a shock to Tokine- but she didn't keep her answer a secret. "Yes. I think I do. Do you, Yoshimori?" She questioned, now blushing. Before he could manage an answer, they felt like they were being drawn into each other, and before they knew it, they were kissing.

"Yes."

-.-.-

-NOW PLAY 'VANILLA SALT' FROM TORADORA! NOW!-

The End. I hope you enjoyed! Thank you people who have been sticking with me this whole time! LOVE U PPL! 3