New Start Ch 4 LenXLuka Final Chapter

       The next week went by in a haze. I felt out of it, like I was in some hazy dream. Len left. Where he went? I didn't know. And well . . . I was afraid to know. I had nightmares. I remembered Len's horrified, disappointed face when I closed my eyes. Why was it like this? Why do things have to happen?

A soft knock brought me out of my trance. I sat up rubbing my eyes. "C- Come in." I said. The first words I said in a few days. It slowly opened and Rin stood there. Rin had gone with her brother and it shocked me to see her. It also hurt. She looked a lot like him . . .

"Oh. Hey um Luka." She said nervously standing in my door way. I nodded.

"Hi Rin. Come in. Can you close the door though?" I asked. She nodded rushing forward.

"Yeah Luka." She said sheepishly sitting down on the edge of my bed.  We sat there in an awkward silence for a moment.

"Rin why are you here?" I finally asked. Again a heavy silence filled the room.

"I. . . I want you to get back together with Len!" She finally admitted. She said it so fast I barely understood her. I flinched.

"I'm sorry Rin but that won't happen! H- He was the one to brake up with me!" I exclaimed. I shouldn't of let her in . . .

"No, Luka! You don't understand. He's not the same without you! All he does is mope around. He won't really eat or anything. The only reason he broke up with you is because he thought you didn't love him! And I know you do. So you should-" I cut her off.

"What if I don't love him?" I asked quietly. She gave me a bewildered look.

"What! But I know you do! It's written all over your face. And I heard from everyone else. I know you haven't been talking, or doing anything. I know you haven't really been eating. I know you love him!" Rin shouted standing up. I sighed. She was right. I bent forward burying my face in my hands as a sob erupted inside me.

"I- I know Rin! But what am I supposed to do? I'm engaged to Piko! This is what my family would have wanted." I cried looking up at her desperately. When did I ever depend on Rin like this before?

"Your family would have wanted you to be happy, Luka." She said softly putting a hand on my arm. I let out another sob. She was right. So what was holding me back?

Suddenly my door burst open. Piko stood there looking pretty mad. "Get ready to go. We're leaving in a half hour," Piko said glaring at Rin. Rin looked at him just as angry looking. I didn't know what to say so I stayed silent. Piko walked out closing the door so hard it made a nasty slamming sound.

"Are you going with him?!" Rin shouted as I slowly stood up.

"Yeah." I said quietly.

"WHY! You love my brother, not him!" Rin shouted. I sighed.

"I know. But it's to late. Now if you don't mind, can you get out? I need to shower," I said. Rin let out a frustrated growl and stalked out of my room slamming the door just as hard as Piko, if not harder.

I didn't take to long to get ready and hesitantly knocked on the room Piko was staying in. He opened it with a creepy smile.

"I'm ready to go." I said. He nodded.

"Good." He put a hand on my back leading me down the hall to the kitchen entry way. Miku stood there next to Meiko and Gakupo. They stiffened up when they saw us.

"Luka!" Miku exclaimed. I gave her a small smile. Piko's grip on my back tightened as he pushed me forward a bit.

"Are you seriously going with your pizza friend?" Meiko growled.

"Y- Yeah." I said.

"Luka your making the wrong decision!" Gakupo said loudly.

"I'm free to do what I want. And your the one freeloading in my house!" I shouted. I regretted the words as soon as they slipped off my tongue. I knew I was doing something stupid. I knew I loved them all. Miku, Meiko and Gakupo reminded me so much of my family. They were my family. But I was filled with so many mixed emotions they're just eating me away. I said something so rash, so stupid.

I walked forward opening the front door and burst out into the hall way and into the elevator. "You hurt there feelings, you know." Piko said as we rode down the elevator.

"I know." I said glaring at him. I stared at Piko comparing him to the young boy I knew and loved like a brother or best friend. Now I just felt angst and confusion. What was wrong with me?

We walked out of the apartments in silence. The busy city streets were pretty busy for a Sunday afternoon. We took a taxi. As Piko rattled off the instructions to our destination I quickly recognized it. His parent's place. The taxi ride took a ridiculous half hour as we slowly winded through traffic. As we pulled it up I wish I was back in my bed. Piko gave him some cash and we both stood outside his house.

Piko lived in a grand 4 story white house. Big white pillars accented the front porch. A balcony was displayed nicely with beautiful flowers growing on the banister. Their yard was large and I remembered as kids how we would run through the fields bare foot in search of hidden treasure.

