Dedicated to MishMishYouIsFine for their absolutely hilariously indignant comments XD 

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"Well, it could have gone worse."

I rolled my eyes at Jem. "You don't know. You weren't there."

He laughed as I complained about my thermodynamics practical for the umpteenth time. "I mean, I guess I got most of it right. They just try to twist your questions and stuff."

He shook his head and playfully punched my shoulder. "Lighten up man. You survived stabbing. You can survive the chemistry finals."

I grinned at him and folded the t-shirt neatly before putting it inside my backpack. I straightened up and took a deep breath, my heart racing. "Yep, plus I have much greater plans for today."

He smiled. "Yeah, I know. That's all you've been talking about."

I chuckled. "I just hope he doesn't say no."

A twinge of worry went through my stomach at the thought. His eyes widened. "The man is crazily in love with you, Xav. Plus, didn't he already propose to you before?"

I sighed softly, my heart aching at the memory. "Yes, and I turned him down and...basically dumped him," I shook my head. "I mean things are different now."

I felt a sudden doubt in my head. I reached into my pocket to feel the tiny velvet box, something my father had got me. Initially, I hadn't wanted to take it, but he told me if I wanted, I could pay him back later. Whenever I would have the money, which I didn't right now. Moreover, I didn't know the cost of the ring either, but from what I could tell, the seek, sexy, solid gold ring would probably take some time for me to buy on my own. 

I didn't know what had changed my mind towards marriage, but the entire whirlwind of the semester had taught me a lot of things. I didn't know anything about true love or fate or destiny or soul mates, but I couldn't see myself apart from him. If any of those things ever existed, I knew in my heart that it was him. I had given him too much pain and he had still loved me with everything. I promised to do the same.

I hung the backpack on my shoulder and gazed at the room once, a sudden sadness in my heart. A lot had happened over the past semester, but without a psychopath and a billionaire after my life, this past few weeks at Northwood had been quite good. 

"Only two things are different, Xav," He answered as he pulled his bag over his shoulder, smiling softly. "One, your relationship with him is stronger than ever and two-" he grimaced. "I am now a uni-kidney man."

I shook my head. "Jem, if you make that joke one more time-"

He laughed. "Hey come on..." he shook his head. "No way I can tell my parents though. They will flip the fuck out."

I felt a twinge of regret. Maybe my guilt at not being able to save Jem would go away someday. But for now, I would let myself grieve. We started making our way out of the room. He locked it behind him and handed me one of the spare keys. "So when I see you next time, you'll be engaged."

My heart fluttered at the thought. "Hopefully."

He grinned and gave me half a hug. "Goodluck, Xav. See you in a few weeks."

I nodded as he made his way down the staircase. I dawdled around for a while, my nervousness increasing. I gazed at the corridor where Caleb's broken down door still visible. It hadn't been changed. There had been a lot of enquiry at the university and I was afraid I would be questioned as well. However, Gray must have done something which meant that I was left alone in peace to finally concentrate on my academics, something I was grateful for. Somehow like always, he was there. My heart felt full at the thought.

The hospital was still being funded by Akinsons, sans the doctors who had been caught as part of the trafficking circle and had their medical licenses suspended, including Montgomery. Caleb's fate was still undecided and he was in prison for the time being. A part of me didn't want to think about him at all.

I climbed down the staircase, my heart rate increasing with every step. I was still repulsed when I thought about everything that had happened. How I had let him touch me, kiss me. It made me feel filthy, disgusted to my core. His words still rang clear in my head. The words I was used to hearing. Man whore. Slut. Prostitute. They didn't really mean anything to me, hadn't since forever. Mainly because I had known that somewhere, they were true. 

But in spite of it, Grayson had loved me. He had loved my broken heart and nursed my tattered skin until I was mended. 

I gazed at the time and saw that it was almost two. Grayson would be here soon. As if on cue, the phone rang. I gazed at the familiar contact and increased my pace, jogging across the campus and through the iron grilles from which I had entered what felt like ages ago. I saw his black hatchback and broke into a run. I opened the car door, grinning like an idiot as I entered the car and flung my arms around him.

"God...I missed you."

"I missed you too, love."

He held me tightly, his warmth thawing my heart. I shut my eyes, imagining what it would feel like to be married to him. To have a sense of belonging like nothing I had ever felt. It felt like it was something I didn't deserve, but I was going to be selfish and wanted Grayson Shelby all for myself. 

I settled back into the car, throwing the bag back into the back seat as he spoke. 

"How was your exam, Xaby?"

