Taking Chances-Epilogue-updated 12/26, Alternate Ending - 12/29

[FaqU]

Chapter 74

“Maimi-chan!!!! Wake up!!!!” Airi continued to command Maimi as she watched Maimi’s eyes trying to slowly flutter open.  “Come on Maimi-chan you can do it!  Just follow my voice!” urged Airi.  Airi was raising her voice and people outside were wondering if she was alright.  They decided to check on her.

Miyabi peeked inside the room and saw that Maimi was gripping into Airi’s hand so she ushered everyone in “Maimi’s waking up”  Echoes of “what?” and “are you sure?” could be heard “Yes!!!” hissed Miyabi.  They all went in and tried to help Airi, urging Maimi to open her eyes.

Slowly and steadily Maimi opened her eyes adjusting to the light while Momoko pushed the emergency button.  Everyone waited patiently for the doctors and to see if there was an unusual behaviour from Maimi.  Maimi blinked a couple of times to get her eyes to focus. 

“Miya!  Call Reina-san”

“I’m on it babe” said a relieved Miyabi as she stepped outside the room

“Maimi-chan, how do you feel?” asked Airi.  Maimi’s lips moved but no sound came out “What did you say?” as Airi leaned in closer.  Again Maimi’s lips moved but it was inaudible “Repeat that one more time” instructed Airi.  Just at that moment Eri and Gaki-san walked in ushering everyone to leave.

Everyone waited patiently for the doctor’s diagnosis.  “Miya!!!” Everyone turned to the voice of the new comer.  Reina was running towards them “Is it true? Maimi woke up?” Everyone nodded happily “Can I go in and see her?”

“The doctors are in there right now”.  Reina nodded and everyone resumed their position of waiting.  When Eri and Gaki-san came out they had slight smiles, better than the last time everyone saw them.

“Reina, Maimi did wake up however, she is really weak now, so she went back to sleep.  We will be starting her tests first thing in the morning” informed Gaki-san

“In the meantime, you guys should all go home and sleep.  I don’t think she will wake up again anytime soon” suggested Eri

“Thank you!! Thank you!!” repeated Reina over and over again.

“Reina, stop!  We wouldn’t let anything happen to Maimi-chan.  We are just as relieved as you are.  Maimi-chan has passed the critical condition period so get some rest, she’ll need someone to take care of her when she wakes up” smiled Gaki-san.

Everyone did as instructed, relieved at the turn of events.  They had all been waiting for news of Maimi’s condition all afternoon and throughout the evening.  “You guys also have school, so don’t worry about Maimi, Aika and Koharu will be at the hospital at all times.”  Everyone wanted to protest “You all know Maimi would never want us worrying over her, she would beat herself up for making us worry as it is, please don’t give her anymore reasons to blame herself” pleaded Reina.  They thought of what Reina had told them and knew she was right so they all agreed to come after school instead.

Airi was walking towards the school with everyone when she felt a pat on her back.  She turned but no one was there.  She shrugged it off and ran towards her friends to catch up.  She was crossing the street when she felt another pat.  Again Airi turned to find no one there.

“AIRIN!!!”

**********************************************************************************************

rokun:  You are right it is heading to the end but in how many chapters that I don't know.

[Maimi_Yajima]

Next Chapter. 

[FaqU]

Chapter 75

Airi jolted up and looked around her.  She was in the hospital in Maimi’s room.  It dawned on Airi that all of it was a dream.  To be on the safe side, Airi pinched herself

“Itai~”

“Airin!  What are you doing?” Airi turned her head and saw a confused Momoko looking at her.  “Boy!  You sure are a deep sleeper, I kept on patting you and calling out to you.  Come on! It’s time to go home, Reina-san instructed for us to leave.  Said something like if we don’t she’ll ban us from seeing Maimi-chan because we’ll look hideous and scare Maimi-chan silly.”

Airi got up slowly as she was still shocked that it was all just a dream.  She started making her way out but she felt a tug on her sleeve ‘Oh no!  I’m dreaming again’ as Airi slapped herself to wake up. “Itai~!”
   