We walked up the front steps and their made Andy opened the door. We politely thanked her and she lead us to the study. "Please wait here for your parents." Andy said before leaving. We sat down on the red leather couch. The study was just as I remembered it. Full of retro furniture and book shelves full of all kinds of books.

The door open and Piko's mother Mika Utatane burst in. We both stood and Mika rushed forward to hug me. It caught me by surprised but it made me smiled. I missed Mika. She was like a 2nd mother to me.

"Luka, darling! It's been forever hasn't it? We've all missed you! I heard your found out about your engagement, to our little Piko?" Mika said. She was obviously happy about it. I swallowed back the lump in my throat.

"Ah yes. I've missed you Mrs. Utatane." I said politely. She scoffed.

"Oh c'mon honey. Just call me Mika. You should know better!" She teased tossing back her pale blond white hair over her shoulder. Even if she was older in her 40's she had a young beauty to her.

"Ah, yes of course Mika." I said.

"Dad said he wanted to tell us something?" Piko asked. I gave him a strange look. What now?

Just in time Piko's father Takeo Utatane walked in. He smiled as he saw us and sat down by his wife lovingly taking her hand as she naturally leaned against him. Never once have I ever seen them fight. They were so deeply in love even after being married for almost 20 years. It could make any girl jealous.

"Hello Piko, Luka. And yes I have something to tell you. The thing is we would like to host a formal party to celebrate your engagement." Takeo said. I gaped at him. A party? That made things seem so . . . final. I sighed. Of course.

"How wonderful. Isn't that great, Luka?" Piko asked. I turned and smiled.

"Yes. Thank you Mika, Takeo." I said. My throat felt tight. My stomach felt heavy. But this is my new future. This is the new me.

"Of course Luka. But . . . well we thought I it was also time we told you why your parents were killed." Mika said softly. I didn't trust my voice so I simply nodded.

"Well you see Luka, your father and mother were wonderful people. At the time they were very popular musicians. Your father with is composition skills and wonderful piano and your mother with her voice. For soft classical music they were popular. They turned the popular genre from punk to classic. They had millions of fans all over the world. That's how successful they were. But when your mother got pregnant they had to take a break from there career. Your mother gave birth to a wonderful baby boy. Ryou. He was beautiful with your mothers red hair and your father's radiant blue eyes." Takeo explained.

"Ryou? I- I've never heard of him." I stuttered.

"That's because your parents didn't feel as if you and your siblings were ready for the truth," He paused studying my face before moving on. "When Ryou was 4, Emi and Arata was already back in business, well Ryou was kidnapped. Two other semi-popular musicians who were very jealous of your parents took him. They tried to black mail your parents. But you see they were already rich, the kidnappers were. They wanted your parents to quite show biz.

"Emi and Arata wanted this to stay out of the media. And so they complied. Or almost did. They were standing out on the deserted street and they let Ryou run to  Emi and Arata. Just as he was about to reach them one of the men, t- they shot Ryou. They were teasing your parents. Emi, was pregnant with your sister Namine at the time may I add.

"The men threatened them saying 'Stay out of the spot light or else your next child will die. Along with all the other ones, and you.' After that they disappeared. The police and many detectives got involved but no one could find the kidnappers. Since then your parents stayed away from the entertainment world. That is until two or so years ago. Your parents, noticing your passion let you become a singer. I guess the two musicians saw that. But your parents also decided to release a single. A last comeback single. It was dedicated to you and Namine and Ritsu. And then . . . they were killed." Takeo finished and watched me sadly.

It wasn't until Piko put an arm around my shoulders did I realize I was sobbing silent tears. I wiped them away. "T- Thank you." Was all I could say.

"I know it's a bit sudden honey but we have scheduled your engagement party to be in two days. Alright? It will help keep your mind . . . away from things. A happy event will help, right?" Mika asked. Happy event? Could that really be counted as a happy event?! I brushed my hair over my ear.

"Yes thank you Mika. And you Takeo. I'll be ready for it." I said standing up as Piko pulled me up. Mika and Takeo stood up as well.

"Of course darling. You've always been like a daughter to me and now you really will be." Mika said hugging me. I smiled. Maybe this wouldn't be to bad?

"Thank you." I wiped away a tear.

"Welcome to the family, Luka." Takeo said shaking my hand. I smiled.

Piko and I walked out of the house silently. Instead of calling a taxi he just silently lead me towards the park. What were we going to do there?

We reached a bench facing a grand white fountain. I remembered playing in there with Piko when we were kids. Suddenly Piko grabbed my hand and bent down.

"Luka." He said.

"Y- Yes?" I stuttered panic running through me. Was he going to propose?!

