A/N: Okay, I couldn't leave it like that. So, here's your epilogue. Thanks to everyone who complained and got me started writing this story again. Here's to many more completed stories, eh? Thanks everyone who read and reviewed.
Epilogue
Princess Sen stood on the staircase to the palace with tears in her eyes.
"You don't have to go, Haku. You could stay here with me forever."
The dragon boy turned to her with a look of longing, but also acceptance.
"We both knew I only had five days here with you, like this. This body is only temporary, Princess. By sunrise, I will become a dragon once more." He lowered his eyes for a moment, "I will not be able to exist in your world."
He walked back up the stairs. Once he reached his friend, he took her hand in his. Haku massaged the smooth warm skin with a thoughtful smile.
"I will treasure our moments forever, Sen. You're a part of my soul now."
Tears welled in her eyes as her arms wrapped around his waist. She pressed her head into his chest. He let out a deep sigh.
"Haku . . . " she whispered into him, "You're a part of me, too." She felt his arms tighten around her, "I love you."
He pulled back to look down into her sweetly round face. Haku's long fingers traced her features before settling on a cheek to wipe her tears away. No words came from his lips, just a look of happiness. A smile, warm and wonderful and enough to melt every part of Sen crossed his lips.
Haku's arms left her body. Against her heart, she let him go.
"Good bye, Princess." He said as he bowed
Taking one last look at the princess' home as well as his best friend, he headed down the path leading to the tunnel to Haku's world. She watched him go from the stairs, hoping he'd turn, or praying that she had the strength in her to run after him to stop him. Neither happened.
But what did happen, was the feeling she got in her heart. Somewhere inside of it, she heard Haku's soft voice whispering.
"I love you, too."
Chihiro closed her book and sat it on the table of the outdoor café. It had been a year since she'd finished this book and had it published. Critics said that out of all of the books, this one had the most heart . . . the one that pulled at the emotions of the reader. Chihiro figured that was true. After Haku had . . . died . . . she poured all her emotion into it as a sort of release, or like a therapy.
It hadn't helped much.
Not a day went by where she missed him. The feel of his lips haunted her dreams. Nothing compared to the feel of him in a room. Now she felt at a loss. Everything felt . . . unreal. She'd never feel anything like him again, and it ate at her. She had to stay near her parents just to feel anything at all, simply because it was not far from the portal between worlds.
"This book is outstanding." Someone said from the table behind her, "I stayed up all night reading it since my return yesterday."
Something familiar washed over her. Waves of . . . him. It couldn't be. He was gone. She was too afraid to turn around to see . . . she didn't want that sort of disappointment.
"The ending is suiting, but dreadfully depressing." The voice continued, "I believe you should consider another novel. One where Haku returns to her."
Tears streamed down her face now. Trembling through every inch of her body, she turned to the person behind her. The tears soon turned to sobs as she met a gaze of emerald.
"Haku . . . ?"
He stood up and started for her. It was a good thing, too. She wanted to go to him, but her legs wouldn't move. Haku swept her up into his arms.
"How?" she asked through the tears.
"The Spirit World is built on certain rules. Like the SpiritEater said, a contract is a contract. I only had four days with you. Not five. It set me free from all ties to the SpiritEater, but it took me a year to get better. Grammy took care of me for you."
She laughed nervously, but happily as she threw her arms round him.
"Oh, Haku!" she pulled back to look at him with worry, "Is this for good or . . . ?"
He nodded; she beamed. Haku held her close to his body, pulling her face closer to his. For a year he'd dreamed of those soft lips. He couldn't wait a second longer to capture them with his. His lips pressed to hers, finding hers warm and welcoming.
She pulled back with the biggest grin ever.
"I didn't get a chance to tell you last time . . . but I love you, too."
Haku grinned at that, "Truly?"
"Mhm."
Haku placed her back on the ground, but held her hand tight in his like he was almost afraid she'd vanish. She led him down the street, not noticing the street, buildings, or the onlookers watching the pair.
"You promise to forever love me?" he asked
She nodded, but also confirmed with words, "Yes. Forever. Just like always."
A/N: Big Book Worm mentioned a couple of grammatical errors I made. Uh, yeah, I meant swatting, not squatting. Not sure how I missed that one. And as for the sight thing...I'm not sure. Site is usually a place (like a construction site, or website). I meant field of vision, but I'm not sure that applies for site, too. Anyway, thanks for catching the mistake. If my hands didn't hurt right now, I'd go and correct them, lol.
Thanks again, everybody EDS...over and out