“Airin just what are you doing?”

“That hurt!”

“Well duh!”

“Wait a minute!  That hurt” Airi smiled

Momoko looked at Airi as if she was losing it “Yes Airin!  I think we’ve established that!”

Airi turned to look at Maimi’s body and indeed Maimi slowly opened her eyes not letting go of Airi’s sleeve.  “Momo-chan look!”  Momoko ran towards Maimi’s bed and pushed the emergency button and then went out to tell the girls.  Airi still couldn’t believe herself so she slapped herself a couple of times until she felt a hard tug on her sleeve.  Maimi had finally awoken and wanted Airi to stop slapping herself.

Airi went up to Maimi “Tell me this is not a dream!” she whispered in fear that she would wake up and she was back at square one.

“Suzuki Airi, this isn’t a dream!” Maimi said in a hoarse voice as she smiled at Airi. Airi’s eyes started to water.  Maimi slowly reached up her hand and wiped Airi’s tears.  At the touch, Airi couldn’t help but close her eyes and relish the feeling.  But it was short lived as Eri and Gaki-san had entered the room ushering her out.

“Miya! Call Reina-san”

“Already on it, babe” replied Miyabi as she stepped outside the hospital.

Momoko, Risako and Kanna ran up to Airi and hugged her in joy.  Airi was still stunned but she eventually smiled.

Not long after Miyabi had called to tell Reina of the good news, “Miya” Reina was dashing towards them “Is it true?  She’s awake? She’s really awake?”

“Relax!  Reina-san” Miyabi smiled, “She’s awake”

“Oh my god!” Reina turned and looked up at the ceiling “Daddy, I knew you would bless her!” as Reina did a small pray to the ceiling.

Eri and Gaki-san walked out of Maimi’s room, Reina went straight up to them urging them to inform them of the results. “She’s awake!” said Eri, as a smile slowly crept up on her face.

“We’ll run the tests as soon as possible!” grinned Gaki-san

“Oh thank you! Thank you thank you” Reina repeatedly said as she kissed both Gaki-san and Eri on the cheek.

“Mou, Gaki-san!!  Keep you girlfriend away form me” whined Eri as she pushed Reina away “What would happen if Sayu saw it?”

“Eri-chan, she’s just happy!  Aren’t you happy Maimi-chan is awake?” asked Gaki-san who had Reina hugging her from behind.

“I am happy for her but I don’t need Reina kissing me, I’ll have that for her to do to you!” said Eri which caused Gaki-san to blush

“….”  The girls that witnessed the scene before them were baffled.  For one thing, they never knew that Reina had a girlfriend and the other is that they didn’t know what to think about the situation.  Reina realized they were looking and quickly regained her composure for she had a reputation to uphold “What?” No one dared to speak with the exception of one.

Miyabi giggled “Looks like I owe Maimi 100”

“What do you mean?” asked Reina who was frowning.

“Reina-san you don’t scare me, I’ve known you and Maimi too long” she continued to giggle.  “Maimi and I had a little bet about who has caught the great, tough and always serious Reina-san’s fancy.  I bet on Eri-san… no offense and Maimi bet on Gaki-san” explained Miyabi

“None taken” exclaimed Eri

“It’s so awkward to see Reina-san become such a big softie in public with her girlfriend!” teased Miyabi as Gaki-san blushed harder.

Reina turned serious, went over to Miyabi and bopped her on the head “Shut up runt!”  Miyabi rubbed her sore head but continued to chuckle.  “Word of this gets out and you won’t like the consequences” threatened Reina “and don’t even think about Maimi helping you out because she promised to back me up on that one”

“Wait a minute!  Does that mean Maimi-chan already knew about your relationship?” asked a shocked Miyabi

“Yeah, she has known for quite some time now”

“Why that no good little..er..not-so-little runt!” exclaimed Miyabi whereas everyone laughed at the fact that Maimi had fooled one over her.

