Mamoru stood apart from the other stragglers in the courtyard in front of the concert hall, checking his watch. She was late, and he was growing more nervous by the second.

Three days earlier, he had been surprised to get a call from Kaioh Michiru herself, wanting to know if he was interested in attending her concert Friday evening with a friend of hers. Mamoru politely declined—he was scheduled for an overnight shift and wasn't keen to call in all of his favors to get a Friday night off with such short notice, and particularly not for a random friend of an acquaintance.

"That's too bad," she had coyly responded. "I suppose I can find someone else to accompany Usagi-chan to the concert . . . but she was so hoping to spend the evening with you."

He managed to rearrange his schedule.

Mamoru been mortified by his behavior at his last encounter with Usagi—what he could remember of it, anyway. He awoke the following morning alone on his bathroom floor with foggy visions of Usagi's shocked face after his drunken confession (as well as Elisa telling him to never contact her again) and spent the rest of the day nursing a bad hangover and worse regret. Certain he had destroyed any lingering chance he ever had with Usagi, he spent the next two months trying and failing to forget her. He spent extra hours at the hospital, volunteered, read half a dozen books—even agreed to a few tepid dates—but Usagi would always creep into his thoughts and dreams, torturously out of reach.

Michiru's unexpected call had rekindled the flame of hope in his heart, and he was determined not to let what might very well be his last shot with Usagi go to waste.

Michiru had explained over the phone that she had two tickets reserved under his name for him to pick up at the box office, and to meet Usagi by the fountains in front of the concert hall at 8:30, half an hour before the concert was scheduled to begin. Wanting the evening to go as smoothly as possible, Mamoru decided to show up early to wait in line for the tickets and be back by the fountains with plenty of time to meet Usagi.

Now, with the concert beginning in just 15 minutes, doubts were plaguing Mamoru's thoughts. What if Usagi changed her mind? What if, recalling his drunken behavior, she decided he wasn't worth giving a chance? What if, thinking of their contentious years, she realized she hated him, after all? What if it was all a joke to get back at what he'd put her through?

The sound of hurried footsteps on the stairs leading to the courtyard halted Mamoru's wallowing. Looking up hopefully, his chest swelled as Usagi finally appeared with blazing eyes and pink cheeks from her sprint up the stairs. Frantically looking around the courtyard, she spied Mamoru and quickly ran over to him—a skillful high-heeled dash that was clearly the result of much practice.

"Oh, Mamoru-kun!" she puffed, reaching him a moment later. "I'm sorry I'm so late. I got lost —this place is a maze!"

"Hey, no problem," he replied, unable to prevent a smile from spreading across his face as all his doubts melted away. "You're here now, and we still have a few minutes before the show starts, right?"

Usagi nodded, then took a moment to catch her breath and straighten the neckline of her knee-length rose-patterned dress.

"You look wonderful, by the way," Mamoru added.

"Thank you," she replied, giving Mamoru a disarmingly radiant smile. "You clean up pretty nice, too," she added, giving his tuxedoed appearance an admiring once-over.

"Thanks," he chuckled, adjusting his bow tie briefly before returning his gaze to her. "I really like your earrings," he continued, tentatively reaching out to touch one of the milky blossoms. "Did you make them?"

"Yep," she replied, fingering one of the earrings, "they're moonstone roses, just like my ring. Oh, that reminds me!" she said, opening her purse and digging around. "I have something for you."

"Something for me?"

"Mmm-hmm. Ah! Here it is." Usagi smiled as she pulled out a lapel pin topped with a miniature golden rose. "I made this for you. . . . It just . . . I thought it would suit you."

"You made that for me?" Mamoru replied, touched by her gesture.

She nodded, her cheeks turning pink. "May I?" she asked, holding the pin toward his silky black lapel.

"Of course." He watched intently as she carefully threaded the pin through the fabric, savoring her closeness.

