A/N: Well after the long angsty journey, we’ve arrived at the end and it’s time to put in all your last thoughts, rants and whatever else you need to get off your chest in a review. Thank you so much to the ones that stuck through all the twists surprises and hopefully, if you already aren’t, read more stories from me.

Today marks my 4th Anniversary on Fanfic!

I’m very proud to have come so far with 20+ stories and more than 10 completed stories here!

I’m happy to have done the themes I’ve done so far and explored. Each story I wrote came with a perspective that I wanted to share, a view I wanted to show and I feel I accomplished that with each story I’ve written.

I also want to throw in a quick thank you to the many reviewers that took the time to review for me. It was thanks to your reviews that motivated me to continue posting my stories and hopefully you’ll all continue to support me.

My Anniversary this year will not go unmarked without just a huge mass update, but a WHOLE new list of Thrill I wish to bring to all of you.

On my Profile, you’ll be able to vote for two stories to join the regular line-up of releases. Like the first time I did this, the first chapter of all the stories are released for the pleasure of your viewing and reading so do take it to account along with the summary when you vote for your favorite two. If you don’t have a fanfic account, you may vote via review on the stories of your choice and let me warn you, I’m only tallying people who don’t have account via review so if you do have a account on fanfic and vote through review, I won’t count it because I will ASSUME you’ve voted on my profile already.

So Please, Read, Review and vote on ‘One Step At A Time’, ‘Frozen’, ‘Black Wings’ or ‘More Than Meets The Eyes’.

Other than that, read the mass release of stories, vote for your favorite two new stories and review for me. :D

The Moon Represents My Heart

Rated: M

Summary: Just when Ryoma thought he was through with the pain, Fuji comes waltzing back into his life like a winter storm. [AU]

Chapter XII: Happiness From The Heart

Recap-

Ryoma’s Apartment

Ryoma frowned as he unlocked the door and stepped into his apartment to a weird stench.

“Karupin!” He called out as he removed his shoes and headed to his bedroom while stretching.

“Karu-“

Ryoma’s eyes widened as he saw Sakuno sitting on his bed waiting for him.

“Sakuno…”

“Why… why don’t you love me?” Sakuno asked standing slowly with hurt eyes. “ I LOVED YOU!” She screamed out as she shakily brought the gun forward to point at Ryoma. “ I really did…”

xXx

“Put the gun down Sakuno…” Ryoma coaxed as he realized immediately that she was mentally unstable at this point and any quick movement would make her snap from her thin line of insanity and sanity.

“You should’ve loved me!” Sakuno said a bit sadly. “You and I were meant to be!”

“Just calm down… put the gun down and we can talk…”

“NO! we don’t need to talk! Not now! Not ever! We just need to die together now… don’t you see… if we go together then no one can separate us…” Sakuno said as she smiled softly towards the end. “ We’ll be together forever…”

“Sakuno…. Think about our families…”

“They don’t understand us! They don’t know how much I love you! They all think I’m crazy… but you don’t… right?” Sakuno said looking at Ryoma while putting the gun down a bit.

“Of course you aren’t,” Ryoma said as softly as he could as he inch hi s way to the counter where he saw a couple of tennis balls…. If he could somehow get the gun… they’d both be okay…

“Then you’ll die with me?” Sakuno asked re-pointing the gun at Ryoma in happiness now.

“What makes you so sure we’ll be together in death?” Ryoma asked gripping the tennis ball hard while praying to nameless gods to give him strength or else he’d really die with the psycho.

“I know… because we love each other so much, they wouldn’t dare separate us… Syuusuke’s wrong… you love me… you’ve always loved me!” Sakuno said with a smile.

Ryoma didn’t answer as he tossed with all his might aiming at her right hand. To his relief it surprised her and made her drop the gun.

He didn’t take a chance as he dived for the gun while ignoring the pain of wrestling with her to get the gun. She obviously knew he had more strength then she did since she started to attack his hair full force while screeching about being together. He ignored the wetness growing on his back from whatever was on the floor and concentrated on getting the gun. Finally after being able to pull away and feeling as if he’d lost all his hair, he finally noticed that she was now furious that he had not wanted to die with her.

“It’s over Sakuno… you need some help…” Ryoma gasped out as he placed the gun on the table by the door as she slowly rose with slightly widened eyes.

“You hurt me Ryoma-kun…”

“You need help Sakuno…. “Ryoma said watching her rise and seeing the stain on her dress she wore. It seemed whatever was on him; she had rolled on as well….

“This….” Ryoma said finally recognizing the faint smell of gasoline.

“You’re mine….” Sakuno said with a frown. “I don’t care what anyone or you say!”

Ryoma clenched his fist as he realized she blocked the door AND held a lighter.

“So if you won’t go the easy way with me… we’ll go this way.”

xXx

Fuji climbed out of his car as he reached Ryoma’s apartment. He had considered waiting patiently at the hospital for Ryoma but he had decided against that earlier and decided to pick Ryoma up himself. It would give them some time alone… some time they needed to settle everything. That and the fact that Sakuno hadn’t been found were worrying him. She was crazy but she wouldn’t stop what she was doing for their sake.

