Playing Matchmaker Epilogue: Coming Clean By Lady Starra E-mail: ladystarra@angelfire.com Rating: G Standard disclaimers apply. FINALLY! The last part! Most of my author notes are at the end, 'cause I know you're all eager to finish reading this story, so here you go! Enjoy! ~ ANDREW ~ After making our presence known to Romeo and Juliet, we all decided to grab some funnel cakes at the food stands. It was nice for us to sit down at last and eat, after having chased after Darien and Serena all day. Finally, we told them everything: how I first decided to work on getting them together, my scheme behind the pool party and concert, why I suggested that Darien come to Serena's play, the hints, and everything else that went on. However, they got their biggest shock when Raye told them about her vision and when she discovered that they were soul mates. I have never seen Darien blush so much in my life! After Darien and Serena had asked enough questions, we decided to let them finish their "date" and leave them alone. "Well, we're sure you guys probably have a lot of talking to do, so we'll leave you two alone now!" Raye said and got up. "And let me tell you, Serena, you had BETTER stay with Darien for a long time, because I gave up that stereo for your guys' sake and I will be VERY upset if I did that for nothing!" "Raye...you can have it if you want it. They DID say your name first, after all," Serena said. "Don't worry about it. I think it would be better if you had it, anyway. Every time you turn it on, you can remember today and how you got it," she said. "Thanks, Raye," Serena said as she hugged her. "You guys really are great friends." "See, Amy? I told you she would thank us in the end," Lita chuckled. "You were worrying your pretty little head over nothing." "I suppose, but I still feel bad for lying like that. I'm sorry, Darien," she said, turning to face him. "Hey, don't worry about it, Amy. I don't think any less of you for doing that," Darien said. "Well, I think we should really leave you two alone now," Rita said. "No doubt. Let's go, guys. Darien, Serena, have fun on the rest of your 'date,'" I said jokingly. Again, they blushed. ~ DARIEN ~ After we were left alone, Serena and I just looked at each other. "Can you BELIEVE this? They went through all that...for us," she said. "Yeah. Honestly, I didn't think Andrew was even capable of doing something this cynical! I guess I don't know him as well as I thought," I sighed. "Darien?" "Hmm?" "Do...you think that...Raye was right? Could...could we be soul mates?" she asked me. "I...I don't know, Serena. All I do know...is that I love you. More than I've ever loved anyone in my entire existence." Tears formed in her eyes. "Not as much as I love you," she said. "Then...you forgive me for being such a conceited jerk?" She smiled and hugged me. "Of course I forgive you, Darien. You ARE my soul mate, you know." I laughed and kissed her on the forehead. Yes, our future was definitely looking bright. ONE WEEK LATER ~ SERENA ~ "It's pretty cool that the guys' band is playing for the last night of the fair," Lita said. "Yeah, it took a lot of arm twisting for them to get an audition, but they managed it," Rita told us. "Ooohh...Darien is so handsome up there playing with his new guitar," I sighed dreamily. This past week had been wonderful. Darien and I had gone out every single night that week. I finally found out about his family situation, and how he had been orphaned when he was very young. I didn't tell Darien that Andrew had slipped up and blurted out some of it unintentionally, though. We'd gone out to the movies, had a sunset picnic along the beach, and I even went to his karate class with him. And last night, Darien had taken me to dinner at an elegant restaurant before taking me to see "Phantom of the Opera" downtown. I was in the middle of describing it to everyone when Raye cut me off. "Well, here she goes AGAIN! All week long, Darien this, and Darien that! We've created a monster! With the way they've been acting, you'd think they were the king and queen of Tokyo or something!" Raye muttered. "Humph! You're just jealous!" I spat, sticking my tongue out at her. "Jealous? Don't make me laugh! I've got Chad!" Raye cried. "Maybe, but he isn't ANYTHING like Darien!" I said. "That's enough, you two! They're about to start their next song!" Lita said. Darien got on the mic. "Our last song is a new one that I wrote, for the most important person in my life," he said, then looked directly at me. "Serena Tsukino," he went on, "You are the most beautiful, vibrant, incredible person that has ever come into my life, and tonight, I want to let the whole world know how much I love you. This one's for you, Serena...the angel in my life." Tears burned in my eyes. I didn't even need to hear the song, and already I wanted to cry. I looked lovingly at him has he began to play the beginning of the song on his guitar, and as he began to sing in that deep, captivating voice... When I look in your eyes And see the beauty of your face I feel so alive None could ever take your place I've been yours from the start And only now can I see That you've always had my heart You are the missing part of me Angel in my life You bring me so much light Angel in my life You fill my days and nights Never have I felt so strong To you I always will belong You're the angel in my life. ~ DARIEN ~ Looking out at the audience, I saw that Serena's eyes were brimmed with tears during the entire song, and when it ended, she ran up on stage, to all of our surprise, and threw her arms around my neck and kissed me. The audience cheered and screamed loudly, and I heard Andrew, Craig and Chad hooting and whistling their encouragement. When we finally broke our kiss, our foreheads rested against each other. "I love you," Serena whispered, tears falling from her eyes. "And I love you, angel," I said, kissing her forehead lightly. I looked at my band members, then at Rita and Serena's friends out in the audience, listening to the cheering crowd. It was then I realized that my life was only going to get better now. We kissed again, and with Serena by my side, I felt invincible, like the king of the Earth. And knowing that she loved me too...I couldn't ask for anything more. ~ ANDREW ~ I smiled widely at the two lovers. 'You are an absolute genius, Andrew,' I told myself, remembering how Darien went on and on all week about his dates with Serena, how much he loved being with her, and so on. He even thanked me, finally, for going through so much trouble to get them together. I began to clap and whistle along with everyone else as their kiss went on, and I winked at Rita from the stage, and she winked back. This was probably our best concert ever. I would never forget this, as long as I lived. My first and role as Cupid, which was also my last, was something I would never forget, as long as I lived and breathed. Now, if those two would just stop kissing and come back down to Earth already...!!! ~ THE END ~ AT LONG LAST! It's finally finished!!! PHEW! I really hope you all liked the last part! My final author's notes: I know you are all probably tired of reading this, but I don't care...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, ALICIA BLADE!!!!!! I couldn't have done this without you, girlfriend! Please read Alicia's stories, they are all the best you will ever read! Speaking of her stories, it was her story "April Fool's" that first inspired me to do an Andrew-type story, and her "Winning Love" that made me want to start writing fanfiction in the first place. I'll always be eternally grateful! Thanks a ton, girl! Also, I want to thank Edeet for giving me her input, and I would also like to thank Miaka for her faithful e-mails and encouragement. Last but not least, all of you who e-mailed me and told me how much you liked my story. You all really helped me to stay motivated and inspired, and I can't thank you enough for your support! I love you all! Now, as for what's next on my list: I currently have three more stories I am working on, two of which are a series but unfortunately I am in Writer's Block Land right now! I hope to have another short story out soon, so keep an eye out. Until next time! Ja ne! Sincerely, Lady S