"There," she said once it was secured. As she smoothed out the lapel, she allowed her hands to linger a bit longer than necessary on his chest. Before she could remove her hands completely, Mamoru reached up and took her right hand in his, flooding her cheeks with warmth. She looked up, his darkening eyes leaving her breathless.

"Usagi . . ." he began as the sound of hurried footsteps coming from the stairs echoed through the courtyard and interrupted his thoughts. A tuxedoed man soon appeared and dashed to the concert hall's doors, disappearing inside. Looking around, Mamoru realized he and Usagi were the only people still lingering outside. He sighed and let his head drop briefly before releasing Usagi's hand. ". . . we should probably find our seats."

"Yeah . . ." Usagi reluctantly agreed, taking a step away from him, attempting to calm her racing heart.

"Shall we?" Mamoru asked, offered her the crook of his arm. She smiled, taking it gratefully, and they quickly made their way into the concert hall. Once inside, an usher directed them to two front-row center seats in a raised section directly to the left of the stage, giving them an excellent view of the stage as well as the rest of the audience. They managed to sit just as the house lights darkened and an announcer came out to introduce Michiru and her accompanist.

"Oh look! There's Haruka-san and Setsuna-san!" Usagi whispered, pointing to the balcony directly opposite theirs. Mamoru looked up to see the two women watching them while quietly conversing. Usagi leaned forward and waved, earning a wink from Haruka and a warm smile from Setsuna.

"I've never had such good seats before!" Usagi added happily to Mamoru as they turned off their phones and got settled in.

"We'll have to thank Kaioh-san after the show," Mamoru replied, briefly squeezing her arm.

"Yes we will," she muttered, gazing at Mamoru's profile in the dim light as the crowd applauded Michiru's entrance, before returning her attention to the stage. She sighed, admiring how striking Michiru's looked in her structured mermaid gown. The gown's deep-blue color beautifully complimented Michiru's her teal hair, which was elegantly piled in an updo set off by Usagi's comb.

Usagi and Mamoru watched as Michiru and her accompanist prepared for the performance. As Michiru began to play, the rest of the world fell away, and they were more than content to lose themselves in the music and each other's nearness.

"That was incredible!" Usagi laughed, spreading her arms and spinning among the thinning crowd.

The concert had ended a short while earlier, and, after a standing ovation, three curtain calls, and an encore, the audience was finally satiated enough to allow the celebrated violinist to retire for the evening. Usagi and Mamoru were slowly making their way out of the concert hall, neither one in a hurry to end the evening.

The nervous couple had spent the first half of the concert covertly stealing glances at each other, neither sure enough of the other's feelings to make a move. After spending the intermission shakily downing a glass of red wine while watching Usagi charm the older couple standing next to them, Mamoru finally worked up the courage to take her hand in his sometime during the intermezzo movement of the Poulenc. They spent the entirety of the Debussy slowly acclimating to each other's touch—though they struggled to ignore the electricity created by each new tentative caress. By the time the encore wrapped up, they actively sought out each other's touch, quickly rethreading their fingers each time their hands came apart to applaud the performance.

"Don't you think it was incredible, Mamoru-kun?" Usagi asked, clasping her hands together and gazing at him with shining eyes.

"Definitely," Mamoru replied, chuckling at her childlike show of joy. He reached a hand out to her, which she happily took in her own.

"It might actually be the best performance of hers I've ever seen," Mamoru added.

"I agree. Tonight felt really special," she replied as she pressed herself next to him, grasping the crook of his arm with her free hand.

"Oi, Kitten!"

Usagi turned at the familiar call, spotting Haruka leaning out from behind a doorway marked Employees Only.

"Haruka-san! C'mon Mamoru-kun, let's go say hi," she said, dragging her date across the lobby.

"Enjoying your night, Usagi-chan?" Haruka asked as they reached her.

"Oh my gosh yes! It's been wonderful!" Usagi beamed. "Haruka-san, you remember Chiba Mamoru?"

