Disclaimer: Maria-sama ga Miteru and its characters are not mine. Credits to the author.

A/N: I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to everyone who read my story, posted reviews and included me or my story in their favorite/follow list. This chapter is the longest - I decided not to split it in 2 separate chapters and have you deal with a dreadful cliffhanger. Consider this as a parting gift since this is already the Final chapter. To lili, i am sorry to disappoint you but this story really has to end here. But, if you are interested, i am considering writing either a bonus chapter or a side story. Finally, thanks to imoshen88 for not only doing beta review on my work, but also in giving feedback that undoubtedly made this story better.

On with the story...enjoy...

Sachiko could hear the faint but steady footsteps of Yumi, walking a few paces behind her. She took a deep breath and placed a hand on her chest, willing her heartbeat to slow down. She knew her face continued to be a stoic mask, despite the emotions overwhelming her at the moment. She was both anxious and excited about finally having this conversation with Yumi.

When Kiyonori-san asked for Yumi to wait for him outside and the younger woman just agreed, Sachiko panicked. She was aware that her former lover was hesitant, if not afraid, of having the need to explain anything to her boss, if ever she decided to stay behind to speak with her. However for Sachiko, 6 months of waiting had been agonizing enough and she could not wait for one more day. So she took it upon herself to invite Yumi. To her pleasant surprise, Yumi didn't object and just gladly took her invitation.

And now, as they made their way towards the privacy of her office, she started feeling scared. Their past conversations didn't end well. She was still calming herself as she passed the desk of her secretary.

"Ms. Sachiko, how did the meeting go? Did you get to see your friend?" Keiko excitedly asked upon seeing her.

Sachiko coughed and spared her guest a sideward glance before averting her gaze to hide her blush. It seemed her secretary didn't realize that Yumi was just behind her.

That's just perfect Keiko. Tell Yumi how excitedly I rushed to the conference room upon realizing she's there. Sachiko thought.

"Good afternoon, I am glad you remembered me from the last time I was here." Yumi said kindly.

Keiko jumped from her seat in surprise and suddenly stood up. "U-u-um good morning miss Sachiko's friend!" she stuttered.

"Oh, that's right. I didn't leave my name, did I?" Yumi then took a step closer to the fidgeting secretary and extended her hand, "I am Fukuzawa Yumi. I apologize for any trouble I may have caused during my first visit."

Keiko looked at Yumi as if she'd grown another head. None of Ms. Sachiko's visitors before had ever introduced themselves in a friendly manner and even offered to shake her hand. Also, Keiko can't help but compare how different this Fukuzawa Yumi-san is from her boss. While Ms. Sachiko appears to be commanding and have an air superiority around her, this woman that her boss seems to value so much, has a gentle charm and appeal that will make you want to be close to her and be her friend. So with trembling hands, Keiko shyly took Yumi's offered hand and shook it.

Sachiko didn't miss the blush that adorned her secretary's cheeks as Keiko took her old lover's hands. It irritated her for some reason, so she immediately interjected, "Okay enough of that Keiko."

This made Keiko immediately let go of Yumi's hand, looking embarrassed, and proceeded to cast her eyes to the ground.

"Sachiko" Yumi gently scolded upon seeing the secretary's reaction.

Sachiko sighed, "We have some matter to settle, right Yumi?" Then to the other woman she said, "Keiko, we are not to be disturbed for whatever reason. So if anybody comes looking for me, tell them I am not here."

"Ah Miss Sachiko, you have lunch arrangements…" Keiko appeared to have suddenly remembered something.

"Cancel it" she said cutting her off.

Keiko looked like she wanted to say something, but the look in Sachiko's eyes left no room for argument, so the woman held her tongue.

Without waiting for another word, Sachiko went to open the door to her office, held it for Yumi and closed it the moment they were both inside. She then sat herself on one of the leather covered seats and gestured for Yumi to sit opposite her.

As soon as Yumi sat down, she said "Your secretary was quite nice. Was she the one who informed you that I was here today? No wonder you were not surprised to see me in the meeting earlier."

Sachiko did not reply.

"I assumed she was also the one who informed you that it was me that came to return your book. Although, I am still wondering how you figured out it was me when I didn't even leave my personal details. " Yumi said thoughtfully.

