"It has been years since I promised you that we'd be together forever. Things haven't been easy, I know that, but when two people who love each other can stay together through the bad times, that's how you know they're meant to be."


I did my best to calm myself so I didn't screw this up and make myself look like a bigger fool than I already had. The look in Ember's eyes was making that hard, though. They were glazed over with tears, confusion and something I hoped to be joy. Her body was bouncing slightly from nerves and her dark strands fell against her sun-kissed face. She was never more perfect than she was in that moment.


"I have been a jerk. I have been selfish. I have been lost. You're the only thing that brings me back down to Earth and reminds me that, even though I'm messed up, I'm still me. Ember, you are my everything. I don't deserve your love, not even your forgiveness, but I can't be apart from you. The world doesn't make sense if you're not here. The sun doesn't shine if you're not smiling. You are my entire heart and soul."


A small tear slipped down her cheat as I extended my arm and took her hand into my own. This was my final plea to make her understand how much I loved her. This was my final apology to show her that my heart was just as broken by my actions as her own. This was the last thing I could offer her - myself - to show that I meant the words I was saying.


Promises I'd made before were empty and broken, but this time I understand myself better and I'm not afraid to take on the world. Even if no one else understands or cares, Ember does. She loves me even when I'm wrong.


"Ember, you've been my past, you are my present," I let out a breath and gave her hand a soft squeeze, staring directly into her brown orbs. "But will you be my future?"


She let out a gasp as my eyes silently begged her to say yes. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she slowly began to nod her head, making my heart nearly thud out of my chest. With a large, goofy grin plastered to my lips, I pulled the ring from the box and slowly slid it on her tiny finger. It was a perfect fit.


Before I could even stand up all the way, Ember had thrown herself into my arms. We stumbled back a bit, meeting the wall so I could regain my composure, just as her lips hit mine. A fire was sent through veins, it was like the stars were exploding in my mind all over again. I felt whole and secure with my life.


I could only hope that this meant Ember completely understood that I knew I'd been wrong before, that the help I sought was strictly for her, so I could be good enough for her. Our hands were trailing through each other's hair and I had one thumb brushing the stray tears away from her flesh.


This was everything I ever wanted and more. The realization that, even though I'm not what the world considers normal I'm still good at being me. I could still be good to the gorgeous girl glued to my lips and I could still give her everything she ever wanted. We all need a purpose in life - I'd finally found mine. For the rest of my days, I would put Ember's happiness above my own. I'd give my last breath just so she could have a moment longer to live.


"I love you," I murmured as she pulled away, a smile on my lips. "You're it for me, Ember."


"I love you too, and I'm so sorry that it took me so long to realize it."


"Don't apologize, you had every right to do what you did," I kissed her again, sending chills down my spine. "Just know that you'll never have to go through that again. I'm so sorry."


Finally, the girl of my dreams would have the life of her dreams. The apartment, the puppy, the ring.. Me. As she pressed her lips against mine once more, the joy in my gut told me I was finally home. Sick or not, I was content with myself and my life. I was happy.

Notes

This is short, I know.. But... AWE! <3.