"Meh," I answered. I rested against the door and gazed at him silently, my heart racing. I gazed at his startling green eyes, his defined jaw, his divinely chiselled features and perfect lips, marvelling that something so perfect could be mine.

"I mean...it was okay but you can never really tell."

He nodded. "You don't need to stress about it, alright?"

I grinned. "Do you think I was?"

He smiled. "You probably should, just a little."

I laughed, inadvertently feeling the box in my pocket again as he spoke up. "Is it okay with you if we go to see Black for a while?"

"Harold?" I asked, my eyes widening in shock. "Sure. But...why?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure. Said he wanted to discuss something. He heard about the Reznick fiasco and...well he seemed pretty regretful of everything that had happened. I  might still kick his ass though."

I chuckled. "Sure. I'll help you."

We reached our old place of work after a few hours. It felt strange to gaze at the familiar entry to the precinct. I remained still for a while as Grayson exited, walking over to my side and opening the door for me. In spite of my wariness, I giggled. "What a gentleman."

He smiled at me. "You know I always have been."

I leaned over and kissed the tip of his nose. "Yes, daddy."

He laughed, taking my hand as we walked into the eerily familiar building. My heart raced in my chest as we stepped inside. A few people nodded at Gray, some even coming to greet us. He whispered to me form the corner of his mouth. "Feel like we have a bit of  celebrity status here, baby."

"I think everyone just likes you because you punched Black."

As if on cue, the familiar figure of Harold black appeared at the end of the grim hallway. Gray squeezed my hand assuringly as I stood up straighter, knowing he no longer had any bearing on me.

"Shelby," Black said, as he nodded at us. His eyes momentarily flitted to our entwined fingers and as if in defiance, Gray pulled me closer, as if challenging him. His little action made butterflies erupt in my stomach. Something flashed behind Black's cold grey eyes but was immediately gone. He sighed. "I need to talk to both of you. Come on."

He led us along the hallway and turned right as I realized where he was taking us. Gray seemed to realize it at the same time and shot me a puzzled look. We entered the meet room, the drab, familiar grey walls and the single bench along one wall still exactly as I remembered it. The only addition was a long wooden table placed at the other corner of the room. A large window was open behind the bench, bright sunlight streaming onto the floor and bathing it in the shimmering sunlight. I sat on the bench as Gray took a seat beside me. Harold leaned against the desk, his gaze fixed on Gray, as if purposefully not looking at me.

Gray had told me about Harold's decision to not gve me any treatment at all. Something that he thought was plainly out of jealous. I didn't know how correct Gray was, but it was twisted in either way. 

"I...received news about the entire Darius Marley fiasco," he shook his head, looking sincerely regretful. "I know we didn't end things on the best terms but..." his eyes finally settled on mine. "I am truly glad that you are alright."

Grayson's hold on my tightened possessively as he spoke. "What did you want to talk to us about?"

Haorld sighed deeply.  "Your work...has been exceptional Xavier," his gaze remained fixed on me as he spoke. "This department is offering both of you positions here. Like you used to earlier but...Grayson Shelby, you will be working alongside me. Xavier will, of course, get a raise and have a proper backup team of technicians and police behind him. He will continue to work as an agent...both of you can work as a proper team. If that sounds alright to you."

I was quiet. My stomach clenched nervously in anticipation. I was still confused about to do with my future. It was true that I loved science but could somehow never see myself doing a mainstream job. Becoming an agent again but with proper resources and Gray beside me, sounded like an alluring opportunity. I gazed silently at Gray, expecting him to speak up. When he didn't, I pulled at his hand like a child. 

He raised an eyebrow. "It's your decision, Xavier. I'll be with you whatever you choose."

I gaped at him, my heart suddenly racing. Grayson had told me he would try to change, but the truth was, despite all my big talk, I wasn't quite ready to make my own decisions just yet. I gaped at Harold, picturing Gray and I on a new mission. The thought excited me. I could train properly. I would have better protection, better prospects and do something that I truly excelled at. 

"I..I'll think about it, Harold. Thak you for the offer."

Black nodded, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he spoke. "Aright. I look forward to your affirmative reply."

He walked out of the room, leaving us in silence. Gray rose to his feet and turned to look at me.  "Would you really want that, Xaby?"

I gazed at him in awe, entranced at the way the sunlight sparked in his heavenly green irises. The way his jaw was accentuated by the sunlight. The way his dark hair fell on his forehead. The way his lips spoke my name. He was perfect, the most perfectly gorgeous person inside out. I didn't know why universe was so enthralled with me that he was mine, but I wasn't going to question it.

