One Last Breath
~By: Lauren~
EPILOG
"A L I V E"
------
This is an age key for the characters in the epilog:
Tammy- 20 years old
Meimi, Asuka Jr.- 19 years old
Aaron- 17 years old
Tony- 21 years old
Marie- 18 years old
------
- Three Years Later -
"HURRY UP!!" Marie snapped at Aaron who was clambering down the stairs of a large hallway. From the outside the enormous white house appeared quiet and tranquil but little did they know of what was going on in the inside. There were three levels to the building and it had a large grassy back yard. A blooming cherry tree accented the scene with a tint of light pink. There were six rooms and out of these five were taken by Meimi, Tony, Aaron, Tammy and Marie.
Marie was pacing in a rather big kitchen. There was a round oak table that was set with plates full of eggs and toast. Meimi rushed between washing some of the already used dishes and brushing her teeth. She had grown a few inches taller and stood up proudly. Her long shimmering soft red hair was pulled back in a loose bun while she was clad in jeans and a warm college sweatshirt. The sleeves were pushed up and her face had on a slight brush of makeup. Marie's raven hair was cut to about the middle of her back and it curled slightly. She was wearing a short jean skirt and a baby blue sweater. Aaron sprinted down the stairs, his blond hair spiked up. He was wearing khaki pants and a red shirt with a black jacket over it. He had grown taller and had matured into a handsome young man.
Tony chuckled as he leaned over Tammy's shoulder. The chocolate haired girl was sitting at the table, nibbling on toast while reading a book. She wore a pair of thin wire frame glasses and her hair was cut to about two inches above her shoulder. It was layered and most of it was held back in a black clip while some strands fell forward. She was wearing black, loose fitting fuzzy pants and a red long sleeved shirt. A giggle escaped her throat as Tony leaned forward to plant a kiss delicately on her cheek. Everyone could notice as her eyes went from Tony to the golden ring that was on her ring finger. A huge smile formed on her face. Tony rolled his eyes at this and blushed. He was clad in jean pants and a green sweater that was much like Aaron's. His black hair was cut short but not too short that it didn't hang in his eyes a bit.
"Ok lovebirds, hurry up and eat. The day isn't getting any younger and I know for a fact that your college classes start soon Tony." Meimi chuckled as she watched Tony kiss Tammy again before he disappeared out of the door. Behind him followed Marie and Aaron.
"You'll give Aaron and I a ride to the high school, right bro?" Marie gave her brother puppy dog eyes while Aaron imitated her.
"Fine. Get in the car. Bye you guys!!" Tony waved to Meimi and Tammy before the three disappeared out the door.
~*~
Time goes slowly now in my life
Fear no more of what I'm not sure
Searching to feel your sole
The strength to stand alone, the power of not knowing and letting go
~*~
"You have today off, right Meimi?" Tammy tore her eyes away from the book she was reading to watch Meimi brush through her long hair.
"Yeah. Don't you? I heard both the colleges are giving the day off." Meimi wandered over to a closet were she retrieved a pair of black shoes.
"Yeah. Are you planning to do anything special? Meet up with your boyfriend?" Tammy gazed lovingly at her engagement ring.
"No. I'm...visiting my parents." Meimi whispered before changing the subject quickly. "When are you setting the date for the wedding any ways?"
"Tony and I aren't sure yet. We want to have it sometime in July, maybe a summer wedding. But we definitely want to wait some. We have all the time in the world, so why rush?" Tammy smiled, her eyes looking out the window joyfully. "I'm going to catch up on my thesis paper today, I have a few friends coming over for a study group. And Meimi...thanks...for everything...Really..."
"It's all right. I know you'd do the same for me. Well, I better head off. Bye!!" Meimi gave Tammy a brief hug before she left the house.
Meimi roamed down the city streets, her feet guiding her to where she wanted to be.
Asuka Jr. glanced from a street vender just in time to catch sight of a flash of red hair. Out of curiosity, he crossed the street but kept a good distance between him and the red haired girl. As he followed her now, he realized it was Meimi. But she had a look of sorrow on her face so he decided to merely follow her. He recognized the place as Meimi stepped through a pair of wrought iron gates. Soon, Meimi paused in front of a pair of gravestones.
Meimi collapsed at the graves of her mother and father once again. She had been planning this visit and produced a pair of white roses after repeating the words "One Two Three." Asuka Jr. had to strain to hear what she was saying. Meimi sat down on the grass next to her family. She looked up, noticing the sun rising in the sky. It was beautiful. She reached out, her fingers outlining the names carved into the graves. The names carved into her heart. "Hello again everybody. It's been a while. The return of Saint Tail has been causing a lot of chaos around here and it is really making Lina mad, especially since Asuka Jr. refuses to work 'Saint Tail's' case." Meimi suppressed a giggle at her own words.