‘She never was one to let go….’ Fuji thought with a sigh as he locked his car and looked up.

“Fuji,”

“Tezuka,” Fuji greeted recognizing his friend who had just pulled up beside him. “What brings you here?”

“A lot of things I’ve been hearing… but mostly to see how he’s doing.” Tezuka answered. “I’ve yet to stop by the hospital to see your daughter.”

“Aa… we’ve been through hell if I say so myself.” Fuji said with a slight smile. “ Since you’re here, why don’t we go talk about it in Ryoma’s apartment.”

“Let’s.” Tezuka merely said as he led the way up to Ryoma’s apartment.

xXx

Elsewhere“You’re free to go,” the policeman said to Ryoga as he was led out.

He didn’t answer as he stepped out only to see Rinko and Nanjiroh waiting for him.

“What do you two want?” he questioned angrily.

“We were the ones who bailed you out.” Rinko said calmly. “We should talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you nor that backstabbing father I have!” Ryoga retorted.

“You need to know the story before you form an opinion young man!” Rinko said firmly as she stood in anger not even caring that she was nearly a head shorter than the man she was facing.

“Oh I know the story just fine!” Ryoga said bitterly.

“But do you know OUR side?” Rinko demanded watching the boy glare at her and returned it with her own. “I want you to understand that what you did to my son upset me but the blame of your existence was not just your mother or your father’s fault. “

“What the hell then?” Ryoga said angrily to the man who haven’t spoke once yet. “What’s the reason for me?”

“Ryoga… your mother didn’t want anything to do with me after I chose Rinko.” Nanjiroh finally said resting a hand on Ryoga’s lightly. “She didn’t want me to know that you even existed! I never knew of you!”

“Lies! I watched as she mailed letters everyday to you and not ONCE did you respond!” Ryoga accused pointedly.

“I never received one!” Nanjiroh defended. “Your mother never mailed me anything!”

“Even still!” Ryoga said crossly. “Why did you mess with my mother if you never wanted me! If you never wanted her!”

Silence befell all three of them as an angered son stared at a speechless dad. Slowly Nanjiroh broke eye contact with Ryoga and looked at Rinko who was tight-lipped about everything being discussed.

“Truth is… I’m like every other man as well Ryoga.” Nanjiroh said breaking the silence. “I didn’t refuse a willing woman and I regret that I did such a thing when I was already engaged to Rinko… but she was a country away and a lonely man will take what he can right?”

Ryoga didn’t reply. He was softening to their excuses and he didn’t like it. Every since he could remember, it was endless nights of his mother cursing his looks, his picture less father and everything that reminded her of the man. He grew up hating the mention of the selfish man who left his mother to crazy loneliness, hating the man whom he didn’t know for taking a coward’s way out… but now…. All that he thought, all that he thought was true wasn’t. It was as if someone lifted millions of hatred pounds off his shoulder only to replace it with the reality of what he did to his younger brother.

Ryoga swallowed hard as he stared at his hand unmoving… he didn’t know what to believe…

“Ryoga… your mother was a mother to want…. But she wasn’t a woman to love.” Nanjiroh said truthfully. “but I swear to you Ryoga, if I had known you existed, I’d have done anything in my power to provide and know you.”

Ryoga looked up,, unsure if he should believe the ma sitting next to him.

“He’s a annoying and a stupid man sometimes,” Rinko said looking fondly at her husband, “but he’s always been a devoted husband and a dear father. We’d like it a lot if you’d come home with us and try t o get along.”

Ryoga looked at both adults who seemed quite sincere… he didn’t think anymore, he nodded. Perhaps this was where he should’ve been all along.

xXx

Ryoma’s apartment“You’re crazy!” Ryoma said in disbelief at the woman standing in front of him. It was no wonder Fuji had tried to kill himself while being married to her.
”I even bought the expensive lighters… the ones that light longer without holding the lighter down…so we can make sure we go together.” Sakuno said bending to the floor with the lighter. Slowly she set it and placed it on the gas. Ryoma in a panic kicked her hand hard forgetting that she was a woman for a moment; yet it was too late… the fire roared alive next to Sakuno as she smiled happily at the flames that traveled above the gas brightly. Ryoma on the other hand was doing his best to avoid the flames by removing his gasoline soaked shirt and searching for Karupin… who happened to WANT to appear after all his calling minutes ago. Grabbing his cat, his only thought was survival as he headed full speed towards the door to get out.“NOOOOO!” Sakuno screamed frantically grabbing Ryoma’s leg and pulling hard till his leg dragged. She wasn’t about to give up on the thought of dying with him and Ryoma was scared as the fire grew and the smoke rose… he was going to die… he was going to die….

xXx

“FIRE!!” The residents screamed evacuating as Fuji and Tezuka walked closer to the apartment. They both didn’t even pause to wonder why a fire started as they ran towards Ryoma’s apartment, both concerned about Ryoma.

“Oi! You’re running towards the fire!” A man yelled out to Tezuka and Fuji as they sprinted past him.

It did nothing but speed them faster towards their destination. If it has started from this way then for sure Ryoma would’ve been one of the first ones hit!

