This is it, guys... the final chapter.

O.o *goes to grab tissue*

Finale: Together

Three years later

I stared out into the night. Though the hour was late, the city lights still burned. Milan never truly sleeps, just like Erik, who was up late composing again.

Life hadn't been easy. Erik was a wanted fugitive. We were constantly being pursued, only staying in one place for a few months at a time. He did his best to make it up to me, though, by taking me to see whatever wonders were nearby: a famous opera house, an art exhibit, a castle... I saw things I'd heard of but never thought I would see with my own eyes.

My friendship with Meg remained intact, thanks in large to Nadir. We constantly e-mailed back and forth, and Erik even flew her out to surprise me a few times. And, Nadir was always dropping in to see us. He claimed he missed us, but we all knew he was really making sure Erik was behaving himself. Some things never change.

A gust of wind blew over me, causing me to shiver. A pair of arms wrapped around me. "You shouldn't be outside, dear," Erik's soft voice said in my ear.

"It's such a beautiful night," I replied, leaning against him. "This is truly a wondrous place."

"It is," he agreed, his head bending to rest on top of mine. We stood in peaceful silence, listening to the gentle wind. Suddenly, he asked, "Christine... are you happy?"

He asked this often. I would be lying if I said I didn't long for a place to settle down. He felt guilty; I could sense it. I think that's why he tried so hard to keep me occupied. And, while I was weary of traveling, I never considered leaving him. Erik was my home, and I would rather be globetrotting with him than live in a palace without him.

Besides, perhaps we could settle down someday. We began gradually staying in each city longer. This was our seventh month in our Milanese apartment, and there were still no signs of danger. Of course, that could change in an instant, but I was hopeful for the future.

"I'm happy as long as I'm with you," I answered truthfully, earning a gentle squeeze from him. Then, he swept me into his arms. I squealed with surprise but wrapped my arms around his neck as he carried me inside. "Time for bed," he announced. He easily carried me to the bedroom and tucked me in before climbing in beside me. His arms cradled me, an assurance that he would always protect me. His hands traveled to my swelling abdomen and paused. I placed my hands over his. "You are going to be a wonderful father," I told him lovingly.

"I only hope our child looks like you," he said somewhat fearfully. I sighed. Erik hadn't reacted as I'd hoped when I informed him of my pregnancy. He was shocked first but horrified second. Our child was five months along, but he was still uneasy. I kissed his forearm tenderly. "I don't mind if our child looks like his father," I assured him. A small kick of agreement against my stomach made us both laugh, clearly making Erik forget his apprehensions as he relaxed.

"I love you," he whispered in my ear, and I smiled. We are going to be alright. We undoubtedly have many miles ahead of us and we don't know what tomorrow has in store... but we do have each other. My life is definitely beyond even what my wildest dreams could conjure, but I wouldn't trade my husband and our little one for anything in the world.

The road ahead of us might be long and rough, but our love can conquer any obstacle. We are together and that's all that matters. It's not the happily-ever-after we imagined, but we're on our way there.

End.

Posted on August 1, 2013

I was searching
You were on a mission
Then our hearts combined like
A neutron star collision

I have nothing left to lose
You took your time to choose
Then we told each other
With no trace of fear that...

Our love would be forever
And if we die
We die together
And lie, I said never
'Cause our love would be forever

The world is broken
Halos fail to glisten
You try to make a difference
But no one wants to listen

Hail, the preachers, fake and proud
Their doctrines will be cloud
Then they'll dissipate
Like snowflakes in an ocean

Love is forever
And we'll die, we'll die together
And lie, I say never
'Cause our love could be forever

Now I've got nothing left to lose
You take your time to choose
I can tell you now without a trace of fear

That my love will be forever
And we'll die we'll die together
Lie, I will never
'Cause our love will be forever

"Neutron Star Collision" by Muse