"I'm sorry. I've been a total jerk lately. But I really love you. I love you more than you could imagine. I was so blinded by jealousy I acted on instinct. No matter what I didn't want to lose the one person that blinded me. The person that made me so much more happy. The person that kept me going. You were the one that made me feel complete. At first I loved you like a sister, but now. . . Now I realize it's more than that. I've realized I love you as a person, as a woman, as a person I would spend eternity and more with. . . So Luka. Will you marry me? Will you accept an engagement proposed by me and not our parents? I love you." Piko said.

His face was filled with a desperate passion. He looked hopeful and nervous. It was the face I grew up loving. His longish white hair. The big clear blue green eyes. The pale flawless skin. The quirky playfull boy. My one and longest friend. The person who knew me the best. His words were so touching and filled with so much love and trust. How could I say no? How could I refuse the one person in my life who has always been there for me?

"Y- Yes." I said breathlessly. A great smile burst onto his face. He looked so happy and complete, so why did I feel so sad and empty? He slipped a simple silver ring with a blue gem onto my ring finger. He stood up and hesitantly kissed me. Unlike last time it was filled with a gentle love. The kind of touch you give when you don't want to break something, when you want to cherish it. So why? Why did I feel like I was going to cry.

"I- I'm going to go talk to my parents about the party in 2 days. Do you want me to call a taxi? Or do you want stay here with me or-?" Piko cut off waiting for my answer. His voice sounded full and cheerful. He was truly happy. Probably the happiest I've seen him.

"I'll walk for a while then get a taxi." I said. He nodded. Squeezing my hand one last time he ran off towards his house. I cut through the park towards downtown. My body felt heavy and weak. Did I just make a huge mistake?

I ended up walking the 2 miles to a street not far from my apartment. I wandered inside a food market with a sudden craving for a tuna bun. As I walked down a random aisle my eye caught a familiar yellow blob. My knees felt week and I fell to the ground. And that yellow blob noticed me. I was thankful that the store was nearly empty. I was afraid I would burst out crying.

"L- Luka are you okay?" He asked hesitantly stepping towards me.

"Len." Was all I could say. He crouched down next to me. I looked up at him with tears in my eyes.

"Luka. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Len said running his hand through my hair. He gently wiped a tear from my cheek. "I said so many stupid things I didn't mean. I'm so sorry. I've made you suffer didn't I?" Len said as his arms tightened around me. I shook my head. His words seemed to fill up the emptiness inside me, and just his touch made me feel better. It made me feel alive. Is this what love felt like? Is this what Piko felt around me? Is this what I've kept from him?

"No, Len I can't." I said weakly pushing him away.

"Yes you can!" Len exclaimed grabbing my wrist. He leaned forward pressing his lips to mine. They were filled with such desperation I felt ready to do anything to make it better.

"No Len! I can't! Do you have any idea how much you mad me suffer lately?! You didn't even listen to me when you broke up with me! You just shout at me saying we're over?! Do you really not trust me! You can't just push me away and then once you feel better come crawling back to me! Okay?! And-" I cut off wiping away more stupid tears. "And besides. I- I told Piko I would marry him." I said with one final sob.

"Luka! Why? I'm sorry! I- I didn't know what to do! I thought you loved Piko, and then one I realized you didn't and I was just being stupid it was to late! I thought you wanted to break up with me! And I was tired of pretending I was okay with being with you without your love! Just tell Piko you don't want to marry him!" Len exclaimed.

"I can't! I can't do that to him! Maybe I do love him." I cried.

"But you don't! I see it in your eyes! I can tell you don't love him. Or at least not like you love me! What can I do to prove to you I love you? What can I do to prove it to you! I will do anything for you Luka Megurine! You have taken my heart and my soul."

"I don't care! And you don't know me! If you did, you would of known I only loved you! You would of realized this whole freakin time I ONLY WANTED YOU! YOU WOULDV'E SEE HOW BADLY I NEEDED YOU!" I cried hunching over hiding my face.

"I'm sorry Luka. I was blind to that. I was blinded by jealousy. Please. Please just be with me. Please give me another chance." Len begged.

"I can't. I'm with Piko now! I don't want to hurt him." I sobbed.

"No! Elope with me! Please Luka. I love you! I love you." He growled. He buried his face in his hands. His knuckles were white and his own pain, anger, and guilt was obviously written on his face. I wanted to reach out and pet that soft golden hair. But I couldn't. I couldn't just betray Piko. No matter how bad I wanted to hold him. Now matter how much I wanted to kiss him I couldn't. Not anymore. He had missed his chance.

