Hello guys! I have thanked you guys via tumblr but I know not all of you are on there, so I would just like to say thank you for 55+ reviews! This is the most noticeable validation that you guys like this story. I'm so grateful for your enthusiasm each week. So I just wanted to reiterate my thankfulness for you guys reviewing and making this story bigger than I honestly thought it would be. I also love reading what you guys think is happening. I would like to address the Anon who said their comments were showing up late, I've noticed that with several people and I'm not sure why but thanks for telling me. That being said, I know I was supposed to update yesterday! There was important stuff I had to deal with yesterday that had to be put first, so I'm sorry for those of you disappointed. Concerning time, this is the last chapter. I repeat, this is the last chapter of Addiction. It has been a thrill ride and there are so many people I need to thank. Every single person who has reviewed, this means a lot and I'm so grateful you took the time to tell me what you liked, what you think will happen, and any questions. I want to thank you all for the support. There wasn't another Brary story I could find that had sex as a major focus point in the story so I was hesitant at first to post this. Thanks for the feedback. I want to again thank 'empathyandreferences' on tumblr for the name inspired by your connection of this story to the song Addicted to Love. I just want to be clear, this is not goodbye. I hope you review letting me know your thoughts. This note was way too long, sorry. For the final time, enjoy Addiction!

These violent delights have violent ends

And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,

Which as they kiss consume

Act II, scene VI. Romeo and Juliet

Mary dreaded talking with Branson. She was so nervous that she had hardly touched her breakfast despite comments from Edith. She was about to have an honest conversation with him, a much needed conversation.

She slowly made the walk out to the garage where she could already see him. He was opening some package and pulling out mechanical parts. Mary watched him for a moment, he was focused solely on his work. She hoped he would have the same concentration after their talk.

"Branson," she said in greeting as she got closer. He looked up at her and nodded. He was no longer uncomfortable around her, or had he ever been?

"Hello."

"We need to talk. Is now suitable?"

"Now's fine."

"I-I don't honestly know where to start." Mary fiddled with her dress sleeve.

"Perhaps I can help you find the words?"

"What?" she asked. He didn't reply and instead pressed his lips firmly against hers. She stiffened for a moment before relaxing and molding into him. "There could be people watching," she said nervously.

"I'll close the door." He was gone a second before swiftly pulling her back into his arms. He kissed her with more confidence than she had ever felt from him. He was quick to undress and helped her out of her dress. Their bodies were hot and sweaty as they began their routine. Mary couldn't deny how her body wanted Tom's.

He kissed her and Mary wrapped her arms around his neck as he continued to thrust into her. She moaned and her hands moved down to dig into his back. He didn't seem to notice as he continued to ravish her breasts. Mary felt the pleasure course through her body but her mind was not focused on the pleasurable acts. She was registering the pleasure, but their needed talk loomed over her. Suddenly, Tom began to speed up and she let out a moan as she reached her peak that he always drove her to. He too let out a moan as he rested his body over hers.

"I want to be with you," he whispered into her ear. Mary stiffened again at his words. Her hands retracted from him and lay limp at her sides. She felt her heart beat increase as she became nervous.

"What did you say?" she asked. Mary hoped she had misheard him, or that he would regret what he said and not repeat it.

"I want to be with you." This time his blue eyes were boring into her.

"No," she said immediately. His facial expression turned to a mixture of hurt and confusion.

"Why? I thought that was what you came here to talk about. I thought after everything yesterday that your feelings were sure."

"I cannot be with you. It just would never work. My parents are currently ushering, no, pushing me towards Matthew Crawley."

"I thought you said there was nothing between the two of you."

"That's what I came to talk to you about. I need to be honest with you."

"You are damn right you do!" Mary flinched at his words.

"I didn't come here for us to end up doing this. I came to talk."

By now the two of them were furiously pulling on their clothes. Mary pressed her hands against her dress making sure there were no wrinkles as she waited for him to reply.

"You should have said something before I started kissing you."

"I know but you were so insistent."

"Because I thought you knew how you truly felt…just tell me what you were going to say." He could barely meet her eyes.

"When you asked about Matthew, I was not clear. I wasn't clear because I'm not sure where I stand with him. It is obvious my parents want me to marry him to help run the estate. I refused to marry him at first, but after being pushed together so many times we have gotten to know each other. It's a relationship that is being pushed to be formed. I suppose it was inevitable I would find something about him I liked. And that's it. I do not see why I have to explain this to you, you're just the chauffeur I made a deal with."