Sachiko pursed her lips before uttering a brief reply, "I saw you just before the elevator door closed". Her annoyance somehow intensifying as the conversation continued.

"I see. That makes sense. Also, I should probably apologize to Keiko-san for running away when she asked for my name and number the last time." Yumi went on.

"That would be nice Yumi, but I assume we are not here to talk about Keiko, right?" Sachiko said, her voice cold and emotionless.

Yumi looked at her in the eyes, curious as why her tone suddenly changed. "No, we're not."

Sachiko shook her head and massaged her temples, unsure why she felt annoyed all of a sudden. Was she just jealous of her own secretary?

While she was still musing, Yumi seriously said…

"I'm sorry Sachiko." Yumi looked into her eyes and continued, "I'm sorry for everything I have done to hurt you. I apologize for the way I lived my life when we were apart. I will not deny that I have been in relationships, so I would understand why you found it difficult to believe my words before."

The younger woman stood up and sat beside her. Yumi held her hand and with sad eyes she said, "But please believe me that I have neither loved nor been intimate with anyone else, but you. Especially not Nagisa Kyouya. I am not in a romantic relationship with him. He is just a friend, nothing more."

Sachiko remained silent as she took in every word that came out of Yumi's lips. She looked down at their joined hands and whispered, "I know I don't have the right to be angry that you have been in relationships since we broke up. I got married a few months after we separated, so I really shouldn't be acting like I did back in Nara. But I just can't help but feel…afraid that I have truly lost you."

Yumi peered down on her face, urging her to meet her gaze. "You will never lose me. Because no matter how hard I tried to move on or get over you, my heart only knows how to love one person…and that person is you."

Sachiko smiled, feeling her heart swell at the sincerity of her beloved's words.

Upon seeing her smile, "So you're not angry with me anymore?" Yumi asked hopefully, still not letting go of her hand.

"Thinking about it now, I am not sure if it was anger that I felt" Sachiko started, "…but insecurity and fear that we would never get back together again." She added shyly.

"You really worry easily, don't you?" Yumi giggled. "There is nothing to be insecure or worried about."

Sachiko looked up to see Yumi's smiling face. "You shouldn't be looking this happy at my obvious discomfort and embarrassment. It's improper." She replied with her grande seour tone.

"Yes onee-sama" Yumi joked before continuing to say, "Although, I don't remember you practicing that when you were teasing me earlier. You have no idea how scared I was that Kiyonori-san would start asking questions about the kind of relationship I have with you."

"So if he asked, how would you have replied?"

Yumi's eyes widened.

"Would you tell him that we were in a relationship? Or that while you were assigned to an out-of-town project in Nara, we had…"

"Sachiko!" Yumi's cheeks turned red.

Sachiko pinched her cheeks and said "You worry easily", echoing Yumi's words earlier. "And by the way, I have the right to worry. You had numerous boyfriends. You may have said that you didn't have any emotional or physical relations with any of them. But after seeing one man appear on your doorstep so early in the morning, and witnessing him hold your hand with that loving look in his eyes, how do you think I was supposed to react?"

"I know, that is why I am apologizing now. But I am telling you again, that was a misunderstanding. Kyouya-san is just a friend."

Now that she was not overpowered by jealousy or anger, unlike that night, her heart found it easier to trust her lover's words. "I believe you."

Yumi gave her an appreciative smile.

They looked into each other's eyes. Now that their misunderstanding had been cleared, Sachiko's heart felt lighter. Waiting all this time for Yumi had been a good decision on her part because she had the time to calmly think about their situation. While it may be true that there were times when she had wanted to either barge into that coffee shop to demand that barista for Yumi's number, or to ask Rei to get it from Yoshino, or to intimidate that Hagane Kinta into getting it for her, she was proud that she was able to control herself.

"I love you Yumi" she muttered, before bringing her face closer to hers and kissing her. Yumi returned her kisses for a moment, before the younger woman slowly pulled away.

"There is just one other thing I need to tell you." Yumi said.

Sachiko looked at the younger woman questioningly.

"I have never really told you the reason why I initiated our break-up years ago."

