To my readers - I'm sorry it took so long. Truly! I've not wrriten anything in quite a while. So in earnest apology - here's the epilogue to "Together Again."

A soft sigh came from her lips, swallowed out by the cold evening air that held no traces of noise other than the distant hum of engines. It wasn't the first sigh that came from her, nor would it be the last. Though it didn't matter to her. Nothing mattered really to Antoinette, for she finally got the long-avoided hint that she needed to back off from her obsession. Truth be told, she didn't quite want to let the fantasy go - however seeing Nagisa within the arms of the former-Etoile had put her quite within her place. Especially seeing the sheer look of happiness within the cherry-colored orbs of her obsession. The love present within those eyes made Antoinette almost gag with envy, but it also let her know that her attempts were futile. Where there was Shizuma, there would almost always be a Nagisa... granted Shizuma could get over her commitment and communication issues. Probably the jealousy ones as well...

Out came a bitter laugh from Antoinette at the mere thought of it. These issues! Some of these issues were the same issues Antoinette herself felt whenever she encountered Nagisa, so she couldn't just very well blame Shizuma for everything - could she?

"Oui!" Antoinette responded to herself indignantly. "i'll find a reason for it later."

"A reason for what?"

Startled and trying desperately not to show it, Antoinette slowly turned and faced the object of her disdain - however her thoughts of bitterness was erased as she finally, and truly gazed onto the silver-haired goddess. Well, I cannot certainly fault Nagisa for th- curse her arrogant soul, is she smirking at me? Why, yes, yes she is! The devil.

"That would be none of your concern," Antoinette responded even more indignantly than before. "Why do you bother me? Shouldn't you be with Nagisa?"

A laugh was her response, along with two sets of olive eyes rolling at her. And Nagisa has to live with this? Poor girl.

"She is the reason I am here." Shizuma admitted, very reluctuantly. "She is concerned about you, however for what reason I have not a single clue-"

"-Of course not."

"That being said, she sent me here to "check up" on you and see to it that you were fine."

"She would come to see me herself?" asked Antoinette while folding her arms over her chest.

"We... compromised." Another smirk came across the former-Etoile's face, making Antoinette dread asking any questions about the compromised.

Instead she simply said, "She has no need to worry for me but only for herself."

"Hm. I didn't think it was possible for us to agree, but I find myself curious as to how my little Nagisa knows you."

This here, caused Antoinette to finally smirk. A chance to rub in some dirt? My, what a gift!

"She was not a happy soul when you were gone," she said a bit too smugly. "She needed light within her eyes, joy and humor to soften her face."

An almost silent growl erupted from Shizuma, making Antoinette grin even wider. "And you just willingly did this for no reason of your own?"

"It is none of your concern, but I shall tell you." Unfolding her arms, Antoinette walked a bit closer towards the former-Etoile, lifting her chin higher. "You see, you are not the only person with problems. No matter what that selfish brain of yours manifests - we all have our problems and Nagisa - the delightful strawberry helped me through mine. Just a smile, mind you was able to help me forget some of my own problems and tender me with hope."

"She certainly has a gift for that," Shizuma admitted, finally allowing her face to soften just the slightest bit. "Even at our worst, she can pick us up and make us believe in something better."

"Yes, despite the consequences to herself," Antoinette said softly. "This is why she must be protected and guarded."

"Is this where you threaten me again?" asked Shizuma, drawing the smug features of Antoinette to glare at the former-Etoile.

"No, this is merely where I say: please don't hurt her again." Here again, another sigh. "You two belong together. I may have not seen it at first, but I have seen it now. She deserves no less."

"That must've killed you to acknowledge."

"Wouldn't you like to know, Hanazono-san? But despite that, you know I am truthful with my words here. You have fought valiantly for this relationship after your former mistake - and you have won. But do not think that your efforts are over. For once you slip, there are many of us who would gladly step in and take your place."

"I would like to see you try."

"I won't, not as long as she is happy."

A nod came from the silver-haired goddess, after a minute or two of each of them sizing each other up, but after that moment another interrupted their parlay.

"Well, this is the most civilized conversation you two have ever had. Colored me impressed."

"Miyuki," Shizuma acknowledged grudgingly, while Antoinette was the one who rolled her eyes.

"Nagsia-chan has sent me to retrieve you and to 'stop the fight.'"

"I see," the former-Etoile uttered, before glancing at her best friend - taking note of the smile placed on the bluenettes lips.

It was a loud scoff came from Antoinette finally, causing both of the elder females to look onto her with curious expressions.

"Can we call this to an end? As much as I like this polite company - there are other matters which need my direct focus."

"Like watching my little Nagisa and myself interact?" asked Shizuma with a faint trace of amusement within her voice. "I should warn you against such - you have no idea what you will see with me and my Nagisa together again."

"Oh God, Shizuma! SHUT UP!" Miyuki groaned holding her face, causing the other two to erupt into laughter, unknown to them though, Miyuki was inwardly smiling. The two were too much alike. It would be such a waste if the two didn't get along - however disastrous as the thought was.

"I can't, Miyuki. I love Nagisa too much."