AN: So I decided to do the epilogue to help ease the pain of the "Happily-ever-after" syndrome everyone is having. I have to admit that I was surprised too, when I ended it like that, because I love the cheesy, romance-novel-ending too. So, to give our fluff-seekers a bigger high, I decided to do a drabble-ish epilogue. No extreme detail (because I really have to learn to cut down on it) but a little to slide the ending in.
Oh, and for those who are wondering, NO SEQUEL! I can't do a sequel because it'll end up just like the original fic. A very lazy piece that's forgotten once inspiration deserts me. So, if you have to read something, I don't suggest looking here. I'm going to finish my current fics and then start my new ones, but I won't post them until they're done. Sorry, but what's a girl to do?
Disclaimer: All rights reserved.
Epilogue
Years had passed and distance had increased. The hold that Sakuno and Ryoma held over each other was weakened, but not gone. Their bond had merely become a shadow of what it was, if you could call their almost non-existent relationship as such. So, as time went by and no contact was held, they grew up without each other.
The genius from America had returned to his homeland, searching for a path to greatness, not long after high school. His talent and charisma lit up the tennis scene, just like Tezuka and his team knew it would. A few of the former regulars followed Ryoma's path, but with a lesser amount of vigor. Ryoma outshone the rest, brighter than any could describe, and reached the pinnacle of every player's career.
He ranked Number One in the world.
As he travelled to his tournament locations, doing what he did best, she watched occasionally. Although tennis would never be her forte, she had kept it as a hobby, as well as an excuse to watch his matches. Life hadn't been the same once they drifted apart, but it was tolerable. She had gone to college to major in journalism and planned to work for a paper. Not too long after graduating, she found work at a sports magazine, ironically, and even more so was the topic she was put in charge of.
Tennis.
She had experience with it, played it, knew what people wanted to hear from it. She covered, not only the World Champion, but other rising stars, like Atobe Keigo and others who were once a part of Ryoma's past. It seemed they were all out for revenge on the once 'chibi' boy. She had even written a bit of background in her article about it when she interviewed the diva, who was still as flashy as ever.
Despite her blessings in life, Sakuno was still lonely. She blamed no one, since she had refused to date, besides the occasional offer and was pushed into it by Tomoka. No one had ever taken Ryoma's place, not that anyone ever could. She was content in being alone because she had a few good memories to fill her times of need. And, although she didn't know it, Ryoma had done the same as well. Even with his enormous fanbase, he had found few who could draw out any interest in him.
This was how they lived their lives for the last eight years.
Today, though, Sakuno was left to wait in the train station for Tomoka, who had promised to take her to lunch that day. The vibrating phone in her pocket was answered and her best friend's voice protruded from the cellular. With a sigh, it seemed as if Sakuno had been tricked again and was now waiting for a stranger.
A date, to be exact.
She cursed her friend soflty, as she refused to look up and notice the figure standing before her. Her mind was too set on being annoyed with Tomoka that she didn't notice slanted eyes, staring at her with interest. Those golden irises sprarkled with amusement, after hearing Sakuno's irritated huff. With a smirk, he spoke in that condescending tone:
"Mada mada dane."
Eyes locked, one pair wide with shock, the other laughing silently.
He held out his hand and gave her a small smile, noting the blush that touched her face. She looked to his palm before sliding hers in his and he pulled her up from the pillar she leaned against. She smiled up at him, shyly, the one thing she usually was when he was around. However, he eased that pain with a gentle squeeze on her hand as they walked away.
Life had thrown everything at them, given them the time to grow up and live life. They had to experience what it was like to finally lose each other and appreciate the solitude that came with it. In that time, they also learned that they could be happy when they were together and when they were apart. In the end, fate brought them back to this moment once more. It was just like their first meeting, but it took ten years, just to get back to the beginning.
This time, though, they'd continue on together.
AN: Excuse me... ((gags)) Fluff is nice but I can't believe it was so thick. I like a little sweetness but still. I'm very tired now, even though it's only 2:30 in the afternoon, August 30 2005, when I finished this (in case anyone was wondering). I can write a lot in a short amount of time because I did this all in about an hour. I really need muses so I can do a one-shot in that amount of time. I hope you enjoyed and please review!
Well, till my next fic!
Much love,
Adobo-chan