“Well Tanakacchi, we have to run and book the test rooms for Maimi-chan, so I’ll see you at home” said Gaki-san as she gave Reina a quick peck on the lips before running off with Eri.

Since Maimi had finally awoken, they all decided to head to their respective homes, it was the best feeling they had in a while, they could finally go home with a light heart.

[stefy]

E-Eh ... Reina and Gaki?

WHYYYY!!! Eri suits Reina better~! 
*is a TanaKame shipper*

But well, glad you didn't kill Maimi and Airi finally knows plus accepts Maimi!! Yay~ 

[Yukari]

uhu~ tanagaki xD
FINALLY! Maimi is alive and awake xD
Next chapter please

[FaqU]

Chapter 76

‘It has been 2 days since Maimi woke up and today Gaki-san and Eri-chan will give the results of Maimi-chan’s tests.  Come on clock!!! Move!!! I want to get out of here quickly.  Since the awakening, Maimi-chan didn’t want us to neglect our school work anymore so she kinda banned us from seeing her.  The rest of the girls knew she was in the hospital for unknown reasons, and have also tried to visit but no luck.  Stupid Maimi-chan, how can she do that to me?  But then again, she is doing it for our own good but how does she expect me to focus on school and homework when she is lying in the hospital!!!  Fortunately for me, Momoko went to visit her yesterday and overheard Gaki-san say that her results are out today. Haha we got one over you now didn’t we Maimi-chan’  Airi chuckled.

RING~!!!  Airi bolted out the door to her locker to gather her things.  “Are you ready to go?” asked Momoko beaming at Airi.

“Yeah!”  declared Airi as they headed towards the school entrance.  Although Momoko and Airi could not be lovers, their relationship did not deteriorate; in fact it brought them closer.  Airi could tell anything to Momoko and vice versa.  As usual they were chatting about anything that came to mind.

“So Airin… have you talked to Maimi-chan?” asked Momoko

“Well you know she isn’t letting visitors in, so no” replied Airi  “Why do you ask?”

“Well I was wondering whether you have finally confessed your feelings to Maimi-chan” exclaimed Momoko.  It then hit Airi, she had not confessed anything to Maimi, she was too overjoyed about Maimi’s wakening.  Airi frowned.

“Hey don’t frown over it, it was just a question.  But out of curiosity, will you?” asked Momoko

“I-I hadn’t really thought about it.  I was overjoyed yes but no I assumed that Maimi-chan would understand that I will accept her.  I kinda figured it would be an unspoken thing” confessed Airi.

Momoko stopped in her tracks and turned to face Airi.  She shook her finger at Airi “Suzuki Airi!  How would she know?  You do remember that she was always concerned that her background would affect you, and therefore she would never confess to you.  How will she know that you accept her background and fully respect her?  That is, you don’t mind that she still helps Reina-san right?”

“No I don’t mind, Reina-san is her cousin.”

“Good!  As I was saying, she won’t know until you tell her so I suggest you think about what you should say to her to make her understand that you accept her for who she is” Momoko turned and continued to walk.  Airi walked slowly behind Momoko thinking about what Momoko just said ‘Momo-chan is right.  She won’t know my feelings and I promised that I would tell them to her.  But the real question is do I mind?  I know I don’t but I can’t help but be worried about her.  I don’t know how Saki-chan deals with Miyabi-chan’  “Come on slowpoke!” yelled Momoko from up the street.  Airi quickly ran up to her.

When the entered the hospital Reina, Gaki-san and Eri were outside Maimi’s door discussing about something.  By the looks on their faces, it was a very serious matter.

“Reina-san!!” called Airi as she and Momoko jogged up to the trio.  “What’s wrong?  You have that look like it’s the end of the world”

“It may just be” whispered Reina

“What was that?” asked Momoko

“Nothing”

[Maimi_Yajima]

Next chapter, please.
I am intrigued.
   
At last, Maimi has awakened.  Arigato. 
I hope to see a Maimi  with a Airi.   
Next chapter.