"It's okay Yumi." Sachiko said with a smile. "Grandfather already told me the truth." Her eyes softened as she tucked a stray strand of her beloved's hair behind her ear. "That was the reason why I had been so anxious to see you. To tell you that you that I know everything, and that there is nothing you should feel guilty about. It was an accident. I never blamed you for anything, not even my parents…" Sachiko stopped speaking when she heard someone open the door.

Sachiko stood up suddenly to face the person that dared disrupt their important conversation, only to immediately stop in her tracks…

"Don't be angry at Keiko-san" the person immediately said upon seeing the irritated look on Sachiko's face. "Your secretary told me you were not here, just as you instructed I presume."

"Mother?"

"You forgot, didn't you?" the older Ogasawara said in a mildly accusing tone. But Sayako's expression changed upon seeing a younger woman stand up from behind her daughter.

"Good day, Sayako obaa-sama." Yumi greeted.

"What a pleasant surprise. I haven't seen you in a long time Yumi-chan. I think I deserve more than a greeting." The older woman said as she opened her arms and looked at Yumi expectantly.

Yumi glanced at Sachiko with worry in her eyes, as if asking what she should do. Yumi received a reassuring smile and with this, the younger woman swallowed hard as if to push down her fears and accepted the offered embrace.

"I'm sorry Sayako obaa-sama." Yumi mumbled.

Sayako pulled away and looked at Yumi in the eyes, "What are you apologizing for?"

"The accident…years ago…" Yumi's voice cracked.

Sayako thought for a moment before she understood what Yumi was talking about. "Oh my. Is that the reason why you stopped coming to visit our home? It never even crossed my mind that you had anything to do with what happened to Sachiko that night. It was an accident."

"You don't understand" Yumi whispered. "I was the one who asked Sachiko to come see me as soon as the dinner party was over."

The older woman cupped Yumi's cheek, "I am well aware of that Yumi-chan. Sachiko would never have left in such a hurry if it weren't to come and see you. You are the only one who has that effect on my strong-willed and stubborn daughter."

Sachiko blushed.

"Let us talk some more later Yumi-chan" Sayako said before facing her daughter, "I know I may have interrupted a very important conversation. So I will leave you to it for the moment. But come and see me in your father's office when you are done. And bring Yumi-chan with you."

"Yes mother" Sachiko felt relieved that her mother willingly delayed whatever it was she came over to say, and decided to give them some much needed privacy. However, her relief had been short-lived when another unexpected visitor entered her office.

"Did you tell her already?"

Sachiko sighed. "Father"

"Is that Yumi-chan?" Tooru forgot what he was about to say when he saw her daughter's seour. "It's been a long time since we last saw you. This is perfect timing!" Tooru said gladly.

'No father, it is not' Sachiko thought inwardly.

But the man, oblivious of his daughter's mood, continued to say, "We have lunch reservations because today is our wedding anniversary. We came to get Sachiko because she seems to have forgotten."

At this, Sachiko's eyes lit up upon remembering that her mother did inform her about it last week and reminded her this morning. That was probably the 'lunch arrangements' Keiko was talking about earlier.

"We can't blame her Tooru" Sayako said as she looked at Yumi.

"Yes of course, that I understand." He smiled meaningfully, before proceeding to approach their daughter's guest, "you should also join us for lunch Yumi-chan."

Worry again flashed on Yumi's face. She looked to the ground, reluctant to meet the man's eyes. Sayako immediately noticed this and exchanged a knowing look with her husband.

He nodded to his wife before saying, "I sincerely apologize for what my father may have said all those years ago Yumi-chan. And my wife may have already told you, but neither of us blamed you for what happened."

"You knew father?!" Sachiko intoned. "Since when?"

"You were not the only one whom your grandfather had spoken to Sachiko." Tooru said. "We have some things to talk about" he continued, looking from Sachiko to Yumi. "But that conversation can wait. For now, I will have you know that you two have our blessing." The couple gave the two women sincere smiles.

Sachiko looked from her mother to her father in disbelief. This day was turning out to be full of surprises. She turned to face her beloved and noticed that Yumi was also sporting a bewildered look.