"Nice to see you again, Tenoh-san," Mamoru said, politely inclining his head toward Haruka.

"Chiba," Haruka curtly responded before returning her attention to Usagi. "Michiru wanted me to invite you guys to the rooftop terrace for the after-party. You interested?"

"Really?" Usagi asked, a smile splitting her face. "That sounds so fun! What do you think, Mamoru-kun?"

"Sounds great," he agreed, squeezing her hand.

"Cool. Follow me," Haruka instructed, holding the heavy metal door open to allow them entry. They followed her through the maze-like backstage to a door that led outside, then climbed a staircase that took them to an elegantly lit rooftop terrace where Michiru was chatting with a group of admirers. Tuxedoed servers wove among the well-to-do partygoers, offering hors d'oeuvres and flutes of champagne to the guests. A meticulously manicured but unlit garden thickly lined with trees stretched out behind the terrace, its path winding enticingly in the moonlight.

Michiru noticed the trio and raised her champagne flute in greeting.

"Looks like Michiru's busy schmoozing with some of her patrons at the moment. . . ." Haruka observed as a server stopped to offer them food.

Usagi quickly popped a canapé in her mouth, her face transforming with delight. "You guys've gotta try this!" she declared thickly through her mouthful of food as she placed a canapé in both of her companions' hands. Usagi then paused briefly, considering the tray in front of her before scooping the rest of the canapés into her hands, thanking the server as he went to refill his depleted tray.

Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Usagi turned to find Setsuna standing behind her.

"Setsuna-san! Do you want one of these salmon thingies?" she asked, holding up her handful of food. "They're really good!"

"No thank you, Usagi-san," Setsuna replied with a smile.

Usagi shrugged, helping herself to the rest of the food she was holding.

"It's nice to see you again, Dr. Meioh," Mamoru said, bobbing his head toward the newcomer.

"You as well, Dr. Chiba," she replied as her cheeks gained the faintest hint of pink, prompting Haruka to roll her eyes.

"Wasn't the concert wonderful?" Usagi asked, clapping her now-empty hands together to rid them of crumbs. "Listening to Michiru-san, it's like . . . like being transported to another world or something."

Haruka's expression softened at Usagi's words. "I know what you mean, Kitten," she said, leaning toward the young woman. "I've been under her spell ever since the first time I heard her play. Not that I'm complaining . . ."

"You were a goner long before you heard her play, Haruka," Setsuna remarked, sipping her champagne.

Haruka chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck. "You would know, wouldn't you?"

"Dr. Meioh," Mamoru began, "I've been meaning to ask, how do you know Kaioh-san and Tenoh-san?"

"Oh, the three of us go way back," Setsuna responded, the ghost of a smirk flitting across her face. "I was Haruka's physics tutor back when I was in undergrad."

"I missed a lot of school cuz of my racing," Haruka explained, "and physics was the subject that suffered the most. My dad hired Setsuna to make sure I didn't fail out of high school. She somehow managed to help me to pass, but it was painful."

"And it wasn't long before our private tutoring sessions gained a third member."

"The three of us got along so well that we kept hanging out even after my class was over . . . at least when we could manage between my racing, Michiru's performances, and Professor Meioh here getting her Ph.D. Of course now when we hang out she has to put up with me without compensation," Haruka joked, playfully nudging Setsuna.

"That's not true Haruka dear, I get paid in concerts and alcohol now," Setsuna quipped, holding up her champagne flute with a smile.

"Then we'd better get you a refill quick," Haruka joked, noting Setsuna's nearly empty glass.

"Looks like Michiru-san finally got away," Usagi noted, watching the violinist making her way toward their group. Haruka turned with a smile, holding out an arm for her lover as Michiru neared, which she gratefully took.

"How're you holding up, love?" Haruka asked.

