Well, after some delay, here's the last chapter of the story! Some parts might seem awkward or kinda' cheesy. I apologize for that.

DEDICATION: Going out to all the reviewers. You are the awesomest people!

WARNING: Male/male kissing

***

Luke's eyes widened as he felt Rei's mouth touch his. Rei's lips were warm and soft against his own. He licked at Luke's lower lip, urging his mouth open. Rei cupped Luke's chin in his hand, nipping Luke's lips. Luke's eyes fluttered close as he allowed Rei further access to his mouth. It was different from kissing a girl, but it wasn't bad. Rei was a brilliant kisser.

Suddenly Rei pulled away from him. "Luke, I'm sorry I..."

This time Luke cut him off with a kiss. He didn't know what had come over him, but it felt good kissing Rei. He slid his hands into Rei's hair, moaning softly into Rei's mouth, telling him that he liked it.

But Rei pushed him away anyway. "Luke, we can't do this." He tried to make his voice sound commanding instead of husky and needy. He didn't know what possessed him to kiss the boy in the first place. No, he was fooling himself. He knew the reason well enough. He was attracted to the boy. Seeing him lying on the couch, even so innocently, was an enormous turn-on. It seemed that no matter what Luke did, Rei couldn't help noticing how attractive Luke was. Even now, when Luke was giving him a puzzled look, he felt desire for him.

"What's the matter?" Luke asked. "Didn't you want that? It's all right. I don't really mind. You're not a bad guy. I could see why..."

Rei cut off Luke's nervous babbling. "Luke, we can't do this, not together. I'm your teacher and this is the one thing that I can't teach you." Rei was silent for a moment, studying Luke's face. "I should go now."

Luke nodded in acceptance. "Will you be back?"

Rei paused. "I don't know." He placed the copies of his lesson plans and homework on the table before heading out the door.

Rei stopped outside the door, leaning against the wall. Part of him didn't want to leave at all. Part of him wanted to go back in there and hold Luke forever...but the rational part of his brain was taking over. He knew that leaving was the best thing to do in this situation, but sometimes the best course of action is the hardest thing to do.

Mrs. Malloy happened to come out into the hallway. When she spotted Rei, she immediately knew that something was amiss. "Hello dear." She gently touched Rei's arm. "Did you good boys quarrel?"

"Yes," Rei replied.

"I'm sure things will work out. Luke's such a nice boy, and you're a nice young man. You will end up happy together," Mrs. Malloy reassured him, as if it was the most simplest and obvious concept in the world.

Rei smiled, but it felt fake. "Have a nice evening Mrs. Malloy," he politely spoke as he walked away.

Luke slouched on his couch, touching his mouth with his fingertips, just thinking about all that had happened. He didn't consider himself gay, but he had wanted to kiss Rei. He didn't really understand his confusing emotions and thoughts running through his head. He jumped as the door opened, intruding on his pondering. His heart calmed down when he realized that it was only Mrs. Malloy.

"Oh, hello," his voice sounded so unenthusiastic and dull to his own ears.

"Hello sweetheart," she gave him a hug. "I ran into Rei and heard that you and that nice young man go into an argument. I'm sure that everything will work out and you'll be back together in no time." She pat his arm.

"I dunno Mrs. Malloy. It's not that simple." Truth was, Luke doubted if Rei would ever speak with him again. Rei was always so in control of himself, guarded and cautious, calculating every action. Because of the impulsive action of kissing Luke, Rei would most likely stay as far away from him as possible to prevent ever losing control again.

"Well, we'll just have to wait and see won't we?" Mrs. Malloy cryptically commented before going on her way.

*** (Rambling Rose Café that evening)

(Author note: This might seem kinda' awkward, but I was bit by a plot bunny so this was necessary)

Mike was happily finishing off his coffee while talking with Tash. He really liked her. She was everything he could ever want in a woman, beautiful, intelligent, funny, just amazing.

Suddenly, she became serious. "Mike, there's something I need to tell you."

Oh shit. Mike knew immediately that whatever she was about to say would be bad news for him.

"I-I don't know how to tell you this, but we can't continue this relationship. I'm leaving to move to England for my job. I'm sorry to have led you on, but I really like you and I wish we could have had time to get to know one another," Tash apologized to him.

Mike smiled thinly. "That's okay. I understand." They said their goodbyes, leaving each other amicably.

As he watched her leave, he wondered what was wrong with him. He had such bad luck with women. Things couldn't get any worse than this.

A projectile pink bunny hitting him in the head proved otherwise.

"Oh Sylvia! Why did you do that?" He heard a woman behind him exclaim as he reached down to pick up the stuffed animal. He turned to see a giggling baby in a stroller being chastised by a beautiful woman. She had long black hair, dark skin, and slanted golden eyes.

"I assume that this belongs to you?" He handed the bunny to the giggling child.

