Hey guys! Dropping in with a little something...special and bitter sweet! XDD
We have arrived at the end my friends! Yes, this is the last official chapter of this story! I do have a little Epilogue planned that I'll try to get up as fast as I can. But for now...this is the end. And yes...the chapter is long...but I figured to get everything in it needed to be. That and it's the last chapter...so figured I'd make it worth you're while! 83
I'd like to give a huge thank you to everyone whose Reviewed, Favorited, Followed, Read, and most importantly enjoyed this story! It really is a bitter sweet moment to be here typing this...but I'm so excited at the same time! Thank you all so much for you're support! .
Once the Epilogue is up I will be working on the Sequel...so keep your eyes open for both things!
Disclaimer: Nope...still don't own anything from Mystic Messenger. All of it's Copyrights belong to Cheritz! I do, however own Ari and would appreciate you ask before she is used! Thankies!
Chapter 11: Just the Beginning
The three RFA Members made their way back out into the main ballroom, the room swirled with chatter as they made their way across the room to stand near the stage joining Jumin, Jaehee, and Zen.
Ari gave them all proud smiles as V suddenly appeared and began to make his way across the stage. The chatter that had once filled the room suddenly died as the head of the RFA made his way to the podium.
Ari found herself smiling proudly as V began his closing speech, thanking all the guests that had come. Explaining to them what their generous donations would be going towards, and how all of their help was appreciated.
He then began to speak about all of the hard work of the RFA Members, how each of them had played a part and how incredibly hard they had worked for this party. And how thankful he was to them for making all of this a possibility.
"I would once again like to direct your attention to our Members, without their work and dedication one of this would have been possible. Please join me in a round of applause for them." V stated into the microphone as he and the rest of the guests all began clapping.
Ari felt her cheeks burn brightly at the sudden attention but she couldn't help but smile happily as she ducked her head slightly.
"And in closing I would once again like to say thank you to everyone who has attended. You're love and contributions to our cause have made this one of the best parties to date. I'm sure my love, Rika would be proud to have seen how far along the Organization has come. Please have a good evening, and thank you once again!" V stated smiling proudly as the crowd once again erupted into applause.
Ari smiled as she too joined in the clapping at this stage, she glanced at Yoosung out of the corner of her eye noticing the distant look in his eye as he too clapped.
She knew he was doing his best to keep his promise of keeping Rika's memory just that, but she couldn't help but feel sorry for him and the others in that moment remembering this was the first party since Rika's passing.
She had little time to think on such things however, since as soon as the applause died down she and the rest of the RFA were quickly swept up in the hustle and bustle of the guests that were filing out of the ballroom.
Ari wasn't for sure how long it actually took to go through everyone who wanted to give them one last hand shake, thank you, or congratulations on such a wonderful event. But by the end of trail of guests she was pretty sure her eyes were spinning.
As the last few made their way out of the ball she finally managed to take a deep breath and let it out. Sensing her relief Yoosung turned to face her, she could still make out the fatigue that plagued him but his eye was shinning happily as he looked at her.
"We should be thanking you, Ari...for everything. With out you...none of this would have been possible." He said quietly as he smiled.
The others who were standing nearby all nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Yoosung has a point...you were the one who brought life back into the RFA...if anything we should be the ones grateful." Jumin stated a ghost of a smile on his lips as he looked at her.
"Here here! I say we go get a drink to celebrate Ari's success!" Zen stated laughing as he flashed her a grin.
Ari blushed deeply at their praise as she laughed a little bit at his suggestion.
"I agree...I believe all the thanks to Ari are very much necessary." Came another voice from behind them as V made his way up to the group a soft smile on his face.
"Ah...V, do you want to join us? We were just talking about celebrating Ari's success." Zen stated grinning at the photographer who chuckled a little at his enthusiasm.
"I'm afraid I'll have to decline, but thank you for the offer. I actually came to speak with Luciel...whenever he gets a chance." V stated cocking his head slightly in Seven's direction causing the hacker to swallow hard before turning his gaze away.
Ari noticed his sudden turn in behavior but didn't mention it.