Suddenly, Asuka Jr. remembered that this had been the day her parents had died so many years ago.
A big part of Meimi just wanted to stay here with her parents. She wanted to curl up into the smallest, simplest possible existence and let the world rush along past, without her. "Everybody is doing wonderful in school, they're really making something of themselves. They all have a wonderful future ahead of them, including me. The town sure has accepted them with open arms and they've all got good friends. Tammy and Tony are planning on getting married soon." Meimi sat down, curling into a tight ball. "I miss you both a lot. I wish you could be here to watch me grow up. I wish you could have seen me graduate from high school. Then again...I guess you've always been watching me from heaven. Mom...dad...when I left Seika City...everybody said I was running away...well, maybe I WAS running away partly but...I left also because I was looking for myself. I was afraid of what I had become so I went out to search for who and what I was. I was looking for myself, the part of me that was buried away the day both of you were buried. And do you want to know where I found it? In my heart, in my friends and back in Seika City." The redhead sighed. Then a thought slammed into her like a brick wall. It had been in front of her the whole time but it had taken her this long for it to finally ram in. And she changed her mind. She was alive, and they were gone from this world. But they would always be in her heart. She had to try to make her life big. As big as she could. She had promised her parents she would keep living happily.
Meimi sat up, once again glancing at the sun and noticing the simple light tint of orange and gold. And she realized something. Maybe happiness doesn't have to be about the big, sweeping circumstances, or about having everything in your life in place. Maybe it was about stringing together a bunch of small pleasures. Maybe happiness was just a matter of the little up ticks- the smile of a loved one or the traffic signal that says 'walk' the second you get there. And the down ticks- the school classes you get to just after the bell rings or the itchy tag in the back of your collar that wouldn't leave you alone- that happen to every person in the course of a day. Maybe everybody had the same allotted measure of happiness within each day. Maybe it didn't matter if you were a world-famous singer or a painful outcast. Maybe it didn't matter if your family was gone. Maybe you just got through it. Maybe that was all you could ask for.
~*~
I guess I've found my way, it's simple when it's right
Feel lucky just to be here tonight and happy just be me and be alive.
Love, in and out, a mile in my heart,
And though life can be strange I can't be afraid
~*~
Meimi's thoughts were ripped from her as two arms wrapped around her. Craning her neck around in surprise, she came face to face with Asuka Jr.
"Where you...following me?" Meimi blushed, giving him a confused and slightly ticked off look. But the only answer she received was a tiny kiss on her cheek. Suddenly, he lifted her up against him by supporting her back and the nook where her legs bent. She was in too much shock to speak as he lifted her up and ran out of the cemetery, heading for a certain place. Meimi could only melt against his warm chest, completely dumbfounded.
After a few moments, she was gently placed back on her feet. Glancing around, Meimi discovered that she was in the park, by a crystal lake. Next to her was the same towering cherry tree, the same lone tree she had loved to visit but next to it was another cherry tree. It had grown strong and tall, meeting the same height as the other tree. Pink petals cascaded down, swirling around Meimi and Asuka Jr. Meimi wandered under the shelter of the tree, ready to question what exactly was going on but stopped as Asuka Jr. grabbed her hand.
Resolutely, Asuka Jr. stomped over to where Meimi had drifted, just a little ways from the lake and under the trees. He stopped in front of her. A look of determination passed over his face as he fingered the ring that sat in his pocket. Tenderly, he reached forward, grabbing Meimi's hand. Gently, he lifted her hand level with his chest and locked her gaze in his own fiery one. Then, without a word, he slipped the elegant golden ring onto her finger. "Meimi Haneoka...will you marry me....?" His hopefully voice questioned her quietly, barely above a whisper.
Meimi could only stand there flabbergasted. She looked from the sparkling, single diamond ring on her finger and then back at Asuka Jr.'s optimistic shining face. She looked back at the ring and then finally Meimi just stared at Asuka Jr., totally overwhelmed with awe and disbelief.
By this time, Asuka Jr.'s nerves had begun to kick in. He swiveled his head around, glancing back at her hesitantly. He sat there waiting for any kind of a reaction, any...reaction.
Slowly, Meimi made her way to stand just before him; her face neutral as Asuka's nerves went into hyper drive. He dropped his hands to his sides, playing with his fingers while the rest of his knuckles went white. He stared down at the ground, shuffling his feet until he felt a hand on his face. Meimi had reached up and cupped his cheek in her warm hand.