"I'm sorry Len." I said softly standing up and starting to run away. As my foot hit the white tiled floor his hand was on mine and he pulled me against him. His lips were gently against mine before he let me go.

"Remember this Luka. I love you." He said before letting me go. I ran home in tears.

It was the day for the party. The day my engagement would be known by the world. The day where there was no going back. Just as the letter stated when the day came I would know what it's for. The package. I grabbed the box and pulled on the black dress and jewelry. Things my mom left for me . . . At the mansion Mika did my hair. She put half of it up in an elegant bun then curled the rest. I looked fancy. I didn't look like me.

All that was on my mind was Len. All I could see was his desperate face. His loved filled eyes. What if he looked at someone other than me with that same look? For some reason that made me feel nervous. But no. I was done with him . . .

"Luka?" Came a familiar voice.

"Come in Piko." Piko walked in wearing a tux. He looked nice and mature. He smiled with his usual bad-boy smile.

"You look gorgeous." Piko said bowing while kissing my hand.

"Thank you. You look pretty charming yourself." I said. Piko put a hand on my back gently.

"You ready to face the crowd?" Piko asked. I sighed. No . . .

"Yes." I said. Was I really lying to myself? A door opened and bright lights blinded me as we were ushered on stage. Mika and Takeo stood there beaming. The floor of the large parlor was covered in many business officials and family friends. Elegant tables were scattered around with nice white sheets on it. There was even the press here. There was no turning back . . .

"Hello and welcome everybody. Today is the day we honor the engagement between Luka Megurine and my son Piko Utatane. In exactly one year from today they will be wed." Takeo announced. The crowd clapped. Takeo handed the mic to his wife.

"As you all know Luka Megurine is the daughter of Emi and Arata Megurine who passed away 2 years ago." There was a silence. "She has always been like a daughter to me and I am proud to welcome her to the family." Mika said beaming. I smiled at her and then at the buzzing crowd. Wasn't this a bit of an over kill?  

"Thank you and let the party begin." Takeo finished. I sighed and turned towards Piko.

"Luka we need to go socialize." Piko said. I nodded taking a deep breath. As we descended the stairs a sudden shout made my heart skip a beat.

"Luka!" My head swiveled to two open doors. Next to me Piko stiffened.

"L- Len?" I gasp. The crowd was buzzing. Len came to a stop in front of us. He grabbed my wrist.

"Luka I love you. I can't let you lie to yourself and marry Piko." Len said loudly. My heart felt like a hammer ready to break free from its cage.

"Len. I told you-"

"No." Piko said from next to me.

"What?" I gasped.

"He's right." Piko sighed.

"W- What?" I whimpered.

"Don't lie to yourself Luka. I'm sorry. I've always loved you. But like a sister. I decided to test your guys' 'love'. I didn't trust it. I wanted to break you up to make sure he really loved you. That's why I did it Luka. I can see it in your eyes. I love you to much. Your my sister. I can't let your throw away your future." Piko said. I tear rolled down my cheek. For the first time in a long time it was a tear of joy.

"Thank you." I whispered hugging him. Piko smiled softly then pushed me towards Len.

"Now go to Lover boy." Piko teased. I jumped into Len's arms and he swung me around.

"I'm sorry Luka. For everything I've done. But I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you. I always will. Forever and ever. For eternity and beyond. I love you." Len whispered. I pulled him out of the outraged crowd and into the hall way.

"I know Len. And I love you too. Don't ever make a stupid decision again, alright?" I laughed.

"Yes I won't. But Luka one more thing?" Len asked.

"Yes?" I giggled.

"Will you marry me?" He asked. Unlike last time with Piko my heart didn't feel cold or empty. It felt warm and overfilling.

"Yes! Yes, yes, yes!" I cry throwing my arms around his neck. I kissed him and I felt him slip the silver ring off my finger and replace it with another one. I glanced at it over his shoulder and smiled. It was a pink band and a yellow shining gem. Pink and yellow forever.

                +The End+

Extra:

Piko sighed running a hand through his hair. Miku who was smiling from Luka and Len's reunion walked over to him.

"You really loved her didn't you?" Miku asked as she put her hands behind her back and glancing at him.

"Yeah." Piko admitted.

"Then why did you let her go?"

"Because I love her to much. Luka's a very kind person. If I never said those words to her she wouldn't have moved on. She would've married me and be unhappy. And it would be my fault." Piko groaned.

"I know. Thank you Piko. Your a wonderful person too." Miku said softly. Piko turned and Miku wrapped her arms around him comforting him.

"It's okay. You can cry now." Miku said softly brushing his hair.

"Thank you." Piko whispered as a sob erupted from inside him.