A.N.: *cry of anguish* FINALLY IT'S COMPLETE! Here is the final chapter of Never Forget... God I hate last chapters... I rewrote this thing SEVEN TIMES until I finally liked it. I really hope you do as well. Thank you to everyone who has read and/or reviewed this, your support means a lot to me :)

Summary: Haya-chan readjusts to normal life again (with an ending that will make you go, "Aww!").

Two days after my release from rehab, I'm back in the gym, slowly building up my strength again. It's strange being out in the normal world again, after being secluded for almost two years. And next week, I'm scheduled to go back to Namimori – back into the routine lifestyle I missed. For once, I'm actually looking forward to it. I'm staying in my apartment, which I spent the previous two days cleaning up, alone – just the way I like it. No nurses, no hospital smell, just me.

My apartment smells like cigarette smoke – I find myself still enjoying the smell even though I haven't touched a cigarette in ages, and I probably never will again. Fear changes you, sometimes for good.

I don't try to hide my scars anymore. What happened to me can never be changed, and the scars are a permanent part of me, just like the memories. Sure, I get weird stares whenever I'm out in public, but I ignore them. Let people wonder what happened to me. Maybe someday they'll know the whole story. Maybe not. I've been stared at before for my appearance – why should that change? It feels right – it feels normal.

Twenty minutes later, I'm leaving the gym, coated in sweat, and heading for my apartment. I made up a schedule for myself to follow just so I can try to feel more normal, and so far, it's working. I've even started playing piano again. After what I went through, Bianchi just doesn't scare me anymore. I can look her in the face like an equal, and not feel like I want to pass out.

But there is one thing that is messing with my routine. Yamamoto – or should I say Takeshi now? He's stopped by every evening, and he brings food with him. I don't mind his company, but I'm starting to wonder what exactly it is he wants. I know he's concerned for me – any logical person would be – but it's become slightly annoying. He's still an idiot, but I think it's safe to say that he's sorta become my idiot. It's cute, even if annoying, that he worries about me so much. It's strange too. I've never had anyone care for me the way he has and does. I think I can grow to like and enjoy it, but for now, I'm just cautious about it.

I unlock the door to my apartment, not surprised to find several letters under my door when I open it. Ever since my release, the letters have come from people I don't even know, but I suppose they go to Namimori and they've been kept updated on my condition, but not what exactly happened to me. At the bottom of the pile, I see a simple blue envelope with my name on it – no return address or anything. Curious, I open it and find just one sheet of light blue paper with just one line on it.

'When you get home, come to the park.'

There's no signature, but I smile slightly because I recognize the handwriting. It's exactly something he would do…

I take a quick shower and change into light gray skinny jeans and a white t-shirt. I'm not in a rush, but I am a little curious about why Takeshi would want me to meet him in the park… A loud rumbling purr startles me, and then Uri claws at my leg, as if to say, "Don't forget me!"

Uri's warmed up to me slowly, and we can actually hang out without him trying to claw my face off (which almost happened when I first activated him in the future…). With a smile, I pick him up and set him across my shoulders and head out the door, grabbing my jacket on the way out, just in case I might need it later.

I walk slowly, Uri's purring loud and content. The park isn't far from my apartment, but I appreciate the extra exercise the walk provides. It's a little past three in the afternoon right now, so the sun is still fairly high in the sky.

I'm not surprised to find the park absolutely empty of human life when I approach, although my senses tell my eyes otherwise. I know there are people here, but I just don't know where yet. Maintaining my slow pace, I head straight for the pond in the middle, staring down into the clear water, just waiting. Uri jumps down from my shoulders and runs off, chasing who knows what.

I stand there for a few minutes, my eyes closed, relying on my hearing, so I don't react when I hear the soft swish of clothing and the slight rustling of the grass. "Hayako-chan," someone says behind me. I half-turn and see the Tenth approaching me. I blush a little and turn to face him, bowing slightly.

"Tenth," I reply, a little flustered.

He notes my surprise with a slight smile and rests a hand on my shoulder. I rise out of my bow and meet his level gaze. "Welcome home, Hayako-chan," he says, still smiling lightly.

"Thank you," I murmur quietly, blushing lightly. Despite everything that's been going on with Takeshi, I still have feelings for the Tenth, even though I know nothing will happen between us that isn't Mafia business.

The Tenth turns and looks over his shoulder. I follow his gaze and see everyone in the Tenth generation Vongola famiglia entering the park, the remaining five guardians in the front of the group. "Tenth," I say, shocked.

His smile widens and he gently leads me over to the group. "This was Yamamoto's idea," he supplies, watching my reaction. At school he's called "No-good Tsuna," but he is smarter than he lets on, so I'm not surprised he suspects something is going on between Takeshi and I.

I roll me eyes, but I smile. "Of course it was," I murmur. The crowd envelops me, welcoming me home like… well, like family, which is exactly what we are.

Time passes quickly, and before I know it, the sun is setting, and most everyone has left the park. Soon it's just me, Takeshi, and the Tenth left. Uri is asleep at my feet, curled up in a tight little ball of cuteness.

The Tenth stands. "I should go – Reborn said he needed me for something," he says. "Stay out of trouble, Hayako-chan," he adds as he walks away, tall and proud, very much in the role of the Mafia boss.

Takeshi takes my hand as I watch the Tenth walk away, and I turn to face him. "Haya-chan," he starts softly, but I stop him with a finger against his lips.

"Thank you," I say simply.

He smiles a little at that and stands, gently pulling me to my feet. We walk around the pond in silence, enjoying each other's company. It's a long while before he says anything. "I know it's a little early to be thinking about this, but…" He blushes and stops himself.

I stop and turn to face him. "What is it?" I ask, my green eyes studying his brown ones.

He swallows nervously before he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box. "Hayako Gokudera," he says, keeping his eyes on mine, "I know we still haven't graduated yet, and some people are going to think that this is an immature decision... but I love you. So," he takes a deep breath and opens the box, staring at me intently. "When we're of age… will you marry me?"

My jaw drops in surprise, and I glance down at the box. Inside is a small and simple silver ring. "I…" I'm speechless with surprise. I look back up into his eyes, and realize that this safe feeling I always feel with him could be mine, forever. And I want it to be. "Yes," I say simply, leaning up on my toes and kissing him passionately, wrapping my arms around his neck.

I promised myself I would never forget, and I never will. It's just now, I have everything I could ever want in the world, and I know that will never change.

~The End

A.N.: Again, thank you so much to everyone who has read this far! Please leave a review to let me know what you thought of this! It is very much appreciated.