"Better now," she replied, giving Haruka a quick peck on the lips. "I swear these receptions can be more exhausting than the concerts. How about you guys?" she asked, turning to Usagi and Mamoru. "Are you having a good time?"

"We're having a wonderful time," Usagi responded as Mamoru nodded in agreement. "Thank you so much for the tickets, Michiru-san!"

"Oh don't mention it," she replied, waving off Usagi's words of gratitude. "Besides, it benefits me to have friendly faces in the crowd; it helps me play better. And judging by how inspired I felt tonight, I hope you both come to a lot more of my concerts."

"Sounds good to me," Mamoru said, smiling at Usagi.

"Usagi-chan," Michiru began, "I actually came over here to steal you away for a few minutes, if you don't mind."

"Steal me away?" Usagi asked, surprised.

"Yes, you," she said, exchanging Haruka's arm for Usagi's. "Everyone keeps asking about my enchanting hair comb, and when I mentioned the jeweler herself was here, they insisted on meeting you."

"Oh my gosh, really?" Usagi squealed. "You don't mind, do you, Mamoru?"

"Not at all," he smiled. "Go have fun."

Mamoru, Haruka, and Setsuna watched as Michiru guided an excited Usagi through the partygoers, quickly becoming enveloped by a group of admirers.

The next hour was a blur for Usagi. Used to the attention of the wealthy, Michiru took command, managing to simultaneously talk up Usagi's artistry to the crowd while introducing her to each potential new client in turn. Usagi was grateful she kept a stash of business cards in her wallet, though she quickly ran out.

She was relieved when interest in her waned enough to give her a moment to look for Mamoru among the crowd. She quickly spotted Haruka, who looked up from her conversation with a few acquaintances to give Usagi a subtle wink. Tucked behind Haruka were Mamoru and Setsuna, deep in discussion. Usagi smiled to see Mamoru engaging Setsuna in conversation, but after noticing Setsuna's somewhat reverent expression and the blush staining her cheeks, Usagi's expression fell.

Usagi turned away, trying to ignore the feelings of inadequacy that snaked through her at seeing Mamoru and Setsuna together. Even with the fresh promise of several lucrative commissions, Usagi still felt like a dumb kid next to poised and intelligent Setsuna. Try as she might, she couldn't help feeling that Mamoru and Setsuna made much more sense as a couple. She never had been able to figure out what Mamoru saw in her . . .

Usagi did her best to smile convincingly as she excused herself from Michiru's side. She didn't look back as she made her way onto the moonlit garden path, grateful for a private spot to escape the crowd and collect herself.

Her departure did not go unnoticed.

Haruka's eyes narrowed as she watched Usagi make her way through the crowd and get swallowed by the night. Extricating herself from her conversation, Haruka returned to Setsuna's side to glare at Mamoru.

"Oi. Chiba."

"Yes, Tenoh-san?" Mamoru asked, trying to ignore the waves of disapproval wafting off of Haruka.

"Just thought I'd inform you that your date just wandered into the garden on her own looking upset, since you obviously didn't notice."

"What do you mean?" he asked, his brows knitting together in concern. "Why was she upset?"

"I don't know," she said, shifting toward him menacingly, "but I do know this: you don't deserve her."

Setsuna closed her eyes and sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose between her fingers.

"Tenoh-san," Mamoru began, "this might surprise you, but I agree with you."

Setsuna opened her eyes to look at Mamoru as Haruka backed away from him slightly, surprised at his response.

"I'll say this," he continued, "she makes me want to be a better person, and as long as she'll have me, I will work every day of my life to be worthy of her. Dr. Meioh, it was wonderful catching up. Tenoh-san, I'll see you around. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to find my date."

He brushed past Haruka, leaving her somewhat abashed. Setsuna smirked.

"I still don't know what you see in that guy," Haruka added grumpily.

"Give it a rest, Haruka. He's a good man."

"If he's such a good man, how come you never let us fix you up with him?"