‘Ryoma… don’t you dare leave me…’ Fuji thought with fear as he climbed the stairs two at a time with Tezuka right behind him. He panicked when he saw the amount of smoke pouring out of his room and didn’t think twice as he tried the door. Thankfully, it was unlocked and both Tezuka and he were surprised to see Ryoma trying to breathe while holding Karupin towards safety and trying to pry off another person on him.

“Ryoma!” Fuji called to him as he saw the coughing man struggling.

“Isn’t that you’re wife?” Tezuka asked getting a better look at the person who clung to Ryoma as if it was the most precious thing in the world.

Fuji noted that it was and did the only thing he could think of in order to save Ryoma who had inhaled way too much smoke already. He kicked her off viciously and dragged a shirtless Ryoma to Tezuka whom he instructed to get Ryoma and Karupin out. As Tezuka started to take Ryoma away Sakuno wailed out a No and attacked Fuji furiously causing him to trip and hit a bookshelf crushing them both underneath the heavy shelf.

“You bastard! I won’t allow you to take hi again! I won’t!!!” Sakuno sobbed out as she jerked furiously on Fuji’s hair not caring that the flames were catching onto the fallen books and traveling to the shelf they were both currently under.

“Fuji!” Tezuka called out noticing that he wasn’t following.

“I’ll be right out! Just get him out!” Fuji yelled as he tried to grit the pain of his hair ripping out.

Angered, pushed her roughly off of him and used her as a lever to get out of the bookshelf. Dragging himself out, he noted she held on tightly to him causing him to drag her halfway out of the bookshelf as well only to get stuck where her dress was caught on one side.

“I won’t let you take him! He’s mine!” Sakuno screamed at him.

Disgusted, Fuji yanked himself away from her and crawled towards the door breathing hard as he watched the flames engulf the bookshelf and catch onto her dress that had been soaked in gasoline from earlier. She screamed horribly but Fuji merely watched her desperate look in anger that she was this crazy to want to kill Ryoma.

“Take your obsession and hatred to hell.” Fuji uttered as he left and staggered his way out of the building… there was no way after all of these years was he going to fail Ryoma again… he couldn’t…

Yet the darkness came anyways and he couldn’t remember anything else….

xXx

Tezuka pulled Fuji from the fire with the help of a firefighter as Ryoma ran over.

“How is he?” Ryoma asked worriedly looking at Fuji.

“Just a bit too much smoke…” Tezuka said looking at Fuji.

“Sakuno?”

“I think, she’s where she needs to be.” Tezuka said quietly viewing the claw marks on Fuji’s neck and arms.

xXx

Sakuno’s Funeral

Ryoma looked at her gravestone in silence as he replayed everything in his head. Everything had started from her and now that the problem was gone… he was feeling unsure if he could continue on.

He was formally introduced to his brother who apologized properly to both Fuji and him; his father gradually came to accept Fuji and Miyuki was better to the point where she could walk a bit without feel the pain too much now.

“Ryoma?”

He turned and smiled as his mother approached him.

“Yes mom?” Ryoma asked accepting a hug from his mother.

“Are you okay sweetie?” Rinko asked looking at Ryoma’s expression.

“I am now… it’s finally all over right?” Ryoma asked.

“It should be.” Rinko confirmed with a small smile. “ But I think there’s one more thing you need to put a rest to.”

“What is that?” Ryoma asked glancing at his mother. She ushered her hand to the side and Ryoma caught sight of Serene who was conversing with Fuji. Taking the hit, he walked over to his ex-fiancée and greeted her.

“Serene…”

“Ryoma.” Serene greeted with a small smile as she reached to hug him. “How are you?”

“Feeling better… and you?” Ryoma asked searching her eyes.

“I’m doing better now thank you.” Serene said with a nod. “I’m starting to move on.”

“I’m glad to hear that… did you find someone…”

“I did… he had always been right in front of me while I was trying to reach for the impossible as well.” Serene said with a small laugh.

“You don’t mean Mikage do you?” Ryoma asked with a small grimace at the thought of the man who did everything in his power to gain Serene’s attention.

“Oh god no!” Serene laughed at the thought. “I’m going out with Nakagawa.”

“But I thought he was just you kouhai!”

“And we both thought we’d get together…” Serene reminded him with a small smile. “Times change and if it’s one thing I learned, I can say the past will never be at peace until you face it.”

“True…” Ryoma said with a smile now.

“Be happy Ryoma,” Serene said with a smile at Fuji and Ryoma. “Or else I’ll never forgive you.”

“I am… and thank you, for being there for me.”

Serene nodded and moved on to ay her goodbye to Nanjiroh and Rinko while Fuji wrapped an arm around Ryoma’s waist and asked if he was ready to go.

“I am.” Ryoma said as they walked to where Miyuki was sitting and waiting for them. Ryoma knew that as they walked away from the graveyard, they were finally going to move and their past would finally be at rest. It was the beginning to their healing and soon, maybe the scars and wounds they had acquired would only be a memory.

A/N: So that ends this story !

YAY!

Please do put in your last thoughts and comments since it’s the end and hopefully you’ll be reading more from me :)