THE POWER OF LOVE

A Chryed fic.

I've been captivated by this beautiful, heartbreaking love story since it began, and was inspired to write this. Based on what happened when Syed went to see Christian after he was attacked-but I wanted a happy ending, just as I've always wanted one for them. Pretty short but please R&R. Obviously, I own nothing-but dearly wish I did, lol.

CHAPTER 1-SYED'S POV

"Christian was beaten up..."

These are the only words going through my mind, over and over, as I rush to Christian's flat, my heart pounding.

I know I'm supposed to stay away from him-I told him it was over, because I wouldn't finish with Amira, that I was marrying her, that I loved her. I told him I'd made my choice, that I didn't want him. My heart still aches thinking of the hurt expression on his face as he walked away from me, but it aches even more to think of someone hurting him, that beautiful man with whom I'm in...

I stop short, as I realise where my thoughts have taken me. At first, I'm horrified, and try to push the notion away. But it's no use. Because it's the truth. I'm in love with Christian. This is much more than attraction now. If it was ever just attraction. I don't want to live without him anymore.

From the moment of that first, forbidden kiss, I knew I was in trouble. Looking deep into those green eyes in the instant before I pressed my lips to his, I felt he was looking right into my soul. And I was lost.

As lost as I feel now, without him...

Christian opens the door at my first knock, and I can feel my mouth drop open in sheer horror. His beautiful face is battered, cut and bruised, one eye practically swollen shut. Usually so confident and powerful, he now looks heartbreakingly fragile and vulnerable, and so, so tired. It breaks my heart to see him like this.

"Oh, Christian," I breathe, and instinctively lift my hand to touch his cheek, but he pushes my hand away, his face hardening. "What do you want, Syed?" He asks harshly.

"Can I come in?" I ask the question nervously, desperately afraid that he'll just slam the door in my face. He hesitates, making his decision, then silently steps aside to let me in.

"Who did this to you?" I demand, torn between anger and a helpless longing to just hold him, comfort him. But he's keeping his distance, standing well away from me, observing me warily. And how can I blame him? I've hurt him so many times, been so cruel to this amazing man who deserves nothing but love. I have never physically hurt Christian, but I realize now that I am no better than the monster who has hurt him so badly.

And that thought angers me even more.

At first, Christian is cold, unwilling to talk, but finally, he explains everything, tells me exactly what happened. And I'm furious, furious to think there are people who would hurt another human being simply because of their sexual preference, and even more furious to learn this isn't the first time he's been attacked. I want to reach out, to take his pain away, but he won't let me. When I try to, he grabs my hand, and reminds me, in a voice filled with pain that I know has nothing to do with what's happened to him, "Never touch me again, you said. You love Amira, remember?"

As he flings my hand away, and turns his back, his posture rigid, I bow my head, filled with shame. I remember what I said, but I meant none of it. I was trying to convince myself that I could stay away from him, that I had no feelings for him, that I do love Amira. But I've been fooling myself.

Tentatively, I reach out to Christian again, this time to gently stroke his back, and he rounds on me, eyes flashing with pain and fury. "Get out, Syed." He snaps. "Go back to your princess."

"I love you." The words come tumbling out before I realize quite what I've just said, but I know them to be true. After all the lies, all the hurt I've caused him, he deserves the truth.

Christian is staring at me, eyes wide. "What did you say?" He asks softly, and suddenly, I'm terrified. What if he doesn't feel this way? What if it's not what he wants to hear? But it's too late now-I've said it. And I'll say it a million times over, if I have to. If he wants me to.

"I love you." The words are clearer this time, stronger. "Only you."

I watch as Christian's face crumples, tears spilling down his cheeks, but this time when I reach for him, he pulls me tight against him, holding me as if he's afraid to let me go.

"Oh, Sy," he whispers, stroking long fingers gently through my hair. "I never thought I'd hear you say..." Suddenly, he pulls away, doubt evident in his expression. "What about Amira?"

It's the question I've been torturing myself with since this began, but now I know there is only one answer. My heart belongs to this man-to say otherwise would be a lie. And I cannot live a lie any longer.

To admit the truth means I lose everything.

Except everything I want is standing right in front of me.

"I'll tell her everything." I'm determined now, but it's obvious Christian doesn't believe me. "You've said that before, Sy." He sighs. "That was before." I retort, and he looks confused. "Before what?" He asks, and I smile, looking at his face, still so beautiful, despite the state it's in.

"Before I realized I can't be without you. Before I realized how much I love you." I take hold of Christian's hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "I will tell her, Christian. Right now."

He starts in shock as I walk towards the door, his face dissolving into a smile. "Are you sure this is what you want, Sy?" He sounds so uncertain, which is so out of character for him. I approach him again, smiling. "You're the only thing in my life I've ever been sure of. I'll be back soon-then we'll go the police together. Okay?"

Christian beams, then nods. As I walk away again, he pulls me back into his arms and kisses me softly, tenderly. Before I melt completely, he breaks off, tears welling again. "I love you too, Sy." He whispers brokenly. "I was so scared I was going to lose you forever. Don't ever leave me again."

And these words, these simple, heartfelt words, give me all the courage I need to face Amira and my family, to finally face up to the truth.

The truth is, I love Christian Clarke.

And soon, everyone will know....