Hey guys, it's Amethyst.

I know it's been years since I last left off this story and since I stopped frequenting the site as well.

It only seemed right, once I stumbled upon here recently, to publish the concluding chapter to this story.

Let me know what you think of it!

Within a week of their last encounter together at Takumi's place, the latter was on a plane to England. Cedric sat by the aisle while Takumi sat by the window, a silent goodbye left his thoughts as his world zoomed out and he was among the clouds. They were both dressed in smart casuals so as to not draw too much attention to themselves. If anyone saw them, they'd think it was father and son traveling together. Takumi didn't eat or talk much and Cedric didn't probe him either for he knew what his young master was going through.

Takumi decided to take a nap, it would help pass time quicker, and he would get the rest he needed before dealing with his grandfather and half-brother.

"Master? Young Master Walker" Cedric nudged Takumi gently. The latter didn't want to wake up, but knowing he had to, he covered his face with his hands and took a deep breath in before looking outside the window. Grey, gloomy England was zooming in to be the background of his life for as long as he could imagine. When the plane landed, he took his carry on and walked out with Cedric trailing behind. After the immigration formalities, they got into the car that was specifically waiting for them from the castle. A beautiful scenery on the way home was tainted by the bitter memories of his lonely past. But Takumi knew he couldn't just sit around wallowing up in self-pity and self-deprecation. He had a goal and he had to achieve that.

When his feet hit the freshly mowed grass of the castle's front lawns, a subtle, confident smile dared to appear on his lips, he put his hand in his blazer's pocket, clutching on to the reminder of his goal. The lilac gingham scrunchie that was left behind by her, his beloved.

And so, day after day, no matter how tough or easy, he held on to his promise to return to her. The scent of her shampoo and conditioner mixed with her sweet body spray that lingered onto the checkered ponytail-holder began to slowly fade away, but it had etched itself into his memory. There were times when he'd take a run late at night to release endorphins, and when he was overdue for a haircut, he'd even use her scrunchie to keep his hair at bay. It was his way of feeling closer to her.

He hated every moment that went by knowing that he kept her in the dark.

But he knew deep in his heart that that would change…or would it?

It had been a little over a decade since Takumi was hauled to England. Since then certain things changed while certain things stayed the same.

One particular evening, Takumi was clearing up his desk before leaving to go home. It was a particularly busy day at the clinic considering that it was the weekend and he had remembered that his children had asked for some craft supplies to pass time since they were on vacation. So, began to search for loose money in his desk drawers since the craft supply store near their place didn't accept card or digital payments. He found the cash and put it in his wallet when he recalled that some drawers were untouched for a while now. Making a gamble, he opened the lowest one and he was happy he did so. It was filled with small photographs and memorabilia from trips and other events.

It looked like an unorganized scrapbook.

As he rummaged through, he found something that made him smile.

He put it in his pocket and headed on home.

"Tadaima!" he said, placing his bag of goodies for the kids on the coffee table before taking off his outerwear.

"Okaerinasai," he heard her say from further in the house, "Why don't you change and then we'll eat together," she said,

The delicious aroma of cream stew wafted in from the kitchen.

"Sounds good." He washed his hands and face, "Where are the kids? I brought the supplies they asked for,"

"They are at Gerald's, don't you remember?" she said, handing him a towel to dry off,

"Ah, yes, how can I forget? It's game night," he said, going into their room to change.

The four of them usually stayed over every other Friday at the castle for games and a family meal but couldn't during that particular week since both Misaki and Takumi were incredibly busy. Gerald being the loving uncle he was, came over and picked up his niece and nephew instead who'd grown pretty close to their him and his wife.

Misaki went on to finish up on dinner. Although she missed not having the kids at the dinner table, she was glad that just the two of them could relax and spend some quality time together which was at times a luxury.

She smiled when she felt his hands on her shoulders. He gathered her hair together and loosely tied it into a ponytail at the nape of her neck. His fingers lightly brushed her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. He then wrapped his arms around her waist, and began placing tiny kisses from her trapezium up her neck. Misaki took short, sharp breaths, anticipating his next move. When he stopped, she turned around, clueless.

Takumi smiled at her expression, "Were you expecting something more, Misa-chan?"

Misaki frowned, "Really? You just had to go and ruin an organic moment like that," she said, slowing smirking as she looped her arms around his neck,

He let a laugh, "I like how bold you've become over the years," he said, thinking of how she's evolved in showing her emotions and is not afraid in being vulnerable with him anymore.

"I'm am so blessed to have you" he said, pulling her in for a hug.

Misaki obliged and hugged him back, "What's with the sudden affection?" she said,

"Oh, it's nothing. Just reminded of how desires come true if your intentions are pure," he whispered in her hair,

They stood like that before Misaki pulled back hastily to turn the stove off to prevent the stew from burning.

And just like that, this story comes to an end. What are your thoughts about this chapter? And of this story on the whole?

I'd love a review!

Oh, and have y'all heard that there's going to be new chapter(s) of the original manga coming soon?

To think that this fandom is still thriving after over a decade is wild.