A/N: I realize that the last chapter was probably a disappointment :( and I apologize for it. I hope this chapter is much better :) Please R&R…thanks so much if you do. :)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

He walked through the snowy streets a few hours later. The snow was falling lightly now. As he walked-not to any particular destination-he thought of how he had let her go again. She was right there….he could have ran after her. He didn't understand why he gave up so easily tonight. Perhaps he lost all hope for anything. Perhaps he was sick and tired of living the way he was, and wanted to move on.

Maybe…maybe he was sick of fighting a battle he knew he already lost.

He shook his head. He knew he couldn't give up—not just yet. He needed her, he knew that.

He continued to walk when he came upon the bridge. As he walked down the steps, he noticed that a woman was standing, peering over the lake. As he made his way down, closer to her, he noticed it wasn't just any woman.

"Neela?"

The woman spun around at the sound of her name. She was tightly bundled in her black jacket, a scarf tightly wrapped around her neck. Her hands were thrust in her pockets. She stood there, the city lights casting a gentle glow over her features. Her eyes were red, like she had been crying. Her normal gorgeous face was now scornful. Her wet cheeks shined in the glow of the lights. Seeing her, he walked over to her.

"Hey…" he placed a hand gently over her shoulder. "What's wrong?" Part of him guessed it was his cold reaction towards her, but he didn't think it would cause her this much distress. She sniffled and shook her head. She tried to turn away, but Ray firmed his grip on her.

"Neela..." he searched for her eyes. "Talk to me." After several seconds of silence, he placed his hand over her back.

"Come here." He led her to the stairs and sat down with her on the second step. His hand traveled down to her forearm, squeezing it gently. She ran her hands up to her eyes, wiping them. She shook her head again.

"What happened?" He attempted again. Neela was quiet. How was she going to tell him? It wasn't exactly the easiest thing to tell.

"….I-I don't know…I don't know how to say…" her voice cracked and she began sobbing all over again. Ray pulled her into his arms. She cried into his chest, her hands laying on his sides, tugging at his jacket. Ray held her, rubbing her back. The feeling of her against him melted him inside. His heart broke seeing her like this.

"Shh….it's alright…shh..." Without thinking, he placed a gentle kiss on her head-as if by natural instinct. The scent of her hair sent shivers up his spine. Neela dug herself tighter into his chest. Ray tightened his embrace. She felt safe in his arms. She felt, for the first time in months, at home. After several minuets of comfort, she pulled herself reluctantly out of his arms. She wiped at her eyes again. Ray rubbed his hand over her forearm. She breathed deeply, regaining composure.

"I'm sorry about that…I didn't mean-"

He shook his head. "Don't be sorry," he said gently. He stared into her eyes. They were blurred, but they seemed to sparkle while looking into his.

She breathed again, shaking her head slowly.

"I can't…I can't seem to find the right words."

"Well…where did you leave them last?" He smiled at her as she gave a small chuckle. For the first time in a long while, their company was at ease. He waited for her to speak. Neela was at a daze. How was she going to tell him?

"This is serious Ray…I don't even know if it's appropriate."

"What is it? You can tell me...you know that right?"

"I don't know about this…" She turned away and stared at the cement wall.

"Neela…" he turned her face with his finger, lifting her chin. Neela felt her eyes get heavy and her heart began to pound. She began feeling weak at the knees-even if she was sitting down. She slowly leaned her face halfway towards his. He looked into her eyes, silently asking for permission. Her eyes gleamed. He leaned his face into hers, and pressed his lips against hers. He felt her tongue graze his bottom lip. He reached for the side of her face, pulling her slowly and gently into him. Her face fit perfectly into his. For Neela, this was unlike any kiss she ever shared with anyone. It wasn't rushed, hard or rough. It was gentle, slow, and full of passion. She shivered when she felt Ray's tongue graze the roof of her mouth. Their lips caressed together. Both felt the entire world disappear. It was just them. Ray felt his sorrow and anguish vanish. Neela felt her heart warm. Suddenly, feeling the need for oxygen, Neela pulled away slowly. Both breathed hard. Ray stroked her cheek. Neela rested her forehead against his. They melted in each other's eyes.

"That's what," she whispered, her thumb grazing his soft cheek. He smiled. A snowflake landed on her nose, and Ray kissed her there. Neela felt hot tears swelling in her eyes.

Tears of joy.

Suddenly, Neela saw a tear slip down Ray's cheek. Her mouth dropped slightly and she smiled.

"I never thought I would see the day when Ray Barnett cried."

He laughed. "Shut up." He kissed her head. He pulled away and looked up into the sky, holding Neela's hands in his. Every now and then, a snowflake would find itself in Ray's eye, and Neela laughed at his look when it did. They shared an easy, comfortable silence for a few moments. He then bended his elbow with hers on his knee.

"So…what now?"

Neela sat there a moment, thinking.

"I…I don't know. I mean…I don't want to loose this."

"Me either….but with Gates…"

"I know, I know….I'll talk to him."

"When?"

"…Tomorrow- or today rather...after work. Are you off?"

"Yeah."

She nodded.

"We should go…It's late and I have the noon shift." She looked at her watch. It was 5:30 in the morning. He stood and took her hand and lifted her up. They walked to the El together, his arm around her waist. They walked in silence, neither feeling more elated in their lives.

"I would invite you to stay at my apartment…but I don't think that's…you know."

"Yeah, I know. I'll stay at my place," she gave him a reassuring smile.

The train pulled up to them. They rode to their respective apartments, both having their best night's sleep they had in a very, very long time.

A/N: I'm very proud of this chapter :) I hope you guys enjoyed it. Please review. Thanks soo much if you do. They really keep me going :)