"That's all I am to you?"

"We made a deal when I needed it. We said it would be purely physical. There was never a relationship factor, there never could be. As you have pointed out, we come from different worlds."

"And the meaningful talks we have had?"

"They were conversations I couldn't have with anyone else. I suppose you could call us friends, Branson. But that at the most."

"Then the deal is off."

"What?"

"The deal is off. I'm not going to just be here for you when it's convenient for you. It shouldn't work that way. And what, you're going to marry Mr. Crawley? I'm not going to be part of an affair with you whether you are married to the man or not. I do have dignity whether you believe it or not. I'm not some toy, Mary Crawley."

"I have never used you like that. And don't you dare talk to me that way, Branson."

His face turned from one of anger to expressionless. She was unaware if she had referred to him as Branson lately or not."

"I think you should leave, Lady Mary."

"Gladly," she whispered.

Mary left and hurried back to the safety of inside Downton where she could not be touched. She had been intimate with him many times, but this was the first time she felt soiled. She was not sure who was to blame.

"Hello, Mary."

"Cousin Isobel, what a surprise!" Mary smiled at the elder woman and invited her to sit. "Are you not working at the hospital today?"

"Oh no I took the day off, much to Violet's relief I am sure."

"I'm sure Granny appreciates all that you are doing there."

"Well," said Isobel with a shrug.

Mary smiled politely and asked, "Is there someone in particular you wished to speak with? I can have Carson fetch Mama."

"Actually I was hoping to speak with you."

"Of course. About?"

"I will just say it truthfully. I feel as though at first we started off rather rocky with one another. I hope you know now that I find you delightful to talk with."

"The reassurance is nice, I assure you," said Mary with a smile.

"I suppose it was because you posed a threat. A threat of stealing my son's heart away."

Mary glanced at the woman, however she could not read her expression. "A child will always have a place in their heart for their parents."

"I realize that, it was a foolish thought, but it existed. As I've come to know your family I now know how lucky we are to call you family. Lucky to have you a part of our lives."

"That's wonderful to hear."

"I just want there to be no hesitations of how I feel towards you and the rest of your family."

"Well, we all think the highest of you, Cousin Isobel. Papa is often remarking how the hospital is on a speedy path upwards. We have no doubts about you or Matthew. Not anymore."

"I'm glad to hear that. I think I will find your mother."

"I can ring for—"

"Oh no, I'll take a walk in the gardens and look for her."

Mary smiled as Isobel walked away. She found herself happier after the conversation. She didn't know if it was the gratitude that Isobel no longer held ill feelings towards Mary and the possibility of Matthew loving her or if it was because the conversation had been a distraction.

Isobel, Matthew, and Granny were over for dinner which was a regular occurrence. Still, Matthew and Mary found themselves talking alone.

"How have you been?" he asked curiously.

"I have had better days, I'll admit."

"I hope it wasn't because of something Mother said."

"No. It was nice talking to her in fact. She had nothing to do with it."

"That's good to know. I hope our presence does not sour your mood."

"On the contrary, it quite improves my mood," replied Mary. She gave him a broad smile which he returned.

"Now that, that makes my day."

"Have you had a trying day as well?"

"Work, but then again I choose to do that."

"Something I'm still trying to fathom."

"It keeps me occupied."

"What happens when you have a wife? Could she not occupy your time?"

Matthew blushed as he stole a look at her before taking another swig of his drink. "I don't think people would appreciate my wife and me spending the entire day in our room."

Mary let out a laugh which attracted the attention of several others who offered her smiles. "That was not quite what I meant, but funny to hear all the same."

"Sorry," said Matthew with a nervous laugh. "That was improper to say."

"I don't mind. Just don't say it around Granny or she will faint."

"Not only that, but I would never be forgiven."

"See Matthew? You understand our family well now."

They laughed and sipped their drinks as they enjoyed each other's presence. Mary smirked as she saw him staring. However this time Matthew did not look away but smiled.

"I would like to make something clear," Mary said suddenly. He straightened and nodded for her to go on. Mary stared at him and said, "You are Perseus."

"If we were alone right now, I would kiss you," said Matthew.

"If we were alone right now, I would let you."

Mary was sitting at her vanity when Sybil entered the room. Mary turned in surprise and smiled at her sister.

"What a lovely surprise."

"Sorry. Could we talk?"

"Of course. Is something wrong?"