Asuka Jr. could only look at her nervously, desperately searching her eyes for some kind of answer.
~*~
Searching to feel your sole
The strength to stand alone,
The power of not knowing and letting go
~*~
"You really...want to....to....?" Meimi spoke but was unable to finish her sentence.
Asuka Jr. gulped as he nodded his head yes. He was so tense that he almost missed the look of pure joy that flew across Meimi's face. Instantly, Meimi flung her arms around his neck, hanging from his tall form in a nearly choking embrace. Asuka Jr. blinked several times, thinking to himself, "This must be too good to be true." But his mind was so mixed up with happiness that he ignored it. He brought his hands down to her sides, pushing her away a bit, just to make sure. Meimi allowed him the space to look into her eyes, but she didn't remove her arms from around his neck.
"Is...is...that a...a...yes?" His voice trembled with uncertainty.
Nodding vigorously, a small giggle of joy escaped Meimi's lips. She jumped forward, bringing him into another hug. This time, Asuka Jr. returned the embrace, wrapping his arms around her back, pulling her close, breathing in the scent of her hair and nuzzling her neck with his cheek. The couple stood like this for a moment longer, before both of them pulled away, wanting more, but still shy. Meimi timidly rested her hands on his shoulders, while he stood still with his hands wrapped around her back and waist. Slowly, gently, he drew in her, pulling her fully against him, leaning down as she lightly tugged him, a hand entangled in his black hair behind his neck. Finally, after many years, many tears and many shared adventures, they closed their eyes and brought their lips together in a tender kiss. Meimi forget everything around her as she melted into his touch, his lips, his kiss, the burning passion between each other, feeling so comfortable and so happy with just this. With just him. She loved him and he loved her. The two were together and would be forever and that was all that mattered. Not their past, not their future, nothing at all. He'd always be there for her, a thousand tiny hopes shining in both of their eyes.
After a few minutes, the two broke apart from the kiss but kept a tender grip, holding each other lovingly in a warm embrace. Neither wanted this moment to end. Meimi was the first who spoke. "I could save a thousand lives and never meet someone quite like you. I could win a thousand fights, I could work day and night and all the money I'd make wouldn't buy you. And I know that you worry for me, that you wonder if I'm really ok now. But I am. And when I wake up years from now, and I'm old and I've lost my beauty, it won't matter...as long as I wake up beside you. Because I love you Asuka Jr. You're all I need and all I want."
A soft wind caused Meimi's hair to fly around her face as Asuka Jr. pushed some of it back, and then a voice from the wind that sounded much like her mothers whispered, "Life is precious, so cherish each moment." Meimi's grin widened as tears brimmed her eyes, tears of pure joy and happiness.
~*~
I guess I've found my way, it's simple when it's right
Feeling lucky just to be here tonight and happy just to be me and be alive
~*~
~ Seven Years after the Marriage ~
Age Key- Tammy- 27 years old
Meimi, Asuka Jr.- 26 years old
Aaron- 24 years old
Tony- 28 years old
Marie- 25 years old
~*~
"Mommy!!! Aunt Tammy is gonna take me to her house! She said I cawn play with Uncle Tony and Rwyan!" A three-year girl bounced over to a red haired woman. The woman leaned down, smiling at her daughter.
"Ask daddy first." Meimi kissed her daughter's forehead, sending her over to her father. The tiny girl had black hair that was much like Asuka Jr.'s except for the wispy colors of strawberry blonde that were streaked throughout it. But the two colors mixed together so much it could hardly be made out as two different kinds. It only looked like a goldish color of black.
The girl ran over to a man, leaping up into his out stretched arms. "Mommy said I gotz to ask you to go owver to Aunt Tams houswe!"
Asuka Jr. smirked. "Did she now? Well it's ok with me; you just play nice with your cousin. And you remember to leave your Aunt Marie alone because..."
"She's cranky cauwse she's gonna have a babwy in a month. Uncle Aaron is gonnaz be a daddy too! Just like you and Uncle Tony!!" The girl giggled happily as her father tickled her stomach.
"Exactly. Now have fun and play nice!" He gave her a quick kiss before she ran off to a chocolate haired woman.
"Thank you Tammy! I owe you one!" Meimi called out to her friend.
"Yeah you do. You both have fun at the movies." Tammy waved, her brown hair now grown to her shoulders. She grinned from ear to ear as Tony, clad in a business suit, helped her get into their car. After all, she was eight months pregnant with their second child. It was due any time now. In their back seat a boy with dark brown hair bounced happily as Meimi's daughter crawled in next to him. They both waved as the car disappeared down the street.
Meimi let out a puff of air as she snuggled against Asuka Jr. "Do we have to leave yet? I want to savor the silence for a bit longer."