[FaqU]

Chapter 77

“So Gaki-san, today is the day of the results isn’t it?”

“How did you know?  I don’t think I told anyone except Maimi-chan and Reina”

“I kinda overheard you talking about it the day you told Reina-san”

Gaki-san looked at Reina “Let’s go inside shall we?”

“Can we do this another day?” asked Reina.  Airi and Momoko looked at Reina in confusion ‘Why would Reina-san want to do this another day?? Because Momoko and I are here??’

“There is an issue isn’t there?” asked Airi

“Well… you see…” started Eri trying to find the right words

“Reina, she’ll know one way or another, it’s not like it’s going to be unnoticed” exclaimed Gaki-san.

“Reina knows!  Maimi’s a smart girl, a little airheaded at times, but this is not something she can be thick about.  Reina just hopes we could drag it out that’s all.  She will be devastated if you tell her.”

“I know but as her doctor, it is my duty to answer her truthfully if she asks.  I can’t just ignore it” stated Gaki-san.

“WHAT IS IT!!!” demanded Airi, she was absolutely furious that no one was answering her.  Everyone looked at her, the nurse shushed her but she ignored them.  The most important thing is to find out what was wrong with Maimi

“Let’s get on with it then” answered Eri “You’ll find out soon enough”

Maimi was lying on her bed and had just woken when they group came in.  “G-G-Gaki-san, E-Eri-chan!  H-hi!” she greeted with a hoarse voice.  “Oh, A-A- *cough* *cough* Airi-chan and Momo-chan are here too!”

Reina went up to Maimi.  “Maimi, you should rest, we’ll come back another time” Reina attempted to delay the announcement of the results to Maimi.  Maimi nodded slightly and slowly she closed her eyes.  Reina ushered everyone outside.

“Why did you do that Reina-san?  I thought the results are out”

“You saw here, she is too weak to hear the announcement now”

“Reina!  You know this won’t help either!” lectured Gaki-san

“What is wrong with Maimi-chan?!” screamed Airi “Just tell me damnit!”  she started sobbing uncontrollably, afraid that the worst is yet to come.

[Mikitty_Ayaya]

next chapter. 

[Yukari]

Awesome i want the next chapter

[FaqU]

Chapter 78

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen, friends and family of the Annual Prefecture sports festival, where different schools come together and compete against each other” boomed the voice over the PA system.  “Our first event is the 100m dash in which the athletes are facing each other based on their time from the previous year.  We will start the event right after the athletes are out, so hang tight, and have a drink and a hot dog.”

The sports festival has officially begun.  Airi and the girls were all nervous and using their own methods pumping each other up.  Airi had snuck out and scanned the field for particular individuals that have not shown up yet.

“Airin, don’t worry they’ll be here!” comforted Momoko and Erika.

Airi smiled at Momoko and Erika and nodded.  It has been 3 weeks since Maimi was admitted to the hospital and all the events that happened before stressed out those that knew.  Airi was actually relieved about having the sports festival because here you don’t have to worry about anything else but focus on the task at hand.  The door swung open, which caused Airi to look over only to be disappointed when another athlete that she didn’t know walked in.

“Okay its time we have to go out there now!” exclaimed Chisato “Nakky, baby! I wish you luck!”

Nakky gave Chisato a quick peck on the lips “Me too”  Airi smiled at how cute the two were along with Momoko and Erika.  Who could have imagined that Momoko and Erika would come together.  It amazed Airi when Momoko told her that she has found someone that she was interested in, it was more surprising when it turned out to be Erika.  She chuckled at the memory of how she had mistaken Erika as Maimi’s girlfriend.  She always thought that they were an item it wasn’t until that day….

Flashback

‘I am so happy that Maimi-chan is awake, now how should I talk to her about my feelings?’  Airi was thinking of how she should bring up the subject.  Just at that moment, she saw Erika walk by and a thought had just struck ‘Erika-san!!! Oh my god!!! What have I done?  I must have broken up Maimi-chan and Erika-san!!!!!  Wait a minute, that’s not right.  If Maimi-chan had feelings for me back then, was she just using Erika-san as a replacement???  That lying…. Argh!!!  And she looked so sincere, I bet Rii-chan was also fooled well no more, I am going to tell Rii-chan’  Airi dialled Risako’s number and asked her out to a park near where her house was.

