Misaki's head was throbbing. He stared down at his bandaged arm. It was the first thing he had seen when he opened his eyes. His first thought was "I'm still here. Fuck." He had had a long and exhausting discussion with Takahiro. He could tell his older sibling was doing his best to be strong for him but there were certain clues even he could not hide.

In Misaki's mind, surviving was the worst thing that could have happened. He felt like a teenage trying to sneak out of the house. Rather than slipping quietly out the back door as he intended he had clumsily crashed through the living room. Now he had to face Takahiro knowing he had broken his heart yet again. He clenched his one good fist as a surge of grief and fury washed over. If that damn nurse wasn't watching he'd be tempted to roll up these sheets and finish off the job right here and now.

"Hello."

Misaki jolted when he realized he wasn't alone.

"It's…you."

"Yes, it's me."

Misaki and Usagi gazed at each other for what felt like a long time. Misaki was the one who broke the silence.

"Why are you here?"

"I couldn't stay away. Would you care to take a walk with me?"

Misaki sighed.

"I don't think they'll let me. This place is like a prison."

"Don't worry about it. We'll just be stepping into the courtyard. I spoke with your physician. Since Takahiro gave his permission and you will be with me, they will allow it."

"Uhm, alright then. I mean only if you want to."

"I can think of nothing in the world I would enjoy more."

The weather was reasonable. Misaki had put on his sweater over his hospital gown. A small blanket was draped over his lap. Usagi pushed the wheel chair carefully. He slowed down for every bump in the sidewalk. Since Misaki was reticent, Usagi spoke up.

"I talked to Takahiro. He said you will be discharged the day after tomorrow depending on your mental state at the time."

"Yeah, that's what he told me too."

"He also said he had found a therapist for you to see. I think it would be good for you."

"Mhmm"

"Did he happen to mention that the office is only five minutes away from my apartment?"

Misaki was caught off guard he stammered his response, knowing what he wanted Usagi to say but too petrified to ask directly.

"N-n-no. That didn't come up."

"It would be very easy for you to get to your appointments from there."

Usagi stopped under a large tree. Cherry blossoms drifted down on the breeze and formed a carpet of crushed petals at their feet. He knelt beside Misaki's chair.

"It would?"

"Yes it would. That is, if you want to come to back to me."

"Shut up, baka! Don't you dare joke with me! Not about that!"

Usagi's face was solemn.

"Who's joking?"

Tears streamed down Misaki's face.

"But I'm…soiled. How could you ever look at me again?"

Usagi gently cupped his cheeks in his hands.

"How could I look at you? Easily. I'll look at you every morning when I wake up. I'll look at you every night when I go to sleep. I'll look at you across the table when we eat together and when we make love. Every single day until I am old and on my death bed. Then, when I pass away, I want the last thing I see in this whole god forsaken world to be your beautiful face which is far too pure to ever be soiled."

Misaki clutched Usagi's shirt and held him close. He didn't care who was watching or what they thought. For the first time since this hellish experience began, he was able to breathe. He finally felt safe. It was like he had been drowning and Usagi had resuscitated him.

"Usagi-san…I…I know this is a bit late but…I love you."

Usagi just smiled and kissed his passionately.

"I knew it all along."

The End

***Hello, I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for taking the time to read my story. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. At this point I feel there is nowhere left for me to go with the story. I did my best to tie up the loose ends and give Usagi/Misaki a romantic finale befitting them. They more than earned it! I encourage you all to check out some of my other stuff I've done for other series if you feel so inclined.

Also, I've said it many times throughout this process but here's one more for the road: if you or someone close to you is going through trauma or suffering front mental illness I urge you to seek help. There are so many resources out there one can turn up with even a simple google search. I sincerely wish for you all to have peace in your hearts and minds.***