V's didn't seem to pick up on it or ignored it fully as he turned his attention to Yoosung.
"Are you planning on joining them as well? I figured you'd be wanting to go home and rest for tomorrow..." V stated surprise evident in his voice.
Yoosung seemed to shrink under V's question as he swallowed hard. Ari felt her self suddenly felt a small pit form in her stomach at his sudden nervousness, the others gazes had now all settled on the blonde as well.
"I...well I hadn't exactly agreed to go..." Yoosung stated sheepishly wavering under the others gazes.
"And what's tomorrow?" Jumin finally asked raising an eyebrow clearly not in the mood for guessing games.
Yoosung heaved a sigh as he glanced at Ari and then at the rest of the group.
"I have to be back at the hospital in the morning...they only gave me emergency treatment last night for my eye. Seven was able to schedule the actual surgery...but...I may have decided to come to the party instead..." Yoosung stated wincing knowing the reactions that would follow.
"YOU WHAT?" Seven practically barked as his golden eyes widened as he looked at his friend.
The others all had similar reactions even Ari was stunned by what he'd just said.
"I...I didn't want to ruin the party for anyone...and I wanted to see Ari so badly..." Yoosung stated trying with out much success to defend himself as his shoulders slouched as a look of disappointment flooded across his features.
"Don't put all the blame on Yoosung. I might have had a bit of a hand in this as well..." V started clearing his throat slightly obviously feeling bad for the younger man's plight.
Jumin crossed his arms and gave his best friend a look that told him to explain.
"In his defense I was the one who rescheduled the surgery. The ophthalmologist seemed to think allowing the swelling to go down a bit would help in the longer run anyways. It also meant that his mother could have more notice and wouldn't be as rushed to get here either..." V stated quietly as the others all sighed.
Ari felt a bit of her anger fade at V's words, and seeing Yoosung so down also didn't help. She swallowed the lump she felt forming in her throat as she reached over and gave his arm a gentle squeeze to which he gave her a small smile.
"So then you'll be having surgery tomorrow then?" Jumin asked as he sighed a little the wheels in his head already turning from what V had just said.
"Y-Yes...I have to be back at six in the morning to get checked in..." Yoosung stated nodding his head.
"Well I guess there goes us getting to party..." Zen stated a hint of disappointment in his voice as he shook his head.
"Oh well...gotta make sure you get better first...then we can celebrate." He said nodding his head a little as if agreeing with himself.
"Is it wise for you to go home alone? I mean if you have to be up so early and the fact that you're clearly going to be taking pain medication..." Jaehee wondered allowed suddenly speaking as she looked at Yoosung with concerned eyes from behind her glasses.
"I had thought of that as well...why I made sure when his clothing for today was picked up I had a bag packed for him as well to stay with someone." V stated shrugging his shoulders a little as the others all looked at him.
Yoosung's eye had widened at the teal haired man and Ari was quite sure she could feel the disappointment radiating off him.
"B-But...I wanted to sleep in my own bed..." He whined as he frowned clearly having been looking forward to that.
Ari had to put a hand over her mouth to keep from giggling at him as she rolled her eyes.
"Hey man...you'll be so drugged you won't remember where you're sleeping." Zen stated rolling his red eyes at his friend.
"I'll take him, V. The hospital's closer to my home anyways...and I don't have rehearsal till the afternoon since the Director knew I'd be out tonight." Zen stated grinning at Yoosung who only hung his head and sighed clearly knowing his fate had been decided.
"Thank you..." V stated nodding his head before he took a deep breath and glanced over at Seven before focusing back on the group.
"Now then, I do have something more important to discuss...I didn't want to bring it up during the party and in front of Guests." He said quietly drawing everyone's attention back to him, Seven only gave him a side ways glance before focusing back on his feet.
"Luciel and I spoke earlier, and I have come to a decision. I will be staying here for the next few days during this time we will be clearing out Rika's apartment. The Secret Security system will be removed and the building cleared..." He said a look of seriousness crossing his face as he frowned a little.
The rest of the RFA seemed stunned at this announcement.