Asuka Jr. chuckled. "Sure. Hey, she gets her energy from you!"
After a few seconds of silence, Meimi began to talk. "It's so hard to believe how much everyone has grown. I mean...look at us. We're married and we both have a lovely daughter. Aaron and Marie are married and are going to have their baby soon. Tony and Tammy are married; they have a little boy and are expecting another. Tony's the head of a big motorcycle cooperation and Tammy's a counselor for troubled teens. Aaron's a history and math teacher while Marie works with me in my magic show. And you...head detective for the mayor. It seems like only yesterday we were living in the junkyard." A laugh escaped Meimi's lips.
"I know..." Asuka Jr. nodded in agreement, nuzzling his cheek against Meimi's. "Everybody's grown so much...And Seira's finally a nun. Sawatari is a famous photographer for the paper and Lina works as a top detective in a neighboring city. It stinks that Seira and Sawatari never married but it wouldn't have worked what with her being a nun and all. I just didn't expect SEIRA to be the one to break it off! I think...that the two just needed the support of each other until you returned. But I never expected Lina and Sawatari to get married either!"
"I know. Seira really loves her job though." Meimi frowned. "We better hurry if we want to catch the movie."
"We don't have to go if you don't want to. We could just hold onto this romantic moment even longer." The detective teased.
After the chuckles died down, Meimi turned towards Asuka. "I have a lot of things I want to tell our baby girl, things that everyone taught me...really precious things...being born, and the meaning of living...and loving...with you!"
Asuka Jr. smiled. "Yeah..."
Meimi tilted her gaze up towards him, whispered tenderly to him, "I love you Asuka Jr."
"And I love you too Meimi Daiki." The couple leaned in, bringing their lips together for a sweet, pure and simple kiss.
A smile formed on the red head's face, both sides reaching up to her eyes, as her mind flipped through past memories. Finally, an image of all of them together with their children entered her mind. Meimi decided that that was how things should be, that was how things belonged. Things were perfect. They might not be perfect forever but that was why she cherished these moments and she knew as long as she had her family, things would still always be great. And she would protect them with her life. Meimi knew that yes, bad things happened but they were always caused for a reason. It was a horrible thing that had happened to her and her parents but she realized even though it was terrible, it had its slightly positive sides too. It made her and Asuka Jr. closer, teaching them what true love was about and it matured them both. It taught Meimi to rely on others sometimes and herself, to be truthful and to share how she felt. She learned not to keep things locked up inside and that family doesn't have to be blood related. She was taught that life was about taking the happy moments and building them up and that the bad times made the good times even greater. Meimi wanted her daughter to grow up with her arms wide open to the world and that was exactly what she was going to teach her to do. That was what all of her friends, family and even enemies, had taught her after all.
~*~
I guess I've found my way it's simple when it's right
Feeling lucky just to be here tonight and happy just to be me and to be alive.
~*~
-Fin-
Lauren: AHHH!! It's over! No!! *cries* But if I wrote more to it...it'd just drag on. Oh and I don't own the song "Alive" by Jennifer Lopez.
So what did everyone think? Like the whole story? Like the ending? Give me feedback!
Well, to start off I'd like to thank EVERYBODY who read and reviewed this story! It would have NEVER made it this far without you all! I really appreciate all of your comments and thoughts, I read them all the moment they are submitted. I even kept some of them in my email account! (Don't you just love that little review alert thingy?). Now I'd like to take the time to thank everybody personally *takes deep breath*
WezL, bolty, minda-chan/MeimiMinda, Lady Akiko, Lunar-Hotaru, Call Me Firefly, himeko, Rhori-chan, GodsGirl7, Tsuna, Tessa-chan, M-chan, Meimi- san, Princess Akira, Umi Wave, yumeneko, shi'neko, random echo, Kithkin, Esther, CreMeer, Rini, YoYo Golden Vegeta and Vega, Saint-Tail02, H2Obunni, anNa, Narikin16, SakuraJade, Christie, Fae-Fae, Kathleen and Ara moon.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ AND REVIEW THIS STORY!! I LOVE YOU ALL! I don't know what I'd do without you!
And I believe that's everyone. If I forgot somebody though, I'm terribly sorry! Please forgive me! Hm...what else to say here? ^_^ I hope you enjoyed the story, thank you and I love you all! If I get any spontaneous ideas I might begin another Saint Tail fic but I'm currently working on my Escaflowne story, "Wishing to Forget, Wanting to Remember". Of course you'll find my random little Saint Tail songfics and such but...well, you never know what ideas might pop into my crazy little head. *hugs* Thank you and until next time- Good-Bye!