Setsuna sighed. "I like and respect Dr. Chiba very much, and I value the little time I get to spend with him. But . . . I'm not what he needs, and there's no point in me putting myself through that when I know what the outcome would be."

"What, and you think Usagi-chan is?"

"Yes, I do. I think they will make each other very happy."

"Setsuna . . ."

"What?"

"What about you? Don't you want to be happy?"

"Haruka," Setsuna said, wrapping her arm around Haruka's, "I know you mean well, and I appreciate you looking out for me, but I am happy. I'm happy that they found each other. I'm happy that you and Michiru found each other. If all of you are happy, then all is right in the world. Trust me."

"Whatever," Haruka replied, acknowledging that the argument was over. "Where did that girl go with all the champagne? I need a drink . . ."

Across the terrace, Mamoru took a moment to take a deep breath and straighten his bowtie before stepping onto the garden path. Among the lush greenery Mamoru felt like he was in another world; the din of the reception fell with each step, the lights of the terrace occasionally filtering through the trees like electric starlight.

Hearing a voice, Mamoru turned off the path, only to quietly backtrack after stumbling upon a couple whispering quiet declarations of love among the shadows. Another couple snuggled on a bench further along the path, giving Mamoru only a cursory glance before allowing themselves to once again become lost in each other's presence.

Mamoru grew worried as the path progressed around the back of the garden with no sign of Usagi. He was becoming fearful that he had missed her, or that she had left the party entirely, when he spotted a glimpse of white glowing pale among the dark trees. Carefully making his way through the foliage, Mamoru sighed with relief when the emerging figure took Usagi's familiar shape. Her forearms rested on the chest-high brick wall that encircled the garden as she gazed at the city that was laid out before her.

"Usagi?"

Her head rose slightly at her name. Mamoru couldn't help noticing that she wiped her eyes before turning to greet him with a smile.

"Hey, sorry for running off."

"Don't worry about it," he said reassuringly, stepping toward her. "Is everything OK?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," she said with a sad smile before turning back toward the skyline. Mamoru followed her lead and gazed at the city, taking in the sights.

"You can see Tokyo Tower from here," he noted, looking down at her. She nodded. "You, uh, know about the 'Light Down Legend'?" he asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Usagi scoffed. "You mean how couples that see the tower's lights turn off together will find eternal happiness?" she rattled off with a quirked eyebrow.

"That's the one," he replied with a smirk.

"First of all, everyone in Tokyo knows that legend," she said, turning fully to face him. "And second of all, I've been hanging out with Aino Minako for over a decade. At this point, I've heard about every love legend of the Kanto region at least half a dozen times."

"Is that so?"

"Mmm-hmm." She smiled at him before briefly dropping her gaze. "Hey," she said, stepping toward him and running her fingers along his lapel, "thanks for coming to check on me. It really means a lot."

"Of course," he replied, smoothing a lock of hair that had come loose from her bun.

"Listen, Mamoru . . ."

"Hmm?"

"I . . . I really am sorry for running off," she said, placing her hands on his waist. "I'm just . . . trying to work through some feelings, I guess."

"Anything I can help with?"

"It's just that, when we hung out a few months ago, I had a really great time, y'know?" She lifted her head, finding his eyes with hers.

"Yeah, me too."

"And I should have been more open with you then, but at the time I was going through a bad breakup and wasn't in a great place." She looked away as his eyebrows knit together in concern. "I think I'm still struggling a bit . . . to feel worthy, I guess."

"What do you mean?"

She sighed, pulling away from him. Placing her hands on the edge of the wall, she gazed out over the city once again. "It's just that, Daisuke, my ex, he made me feel pretty worthless. And seeing you talk with Setsuna-san . . . it just kind of brought up those feelings again."

"Usagi," Mamoru began, placing a comforting hand on her back, "I would never—"

"No, no," she said, turning to face him again. "I know you wouldn't. It's stupid, really."