"V...are you sure?" It was Yoosung who finally spoke the surprise clearly written on his face as he blinked.
V nodded his head a soft almost sad smile ghosting his lips as he swallowed hard.
"Yes, it's time. And after what happened to Ari...I don't believe there's any need to put anyone else in danger like that. Luciel has been working on a new program that will keep the information stored in Rika's computer safe and still allow Ari to access it. It will also contain a fail safe that will dump everything if anyone ever tries to gain access to it with out authorization..." V explained as the others all nodded their heads.
"If you think that's what is best...then I support the decision." Jumin stated nodding his head.
The others also all nodded in agreement as they glanced at each other.
"If it means a reduced chance of any of this ever happening again, and will help keep Ari safe then I agree as well. I just guess having that last trace of Rika gone...is going to be sad." Yoosung stated truthfully as he sighed.
Ari could understand what he was saying as she gave him a soft smile, she too had to admit as much as the bomb threat had scared the fire out of her. A little bit of her could also feel the emotion and sadness at having that apartment gone. After all she'd lived there for a week and gotten to know everyone there.
V nodded his head in understanding.
"I agree...but as I said I believe it's time..." He stated as he turned his head to Seven who still seemed lost in his own little world.
The others all seemed to be taking in this new bit of information.
"Ari...I would like to give you a personal thank you. For everything...for you're dedication, patience, and willing to stand along with this organization. You could have left at anytime, you were pulled into something so much bigger then you ever imagined..." V stated suddenly causing Ari to look up at him.
"But you stuck through it...over came everything. You've truly become the heart of the RFA...and I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing us back from the edge we were on. I can finally rest assured of the future...and it's all thanks to you." V stated giving her a warm smile.
Ari felt her self smile and blush as she ducked her head a slight bit at his overwhelming praise.
Jumin on the other hand seemed to be quietly eyeing his friend as if he knew something more was going on, he could almost sense what V was saying sounded like a good bye speech but he kept his mouth shut.
"Thank you, V..." Ari stated finally looking up at the photographer and grinning happily.
"Of course..." V stated as he turned back in the direction of Luciel.
"Now...if you'll excuse us...Luciel if you would please." He stated nodding his head for the hacker to follow him.
The two of them made their way off from the main group as the others watched them go.
"Goodness...even more stuff to take in." Jaehee stated quietly as she sighed as she adjusted her glasses.
"It seems that way..." Jumin stated his voice trailing off slightly which caused the others to all glance at him curiously.
"Damn...things just keep getting more, and more confusing." Zen stated shaking his head as he crossed his arms a look of concern flashing in his deep red eyes.
Yoosung just seemed lost in thought as Ari glanced at him, concerned she reached over and gently gave his arm a squeeze. He blinked as he looked up at her a soft look coming across his face as he seemed to relax a bit.
She had to admit even she was overwhelmed with with V had just told them, and she hadn't even met Rika before. So she could only imagine what the others were feeling.
"Well I suppose putting all of that aside for the moment...the next task is clean up, yes Assistant Kang?" Jumin asked quietly seeming to come out of his thoughts first and deciding it best to move on with other things.
"Huh? O-Oh...yes..." Jaehee stated clearly taken aback by his sudden address.
Jumin nodded his head as he looked at Zen and then to Yoosung.
"I suppose you two need to be going, if your going to return to Zen's in time to get a proper night's rest before having to be to the hospital early in the morning." Jumin stated quietly as he thought for a few moments.
"I'll go see about arranging for a car to take you...no point of making you take a cab or the bus at this hour." He stated shrugging his shoulders as he fished around for his phone in one of his pockets as he began to make his way from the group.
"Damn robot jerk...course it's back to work for him." Zen stated once Jumin was out of earshot.
Jaehee only let out a sigh as she watched her boss go.
Ari also watched Jumin walk away, her brows furrowing slightly. She'd seen how shaken he'd been a few minutes before she really wondered what was going through the businessman's head at that moment.
"I guess he does have a point...man V had to remind me my Mom's coming tomorrow." Yoosung suddenly whined as he hung his head.
Ari only gave him an odd look but figured he was probably trying to lighten the mood a little.