~By: Lauren~
EPILOG
"A L I V E"
------
This is an age key for the characters in the epilog:
Tammy- 20 years old
Meimi, Asuka Jr.- 19 years old
Aaron- 17 years old
Tony- 21 years old
Marie- 18 years old
------
- Three Years Later -
"HURRY UP!!" Marie snapped at Aaron who was clambering down the stairs of a large hallway. From the outside the enormous white house appeared quiet and tranquil but little did they know of what was going on in the inside. There were three levels to the building and it had a large grassy back yard. A blooming cherry tree accented the scene with a tint of light pink. There were six rooms and out of these five were taken by Meimi, Tony, Aaron, Tammy and Marie.
Marie was pacing in a rather big kitchen. There was a round oak table that was set with plates full of eggs and toast. Meimi rushed between washing some of the already used dishes and brushing her teeth. She had grown a few inches taller and stood up proudly. Her long shimmering soft red hair was pulled back in a loose bun while she was clad in jeans and a warm college sweatshirt. The sleeves were pushed up and her face had on a slight brush of makeup. Marie's raven hair was cut to about the middle of her back and it curled slightly. She was wearing a short jean skirt and a baby blue sweater. Aaron sprinted down the stairs, his blond hair spiked up. He was wearing khaki pants and a red shirt with a black jacket over it. He had grown taller and had matured into a handsome young man.
Tony chuckled as he leaned over Tammy's shoulder. The chocolate haired girl was sitting at the table, nibbling on toast while reading a book. She wore a pair of thin wire frame glasses and her hair was cut to about two inches above her shoulder. It was layered and most of it was held back in a black clip while some strands fell forward. She was wearing black, loose fitting fuzzy pants and a red long sleeved shirt. A giggle escaped her throat as Tony leaned forward to plant a kiss delicately on her cheek. Everyone could notice as her eyes went from Tony to the golden ring that was on her ring finger. A huge smile formed on her face. Tony rolled his eyes at this and blushed. He was clad in jean pants and a green sweater that was much like Aaron's. His black hair was cut short but not too short that it didn't hang in his eyes a bit.
"Ok lovebirds, hurry up and eat. The day isn't getting any younger and I know for a fact that your college classes start soon Tony." Meimi chuckled as she watched Tony kiss Tammy again before he disappeared out of the door. Behind him followed Marie and Aaron.
"You'll give Aaron and I a ride to the high school, right bro?" Marie gave her brother puppy dog eyes while Aaron imitated her.
"Fine. Get in the car. Bye you guys!!" Tony waved to Meimi and Tammy before the three disappeared out the door.
~*~
Time goes slowly now in my life
Fear no more of what I'm not sure
Searching to feel your sole
The strength to stand alone, the power of not knowing and letting go
~*~
"You have today off, right Meimi?" Tammy tore her eyes away from the book she was reading to watch Meimi brush through her long hair.
"Yeah. Don't you? I heard both the colleges are giving the day off." Meimi wandered over to a closet were she retrieved a pair of black shoes.
"Yeah. Are you planning to do anything special? Meet up with your boyfriend?" Tammy gazed lovingly at her engagement ring.
"No. I'm...visiting my parents." Meimi whispered before changing the subject quickly. "When are you setting the date for the wedding any ways?"
"Tony and I aren't sure yet. We want to have it sometime in July, maybe a summer wedding. But we definitely want to wait some. We have all the time in the world, so why rush?" Tammy smiled, her eyes looking out the window joyfully. "I'm going to catch up on my thesis paper today, I have a few friends coming over for a study group. And Meimi...thanks...for everything...Really..."
"It's all right. I know you'd do the same for me. Well, I better head off. Bye!!" Meimi gave Tammy a brief hug before she left the house.
Meimi roamed down the city streets, her feet guiding her to where she wanted to be.
Asuka Jr. glanced from a street vender just in time to catch sight of a flash of red hair. Out of curiosity, he crossed the street but kept a good distance between him and the red haired girl. As he followed her now, he realized it was Meimi. But she had a look of sorrow on her face so he decided to merely follow her. He recognized the place as Meimi stepped through a pair of wrought iron gates. Soon, Meimi paused in front of a pair of gravestones.
Meimi collapsed at the graves of her mother and father once again. She had been planning this visit and produced a pair of white roses after repeating the words "One Two Three." Asuka Jr. had to strain to hear what she was saying. Meimi sat down on the grass next to her family. She looked up, noticing the sun rising in the sky. It was beautiful. She reached out, her fingers outlining the names carved into the graves. The names carved into her heart. "Hello again everybody. It's been a while. The return of Saint Tail has been causing a lot of chaos around here and it is really making Lina mad, especially since Asuka Jr. refuses to work 'Saint Tail's' case." Meimi suppressed a giggle at her own words.
