A/N

And so comes the final part in this short story. Like I said, this is just an elongated one shot and not much more. 'Stray' is going to have much more of a plot, but this was just me trying to tell the beginning of Yuu and Mika's story in this AUniverse.

If you guys want, I can write more, but I feel like it'd get repetitive and boring real fast. I may one day take this premise and convert it into a full fanfiction, but it all depends.

So, I hope you enjoy the end ^^

Peace out, my lovely peeps!XxX

~

"I'm still surprised that you wanna hang out with someone as messed up as me for even longer than you have to. After I broke down in front of you like that, I could've sworn you'd have been scared off within seconds," I fondly chuckle as Mika and I pad our way along the streetlamp-lit sidewalk on our way to the coffee shop nearby the gym, only a little joint with a humble aura that seems to always settle any kind of negativity, no matter how great. Any time I need to calm down, it feels like that's always the place that's first on my list to go to. I couldn't think of anywhere more perfect to venture to alongside the blonde piece of perfection walking beside me.

Speaking of, ever since I had my meltdown, he's not left my side. When I was getting changed, his hands were there to support me should I wobble or fall. When I was working on a technique to calm my breathing, his eyes were there to act as something to focus on. Throughout everything, he's stuck by me, despite only just learning my name a few hours ago, something I can't help but greatly admire. Then again, I guess I can't be placed at fault for falling for my yoga instructor; he's cute as hell and is probably the nicest guy in the entire world. I bet he has girls falling at his feet, if he doesn't already have one on his arm. Though, going by the way he seems to bear no shame in walking in on a naked guy in the shower, I'm willing to place a few bucks on the bet that he bats for the pink team.

"Scared? Please. You sounded distressed and panicky. How could I not want to help?" He gently hums with a touch of a giggle as he beams a glowing smile my way, a silent squeak lodging in my throat whilst I rip my glance away from him almost immediately. "Besides, I like you. You're different to everyone else. They're all people in their middle-ages or have at least five kids at home. It's just an escape for them. But it feels different with you. Like I'm actually having an impact for once," he explains in a wistful tone, prompting my gaze to ever so quickly flutter his way, though it snaps back into place when I realise that he's looking at me, ruby eyes tinted with a caring gloss.

"Well, Shinoa's been trying to get me to go for months now. Ever since I got back, she's never let up. She knows how hard being in the army was for me, I guess. Especially after- Well it's not important," I quickly mutter, finding myself stumbling over my words in an attempt to switch the topic before the image of Asura's dying eyes is forced back into my brain. Too late. However, unlike last time, I just flush it away before it can fester, pressing my eyes shut and lips together, hands bundling into fists. It wasn't my fault. It wasn't my fault. It wasn't my fault.

"Hey, you're shaking. Here, don't think about it. Just think about whatever makes you smile. How about me? Do I make you smile because of how much of a doofus I am?" Mika gently giggles whilst subtly sliding his fingers into my palm, locking our digits together and squeezing tight, though he ensures that my gaze is locked with him the entire time, that beautiful smile of his, showcasing a pair of oddly-pointed canines, enough to lull me into a settling sense of security. I can't help it; his kindness is like some kind of drug. More than enough to sweep all of my bad memories under the carpet.

"You're not a doofus. You're... Incredible," I softly breathe, unable to find myself locating any other words but these, a tiny lick of a smirk appearing on the corner of my lips when I notice a gentle, salmon hue creeping into the pigments tinting his cheeks, a chirp of a giggle leaking from me almost immediately. "Well you are! Nobody's ever managed to ground me that fast," I explain, knowing that he probably needs to gain elaboration in order to understand my meaning for complimenting him, even if I'd do so every single second if it wasn't deemed as weird or creepy. And, thankfully, it seems to settle his blush, though in constantly tingles underneath his skin as he leads me into the coffee shop, our hands still intertwined whilst we pad over to the nearest stall, the blonde easing me down into a chair carefully.

"I won't be long. What would you like?"

"Oh, just a latte with two sugars and some cream please," I request, going to dig into my wallet to hand him the cash, though he places a palm to my wrist before I can even tug out the bills, my eyes fluttering up in response to the unexpected contact.

"I'll pay. It's my apology, remember?" He hums, turning his back to me so he can approach the bar, a breath of a laugh escaping me as I dismissively shake my head, once again shoving the leather of my wallet into my pocket, my glance constantly admiring every little thing about him as he orders. And no, I'm not just staring at his ass (even if that is a definite perk to him not facing me). I'm more so just allowing my gaze to wistfully trail over his form, a touch taller than mine in stature, and his body constructed of muscles bearing less tone than my own, even if that's for obvious reasons. Plus, on top of it all, his skin is perfectly pearly with not a single abrasion in sight. Go figure.

You know how you never want a good thing to end? That's exactly how I feel about staring at Mika until he turns back around again, drinks in tow, toddling back over to me and setting down the steaming beverages with a soft smile, easing himself into the chair whilst his eyes take a moment to trace my hand idly lying on the surface of the table. I should've been prepared. I should've really thought that that was a sign.

However, it doesn't stop me from squeaking when he once again captures my palm in his own, my malachite eyes flying up to meet his kind, blood-red irises, a perfectly-crafted smile adorning his equally precious lips as he sweeps his glance over me. "I don't think you realise how special you are, Yuu. If you're willing to give me the time of day, I wanna fix that. I wanna see who you really are underneath it all. The real Yuu."

~

And, just like that, my dear friends, my world was changed forever. Cheesy, I know, but it's the truth. If I hadn't have let Shinoa drag me along to that session, my life today would've been so much different. I would never have met Mika in the situation I did. I would never have had the coffee with him that changed it all. I'd never have the life I do now, happy and healthy with the best damn fiance in the world, free from the trauma that once possessed my mind every waking moment. I'm finally happy.

All thanks to those damn yoga pants.