"I mean...not that I won't be glad to see her. But I'm sure once I'm able to be out of bed from surgery she'll have me making soap with her or something crafty. And she'll give me lectures I'm sure on the state of my apartment..." He whined as he sighed dramatically.
Ari couldn't help but giggle at his plight as she lightly patted his arm.
Zen only rolled his eyes at the blond's whining.
"I'm sure you'll be more upset when it comes time for her to return home..." Jaehee stated quietly raising an eyebrow at him.
Yoosung only huffed a little bit as he crossed his arms, though the look he was giving the brunette betrayed that was probably exactly what would happen.
Jumin arrived back around that time his phone still in his hand as he looked at both Zen and Yoosung.
"I have arranged for a car to be waiting for you down in front of the lobby. They have already gotten the bag V has prepared..." Jumin stated matter of factly as he crossed his arms and nodded his head.
His gray gaze falling on Yoosung as he tilted his head slightly.
"I will also arrange for a car to pick up you're mother and I will escort her personally to the hospital in the morning. What time is your surgery?" He asked simply.
Yoosung blinked in surprise.
"It's at 9...you really don't need to go through all that trouble though." He said his voice showing his surprise.
"It's no trouble...after everything I'm sure she'll have questions and having someone to talk with her will put her more at ease." Jumin stated rolling his shoulders in a shrug.
"T-Thank you..." Yoosung managed to stutter out as Jumin merely nodded his head before he turned to Jaehee and began to talk with her.
"Guess that's our Que...come on. You too Ari...I know you two need to be all mushy before I drag off lover boy here." Zen stated teasing Yoosung who flushed brightly.
Ari felt her own cheeks heat as his words but she found herself turning to walk with them a sense of sadness suddenly washing over her at realizing that Zen was right she'd have to say good bye at least for now to Yoosung.
They made their way down to the lobby, Yoosung must have sensed it as well because he was extremely quiet as they stood hand in hand in the elevator.
Zen walked on ahead of them as they excited, he glanced back at them and only gave them a knowing look before his hands went behind his head and he continued on ahead leaving them behind.
Ari glanced over at Yoosung who seemed deep in thought as he walked. She was about to ask if he was alright when he suddenly stopped.
He gently tugged her hand and lead her over to a part of the lobby that wasn't as crowded. He stopped as he turned to face her gently taking both of her hands in his as he gave her a soft smile.
"It's all gone by to fast..." He mummered with a sigh as he looked down at her his eye shining softly.
Ari could only nod her head a little understanding what he meant.
"I know...I wish we had some more time, but their right you need to go get some rest." Ari said quietly causing him to chuckle a little bit as he sighed.
"Yeah...I don't want to leave you though. I finally got to see you and that just makes me not want to say good bye." He said quietly as he smiled softly.
"I'm sure that sounds good and cheesy..." He said cringing a little at his own wording.
Ari laughed a little bit as she shook her head.
"That's alright...I feel the same way. But we'll have plenty of chances to see each other now...besides you've got to go get better...someone still owes me a first date, remember?" She said smiling up at him and making him blush and grin.
"Well if that's the case I'll go get so much rest that I can give you the best one you've ever been on..." He said as his forehead came to gently rest on her's.
Ari felt her eyes close as his nose gently brushed against her's.
"That had better be a promise..." She said smiling gently as she looked back up into his eye.
"Of course...I'd promise you the moon if I could." He said causing her to laugh as she smiled her heart fluttering at his words.
"Alright, Romeo...don't make me come drag you off..." Suddenly came a voice that made them both jump and turn to look at Zen who was standing with a look of mock disgust on his face as he jerked his head towards the lobby doors.
Yoosung only rolled his eye at him as Ari giggled a little bit.
"I guess I have to go..." Yoosung said sadness coming into his voice as he looked back at Ari.
"Don't worry...I'll see you tomorrow." Ari stated giving him a small smile.
"You're gonna come to the hospital?" Yoosung asked blinking in surprise as he looked at her.
"Of course...what sort of girlfriend would I be if I didn't?" Ari asked giving him a look that made him chuckle at the stupid question.