Suddenly, Asuka Jr. remembered that this had been the day her parents had died so many years ago.
A big part of Meimi just wanted to stay here with her parents. She wanted to curl up into the smallest, simplest possible existence and let the world rush along past, without her. "Everybody is doing wonderful in school, they're really making something of themselves. They all have a wonderful future ahead of them, including me. The town sure has accepted them with open arms and they've all got good friends. Tammy and Tony are planning on getting married soon." Meimi sat down, curling into a tight ball. "I miss you both a lot. I wish you could be here to watch me grow up. I wish you could have seen me graduate from high school. Then again...I guess you've always been watching me from heaven. Mom...dad...when I left Seika City...everybody said I was running away...well, maybe I WAS running away partly but...I left also because I was looking for myself. I was afraid of what I had become so I went out to search for who and what I was. I was looking for myself, the part of me that was buried away the day both of you were buried. And do you want to know where I found it? In my heart, in my friends and back in Seika City." The redhead sighed. Then a thought slammed into her like a brick wall. It had been in front of her the whole time but it had taken her this long for it to finally ram in. And she changed her mind. She was alive, and they were gone from this world. But they would always be in her heart. She had to try to make her life big. As big as she could. She had promised her parents she would keep living happily.
Meimi sat up, once again glancing at the sun and noticing the simple light tint of orange and gold. And she realized something. Maybe happiness doesn't have to be about the big, sweeping circumstances, or about having everything in your life in place. Maybe it was about stringing together a bunch of small pleasures. Maybe happiness was just a matter of the little up ticks- the smile of a loved one or the traffic signal that says 'walk' the second you get there. And the down ticks- the school classes you get to just after the bell rings or the itchy tag in the back of your collar that wouldn't leave you alone- that happen to every person in the course of a day. Maybe everybody had the same allotted measure of happiness within each day. Maybe it didn't matter if you were a world-famous singer or a painful outcast. Maybe it didn't matter if your family was gone. Maybe you just got through it. Maybe that was all you could ask for.
~*~
I guess I've found my way, it's simple when it's right
Feel lucky just to be here tonight and happy just be me and be alive.
Love, in and out, a mile in my heart,
And though life can be strange I can't be afraid
~*~
Meimi's thoughts were ripped from her as two arms wrapped around her. Craning her neck around in surprise, she came face to face with Asuka Jr.
"Where you...following me?" Meimi blushed, giving him a confused and slightly ticked off look. But the only answer she received was a tiny kiss on her cheek. Suddenly, he lifted her up against him by supporting her back and the nook where her legs bent. She was in too much shock to speak as he lifted her up and ran out of the cemetery, heading for a certain place. Meimi could only melt against his warm chest, completely dumbfounded.
After a few moments, she was gently placed back on her feet. Glancing around, Meimi discovered that she was in the park, by a crystal lake. Next to her was the same towering cherry tree, the same lone tree she had loved to visit but next to it was another cherry tree. It had grown strong and tall, meeting the same height as the other tree. Pink petals cascaded down, swirling around Meimi and Asuka Jr. Meimi wandered under the shelter of the tree, ready to question what exactly was going on but stopped as Asuka Jr. grabbed her hand.
Resolutely, Asuka Jr. stomped over to where Meimi had drifted, just a little ways from the lake and under the trees. He stopped in front of her. A look of determination passed over his face as he fingered the ring that sat in his pocket. Tenderly, he reached forward, grabbing Meimi's hand. Gently, he lifted her hand level with his chest and locked her gaze in his own fiery one. Then, without a word, he slipped the elegant golden ring onto her finger. "Meimi Haneoka...will you marry me....?" His hopefully voice questioned her quietly, barely above a whisper.
Meimi could only stand there flabbergasted. She looked from the sparkling, single diamond ring on her finger and then back at Asuka Jr.'s optimistic shining face. She looked back at the ring and then finally Meimi just stared at Asuka Jr., totally overwhelmed with awe and disbelief.
By this time, Asuka Jr.'s nerves had begun to kick in. He swiveled his head around, glancing back at her hesitantly. He sat there waiting for any kind of a reaction, any...reaction.
Slowly, Meimi made her way to stand just before him; her face neutral as Asuka's nerves went into hyper drive. He dropped his hands to his sides, playing with his fingers while the rest of his knuckles went white. He stared down at the ground, shuffling his feet until he felt a hand on his face. Meimi had reached up and cupped his cheek in her warm hand.
Asuka Jr. could only look at her nervously, desperately searching her eyes for some kind of answer.
