I am having conflicted feelings of relief and sadness, a bitter sweet feeling for the epilogue. I hope everyone enjoys the last chapter of Stranger in My Arms. Thanks for reading!

Magica Ring: Who knows? ;]

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dragonfairy2360: Thank you! It took me two weeks to write a satisfying ending!

sheetal. .india: Awww, thank you very much! I'm not sure if I can write a book. ;;; Friends are good! Feel free to say hi and chat! =]

Ripple Rose: Thanks! =] *heart*

Strong arms swooped around her waist, leaving her in a stupor. Agile fingers brushed at the hemline of her board shorts.

"Gaaaaah! Takumi!" Misaki cried out.

A low chuckle emitted from her attacker. "Sorry Misaki, I couldn't help myself," he replied.

"For a tall, handsome, collected guy, I never expected you to be such a pervert," she scoffed.

"Not 'a' pervert, your pervert."

"No. You're just a perverted outer space alien from the planet pheromone," she joked.

"You have a wonderful imagination my charming fiancé."

She and Takumi were spending her winter holidays in Australia. They were dating for three years until he proposed yesterday. Misaki was moved by his action and eagerly accepted. Their engagement was celebrated at a beach not far from Usui's apartment. Once she was clean and refreshed from the ocean's waters, Misaki slipped on her engagement ring and marveled at the beauty of the jewelry.

While Takumi was in the shower, it left her time to reflect on the changes that transpired throughout the years.

The successor to Walker International puzzled Misski. With Gerard, Igarashi, and Takumi gone, there was no one left. Mr. Walker was certainly not getting younger. There was also the issue of the paparazzi bombarding with follow up questions. To her surprise, the company itself used its influence to mollify the press. Misaki was thrust out of the public spotlight, Cedric became the new successor, and Gerard faded into a mere memory.

She was pulled out of her reverie when Takumi stealthily creeped behind her and planted a kiss on her neck. "What are you thinking now?" he murmured.

"Thinking about the reason it took you so long to return to me," she returned. Misaki received a hug from behind. "That and my mind still can't believe you living in fabulous apartment in Australia of all places."

"Well, it's for my job," he playfully countered.

When Misaki blissfully reunited with Takumi two months in her school year, he informed her of his plans. Through Miyazono, he was unable to leave his position as a MI6 agent and serve in the Royal Australian Navy. While it took some time for the paperwork to process, there was also the issue of citizenship and moving to the Australian continent from England.

Misaki inquired why did Takumi choose the military service. He explained he did not have the opportunity to apply for college. He seemed depressed by this fact, but quickly lighten the mood when he also wanted to impress her in his naval officer uniform someday. She laughed and stated she would like to see him try.

From that day forward, the two entered a long distance relationship. Phone calls and emails were their source of communication. Takumi planned surprise visits for his girl and he displayed his new ranks every time he saw her.

Takumi hugged once more and said, "Let's get dinner."

After dinner, the pair were walking on the quieter side of town. Takumi kept a firm grip on his fiancé's hand while Misaki sight see her surroundings. He kept quiet and smiled as she pointed out various places and things. Their walk concluded by sitting on a bench facing the ocean. Since they had an early dinner, Misaki and Takumi had the pleasure of viewing the sunset.

"It's amazing that it is summer in Australia," Misaki commented. He concurred.

They remained silent until Takumi's growing curiosity pondered what was on Misaki's mind. "What are you thinking about?" he murmured.

"I'm thinking about the past and our future," she confessed.

"Care to elaborate?"

"I was thinking about the winter holidays three years ago when we celebrated Christmas and New Years. I remembered I drew the great blessing omikuji and I was reflecting on the irony that blessing played on me for the following year."

"What do you mean?" he inquired.

"I had to confront Igarashi and my estranged father, which resulted me getting a knife wound. It seems strange, you were the one that had luck."

He chuckled. "Well, as the saying goes, 'Shit happens,' but I don't agree with your claim. First, we all knew Igarashi would do anything to launch his end game. As an eccentric and violent man, it was expected that he would want bloodshed." He snaked around her for comfort and reassurance.

"True," she conceded, "but as you remember, I was the one who attacked him. My anger has been a reservoir inside of me, building and growing as time passed by. I was at my maximal point and I used my aggression in a physical manner. It was stupid of me because it led me to get hurt. Also, I was told to remain calm and don't do anything rash."