"Alright...then I guess this is just good by until tomorrow." Yoosung stated quietly a blush suddenly springing to his cheeks as he leaned over and gently kissed her on the forehead.
"Good bye until tomorrow..." Ari repeated her own cheeks flushing at the sensation of his lips as her heart skipped a beat.
"I love you..." Yoosung said in a whisper as he smiled at her his eye shining brightly.
"I love you too..." Ari said smiling happily as her hand went to her chest pretty sure her heart was going to beat right out of her chest.
She could see the dopey smile come back across Yoosung's face at her words, he blinked before he grinned she could still see the reluctance in his gate as he turned to meet Zen who was still standing with his arms crossed as he watched them.
Ari could see the look of jealousy that played on the red eyed man's face as Yoosung joined him. But it quickly faded as he gave Ari a smile and wave as they turned to head out the doors.
"Don't forget to call me when you get home!" Yoosung suddenly called to her as he turned around to look at her.
Ari giggled a little but nodded her head as she gave him a small wave, he grinned as he turned around and followed Zen out the doors.
Ari stood there watching the doors for several minutes, her heart still hammering in her chest. She had to take a deep breath to try and regulate it, she already felt an emptiness at not having Yoosung by her side. But she quickly reminded herself she'd be seeing him in the morning and that seemed to help a little.
She sighed a little as she realized how silly she was being already missing him, but she guessed that would be expected after everything the day had entailed.
She was still mulling over those thoughts as she made her way back up to the ballroom. She blinked when she entered to find Jaehee busy coordinating the clean up of the room.
The brunette turned to face her as she noticed her appearance, she gave her a quick smile before she motioned with the pen she was holding to one of the cleaners.
"Yes, right over there would be fine...thank you!" She said before she adjusted her glasses and looked at Ari.
"Where'd everyone else go?" Ari asked surprised to find her all on her own.
"Hmm? Oh...Luciel and V are still talking I suppose. And Mr. Han went to arrange the pick up for Mrs. Kim...I'll be handling his work for the morning while he's gone so I suppose I'll visit Yoosung later in the afternoon when I can get away." She said shrugging her shoulders a little a bit of a soured look crossing her face as she did.
Ari could only give her a sympathetic look.
"Do you need any help? I'll gladly stay and do what I can if so..." Ari stated looking around the hall that was very clearly in shambles.
Jaehee blinked clearly not expecting an offer of help, her golden eyes quickly softened behind her glasses as she looked at Ari.
"Thank you...I appreciate the offer. But I believe I have everything under control, besides you should be getting some rest. You have an early day tomorrow...and honestly you've done more then enough for the day." Jaehee stated a small smile gracing her lips as she looked at Ari.
Ari blinked in surprise at her words and looked like she was about to protest but the look Jaehee gave her quickly told her it was futile.
"Alright...if you're sure..." Ari said reluctantly as she pouted.
Jaehee couldn't help but laugh a little at the look she gave her, she hadn't expected the offer of help let alone for her to be upset that she wouldn't let her.
"I'll call and see about arranging a ride for you...I'm sure Mr. Han, Luciel, and V will be upset that they missed you. But there's no sense in staying just for good byes from them...I'll pass the word along to them." Jaehee stated after she'd regained control of herself as she began to talk into the ear piece she still had on.
Ari only nodded her head a little bit as she waited politely for her to finish.
"Thank you..." Jaehee stated as she removed her fingers from the ear piece and looked at Ari.
"There will be a black car down in the pick up area in a few minutes for you, just give the driver you're address and you'll be good to go." She said smiling happily.
"Thank you..." Ari stated smiling brightly, she suddenly had an idea as she looked at the other woman.
"H-Hey Jaehee...would you like to grab a cup of coffee or something sometime? I'd still really love to borrow those DVD's you were talking about of Zen's performances..." Ari stated a bit shyly.
She'd seen in the chats how much Jaehee seemed to want a female friend, and more importantly a break from her work with Jumin. Ari could relate considering she was the foreign student and even after a year of living in Korea she had only just found a good core group of friends.