~*~
Searching to feel your sole
The strength to stand alone,
The power of not knowing and letting go
~*~
"You really...want to....to....?" Meimi spoke but was unable to finish her sentence.
Asuka Jr. gulped as he nodded his head yes. He was so tense that he almost missed the look of pure joy that flew across Meimi's face. Instantly, Meimi flung her arms around his neck, hanging from his tall form in a nearly choking embrace. Asuka Jr. blinked several times, thinking to himself, "This must be too good to be true." But his mind was so mixed up with happiness that he ignored it. He brought his hands down to her sides, pushing her away a bit, just to make sure. Meimi allowed him the space to look into her eyes, but she didn't remove her arms from around his neck.
"Is...is...that a...a...yes?" His voice trembled with uncertainty.
Nodding vigorously, a small giggle of joy escaped Meimi's lips. She jumped forward, bringing him into another hug. This time, Asuka Jr. returned the embrace, wrapping his arms around her back, pulling her close, breathing in the scent of her hair and nuzzling her neck with his cheek. The couple stood like this for a moment longer, before both of them pulled away, wanting more, but still shy. Meimi timidly rested her hands on his shoulders, while he stood still with his hands wrapped around her back and waist. Slowly, gently, he drew in her, pulling her fully against him, leaning down as she lightly tugged him, a hand entangled in his black hair behind his neck. Finally, after many years, many tears and many shared adventures, they closed their eyes and brought their lips together in a tender kiss. Meimi forget everything around her as she melted into his touch, his lips, his kiss, the burning passion between each other, feeling so comfortable and so happy with just this. With just him. She loved him and he loved her. The two were together and would be forever and that was all that mattered. Not their past, not their future, nothing at all. He'd always be there for her, a thousand tiny hopes shining in both of their eyes.
After a few minutes, the two broke apart from the kiss but kept a tender grip, holding each other lovingly in a warm embrace. Neither wanted this moment to end. Meimi was the first who spoke. "I could save a thousand lives and never meet someone quite like you. I could win a thousand fights, I could work day and night and all the money I'd make wouldn't buy you. And I know that you worry for me, that you wonder if I'm really ok now. But I am. And when I wake up years from now, and I'm old and I've lost my beauty, it won't matter...as long as I wake up beside you. Because I love you Asuka Jr. You're all I need and all I want."
A soft wind caused Meimi's hair to fly around her face as Asuka Jr. pushed some of it back, and then a voice from the wind that sounded much like her mothers whispered, "Life is precious, so cherish each moment." Meimi's grin widened as tears brimmed her eyes, tears of pure joy and happiness.
~*~
I guess I've found my way, it's simple when it's right
Feeling lucky just to be here tonight and happy just to be me and be alive
~*~
~ Seven Years after the Marriage ~
Age Key- Tammy- 27 years old
Meimi, Asuka Jr.- 26 years old
Aaron- 24 years old
Tony- 28 years old
Marie- 25 years old
~*~
"Mommy!!! Aunt Tammy is gonna take me to her house! She said I cawn play with Uncle Tony and Rwyan!" A three-year girl bounced over to a red haired woman. The woman leaned down, smiling at her daughter.
"Ask daddy first." Meimi kissed her daughter's forehead, sending her over to her father. The tiny girl had black hair that was much like Asuka Jr.'s except for the wispy colors of strawberry blonde that were streaked throughout it. But the two colors mixed together so much it could hardly be made out as two different kinds. It only looked like a goldish color of black.
The girl ran over to a man, leaping up into his out stretched arms. "Mommy said I gotz to ask you to go owver to Aunt Tams houswe!"
Asuka Jr. smirked. "Did she now? Well it's ok with me; you just play nice with your cousin. And you remember to leave your Aunt Marie alone because..."
"She's cranky cauwse she's gonna have a babwy in a month. Uncle Aaron is gonnaz be a daddy too! Just like you and Uncle Tony!!" The girl giggled happily as her father tickled her stomach.
"Exactly. Now have fun and play nice!" He gave her a quick kiss before she ran off to a chocolate haired woman.
"Thank you Tammy! I owe you one!" Meimi called out to her friend.
"Yeah you do. You both have fun at the movies." Tammy waved, her brown hair now grown to her shoulders. She grinned from ear to ear as Tony, clad in a business suit, helped her get into their car. After all, she was eight months pregnant with their second child. It was due any time now. In their back seat a boy with dark brown hair bounced happily as Meimi's daughter crawled in next to him. They both waved as the car disappeared down the street.
Meimi let out a puff of air as she snuggled against Asuka Jr. "Do we have to leave yet? I want to savor the silence for a bit longer."