The woman looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry about that."

Mike shrugged. "No harm done."

"Up, up!" The little girl reached up to him.

"Sylvia!"

"It's alright." He picked up the girl. She laughed happily, curling up in his arms. "You certainly are a mischievous little one aren't you?"

In response the baby tugged on one of his curls.

"Sylvia! I'm sorry, She's not usually this misbehaved."

"It's not a big deal. I don't mind. Hey, why don't you sit with me? That is, if you are not meeting your husband here or something."

"I-I'm not married."

"Oh." Internally Mike smacked himself for not noticing the woman's bare ring finger.

"We can sit with you though. My name is Asuka Shiroma. My daughter, as you must already know is named Sylvia." She smiled at him.

"I'm Mike." He shook her hand. Sylvia was still clinging to him, cooing happily. "And you..." He lifted her in the air, "Are the most mischievous child I ever met!" Sylvia laughed with glee.

They sat together, drinking coffee and getting to know one another.

*** (Next day)

Luke had a small job with Mike that morning. "Hey, how was your date?"

"With Tash? Well, that didn't exactly work out, but a met another girl who, in fact, I am seeing again!" Mike was beaming.

"Wow, congratulations!" Luke was genuinely happy that his friend was having better luck on the dating front.

"Thanks. I'm seeing her again tonight and I can't wait!" Mike excitedly informed Luke of his plans.

They chatted for awhile until Mr. Larson yelled at them to shut their traps and get to work.

*** (Later that night)

Mike met Asuka at a nearby restaurant. She told him that her brother was watching Sylvia that night. "He's actually really good with kids. He's a history teacher at the local high school."

Mike's head jerked up at that comment. "A history teacher?"

"Yes." Asuka gave him a puzzled look.

"Does his name happen to be Rei?"

She blinked. "Yes. Do you know him?"

"I know of him. He was tutoring a friend of mine."

"Is he? Do you know what happened between them? Rei seemed so odd when I asked him about Luke."

"No I don't, but I could try to find out."

They smiled at each other and continued their meal and their conversation.

***

The next few days were all a blizzard of white snow. Luke had no work scheduled with the construction company, but managed to find a job at Barnes and Noble. The only drawback was that it was necessary for him to work practically full time to support himself. He did have money in savings, but that was emergency money and this was not an emergency situation.

He missed most of his classes, but it needed to be done. He found himself missing Rei and their time together. It was strange to have such a constant presence in his life be taken away so suddenly. He had so easily grown accustomed to seeing Rei walk through the apartment door, grading papers, helping him understand the past. And now his time with Rei had become part of the past.

A few miles away, Rei sat in the Rambling Rose Café, thinking the same thoughts as Luke. He felt lonely from not seeing Luke everyday. He had come to enjoy Luke's company and the conversations they had together. He missed sitting on Luke's couch, watching him cook, seeing him smile. It saddened Rei to think that he would never see that sight again.

*** (a week until Christmas)

Asuka was having a get together at her house. A lot of family and friends were going to attend. She invited Mike to come and encouraged him to bring Luke. They had both interrogated the two, trying to find out what happened, to no avail. Neither was talking. Scheming, they decided to force the two into a situation where they had to be in direct contact with each other.

Mike was grinning as he rang Asuka's doorbell. He and Luke were dressed to the nines. Mike looking classy in dark blue dress pants, white button down shirt with a blue jacket, while Luke looked a bit more casual in black jeans and a gray button down shirt.

Asuka answered the door, happily greeting them and ushering them in. Luke immediately noticed the resemblance between her and Rei and felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He tried to tell himself that it was just a coincidence and he was just seeing things like that because he missed Rei.

He was proven wrong when Asuka escorted them to the living room. There was Rei sitting on the couch speaking with people.

"Mother, Father, Rei, this is my boyfriend Mike and his friend Luke." She smiled before adding, "Luke is one of Rei's students."

Rei could see the shocked expression on Luke's face so he knew that Luke didn't know that they'd both be at the party. His parents began to question Mike, leaving Luke standing there, sort of awkwardly. Rei felt pity at the sight and decided to go over and ease Luke of his discomfort.

"Luke," he nodded, moving to stand next to him. After taking a sip of his drink, Rei asked, "Will you be attending my class anymore this year?"

"I-well, circumstances have changed for me. There's no work right now with Mr. Larson and I need to make a living." Luke paused. "I did do some of the work that you left me. Should I bring it to you?" "Whenever you attend school, leave it in my mailbox in the office."

Those were the last words spoken between them for the night. They spent it, not necessarily trying to but, avoiding one another. Rei spent the time catching up with family members he hadn't seen in years. Luke spent most of his with Mike or watching Sylvia. He enjoyed playing with the little child.