"So, about that lunch I was talking about." Tooru suddenly said to dissipate the awkwardness. "Will you join us Yumi-chan?"

"Not now Tooru." Sayako said, "They seem to be in the middle of an important conversation when I arrived. I didn't know Sachiko had a visitor, so I entered her room without her permission."

"In that case, we will just wait for you and Yumi-chan in my office."

"Thank you for inviting me Tooru Oji-sama. But I am afraid I will have to decline because I have to go back to work this afternoon. Maybe I will just come and visit you one weekend?"

"No need to worry Yumi-chan."

Everybody turned to see the newcomer. It was Suguru-san lazily leaning by door.

Sachiko sighed inwardly. Her initial shock was now disappearing as her annoyance was coming back. Now her whole family is in her office. Couldn't they at least let her and Yumi finish their conversation first?

"I spoke with Kiyonori-san." Suguru-san started.

"What did you tell him?" Yumi asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Nothing much, but enough. I will just give him a call that your meeting had been extended until late in the afternoon, and that you will not be able to go back to the office today. I'm sure he will understand." Suguru-san reassuringly said.

And just when Sachiko thought the day's surprises had been over...

"Onee-sama?" a new voice suddenly said.

Now Sachiko was not able to hide her exasperation as yet another person arrived. She shot an irritated glare at Suguru-san. The man shook his head defensively and mouthed 'I have nothing to do with this'.

"Touko what are you doing here?" Yumi said surprised.

"I was in the area and decided to drop by and greet Tooru Oji-sama and Sayako Obaa-sama on their Anniversary. I went to Tooru Oji-sama's office and was informed that he was here at Sachiko-sama's. I never expected to see you here." Touko's gaze swept the room. "And why is everybody here?"

"It's a long story Touko-chan" came Sachiko's voice filled with resignation. It seems she and Yumi will not be given a chance to finish their talk. "I guess we should just head out to that lunch reservation mother."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Sachiko answered.

After one long look at her daughter, Sayako agreed, not forgetting to invite the newly arrived Touko to join them as well. The young woman agreed and soon after, everybody started filing out of the room.

"You go on ahead, I will just get my bag" Sachiko said to Suguru-san. She wanted a few more minutes to calm herself down and not be a spoiler in her own parent's anniversary lunch.

Suguru-san didn't ask any more questions upon seeing how irritated she still was, "we will just wait for you at the restaurant," he said, then left.

Yumi likewise approached Touko, "You can go ahead as well. Sachiko and I just have one more thing to talk about."

Her petite seour reached out to hold both her hands, "I am rooting for you onee-sama. Good luck."

After Touko left, Yumi closed the door.

The sound made Sachiko turn around. She was currently standing by the desk and had been looking out of the window to calm herself down. "I am sorry about my family Yumi. I just didn't expect them the come and interrupt us, one after another."

Yumi proceeded to stand beside her lover, "It was not an issue for me. In fact, I was glad to be able to finally apologize to your parents about what I did back then."

"I told you, you had nothing to do with it Yumi."

"I know. I just wanted to apologize and get this weight off of my chest."

They continued to gaze out at the scenery of the Tokyo skyscrapers in front of them. Until Yumi spoke, "I know your family is waiting for us, but I would like to ask for a few more minutes before we head out."

Sachiko turned to look at her, giving her full attention.

Yumi felt her heart constrict when she realized that the moment have finally arrived. A part of her could not believe that she will now be saying the words she had wanted to utter so many months ago when Sachiko went to see her in Nara-shi. There are so many other things she wanted to say as well, like how she missed everything about the woman in front of her. How she wanted to just get lost looking into her deep blue eyes, or hear her melodious voice, or bicker with her until one ends up irritated, or just lie in bed with her enjoying a comfortable silence. But in the end, as she took Sachiko's hands and interlaced their fingers, she just said…

"Is it okay for you to be mine once again?"

Yumi's heart was pounding in her chest as she waited for a response.

Until…

"No Yumi" Sachiko said, letting go of her hand. Her face became an unreadable mask as she turned away and headed towards the door.

Yumi could not believe it. Sachiko just rejected her.