Asuka Jr. chuckled. "Sure. Hey, she gets her energy from you!"
After a few seconds of silence, Meimi began to talk. "It's so hard to believe how much everyone has grown. I mean...look at us. We're married and we both have a lovely daughter. Aaron and Marie are married and are going to have their baby soon. Tony and Tammy are married; they have a little boy and are expecting another. Tony's the head of a big motorcycle cooperation and Tammy's a counselor for troubled teens. Aaron's a history and math teacher while Marie works with me in my magic show. And you...head detective for the mayor. It seems like only yesterday we were living in the junkyard." A laugh escaped Meimi's lips.
"I know..." Asuka Jr. nodded in agreement, nuzzling his cheek against Meimi's. "Everybody's grown so much...And Seira's finally a nun. Sawatari is a famous photographer for the paper and Lina works as a top detective in a neighboring city. It stinks that Seira and Sawatari never married but it wouldn't have worked what with her being a nun and all. I just didn't expect SEIRA to be the one to break it off! I think...that the two just needed the support of each other until you returned. But I never expected Lina and Sawatari to get married either!"
"I know. Seira really loves her job though." Meimi frowned. "We better hurry if we want to catch the movie."
"We don't have to go if you don't want to. We could just hold onto this romantic moment even longer." The detective teased.
After the chuckles died down, Meimi turned towards Asuka. "I have a lot of things I want to tell our baby girl, things that everyone taught me...really precious things...being born, and the meaning of living...and loving...with you!"
Asuka Jr. smiled. "Yeah..."
Meimi tilted her gaze up towards him, whispered tenderly to him, "I love you Asuka Jr."
"And I love you too Meimi Daiki." The couple leaned in, bringing their lips together for a sweet, pure and simple kiss.
A smile formed on the red head's face, both sides reaching up to her eyes, as her mind flipped through past memories. Finally, an image of all of them together with their children entered her mind. Meimi decided that that was how things should be, that was how things belonged. Things were perfect. They might not be perfect forever but that was why she cherished these moments and she knew as long as she had her family, things would still always be great. And she would protect them with her life. Meimi knew that yes, bad things happened but they were always caused for a reason. It was a horrible thing that had happened to her and her parents but she realized even though it was terrible, it had its slightly positive sides too. It made her and Asuka Jr. closer, teaching them what true love was about and it matured them both. It taught Meimi to rely on others sometimes and herself, to be truthful and to share how she felt. She learned not to keep things locked up inside and that family doesn't have to be blood related. She was taught that life was about taking the happy moments and building them up and that the bad times made the good times even greater. Meimi wanted her daughter to grow up with her arms wide open to the world and that was exactly what she was going to teach her to do. That was what all of her friends, family and even enemies, had taught her after all.
~*~
I guess I've found my way it's simple when it's right
Feeling lucky just to be here tonight and happy just to be me and to be alive.
~*~
-Fin-
Lauren: AHHH!! It's over! No!! *cries* But if I wrote more to it...it'd just drag on. Oh and I don't own the song "Alive" by Jennifer Lopez.
So what did everyone think? Like the whole story? Like the ending? Give me feedback!
Well, to start off I'd like to thank EVERYBODY who read and reviewed this story! It would have NEVER made it this far without you all! I really appreciate all of your comments and thoughts, I read them all the moment they are submitted. I even kept some of them in my email account! (Don't you just love that little review alert thingy?). Now I'd like to take the time to thank everybody personally *takes deep breath*
WezL, bolty, minda-chan/MeimiMinda, Lady Akiko, Lunar-Hotaru, Call Me Firefly, himeko, Rhori-chan, GodsGirl7, Tsuna, Tessa-chan, M-chan, Meimi- san, Princess Akira, Umi Wave, yumeneko, shi'neko, random echo, Kithkin, Esther, CreMeer, Rini, YoYo Golden Vegeta and Vega, Saint-Tail02, H2Obunni, anNa, Narikin16, SakuraJade, Christie, Fae-Fae, Kathleen and Ara moon.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ AND REVIEW THIS STORY!! I LOVE YOU ALL! I don't know what I'd do without you!
And I believe that's everyone. If I forgot somebody though, I'm terribly sorry! Please forgive me! Hm...what else to say here? ^_^ I hope you enjoyed the story, thank you and I love you all! If I get any spontaneous ideas I might begin another Saint Tail fic but I'm currently working on my Escaflowne story, "Wishing to Forget, Wanting to Remember". Of course you'll find my random little Saint Tail songfics and such but...well, you never know what ideas might pop into my crazy little head. *hugs* Thank you and until next time- Good-Bye!