Airi was getting more and more irate at the thought of Maimi using Erika, playing with her feelings.  All this time she fooled everyone.

“Hey Airin!  What’s up?”

“That lying creep!”

“Woah!  Who are we talking about?”

“Maimi-chan! That’s who!”

“Okay now I am officially confused.  How is she a lying creep and why are you upset?”

“She has been playing with Erika-san’s feelings making us all think that she is that sacrificing!”

“Calm down girl!  Now explain how she is playing with Erika-san’s feelings”

“Well she says she has loved me for a long time yet she hooked up with Erika-san.  Which means she has been lying to Erika-san while they were together!”  Risako burst into laughter “What so funny?  This is not a funny matter, she has tricked us all”

Risako tried to recompose herself then placed both her hands on Airi’s shoulders “Whew!  Oh my lord!  I can’t believe that was what you were upset about”

“How can you be so calm?  She lied to you and Miyabi-san!!!”

“Chill girl, there was nothing going on between Erika-san and Maimi-chan and there never will be”

Now it was Airi’s turn to be confused “What do you mean there was nothing going on between them.  They had their arms around each other!”

“Airin!  Listen to me and listen to me clearly… Erika-san is the adopted cousin of Maimi-chan”

“EH~~~~~~~!!!”

“Yes you heard me, Erika-san is the adopted cousin of Maimi-chan.  Meaning they are somewhat related”

“I thought Maimi-chan hated her adopted parents, why is she so close to her cousin?”

“Erika-san knew what was going on in Maimi-chan’s life but she was just a little girl then, what could she do?  Tell her parents and then what?  They couldn’t help Maimi-chan however they were really close when Maimi-chan was living with her adopted parents.  Maimi-chan didn’t have any bad feelings with Erika-san so they remained in good terms.  In fact, Erika-san was glad that Maimi-chan left her adopted parents.  She was blood family to the adopted parents but she never liked them because of how they treated Maimi-chan.  Since they are cousins, of course they would be close, so hugging each other is no big deal for them”

Airi took a couple of minutes to let the information sink in and then slapped her forehead.  “Sorry Rii-chan I didn’t know”

Risako chuckled “don’t worry about it, just don’t say that Maimi-chan is a lying creep again.  What she feels for you and does for you is something that I doubt anyone can do.  Her feelings for you is true, I guarantee it.  I have seen her suffer by herself too much and for too long to think otherwise”

End of Flashback

[FaqU]

Chapter 79

The girls went around to wish the others good luck and vice versa before heading out.  Airi followed slowly and scanned the spectator’s bleachers.  “Airi-chan!” Airi turned  and saw Reina and Gaki-san “Airi-chan! Ganbare!!!”  She smiled, they had both come out to support them.  She looked to Reina’s left and Gaki-san’s right but no Maimi.  Reina shrugged her shoulders indicating that she didn’t know where she was.

‘Why isn’t she here?  Maybe she got into an accident or maybe trouble was looking for her again!’ thought Airi as her mind began to lose focus on the sports festival

“Pst~ you’re up” nudged Chisato

‘I’ll run for you Maimi-chan.  Just you watch I will run my hardest as if your spirit and energy was with me’ thought Airi as she got into her lane.  Airi’s heart was pumping with adrenalin while her mind, determined to make Maimi proud.  At the sound of the gun, Airi sprinted like she has never before.  Although she wasn’t first, she felt proud of herself as she beamed at Momoko, who unfortunately came in last.

“Huff, huff, Airin what has come over you?” huffed Momoko

“Nothing in particular!  I just wanted to do my best” said Airi as she and Momoko walked to their bleachers to watch the others go.