She looked away as she felt tears sting her eyes and her lips quivered. Yumi covered her mouth with her hands to stifle the soft sobs coming out of her lips. A part of her knew that rejection had been a possibility. But knowing and actually having that reality shoved down her throat had been different. Yumi was about to open her mouth to demand for an explanation, but the words caught in her throat when she heard the click of a lock. Soon after, she was rendered motionless when she felt soft slender hands snake around her waist. A shiver ran down her spine as Sachiko drew her face closer to her ear.

"No Yumi, I disagree. This will take longer than a few minutes." Sachiko whispered with a seductive voice.

"Do you think I like it that you beat me at confessing yet again?" the older woman said as she nibbled at her ear, making Yumi shudder in pleasure. "I had been wanting to say those words to you since I saw you in that conference room. But I was controlling myself."

Sachiko then licked the side of her neck and peppered it with kisses, rendering Yumi weak in her lover's arms. "Do you think I like to lose again? Huh, Yumi?"

Her beloved kissed the sensitive part of her neck as her hands travelled down Yumi's front. Sachiko tugged at Yumi's collar and she unconsciously angled her neck, allowing her lover to trail sweet kisses down the newly exposed skin. Yumi immediately covered her mouth with her hands to suppress the moan threatening to escape her lips. She was afraid that she could be heard outside and this snapped her out of her daze. "Sachiko stop" she tried using a commanding voice, but failed miserably as her lover continued to attack her neck and her ear with kisses and bites.

Sachiko then forced her to turn around, her arms still wrapped around her hips. She looked in her eyes and Yumi could see her blue eyes darkened with desire. "Why should I? I have been holding back for so long. Do you think it was easy to sit across from you in that room and not think about what I wanted to do to you when we're finally alone? I just prioritized having a conversation to clear any misunderstandings. I have resigned to the fact that we will never have the chance to be alone until after lunch, but you're making it hard for me to hold back any longer Yumi."

"They are waiting for us" and just as Yumi said this, Sachiko's phone buzzed.

Sachiko's face instantly hardened. She pulled the phone out of her pocket and was about to throw it across the room when Yumi grabbed her arm. "Let me have that" she said and proceeded to switch off the phone before putting it safely on top of Sachiko's desk.

"I told you they are waiting for us" Yumi said.

"Fine" Sachiko huffed.

Yumi was finally able to breathe. She too wanted to be intimate with Sachiko, but not now and not in this place. She shuddered at the thought, pushing back the image of them making love on that wonderful leather couch. "Anyway" she continued speaking to clear her wild imagination, "would you like to be with me?"

"Not now Yumi."

"What do you mean?"

Sachiko seem to have picked up the panic in her voice, "I mean, wait for me. I already had preliminary discussions with our lawyers. I have completed the forms and they are just waiting for my go signal to file the divorce papers. Based on their estimate, it will only take a few months to complete."

"You're divorcing Suguru-san?"

"Isn't it what you want?"

"Of course it's what I want."

"That way, we can finally get married." Sachiko continued.

"Wait. We're getting married?" Yumi just hadn't thought that far yet.

"You don't want to?"

"Of course I want to!" Yumi breathed hard. "Everything is just happening so fast."

Sachiko just stared at her.

"A few months…" she mumbled. Her mind was spinning. It was like bombs have been dropped onto her, one after another.

Sachiko pouted, "Why do I get the feeling that I am the only one who wants to make us official?"

"Don't get me wrong Sachiko. I appreciate that you already have everything planned out. It was just so sudden."

"Of course, who do you think I am? We have been apart for too long and I cannot wait to be with you. I have also contacted an agent. So in case everything go according to plan, we can have our own house."

"Wow" it was all Yumi could say.

Then Sachiko looked at her seriously. She was taken aback at the sudden change in her lover's demeanour.

"What?" Yumi asked, bracing herself for another bomb to be dropped onto her.

"But just so we're clear." Sachiko said seriously. "I may have asked for time to clear the mess I am in so we can be together. But during that time, you are not allowed to be in a relationship with anyone."

Yumi's lips quirked up, "That goes without saying Sachiko."

"And you'll send me messages and call me every day. I will also do the same."

"Yes ma'am"

"And we will still go on dates."