After a marvelous dinner, many guests started to leave. They filed out until all who were left were Rei, Mike, and Luke. Rei and Luke watched suspiciously as Mike and Asuka whispered to one another. When they finished, Mike cleared his throat.

"Ummm...well, I have a favor to ask. Rei, could you drive Luke home?" Mike asked.

"Why can't you do it yourself?" Rei wanted to know.

Mike and Asuka exchanged glances. "Well, Mike is going to stay here for awhile longer," Askua finally answered.

Rei's eyebrows went up so far that Luke thought they might disappear into his hairline. "Oh?"

"I didn't mean that Mike would spend the night. I just meant that we'd like to talk a bit in private and we're sure that Luke wants to get home," Asuka explained.

Rei couldn't say no to anything his sister ever asked of him. "I understand, and will take him home."

*** (Luke's apartment)

The twenty minute car ride was a silent one. Luke gazed out of the window, watching the lights as they went by. They didn't speak until Rei pulled into a parking spot in front of Luke's apartment building.

"Thank you for the ride. Would you come up for a moment? I could give you the papers I finished now," Luke offered.

Rei could see the sense in that reasoning and nodded. "Only for a minute." Rei was reluctant, but followed Luke up the stairs. He was hit by a twinge of sadness and nostalgia watching Luke open the apartment door. He almost didn't want to walk into the apartment, but did anyway. Luke was giving him an odd look, confused as to what was going on inside of Rei's head.

"Here are the papers," Luke spoke softly, handing them to Rei.

Rei turned to leave immediately, but Luke's hand on his arm stopped him.

"Rei wait... I-I...." Luke couldn't find the words to express himself, so instead he showed Rei what he was feeling. He pressed his lips against Rei's, wrapping his arms around Rei's neck. He let his feelings of love and longing show through the kiss so Rei would know how he felt, but Rei was unresponsive against his mouth. Suddenly, he was pushed away with such a force that it knocked him back a couple feet.

"Rei?"

"No, Luke. We can't do this. I thought you understood. I should go now."

Luke watched in a daze as Rei turned and walked out the door. After a few stunned moments, he regained use of his brain and ran after him. He burst through the building doors yelling, "Rei! Wait!"

But it was too late. Rei had already gotten in his car and was driving away.

Rei saw Luke in the rearview mirror of his car, but didn't stop. He wanted to, but knew that it would be better for both of them if he kept his eyes forward and kept driving.

*** (Christmas Eve)

Mike was visiting Luke that afternoon for lunch. Luke had seemed even more down and depressed since that dinner party. Asuka had told him that Rei was acting very similar. Luke didn't tell Mike what happened, or what didn't happen, and Mike knew well enough not to press the issue. He just felt so bad that his friend was feeling so badly.

"Thanks for coming over," Luke said, smiling slightly.

"Hey, no problem, bud. Here," He handed Luke a folded piece of paper. "You might want to visit this address sometime."

"Thanks," Luke was slightly puzzled, but took the address anyway.

Later that day, Luke's curiosity got the better of him. Throwing on a jacket, scarf and hat, he headed out. The directions led him to an apartment building that was only a few blocks away from his own. Following the directions, he entered the building and knocked on the third door on the right.

Rei opened the door, hair mussed and clothing disheveled. When he saw Luke, he was floored. "What are you doing here?"

"I-I didn't know this was your place." Luke's eyes were wide. "Mike gave me the address and told me to come here."

Rei sighed. Asuka and Mike must have been plotting together. "Come in." He backed away from the door to allow Luke to enter. "Do you want some tea? I was just making some."

"Thank you, yes." Luke's feelings lightened since Rei had allowed him in. His eyes took in the room. It was a simple living room, a couch, a coffee table and television in the center of the room. There were some interesting paintings on the wall that Luke took a closer look at. They were impressionistic of landscapes and people.

Rei can back into the room with steaming mugs. "It's Cinnamon. I hope that's acceptable."

"Yes, it's perfect." Luke sat with Rei on the couch. Studying Rei he blurted out, "Why do you hate me now?"

"I don't hate you Luke. It's just - we can't be any more than teacher and student to each other."

"What if I dropped out of school?"

"Don't even suggest that Luke! It would ruin your entire future."

"I'm practically a drop-out right now."

"If you drop out of school I wouldn't have a relationship with you ever," Rei vowed, giving Luke a stern look.

"What do we do then? If you want to be with me as much as I want to be with you, then this must be killing you too." Luke gave Rei an earnest look, inching closer to him.

"We need to wait."

"How long? Until I graduate? That seems like an eternity!" Luke exclaimed.

"Yes, but that's what we need to do," Rei was firm in his decision.

Luke looked into Rei's eyes. "All right. I'll wait too. Do you think I could have one last kiss until then?"