"Not with me, no. I overheard Mama talking to Papa about you and Matthew."

"Oh?"

"She said she was sure he was going to propose soon based on the way the two of you were interacting. I just wondered if that's true."

"I have no idea what Matthew Crawley is or is not going to do."

"But if he were to ask you to marry him, what would you say?"

"Why are you so worried, Sybil? Are you harboring a crush on him?"

Sybil laughed. "Cousin Matthew is a friend. I suppose I'm worried that you will do what everyone wants and is telling you to do. I'm worried you will give up your life for something you do not want."

"That's very kind. But it is more than just that. I do care about Matthew, I can finally admit to that. I also have to decide what kind of life I want to live."

"What kind of life to you want to live, Mary? I'm certain Matthew adores you, but it would not be a strong marriage if you did not love him back."

"That's a very bold thing to say."

"You have to be bold in moments like these, don't you think?"

"I think that I am going to do what is best for me. I'm going to choose the kind of life I want."

"I hope so. Downton will be alright no matter what. It's you that we have to make sure will be alright."

"How have I been so fortunate to have a sister so loving as you?" asked Mary.

"I just want to know you will be happy. I heard from someone that the type of happiness you want can be reached without a countess title."

"And who told you that?"

"Branson, actually."

Mary frowned and said, "He could not possibly know what I want."

Sybil only smiled at her older sister, a sparkle in her eyes. They chatted for a few more minutes before Sybil departed back for her room. She had left Mary in a confused state. It seemed Branson and Sybil often spoke of her, but why? Mary had assumed the conversations related to politics and things all too personal and improper to be talking about. She now anxiously wondered if their discussions had all along been about her. It made no sense though, why Branson felt the need to talk to her younger sister about her family. About Mary.

Mary felt the day had trained her and she decided to stop thinking about Branson entirely, he only created confusion within her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut and willed herself to fall asleep.

It was the next day and she was on the bench when she saw him. She had been reading some book she found in the library that clearly no one had read by the amount of dust on it. She gladly closed the book as Matthew Crawley approached her. He waved as he closed the distance between them.

"Hello."

"Hello. I don't often see you reading outside."

"The weather is exceptionally nice today."

"True. Do you care if I join you?"

"By the way you veered of the path, it seems as though you have had every intention of doing so."

"Well, I really needed to talk to you."

"Now you've got me curious."

Matthew smiled. "I just couldn't wait any longer."

Mary felt her palms get sweaty. She gave him a shaky smile. "Go on."

She watched as he fumbled for something in his pocket. Mary glanced around and found that surprisingly no one was watching their encounter. Mary let the book fall to the ground as she saw the ring box exposed in the sunlight. The blonde, blue eyed man before her gave her a nervous smile as he ran his hand through his hair.

"I hope I'm doing this properly."

"On one knee."

"What?"

"I will only answer if you get down on one knee."

Matthew let out a chuckle as he dropped to one knee in front of her. Mary wondered if he could hear her drawing shaky deep breaths. She was nervous, unbelievably nervous. She saw images flashing through her mind. She saw herself and Patrick. Herself newly unattached. She saw herself and him. Tom Branson. She saw them kissing, she felt his hands on her. She saw him moaning her name. She heard him say how much he cared for her. And then she saw Matthew Crawley. She saw him shyly looking at her as he learned the customs of the aristocratic. She saw him make her laugh when she had felt miserable. And she saw him in this moment. He held her left hand in his and smiled at her.

"Mary, you enchanted me from the moment I met you at Crawley house. Ever since, it has taken time, but we have found each other. I knew all along it was you and I was prepared to wait an eternity for you to feel the same way about me. After everything that has changed our lives, I know the constant in my life I need and want is you. Will you, Lady Mary Crawley, do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

To be continued…

Holy guacamole it's over. I cannot believe Addiction has come to its close. I have been so excited for this cliffhanger ending, I've known I wanted to do it for about a month now. I hope you all will continue this journey on to the untitled sequel. This is going to be my first time doing a sequel. I wanted to demonstrate the true conflict in Mary between these two men who have taken her hearts in two very different ways. Brary is not over as you can see because Mary was thinking of Tom as Matthew was about to propose. I cannot give more away (and am truthfully not entirely sure where the sequel will end up). I have no time table. This sequel is going to have drama of course and I have to figure all of that out.

Please, please review. PM me. Ask questions.

You can find me for updates on tumblr: mrsmarybranson