While sitting on the bleachers, Airi again scanned the crowd, she found Reina and Gaki-san giving her the thumbs up but that was all Airi could see.  She wasn’t happy and didn’t really pay attention to anything else.

‘She promised she’ll be here today!  Where is she?’ “Momo-chan, I’m going to the locker room”

“Why?” inquired Momoko not looking at Airi

“I want to make a phone call” confessed Airi

“But it’s Chisa’s turn!  Don’t you want to see her hard work pay off?”

“I really need to make a phone call” persisted Airi

“But Chisa would be upset.  Come on Airin just take a look”  Momoko turned to face Airi and pointed to where the race was using her eyes urging Airi to look.

“Fine, fine I’ll” Airi turned to look towards the race and was shocked.  There stood Maimi with her hair tied up in a pony-tail wearing a tank top and shorts getting ready to hear the signal. ‘She’s beautiful!!!’ Airi was mesmerized by the scene before her.  Maimi’s face showed determination as she crouched down.  At the sound of the gun, Airi watched as Maimi flew past the runners as if she had wings.  The smile that crept onto Maimi’s face when it over made her look beautiful and angelic in Airi’s eyes, even if there were minor sweat drops on her forehead.

[seifert]

Nice fanfic!
Please, next chapter soon!!

[FaqU]

Chapter 80

“Nee Airin, let’s go over to congratulate her” said Momoko bringing Airi back down to earth

They walked over to the group of girls who were congratulating one another.  “Maimi-chan!  I will train harder for next year!” beamed Chisato

“I’ll be waiting Chisa!” smiled Maimi as she patted Chisato on the head.  The adrenalin was still pumping amongst the girls as they were all chatting away with one another.  Miyabi caught Momoko and Airi walking their way and nudged Maimi in the arm.  Maimi looked up and stared at Airi walking towards them.  The rest of the girls looked at where Miyabi and Maimi were looking and spotted Airi and Momoko.  Momoko stopped walking while the girls opened a path for Airi to get through.  Airi wasn’t paying attention to the things around her, she just continued to walk until she was right in front of Maimi.  There was a moment of silence, at least to the two, while the rest of the gang watched anticipating for what was going to happen next.  Airi lunged forward into Maimi’s arms hugging her.

“I…I…I thought…How…How..Oh Maimi-chan!” as tears started descending down her face as she recalled the faithful day of Maimi’s analysis

Flashback

“What is wrong with Maimi-chan” screamed Airi “Just tell me!” she started sobbing uncontrollably , afraid that the worst is yet to come.

Gaki-san and Reina were shocked at the outburst.  “Airi-chan this is a hospital please keep quiet or they’ll kick you out” lectured Eri  “I suggest we all go into Maimi-chan’s room and just tell her.” As she walked towards Maimi’s door.

Inside Maimi was awake and looked at them entering one by one.  “Reina, can I get some water?” she croaked.  Reina nodded and quickly poured her a glass of water and helped Maimi hold it as she drank it all in one gulp.

“Would you like some more?” Maimi nodded.  Reina poured her another cup and was about to help Maimi when she felt Maimi’s hand over hers.  Maimi took the cup in her own hands and gulped it down. 

“Much better” said Maimi as she regained her voice.  She turned to Reina, looked at Gaki-san and Eri.  “Now you can tell me the results.”

“Er…okay…first of all how do you feel?” asked Eri.  Reina had walked back to stand beside Gaki-san.

“Can’t deny that I’ve had better days but my leg seems like it is not corresponding” said Maimi. “Is it because I haven’t moved it in a while?” she looked up at her doctors.  She noticed that Reina had turned around and walked towards the wall.

“Maimi-chan, do you remember your internal bleeding?” asked Gaki-san.  Maimi nodded and looked at Gaki-san not really knowing where she is getting at.  “Well there are plates of blood clots still in your body and they happen to be right at your lower spine.  These blood clots are not permanent so the good news is that they will dissolve on their own.” Gaki-san looked at Maimi-chan

Maimi-chan guessed what Gaki-san was about to say but she wanted to confirm it.  She closed her eyes and asked “and the bad news?”