Jaehee seemed genuinely taken aback by the request, her golden eyes widened impossibly behind her glasses. She seemed to consider it before a happy smile spread across her face one that Ari hadn't seen before.
"I would very much enjoy that! I'll have to see what I can do with my schedule of course...and Mr. Han...but I'm sure we can work something out! Oh my goodness I'm so excited for you to see the DVD's...you really don't understand anything until you actually see Zen's performances!" She gushed happily.
Ari giggled at her enthusiasm.
As if noticing she was gushing Jaehee quickly cleared her throat and adjusted her glasses and stood up straighter.
"Sorry...but yes that sounds wonderful!" Jaehee stated her voice still bubbling with happiness.
Ari smiled happily and nodded her head.
"Just let me know when you get the chance." Ari stated as she smiled happily glad that she'd seemed to have made the other woman's night.
"Oh...Ari, before you go. What I said before the party about seeing RFA's future with you...I just wanted to say it again to you. Thank you for everything..." Jaehee stated the sensarity in her voice causing Ari to blush deeply and feel a few tears build in the corners of her eyes.
"Y-Your welcome..." Ari stated quietly as she tried to keep her voice from shaking.
Jaehee gave her a kind smile as she suddenly placed her fingers to her ear and listened to something before nodding her head.
"You're ride is here, Ari." She said giving her a smile.
"Alright...I'll talk to you in the chat room then." Ari stated happily as she gave her a happy wave before she turned around and started heading down towards the lobby.
She felt a bit bad at leaving with out saying good bye to the others, but she knew Jaehee was right and she'd take care of the rest.
She found the car as Jaehee had said, the driver getting out and opening the door for her as she told him her address. The man nodded his head as he gave her a kind smile as she got into the vehicle.
She let out a sigh as she sank down into the seat of the car, for the first time that day the actual fatigue setting in as they began to drive to her apartment. The city lights of Seoul passing outside the window as she allowed her head to loll against the glass her glasses tapping slightly as she did.
Emotions she'd been suppressing all day bubbling up, everything coming together as she allowed everything to digest.
She had almost fallen asleep when she suddenly felt a sensation from inside her purse. She blinked as she sat up straighter digging out her phone.
Her brows furrowed when she noticed she had a message from Seven, and from what she could see a large one.
'What in the world?' She thought to herself as she opened the message.
The first thing that popped up was an actual text from him she could only roll her eyes at what she saw.
"Heya Chica! Sorry I missed getting to say goodbye to you! V kept me out way to long and I missed you! But that's alright, Jaehee said she sent you on home to get some well deserved rest! I just thought you might enjoy a little gift from God Seven! 8D" Ari's eyebrows raised at that sentiment and wondered briefly what he was up to.
It was then that she scrolled further down and she felt her heart skip a beat at what else was included in the message.
Pictures, dozens were all attached to the message. Some of herself working and interacting with guests, some of the other RFA Members, Group shots, and several of herself and Yoosung together.
She felt tears welling in her eyes as she finally came to the end of the message.
"Just a little memoir of you're first party! Also remember to give God Seven credit when you show these to you and Yoosung's grandchildren! Kay? 8D" Read the last message that had been sent after the pictures.
Ari couldn't help but let out a laugh at that rolling her eyes at the hacker's words. Her heart felt like it would burst as she sniffled to hide her tears as she sent him a thank you message.
She let out a happy sigh as she allowed her head to loll back and rest against the window of the car as they approached her apartment.
The past eleven days had been insanity, the last twenty four hours had been even more. But now that she was finally at the end she wouldn't have traded them for the world.
No things hadn't always gone right, she'd been scared out of her mind more then once. But this was one adventure she'd never forget.
She smiled a little bit as she laughed yes it had certainly been one heck of a roller coaster one that she'd held on to tightly and one that she wasn't about to let go of anytime soon.
No this was just the beginning...
And that's a wrap folks! Aha. I really do hope you enjoyed this chapter! Goodness I've had a blast typing all of this!
Keep your eyes open for the Epilogue and then the sequel! 8D
Thank you all so, so, so much!