Rei acquiesced to Luke's request. Taking Luke's chin in his hands, he guided Luke's mouth to his own. Luke's lips were lush and warm against his own, soft petals parting to allow further exploration. His hand moved to Luke's cheek, then gently pushed back silky strands of hair from Luke's face.

Luke melted into Rei's kiss. He was overjoyed by Rei's acceptance of him. Pressing closer to Rei, he slipped his arms around Rei's neck. His body was warming at the prolonged contact. He hadn't expected the kiss to last so long or go so deep. He pulled Rei closer to him, their bodies fully touching.

Rei's hand slid from Luke's neck, to stroke down his chest. His fingertip ran over Luke's nipple, causing him to gasp and moan into Rei's mouth. His back arched into the touch, encouraging more of the same treatment. Rei complied, slipping his hand beneath Luke's shirt and feeling his smooth warm flesh.

Luke broke the kiss, gasping for breath. "That feels good," he complimented huskily.

Apparently that was the wrong thing to do. Rei came out of his trance, his senses returning to him. He yanked his hands out of Luke's shirt and stood, moving quickly away. He breathed deeply, trying to calm himself down.

"I apologize. I got carried away."

Luke smiled, "It's nothing to apologize for. I liked it."

"But we shouldn't be doing things like that." Rei paused before admitting, "It's too tempting."

This was the first time that Rei had even come close to admitting that he felt sexually attracted to Luke.

Luke embraced Rei one last time. "I will wait for you," he vowed.

*** (June, graduation day)

The next few months were considerably unbearable to Luke and Rei. It came to a point where Luke couldn't even come to history class anymore. Just the sight of Rei caused him to want to kiss him and more. Luke kept up his work by corresponding through Rei's teacher mail box. He completed all his schoolwork and was told he would be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony. He wouldn't graduate with honors, but the fact that he had completed high school practically on his own while working two jobs was a large feat in itself.

The turnout to graduation was large. Luke was proud to know that he had people in the audience there for him. Rei, of course, was required to sit in robes with all the other teachers. Luke could see Mike in the audience sitting with Asuka and Sylvia. Mrs. Malloy had driven the extra miles and was sitting next to them. Their support and affection touched him deeply, but he only had eyes for Rei.

He could see Rei perfectly from his seat. They were sitting almost across from each other, even though there were rows of people between them. The ceremony started. The students gave speeches. Scholarships were handed out to a lucky few. Luke knew he wouldn't receive any award from the school, seeing as he wasn't going to college in the next year, he couldn't afford to.

He occupied himself during this time by gazing at Rei. Rei was looking right back. The significance of this day sinking in for the both of them. The graduation song began (I forgot what that's called). Students filed in alphabetical order to receive their diplomas and shake the hands of the principal, superintendent, and a couple other people that were involved in school decisions, but no students knew exactly who they were.

The trip to the front seemed so long, and the people going after Luke seemed to take even longer, even though Luke was close to the end (his last name's Wright).

The ecstatic feeling Luke had when it was time to throw the caps in the air was indescribable. He felt free and happy. Everything seemed to be going perfectly.

At the end of the ceremony, Luke met up with Mike, Asuka, Sylvia, and Mrs. Malloy. They all hugged him, congratulating him on his achievement. He acknowledged them, but his eyes eagerly scanned the crowd for Rei.

"Come on Luke. Rei said he'd meet us back at the house," Asuka told him.

Luke nodded. He understood that Rei must have not wanted to make a scene or cause a scandal at the graduation.

The car ride seemed to be the longest that Luke had ever sat through. He couldn't wait to see Rei again.

*** (at the house)

Rei was the first to arrive at Asuka's house. He paced the living room, wondering what would happen. Did Luke still want him? He had thought so. During the ceremony, he had noticed Luke watching him practically the entire time, so he had hope.

The door opened, and Luke immediately launched himself into Rei's arms. He didn't say anything, just holding on. Rei touched his back, smiling at Luke's enthusiastic greeting.

"I'm happy to see you too," Rei commented, with a little laugh.

Mike, Asuka, and Sylvia were in the doorway watching the entire scene.

"Let's give them some privacy. Mike, come with me to the kitchen. Bring Sylvia with you."

Luke finally released his hold from around Rei's neck. "I missed you. I didn't know I would that much, but I did."

"I hoped that you wouldn't forget about me or find someone else."

"How could there be someone else? Didn't you feel it when we kissed?" Luke asked shyly.

Rei smiled, "I don't know. I think we'll have to try it again." Their lips met, and they both knew.

It was love.

*** (End)

I know there wasn't a sex scene, or really any lime or lemon at all in this story. I originally intended there to be, but it just came out this way. Is it okay? I'm not that great at writing lemons (I try to be careful so I don't get kicked off fictionpress for too graphic stuff) but if enough people really want a lemon with this story, I might do it. For some reason, my muse thought it would be better to end it without one. Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed it!

~Izzy-chan~