“The bad news is that it has clotted near some of your nerves, in particular the ones in your legs…” upon hearing this Maimi’s eyes closed even tighter.  She had hoped it was not what she thought it would be, as she started to tear up at the confirmation. “so until your blood clots dissolve, you will have difficulty walking” finished Eri.  The room was dead silent as no one dared to speak.  Airi and Momoko who was hearing all this put a hand over their gapped mouths.  They weren’t sure of what to expect

[FaqU]

Chapter 81
   
“Get out please” whispered Maimi through her silent cries.

“Maimi-chan…” Eri tried to comfort the girl

“GET OUT!!!” growled Maimi.  Reina who finally turned around knew this was not going to be easy but she had to comfort her cousin.

“Listen Maimi” she started

“I SAID GET OUT!!!” yelled Maimi as she threw the cup she was still holding onto the floor, creating a loud clunk.  Reina was shocked, heck, everyone in the room was shocked, no one has ever seen this side of Maimi, not even when her uncle died.

“Maimi it’s not over yet, you can still use your legs, just not now” pleaded Reina as a means to calm the distraught girl

“GET OUT!!! GET OUT!!! GET OUT!!!!” screamed the crying Maimi as she reached over to her bed side and started throwing everything and anything that she could.

“We have to sedate her, she is emotionally unstable” said Eri as she poked her head out the door and called for reinforcements.

Some nurses came in to strap Maimi down but she was very strong.  Seeing this, Reina ran over to help them.  Once Gaki-san had injected Maimi with a needle, Maimi slowly slipped unconscious as everyone loosened their grip. 

“Reina-san, what are we going to do?  Maimi-chan loves to run and now…” said Airi

“Reina knows that Airi-chan, Reina knows.  But Reina also doesn’t know what to do either.”  Reina looked at the floor as she saddened at the fact that she can’t do anything to help Maimi at all.

From that day on, Maimi refused to see anyone for the next 2 weeks besides Miyabi, Reina and the doctors.  Airi tried to see Maimi but Miyabi or Aika or Koharu would always be there and they would always give the same answer to Airi “She doesn’t want to see anyone”.  Still Airi continued to push her luck up until the day before the sports festival.  Miyabi had just come out of Maimi’s room.

“How is she feeling today?” asked Airi

“The same as usual” replied Miyabi “She did leave a message for you though.  She said she’ll see you run tomorrow and she hopes you’ll do the best you can”

“Can’t I see her?” asked Airi.  Miyabi just shook her head.  Airi’s face fell as she turned around and slowly walked out.
 
End of Flashback

[FaqU]

Chapter 82

Maimi pulled away from Airi and wiped away the tears “Sorry for making you wait”

Airi shook her head “But how?”

“I’ll tell you after the festival, say over drinks?” Maimi winked at Airi

“Awww Airi-chan I think the great Maimi is asking you out for a date” joked Miyabi.  Airi blushed and nodded her head.

The girls around cheered loudly for two.  “Well let’s do our best out there!” as Maimi placed a hand in the middle of the group.  One by one, they piled their hands on top “OSSU!” they cheered as they ran out to the field for their next event.

**************************************************************************************
After the sports festival, the girls took their respective showers before leaving.  When Airi stepped out of the locker room, Maimi was already there talking to Miyabi and Saki.  When Saki noticed Airi was heading towards them, she nudged Miyabi.  “Miya we should get going” she said as she winked to Maimi and went off hand-in-hand with Miyabi.

“Hey Airi-chan!  You ready to go?” Airi nodded “Is there any preferences in places you want to go to?”  Airi shook her head “Okay, well I know this one café that I always go to, so shall we?”  Again Airi just nodded.

‘Gawd Airi!  Say something!  Maimi-chan’s going to think I am not comfortable around her!  What if she takes it the wrong way?!!’ Airi scolded herself, who was feeling nervous and jittery.  Needless to say, the ride was in silence until after they had ordered their drinks.

