A/N: PLEASE READ THIS FIRST! This is an optional ending. Meaning, if you liked the way it ended last chapter you can leave it at that, but if you want a happy ending you can read this. :)

The next morning I woke in the same clothes I'd worn the day before, lying precariously close to the edge of the lounge with another body half on top of mine. She fell asleep while we where watching TV and I didn't want to move in case I woke her. Over the top of her head which lay on my gently rising and falling chest I could see the morning light breaking through the window, high lighting her in soft yellow. I'll never forget that image.

The TV was still on, the volume down low so the voices of morning talk show hosts where only a faint mumble coming from the speakers. I was cold on one side where her body didn't cover mine but I didn't want to move, I never wanted to move.

"Mmm…" she mumbled, squirming round a little, eyes still firmly shut. She was smiling and she looked so peaceful that I hated to have to disturb her. It was already 9:15 am though and she was supposed to be at the studio in half an hour and I had a table reading to attend for a new episode of Wizards of Waverly Place episode. Her hair was like soft threads as I ran my fingers through it, combing down till the very tips.

"Mitchie" I whispered in her ear, pressing my lips against her forehead lightly "Mitch, come on, it's time to wake up" I told her, placing a hand on her shoulder and shaking gently. She let out a muffled, unhappy grumble and clung to me tighter, burying her face in my wrinkled t-shirt. Mitchie was never really a morning person, she likes to sleep in any chance she gets and if she didn't have to I don't think she'd ever get out of bed.

"Come on sweety, it's quarter past nine, you have to leave soon" I tried again, tucking a curtain of hair back behind her ear to let a bit of light shine on her pretty face. With another protestant groan she shied away from the morning sun light like a creature of the night and shook her head at me.

"I want to stay here, with you" she mumbled, her voice muffled by my shirt, but I heard her perfectly and couldn't help but grin. I wanted to be with her too, I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. If I could, I'd quit my job and move back to Dallas with her so we could sleep in every Sunday and spend hours up in the tree house listening to all our favourite music wrapped in each others arms.

"I know, so do I, but we can't. We have commitments" I replied sadly, finding her hand and interlacing our fingers delicately "Does this mean…?" I didn't finish. Did I really want to ask? Did I really want to know? She finally looked up, eyes heavy and dark, outlined in faded and smudged eye liner but still giving me a look filled with sincerity.

"Do you want it to?" she asked back, moving a little further up so our faces where closer and putting a warm hand to my cheek gently. I want to do what's right for her. She was drunk last night, she might not really want to get back together. Her messy hair was sticking up in all directions, outlined in glowing gold by the sun behind her, and she was wearing the sweetest smile. I wanted so badly to say yes.

"I just want you to be happy" I mumbled slowly, breathing in the same air she just breathed out. Her thumb moved softly back and forth, caressing my flushed cheek lovingly. She gave me a look like I was thickest person she'd ever met and laughed quietly, her voice a little hoarse.

"You're what makes me happy stupid! I don't know if you've noticed but I've been depressed ever since we decided to stop seeing each other. It was the stupidest thing I've ever done. I don't care what anyone thinks, I love you Mick" she told me with a confidence and air like she'd been writing that short speech in her head for the past week.

"Well then, I guess my answer is most definitely, undeniable yes" I grinned sheepishly and leant forward to press my lips against hers. The kiss was as soft and warm and the morning sun hitting her back and lasted an eternity before she finally pulled away.

"I love you too" I quickly added, running my hand through her hair.

Twenty minutes later I opened the door to a brand new morning. The sun seemed a little brighter, the sky a more brilliant shade of blue. The shadows had crawled back to their hiding places to wait for night again and the streets where filled with a pleasant, cheerful buzz. Tugging at the sleeves of my shirt I stepped out onto the side walk, taking in a long, slow breath of fresh air like I'd never breathed before. I heard a giggle and turned around to find Mitchie standing behind me, dressed in jeans and an old shirt of mine borrowed without permission (not that I ever mind).

"Good morning gorgeous" I greeted her happily, jumping back up onto the top step and leaning in to place a fleeting kiss on her cheek excitedly. Her smile almost faltered as she looked out at the people in the street but as soon as I took her hand in mine it returned a thousand times brighter and she joined me outside, eyes wide with a mixture of nervousness and daring.

"Are you ready?" I asked her, aware of the fast pounding of her heart in time with mine. She paused a moment, closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath as I had but hers was more shaky and fearful, trying to find the courage floating somewhere in the air. After a second her eyes slowly opened again, searching the perfectly clear skies before looking back at me.

"I'm ready" she replied, giving me a grin more confident that she probably felt "I love you" she added, louder than she would ever have dared in public before and I smiled proudly, bringing her hand up to my lips and kissing it gently.

"I love you too!".