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Aw ... I suppose I can see them drifting apart, almost feeling like they can't move on to "normal" lives in each other's presence. That or just needing time to process the copious amount of crud that they've been through.

I agree with Chris: it makes sense that they'd have a hard time dealing with feelings while the war was going on, especially if they felt that they would 'lose themselves' in those feelings and then not perform as well as they should. I can also see how after all of those years it was difficult for Ken too pick up again where he left off. Still, I love that they reconnected and that they (well, Ken) were able to overcome all of these hurdles so that they can be together! Thank you for such a lovely story to warm my heart!

OK, first of all, it's impossible for me to guess who wrote this! Second of all, TJ is one lucky Gatchamaniac! Third of all, I loved the last sentence: "Let love begin". What could be better?

a nice sweet story... TJ is so lucky to have it written for her. I love the fact that they were able to rekindle the affections they had discovered before the war began.

I certainly am lucky... but then, it's also exactly what I asked for.

This is beautiful.. I love how much longing there is. It does warm your heart like TJ said. <3

Oooo...I like seeing their relationship through Ken's eyes! I love that line, too "Let Love Begin"...a nice way to end...or maybe I should say...begin... I'm sneaking in online today...so glad I was able to see the first two "gifts" in the gift exchange!!

I really liked this story. One that makes my 'shippy heart rejoice at the ending. Although my mind does want to question whether things are moving a little to quickly, after the long pause they have had. But, I really do like this story.

As a loyal Ken/Jun shipper I couldn't wish for a better ending ... so heartwarming! TJ is so lucky to have been given this gift! The war could have changed all of them, but it didn't change the love Ken and Jun always had towards each other! I wish I could have seen more of Ken taking off his shirt in that way!

Oh, very beautiful, and shows that a love that's truly meant to be will happen, no matter the delays or obstacles..

I'm having a difficult time figuring out who wrote this. It seems a bit like Springie, but if she submitted an art piece it can't be she. Maybe LB?

Me, I'm inclined to think that is by gatchamarie.

TJ, since this is so perfect, are you sure you didn't write this?

It's always possible I got my own request. After all, who better than I would know what I would want?

Well, that would explain why you thought K2 wrote her own prompt! Everyone wrote their own! Shhhh, don't let Amethyst know how badly she screwed up.

Originally posted by clouddancer Shhhh, don't let Amethyst know how badly she screwed up.

I needed that laugh today. It would be even funnier, though, if it wasn't entirely possible. However, as long as everyone is happy, I'll try not to beat myself up too much about it.

Glad to have made your day today, Amethyst. I hope things get better for you.

See, CD! You Amethyst overheard you! Amethyst

Originally posted by lborgia88 Me, I'm inclined to think that is by gatchamarie.

Tee hee ... it's funny cause I think this was written by you, LB, due to the wonderful descriptive writing!

You know .... if occurs to me, I have not put forward Marie's name as contributing anything. Are you trying to misdirect us by pointing us in LB's direction Marie? I am now wondering if this piece might be from you, Marie. Either that or one of the pieces of artwork. Hmm, I might have to go off and re-edit my guesses.

I'd also go with LB writing this one.

Originally posted by clouddancer Are you trying to misdirect us by pointing us in LB's direction Marie?

That is an added twist to all the guesses made, isn't it? No way to know for sure which guesses are legit and which aren't...

Yes, that is what I am finding difficult to discover. Who is misdirecting and who, or where, people are not commenting - which might be as big a clue.

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by clouddancer Are you trying to misdirect us by pointing us in LB's direction Marie?

That is an added twist to all the guesses made, isn't it? No way to know for sure which guesses are legit and which aren't...

I think all this contributes to a great part of the fun in this guessing step of the Gift Exchange, doesn't it?! If I misdirect, I know I'm not alone!

Teeheehee...I'm sneaking in to tell you that I am the mystery author for this fic! No pics for me this time! TJ, I was tickled to see that I had your prompt! Thanks for making it so easy for me! This fic was actually inspired by on of my old pics...here's the pic that inspired "A New Beginning"... Private Moment

Way to go Springie, you stumped me. Once I had decided LB had done Marie's picture - I had decided wrong on the story you had written.

I had so much fun fooling everyone by NOT doing a picture this time! Wheeee!

And you did such a wonderful job with my prompt! I guess it's only fair, since I had your prompt in the summer gift exchange. And a picture to go with it! Oooh.... I love that one.... You are the best, Springie!

Springie ... I have been confused the same way, here, as I have been confused in LB's case! Just, this time, it's the other way round! You tricked us because, this time, you wrote a fic instead of drawing a picture, you cheeky girl!! But, now that I'm certain who the author of this fic really is, I cannot but agree that it couldn't be otherwise, since you're one of the best in giving us the shippiest (if that word in English really exists!) Ken/Jun moments ... not leaving out the lovely, inspiring pic! You made me most happy, too, even if the gift wasn't for me!

Really nice moody piece. I loved how you let the underlying personality of the characters really shine through. Despair and hope, all twined together. A very nice read.