"No, it isn't stupid. It's . . . your feelings are valid, OK?"

Usagi nodded, not quite meeting his eyes.

"Listen," he continued, rubbing her arms, "Usagi, I like you. A lot."

"I like you, too, Mamoru," she said, once again meeting his gaze.

"OK but Usagi, I really like you. More than I've liked anyone for as long as I can remember . . ."

"But why?" she asked, once again pulling away from him. She crossed her arms, still feeling Mamoru's warm touch under her fingers.

"Why?"

"Yes, why. Why aren't you with Setsuna-san, or someone else like her?" Mamoru pulled back, shock marring his face as Usagi struggled to keep her voice steady. "Why not Kato-san or any of the other amazing, accomplished women you go out with? Why me?" She turned away as tears threatened to fall. "Why . . . ?"

Mamoru rubbed his face for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts.

"Hey, c'mere," he said, pulling her into a hug. She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. He took a moment to press a hand into the small of her back, savoring her closeness, breathing in her intoxicating scent, even as her stray tears dampened his shirt.

"Usagi . . . there will always be women out there who are more poised, more accomplished; women who hold prestigious degrees or power; but the truth is, you . . . you make me happy, Usagi." He paused, gratified to hear Usagi's breath hitch and feel her hold on him tighten. "When I'm with you, I don't feel so alone. The world seems better, kinder. . . . Usagi, when you're around, my whole world comes alive."

She sniffled, taking in his words.

"Really?" she asked, pulling back slightly to gaze up at him, tears clinging to her thick lashes like dew. He didn't need to answer; the truth was written plainly on his face.

"Frankly," he added, looking down, "I don't really know what you see in me, either."

"Are you kidding? Mamoru," she paused, gently cupping his face with her hand, "you're kind and generous . . . handsome and accomplished. But more than that, you make me feel like I'm worth something. You're . . . you're the best man I know."

He looked at her, his eyes darkening with emotion at her words. She felt lost, drowning in his gaze, until a single word passed his lips that made her heart skip.

"Usako . . ."

She reached up to him, her lips parting as he moistened his bottom lip and quickly closed the distance between them. There was nothing gentle about the kiss that followed; it was a kiss full of hunger and need. Mamoru pulled her closer, running his hands along her back even as she snaked her arms around his neck and ran her hands through his hair.

They quickly lost themselves as months and years of feeling and longing were poured into their kiss. Through colliding mouths, nipped lips, and dancing tongues they discovered and reassured each other that this is truly what they had been waiting for—a feeling at once new and familiar, both perilous and secure.

Time was meaningless to the two lovers as they lost themselves to each other, body and soul. Years could have passed—civilizations could have risen and fallen—and still, their mutual desire fuelled them on.

Usagi pulled back slightly, allowing Mamoru to light a trail of fiery nibbles down her neck, her pleading sighs encouraging him in his journey.

"Mamo . . . Mamo-chan . . ." Usagi whispered, eliciting a moan from her companion's lips. He traced back up her jaw with his nose, his breath sending shivers along her body, despite the aching warmth she felt in deep inside.

Once again eye-to-eye, Mamoru rested his forehead on hers as they struggled to steady their heaving chests and racing heartbeats.

Usagi allowed her eyes to flutter shut as she placed a tingling hand to Mamoru's chest and licked her swollen lips, already wishing they were back on his. After steadying her breath, she leaned forward, kissing him softly.

"Usako . . ." he sighed into her lips. "See what you do to me?"

She smiled, giving him another chaste kiss before resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, content to hold her for as long as she would let him.

"Mamo-chan," she began after a pause, interrupting his reverie, "look." He followed her gaze as she nodded toward the cityscape, where the once lit Tokyo Tower had gone dark.

He chuckled, burying her nose in her hair. "I guess that means you're stuck with me."

"You promise?" she asked, tilting her head up. He looked down to once again capture her gaze, tracing a finger along her soft cheek.

