Author's Note: And it's done! That was a quick three chapters. This felt like the best way to end it. I've had this part in mind since the beginning, just had to get there. As for the wedding, well... Julie totally plans it. And I am totally writing it. After Keith and Gus' wedding fic.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed and favourited the story. You guys - especially those of you who reviewed after I went AWOL on this fic for a while - are the ones who encouraged me to finish this story.

So enjoy the last chapter. Review it and let me know what you thought. And I'll see you guys in the next one.

Six: Anniversary

The ten year anniversary of the Bakugan Battle Brawlers was the biggest event in Bakugan City since, well, forever. Every Brawler – from Dan and Shun, the founders, to honourary ones, like Gus and Noah – had shown up to be part of the show. From singing and dancing – which Dan was still ridiculously good at – to compilation videos, to brawls, to speeches, the show had had it all.

And at its centre was Julie, who hosted the entire thing with her good cheer and exuberant personality.

When it finally wound down, Dan and Shun were standing on the high stage at the centre of Bakugan City's biggest battle arena alone. Both were holding mics and finishing out with the closing speech.

"It's been an awesome day for the Brawlers," said Dan. "Even though we stopped having to save the world, and we stopped actively brawling, a couple years ago, you guys are still our favourite people."

Shun nodded. "Right. It's the fans that always made this whole thing worth it. The people who realize just how much fun and how important Bakugan brawling is in this world."

Dan grinned. "And before we go, there's one more thing."

"There is?" asked Shun, furrowing his brow. Dan nodded, his face surprisingly vulnerable in its softness.

"There is," he agreed, quietly. Then, to the audience, "You guys have always been hugely supportive of me and Shun – and of our relationship. You were there the day I came out, and you've been cheering us on ever since." Dan grinned, but his eyes were soft. "So I think it's only fair that you witness the next step."

Oh my god, thought Shun, his eyes growing wide. There was no way. Was there?

Dan turned to face Shun, his eyes soft and his smile fond. "Shun Kazami, you're one of the few people on this planet willing to put up with me no matter what I do. You've saved my life so much I can't even keep count anymore." He laughed, soft and embarrassed. "And you've followed me through time and space, no matter how much of a pain in the butt I was." The audience was silent. They waited with baited breath, and so did Shun.

"So," said Dan. "I've done this, what, five times now?"

"Oh my god," breathed Shun, the mic just barely picking it up. He found himself blinking hard to hide tears.

"And I know the third time's supposed to be the charm," said Dan. He shrugged. "But we were still kids the third time around. This time though…" He bit his lip. Swallowed hard. "This time I think I finally got it right."

"Dan." Shun's voice cracked. He couldn't even try to hide the flurry of emotions working its way across his face for all the world to see. The way his eyes teared up and Dan's heartfelt words.

"I've tried, for months, to figure out how to do this," said Dan. "For months to figure out what to say to you. You know? But I can't put into words just what you mean to me." Dan shook his head, his own eyes damp. "There aren't any. Not in this language or any other I could find." Another soft laugh.

Dan pulled the box out of his back pocket, a slim thing that was easily hidden, and got down on one knee. He opened the box before bringing the mic back to his face. Shun put a hand over his own mouth. Stared at the ring – silver and gold twisted together, with two small gemstones – one red and one green – together at the largest part of the twist.

"So, Shun, will you marry me?" asked Dan.

Shun blinked hard and swallowed. Tried to find his voice. He put the hand over his mouth on the back of his neck and found the necklace chain there. Lifted the mic so he could be heard.

"The first time you asked me that, we were eight years old," said Shun. He unclasped the necklace and pulled it from around his neck. He held it out, revealing the Green Lantern cereal box ring on the silver chain. "I kept that ring."

Dan's eyes went wide.

"The answer was always yes, Dan," said Shun, his voice trembling. He smiled. "I was just waiting for you to mean it."

Dan laughed and got back to his feet, throwing his arms around Shun's neck and kissing him until Shun felt light-headed. Their cheeks were went, their faces hurting from the strength of their grins.

Dan slipped the ring onto Shun's left hand. And it fit. He finally had gotten the ring size right.

The audience went wild. Their screams and cheers drowning out anything else Dan and Shun could say to them, but not to each other.

They grinned. Foreheads together. Eyes wet.

"This mean we really will be together forever?" asked Dan.

Shun laughed, sharp and sudden. "Yes," he said. "And even after that."