"Well, as my teammates and others were concerned, Igarashi came after you instead of vice-versa," Usui responded. He grinned. "I accidentally left that detail out. It garnered more sympathy than criticism for your actions."

"Takumi! I can't believed you lied like that!" she declared while giving him a playful slap on the shoulder. He smiled and replied, "I would do anything for my Misa." She beamed at her new nickname. It suited her better than "love" he previously called her.

They continued to sit on the bench until the sun almost disappeared from the maritime horizon. Takumi stand up and offered his hand. Misaki accepted and commented that he was gentleman. Although he was no longer Gerard, she was pleased he retained the same mannerism. Takumi treated her with respect, supported her when she was sad or angry, and overall being the man she envisioned her whole life.

Speaking of Gerard. That reminded her of another question she wanted to ask.

Takumi held her hand as they walked back to his apartment. "Hey Takumi?" she asked. "Yes?" he answered. "I was wondering, what was your connection to Gerard? I understand the Walkers had issues with you and you look awfully similar to him once you dye your hair black."

He sighed before replying. "Gerard was my half-brother. We were Irish twins, with Gerard nine months my senior. As it was mentioned before, I am an illegitimate child since my mother had an affair shortly after she was married to Thomas Walker." Once Takumi finished, he felt his hand squeezed.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Misaki said.

"Don't feel bad. We never had the best relationship. After my mother died shortly after my birth, I was isolated. Thomas never wanted me near his son. As a result, Gerard grew up having contempt for me. Fortunately, I never saw him much. He was in prestigious boarding schools, while I was quarantined from the world. The next time I saw him was before The Cruise Ship Massacre," Takumi retorted.

"Did he ever saw you?"

"No. He was too busy socializing with business partners. That was my first mission at the time. My goal was to apprehend the radical group that wanted to resort to violence, but I failed. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Walker wanted MI6 to handle a business espionage. He specifically wanted me to do it." After he finished, he sensed a gloomy disposition from Misaki.

He stopped walking and faced her. Next, Takumi released her hand and cupped her face. He said, "Despite of all the trouble I've gone through, I am glad I met you Misaki. I would do it all again if it means I get to be with you Misa."

"You're such a charmer," she replied as she smiled. Misaki leaned closer and bestowed him a sweet kiss.

When she parted from him, Takumi sighed in bliss. "You're a wonderful kisser. I can't imagine what our wedding would be like." "I can," she said. "I imagine it would be incredible because this time, I will be happy. I will be marrying the man I love."

"Speaking of weddings, I don't mind if you wish to have a traditional or a Christian style one, but I do wish you would wear that pretty lavender and gold flower hair piece. I really like that accessory," he declared.

"Wait. How did you know that? You seem to remember details of my previous wedding."

"Simple. Gerard paid to have his wedding recorded. It was proof for Mr. Walker that he was married and will be having an heir to continue the family line. In my preparation as him, I had to study his characteristics and documents about his life. Your wedding DVD was the first thing I watched. You were so beautiful back then. I got jealous and angry at him for not cherishing you. At that moment, I wished I was him and you away from this nightmare and let you live out your dream of a happy life," he confessed.

Misaki moved closer him and smiled. "Now, I can make that dream a reality. With you in my arms, that happy life is not far in the future." She enveloped him in a hug. "We'll be a jovial family soon."

He returned the gesture. "Of course, there will be no objections if I want to expand our family of two?"

"No objections at all," she yawned.

Takumi took it as a signal to return to apartment. Once Misaki was ready, Takumi was in bed, waiting for her. She walked to her side and laid on her side. He snuggled up to her and wrapped her in his arms. No matter how many times he done this, he marveled how their bodies fit against each other. As part of their nightly ritual, he planted a kiss on her forehead, a tradition started when he carried a fainted Misaki to her bed when they first met.

"Sweet dreams Misa. I love you," he whispered softly.

"I love you too, see you in the morning," she murmured with a smile.

As Misaki closed her eyes, she continued to smile in her sleep. She dreamed the dream and her anticipation for it to be realized. When she wakes up tomorrow, it will be another day, a closer step to come true.

The End.

A HUGE thanks for everyone that commented, fav, and followed this story! Your support and encouragement has really helped me to reach its conclusion.

There will not be a sequel, but there will be a prequel focusing on Usui's past. I will also go back and correcting minor grammar mistakes I missed the first time.

Well, I must say temporarily good bye, but I hope to see you all in future Usui and Misaki stories. =]

P.S. To come chat or say hi, see my profile for deviant art.