“Airi-chan! Look!  There is Momo-chan and Erika-san” stated Maimi which caused Airi to turn in their direction.  Airi looked at where Maimi was staring and saw Momoko and Erika laughing away.  “She finally got enough courage eh?”  Airi was confused.

“What do you mean Maimi-chan?  Who has enough courage?”

“Erika of course”

“Eh~!!!”

“Erika has fallen for Momo-chan even before Momo-chan and you started going out.  She was always nervous when Momo-chan was around so she would use me as support.  I would hug her as a means of stopping her nervousness” explained Maimi.  Airi thought back to when she first saw Maimi and realized that Erika would be hugging onto Maimi or Maimi would be gripping onto Erika.  It all made sense, all this time, Airi thought Maimi and Erika were together.  Airi laughed.

“What’s so funny Airi-chan?” asked Maimi.  Airi just shook her head.

[FaqU]

Last Chapter

Chapter 83

When they finished their drinks, Maimi offered to walk Airi home.  The 2 walked in silence with one looking forward and the other looking down on the floor.  Airi flet a warm hand intertwine with her own.  Airi felt her face feel hot as she lowered her head trying to hide her blush.

“Let’s go to the park first” stated Maimi who did not let go of Airi’s hand. 

They reached a park and Maimi sat down on a bench patting the spot beside her for Airi.  Airi sat down and not knowing what to say.

“Maimi-chan, why did you chase a dream that seemed impossible to come true?”

“What do you mean Airi-chan?” asked Maimi who was looking at the scenery

“Why didn’t you give up so that you wouldn’t have to go through all that pain?”

Maimi turned to look at Airi, who found her feet very interesting.  Maimi turned Airi to face her, “Because I found something worth protecting, loving and cherishing” as Maimi leaned in and kissed Airi lightly.

Airi felt those soft lips and kissed back with the love that Maimi deserved.  When they pulled apart, Maimi stared into Airi’s brown eyes.  “Does that mean you’ll give me a chance?” asked Maimi

Airi leaned in and kissed Maimi “It should be me asking you.  I didn’t know whether you had given up on me or could ever forgive me for all the things that I have caused and..”

Maimi took this moment and pulled Airi into a passionate kiss, slipping her tongue into Airi’s, feeling and tasting every surface.  At first Airi was surprised but slowly she returned the kiss until they had to pull apart for air.  Maimi put one arm aound Airi and the other linked hands with Airi.  “You’ve always been what I wanted”

Airi leaned forward and kissed Maimi hard with the pent up emotions that she held upon hearing Maimi’s answer, catching Maimi off guard.  “Wow!!! What was that for?”

“For always being there for me, for being my guardian angel!” as she leaned into Maimi’s embrace “and I hope you will forever” Maimi smiled.

“Hey! I just thought of something, you didn’t tell me how you became better” said Airi

“Well…”

[XiaoAi]

never comment before.
but i wanna say i love your fic.=)

maybe, but could i request an AiGaki or a AiReina fic.

[rokun]

See! I told you it was winding down toward the end! Just had to get some technical things outta the way. Still, I was surprised when I refreshed the forum and saw that "last chapter" tag. I'll have to keep up better with the stuff in your One-shot thread (though I did read the first few at least... just haven't checked it in a little while >.>). I'll have to say, this is almost definitely the quickest 83-chapter story we've had here at JPH!P fanfics!

That last chapter was so sweet... Yay for MaimiAiri getting together at long last *waits for Maimi_Yajima to check the thread out *

[rndmnwierd]

Okay, so I finally got around to reading this fic.

I love it!!

Now, this is pretty big for me since I usually avoid most Kids!Fics like the plague, but I thought since it's you, I should stick with it and read it to the end. I'm so glad I did. This is an absolute jewel. A gleaming emerald in the dark. I love the whole plot and the romantic aspects, I liked how everyone was portrayed, I even liked Momoko a little in this story. And that's saying something.

And there was even the promised TanaGaki at the end. 

So bravo, my friend, bravo!