Disclaimer: Again, I don't own Hummel, or anything else cited on this chapter.


Path of Roses

On the backseat of the Black Hummel, Agent Phil Coulson waited for his driver to get him home. It was a rainy Friday night, the lights on the streets of New York glimmering like stars on a dark sky, and he couldn't wait to get home, to the arms of the one he loved.

Reaching his destination, the agent grabbed his suitcase and headed inside his building lounge. With droplets of water falling from his coat and hair, the man quickly climbed the stairs, towards apartment 451. Unlocking the door, the man found strange lights coming from inside. Stepping in, he encountered several candles spread through the ground and furniture; a path of red petals forming towards his room. Feeling like something wasn't right, he called his mate's name: "Steve?", but no answer was given. "Steve, where are you?" Silence once again. Putting his coat on the hanger and his suitcase on the floor, Philip walked on top of the petals. Reaching down, he grabbed one and placed it on his hand – red roses – feeling the strong scent coming from it. Following the marvelous path towards its destination, the man entered his room, and surprisingly, he found it empty.

With another surprise, he heard the door close shut behind him, and before he could turn, hands were upon his eyes and a voice over his ears: "Close your eyes, my sweet love". The man obeyed, and being lead, he found himself sitting in bed, his hands feeling another set of petals all over it. Playing with them, the man waited for more instructions. Suddenly, Steve's presence was once on his front again. The man appeared to kneel.

"Phil?" the man spoke. "Yes, Steve" the agent responded. "I want to say a few words, are you ready to listen?" the other nodded with his head and mumbled what seemed like a "Yes". "Well, here we go" – the hero sighed, mustering his courage – "You probably know all this, but I'm going to say it again. You know me, I'm from a different time, where people actually committed with the other, no matter on what occasion, differently from the shallow relationships formed nowadays. And, ever since I woke up in this brand new world, I longed for something that reminded me from my past, to feel at home, and the moment I laid eyes on you, I felt like there was something different. As the time passed, and we got to live together, and get to know each other better, you made the homesick feeling go away, you gave me a new home to look forward to get to after I leave, and you… You burst through all of the defensive walls I had built up against this world,you showed me there was nothing to fear, that humanity changes, either for good or not, and, along the way of breaking down these walls, you got me head over heels. You made me realize love is still possible, even in a different place like this. You conquered me, like any other person has ever done, and because of it… Because I love you… I want to ask you: Will you, Philip Coulson, make me the most happy and proud man on the face of Earth, and accept me as your husband?"

The agent, opening his eyes, found Steve kneeling in front of him, a black box opened in his hand, and two pairs of shiny golden rings inside. His body was failing him, showing emotions he thought he had long erased, as a tray of tears formed on his face. He was pouring happiness from his eyes, and Steve could see that, a wide smile on his lips. "I do! Yes, of course I do, for now and forever! I love you, I love you, and I love you!"

Steve caught the other's hand on his, and placed the ring on his left hand. Phil did the same to the hero, and both embraced on a tight hug. Kisses followed, and in the candle lights, both men became one. The next morning, all that was left was clothes and petals mixed together on the floor, candles burned and two lovers tangled in one bed, bright sunlight illuminating their naked bodies.


Author's Note: Well guys, we're finally coming to the end of it. Two more chapters, and we're done. I hope you enjoyed this, and prevail with me until the very last chapter. Thank you everyone for the lovely reviews, I adore you all!