Epilogue

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm going to have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
- "The Climb," Miley Cyrus

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Kyouya flipped open his phone and put it to his ear. "Yes?"

"Hey, Kyouya."

He didn't stop the smile, if small, from appearing on his face. "Nice to hear from you, Kaoru. How's it going?" Even though he didn't specify, they both knew exactly to what he was referring.

"Dr. Hallestrøm's taking me off the treatment. I should be all done with the therapy in a couple months."

"Both of them?"

"No... I think I'm going to keep seeing the psych doctor for a little while."

"That's probably for the better," agreed Kyouya. By now, Tamaki had taken a seat beside him, leaning closer in an attempt to listen in on the conversation. Other than half-heartedly shoving him with his shoulder, Kyouya didn't bother pushing him away. "I'm glad to hear of such progress, but you don't sound as thrilled as one might anticipate."

"Oh, don't get me wrong – I'm happy to be getting well and everything, but," he started, hurried and nervous, "it means I don't have any leverage on you anymore." As dark as the conversation seemed, the other chuckled at Kaoru's word choice, simultaneously nodding to himself in understanding.

"Don't worry," he assured with a rare confidence in his own words, "I have far too much to live for now." After following the curve of Tamaki's arm down to his hand, Kyouya gave it a firm yet gentle squeeze as a tear drop fell on his shoulder.