"I promise," he said, leaning forward to once again capture her lips in his own.

~Epilogue~

Most of the party guests had long since gone by the time Usagi and Mamoru emerged from the garden—Mamoru's jacket draped across Usagi's shoulders—to rejoin their three friends. Though no one mentioned their rumpled hair or flushed cheeks, (or Usagi's now conspicuously missing lipstick,) Setsuna's knowing smile, Michiru's sly smirk, and Haruka's raised brow said more than enough.

"We were wondering what became of you two," Michiru remarked as they approached. "Did you have a nice chat?"

"Yeah, we did," Usagi confirmed, looking at Mamoru with a smile before turning back to the group. "Did you all have a good evening?"

"Perfectly lovely, thank you," Setsuna responded as Michiru nodded in agreement.

"Honestly, Michiru-san," Usagi began, "thanks again for the tickets and for . . . well, everything."

"Of course, dear. And I meant it, you both have a standing invitation to my concerts."

"Thank you so much, Kaioh-san," Mamoru humbly replied.

"Any time."

"Well," Usagi said, "I think Mamoru and I are going to head out now."

"Yes, I have no doubt you'd both like to continue your chat," Michiru replied. "You probably have a lot to . . . talk about."

"Heh . . . y-yeah . . . I guess . . ." Usagi stammered as Mamoru blushed.

The couple quickly said their goodbyes, giving Michiru another round of thanks before strolling into the night hand in hand.

"What do you think, Setsuna?" Michiru asked after they were gone.

"Hmm . . . engaged within six months. Four if she has enough time to make an engagement ring sooner."

"Good for them," Michiru replied with a satisfied grin.

A loud scoffing noise caused Michiru and Setsuna to turn.

"Time to get used to him, Haruka," Michiru said, wrapping an arm around her lover's waist. "He's not going anywhere."

Haruka sighed, knowing the truth of Michiru's words. "Well, I guess he could be worse . . ." she grumbled.

"There you go," she said, giving Haruka a quick kiss. "Now, I think it's time for me to put this grouchy girl to bed. What do you think, Setsuna? Would you like a ride home?"

"That would be lovely, thank you."

"Now Haruka," Michiru remarked, snaking her arm through her lover's as they made their way toward the stairs, "if you're still a grump when we get home I might have to spank you."

Haruka sighed. "If you must . . ."

Walking just behind her friends, Setsuna smiled at their playful banter. Seeing the two people she was closest to safe and happy together always made her feel at peace. She then allowed her thoughts to wander to another couple—two people who made the world a better place, just by being in it. Knowing they had found each other and had a spectacular romance blooming meant Setsuna was content. Truly, all was right in the world.

5/7/16

I'd like to send out a heart-felt thanks to everyone who joined me on this journey, and a special thank you to my beta, Antigone2. Thanks for all of the inspiration and support. :)

A few notes on this chapter:

Yes, the "Light Down Legend" (ライトダウン伝説) is totally real! It's not uncommon to find couples near Tokyo Tower around midnight, waiting for the lights to turn off together. Tokyo Tower also has a special light down schedule around Christmas, when they turn the lights down every 30 minutes (and illuminate a big heart on the side of the tower) so everyone gets a chance to find eternal happiness. ;)

The concert hall was inspired by Suntory Hall. It's gorgeous and amazing and is where all of the big classical acts perform and is super close to Usagi's 'hood and has a rooftop garden and a view of Tokyo Tower! (I suppose I should thank it for inspiring a lot of the last chapter, tbqh.)

Michiru performed three French sonatas during her home concert: Faure's Violin Sonata 1 in A, Debussy's Violin Sonata in G Minor, and Poulenc's Sonata for Violin and Piano. Her encore, as is her tradition (in my headcanon, anyway), were Kreisler's Liebesfreud (Love's Joy) and Liebesleid (Love's Sorrow).