"This is where we first met," I whispered, my heart thudding wildly at the memory. "I had such a massive crush on you."

He chuckled. "Yes. You were really foxy."

I grinned. "Foxy?"

He shrugged, a slight blush creeping up his face. I gazed at the empty room around us and made up my mind, my insides turning to mulch at the thought. 

"Gray..." I began, my voice shaky. There were a million things that could go wrong. But at that moment, I would take that risk. It was Gray anyway, whatever went wrong, he would always set it right. "Every second that I've known you...my love for you has only increased. Except when I was an absolute immature bitch-" he chuckled as I continued, my face flaming.

"You...you are the only person who has ever loved me, Gray. You are the only person who has ever accepted me in all my ugly entirety. You are the only p-person-" I was ashamed of the sudden sob that escaped my throat. My chest felt heavy, my vision blurred with tears as I struggled to continue. "You've been the reason for all my happiness, and if you let me... I want to be the reason for yours."

His eyes were transfixed on me, he remained still. I trembled violently, reaching for the velvet box and kneeling onto one knee as I gazed up at him in reverence. His face was pale, his eyes slightly wide with shock as he stared at me. My heart fluttered erratically, my lungs refusing to breathe as I continued. "I do not know what I have ever done to have you in my life. I do not know what I have ever done to deserve waking up to you every day. I do not know what I have ever done to deserve you. And...I don't really know anything about true love. Or even love..." I gazed at him, biting my lip to keep it from trembling as I felt cold tears on my feverish skin.

"I have never searched for a happy ending, Gray. I have never expected anything out of anything. I have never had a home or a family. Then you came in and I found in you more than I could ever want in my most selfish fantasies. If happiness is truly not an illusion, then you are all of it for me," I sniffed, feeling pathetic as I gazed into his glistening eyes, anchoring my entire being onto him as I spoke the next words. The words I never thought I would say.

"Grayson Shelby, will you marry me?"

He was quiet, his face impassive as he gazed down at me. Fear penetrated my bones. Was it the wrong time. Had I broken things between us irreversibly?

"You...you are a lot of trouble, Xavier," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he crouched in front of me, gazing into my eyes. "I didn't even know I had the strength in me to love so damningly until I did," he cradled my face in his hands, tears streaming down his face as he struggled to speak. "I don't even know when this happened but...I am so devastatingly in love with you, Xavier Easton."

I sniffled, my vision was hazy as I struggled to focus on him. "Can you please say yes before my heart stops?"

He gave a watery chuckle. "What else could I ever say Xavier? I love you more than you'll ever know. Of course, I'll marry you."

I place the ring on his finger, finding it harder to find the proper one as my hands tumbled. We laughed softly as on the third try, I managed to slip it onto his finger. His lips met mine in a sweltering kiss as the universe around me disappeared into insignificant pinpricks. 

I held him close, placing my head on his shoulder as he held me tightly against him. 

"Isn't this the most romantic place for a proposal?" I asked,feeling suddenly inebriated. Like I was high. 

He stroked my back lovingly. "In a way. This is where you crashed into my trainwreck of a life."

I laughed, my entire body trembling. "You don't make me sound too good."

He nipped at my ear playfully. The knot in my stomach that had solidified in nervousness a while ago, dissolved in ecstasy. "I tod you. You are such a lot of trouble...that I can't get enough."

I leaned away form him and gazed into his eyes, unable to stop smiling. Unable to believe that I deserved happiness of this degree. This must be paradise. This must be a utopia. And I would burn down the earth if it tried to take Grayson away from  me.  

"Xavier," he whispered after a while, still holding me securely against him. I was cocooned in a haze of euphoria and it took me a while to understand that he was speaking to me.

"Hm?"

I could feel the laughter in his voice as he spoke. "Can we please play your favourite, the Mario track at our wedding?"

I burst out laughing. Dizzying, delirious laughter. I was never aware that my heart was capable  of feeling this happy. I caressed his face and leaned into his heavenly embrace. I kissed him again. Again. Relishing in the feel that this amazing, perfect man was mine. And better yet, I was his. Even though he had owned my heart ever since I had seen him.

We remained close, our warmth intertwined in a perfect moment. Was such happiness, was such ardour possible on earth? I didn't know. But having him in my arms as my perfect future, I couldn't think of anything more than even paradise could offer.

I  melted into his arms, soaking the ecstasy of the moment and knowing in my heart, that it would last forever.