Second Ave Series: Ac-Counting on You (WLW)

Epilogue: Let's Boogie!

"So, what do you think about it so far?" Gwen asked Maya as they both waited for Rose and Brook to return with their drinks at one of the many tables decorated for the current festivities.

The cafe was not just clear of all typical patrons and filled with reception goers, but was also decorated with lanterns along each table and hanging from the ceiling. Gwen ran her eyes over the restaurant and admired how marvelous it looked in its low lighting as a singular illumination highlighted the stairs leading down from Brook's loft. Many of those in attendance had already gone home before the happy couple was to go out to their getaway car, but the core group and certain members of their family were all awaiting Fiona and Kanda's arrival with bags of rice in hand.

Gwen ran her eyes toward the bar and spotted Mark with Brook as they joked amongst themselves from behind the counter. Rose stood on the other side and said something that made Brook throw her head back in laughter as Mark narrowed his eyes at her. He jutted a spoon out toward her, but Brook took it and began stirring the drinks she was preparing for Maya, Rose, Gwen and herself. She scooted one of them toward Rose and Mark did the same as he put his hand on his chest with a rather coy expression.

Rose shook her head and took a sip from each, then pointed at Brook's which made her throw her fists up into the air in triumph. Gwen giggled as she pointed at them and Maya craned her neck to spy the going on with a chuckle of her own. In the time leading up to the wedding, Brook and Gwen spent many evenings with the close knit group of friends, enjoying their chance to get to know them. It had been great. Perfect, even. She and Brook fit in just right as Fiona had proclaimed and life was just going so swimmingly.

Maya turned her head back toward Gwen and shook it with a grin. "Brook and Mark seem to be getting along well. And as far as your previous question goes, I really liked it. The growth of the main character was really amazing to read. Her learning that her childhood arrogance wouldn't get her far in life and even showing signs of that fact early on made a big impact. As someone with a sordid past that I had to overcome as well, sometimes as the person bringing the pain and other times being the person who felt it, I can even empathize with her." Maya leaned forward and took a bite of her croissant as she bobbed her head from side to side. "Adriana, Rose's closest friend and partner in business, has been crashing on our couch for a while now since her girlfriend hurt her. She read it, too. She liked it so much she wants her own copy to show to her little siblings in case they ever try to bully their peers, though I doubt that would happen. They're really great kids."

The lights began to dim and Gwen got to her feet with Maya. They both made their way over to the pathway leading toward the door and Gwen felt a pair of arms wrap around her middle. She smiled back as she felt Brook resting her chin on her shoulder and kissed her cheek, delighting in the dreamy expression she sent her. Even after three months together, Brook was still the same as always, gently encouraging her to come out of her shell with each passing day. She pet the side of her face with the tips of her fingers and turned her gaze back toward the newly married couple as the only light aside from the lanterns in the room was cast toward the top of the stairs.

Hand in hand, Fiona and Kanda made their way down the stairs as those in the cafe cheered for them, throwing rice into the air around them as they neared the entrance. Fiona stopped next to Gwen and Brook and poked the former's nose with a grin before she continued out of the establishment. Everyone followed them and shouted their best wishes as they got into Fiona's convertible, kissing over the middle console. Before too long, the engine was revved up and they drove away to enjoy their honeymoon in the nearby town of Bremerton for their first few nights before they were meant to go to Thailand.

Excited for her dearest friend, she felt no sorrow in her departure as she realized just how happy she was for her. Gwen turned around in Brook's arms as many began gathering their things inside and going off on their separate ways while others started cleaning up the disposable utensils. Brook gazed down into Gwen's eyes and wiggled her eyebrows before resting their forehead together.

"Is this really my life now?" She cooed as she pulled Gwen into a full hug with a series of giggles.

Gwen leaned back and cupped her cheeks, giving her a quick kiss before she looked deeply into her eyes. "It is. Our life."

There was that smile and lazy blink again and Gwen vibrated with exhilaration as she thought of their time together and what was still to come. There was so much. Love. Life. Happiness... It was all theirs for the taking and now more than ever, Gwen was ready to embrace it with everything she could muster. She rested their heads together again and closed her eyes.

"You came into my life at such an odd time over four months ago, Brook." Gwen leaned back and sent her a bright smile. "Now I can't imagine it without you. Tellie is supposed to be back tomorrow and we are meant to meet him and my parents at their place for dinner, but until then," She kissed Brook with everything she had and slightly pulled back, wrapping her arms around the back of her shoulders. Playing with her luscious hair as she spoke, Gwen rubbed their noses together and let loose the most content sigh she'd ever felt. "You're all mine. Want to stay together again tonight?"

Brook grinned and turned Gwen in her arms, beginning to lead her into her cafe, the place where all her dreams were finally brought to life. "Haven't I already told you?" She leaned over and kissed her cheek as she interwove their fingers. "You don't have to ask me twice."

"Then let's boogie." Gwen skipped as they made their way inside, ready for whatever the world threw at her next as she knew no matter what...she would never be alone.