At this, Yumi widely smiled as she slowly walked closer to her lover. She gently placed one hand to cup her cheeks while the other slowly snaked and settled on the small of Sachiko's back. The older woman gasped in surprised when she suddenly pulled her closer and their bodies touched. "Any more demands Ms. Ogasawara?"

"And I will be the only one in your heart. I don't like to share." Sachiko whispered.

"I know" Yumi whispered back before angling her face to place a gentle kiss on Sachiko's lips.

The kiss had been brief as Sachiko broke the kiss and said "You haven't answered me yet Yumi. Will you wait for me?"

Yumi leaned forward again, slipped her tongue in Sachiko's mouth and kissed her passionately. Their kisses had been slow, but filled with desire. It was the same emotion she knew were reflected in her hazel brown eyes as she pulled away to meet Sachiko's dazed eyes. "Isn't it obvious? Of course I will wait for you. And yes, I will text you and call you, we will go on dates and…we will do this…" Yumi kissed her again but more heatedly this time. She trailed hot passionate kisses from Sachiko's mouth to her ear, down to her neck until it settled on her throat. She sucked hard on a sensitive part of Sachiko's neck, marking her and making her lover tremble in her arms. "Or isn't this among your demands?"

Sachiko responded by lunging at her and kissing her hard. She was being pushed back and only stopped when her back hit the edge of Sachiko's executive desk. She wanted to sit up on the desk and pull Sachiko in between her legs, but found it difficult.

"It's really hard to move around in this pencil tight skirts" Yumi complained.

"We can do something about that" Sachiko said, her voice husky and filled with lust. Her lover reached for the zipper of her skirt and was about to pull it down when the intercom buzzed.

"Ms. Sachiko?" Keiko tentatively asked.

Sachiko reluctantly disentangled herself from Yumi, her face red in furry.

"I'm sorry if I may have interrupted something…" the voice continued and Yumi had to stop herself from laughing at the enraged look on her lover's face.

"…But your father called to inform you that they have arrived..."

They didn't hear the end of the message as Sachiko yanked out the intercom cord. She also pulled out the cord of her desk phone. "Can't they give us a few minutes of peace?!" Sachiko shouted.

Yumi cupped her lover's face. "You will have me all to yourself, once we… get married." The word still sounded foreign on her lips.

"I do not want to wait that long" Sachiko complained, but the tinge of annoyance was slowly disappearing from her face.

Yumi gave her one chaste kiss before saying, "Then, you have me all to yourself after this lunch is over."

After one long hard look at Yumi, Sachiko finally conceded. "Fine. It's not like we have a choice. Everybody and everything seems to want to interrupt us and not let us have even a few moments of peace."

Yumi smiled as she started tucking in her blouse and fixing her dishevelled hair. Sachiko did the same.

Sachiko was already calm when they headed out of the room. Although, Yumi had to pull Sachiko away to stop her lover from biting her secretary's head off. They were already standing in front of the elevator, waiting for it to arrive when Yumi said. "I love you Sachiko."

In a heartbeat, her beloved looked at her lovingly and responded, "I love you too Yumi."

The elevator door opened soon after and the few people already inside moved to the corner, giving them space. Sachiko put her stoic mask back on as each employee politely greeted her.

Yumi just stood happily beside her strong-willed lover…where she truly belongs. Years may have passed and a lot of trials may have come their way, but in the end, no one will ever be able to replace Sachiko in her heart.

Unknown to her, it was the same thought running in Sachiko's head. She glanced beside her and let her guard down for a bit as she let a contented smile play on her lips. After all this time, her heart never stopped loving Yumi. It will always be and still be her.

Chapter 16: Still

- The End -

A/N: Thanks for sticking until the end and I hope you enjoyed reading this story. Please share your comments with me dear readers. Have a good day.

Beta note: So, what a "long" strange journey this has been. I only started beta'ing this story after the 5th chapter, and yet here 3 weeks later the story is at 16 chapters and is over. It is my sincerest hope that everyone reading this have enjoyed the story as much as I did.
While I may have been "overworked", (I mean 11 chapters in 3 weeks *gasps*) I will miss working on this story nonetheless. So thank you to "Teacher Yumi" for allowing me to join in on this story, and thank you to you the reader for sticking around.