A/N: Hey! We're almost to the end. I hope you enjoy this chapter. (Sorry it's taken me so long to put this up. I'm knee-deep in school stuff and I lost my drive to write this. I promise, this will end before December.)
Chapter 25: The Ultimatum
The calendar was mocking him, of that he was sure.
February 10th, he vaguely remembered the guard telling him. That meant four days to go before Valentine's Day. Two days to go until he was forcibly taken back to his home town to be sentenced.
He heaved a sigh, slumping against his little cot in the corner. For the month he'd been there, it had been kind of fun while it lasted. Sure, he got into a big fight with his sister, but it was all good now. He kind of regretted not doing everything that Catelin had recommended, such as going with her to see the model homes on the hill, or going to Club LOL.
He'd miss the people here, even if all he did was annoy them with his swindling. Heck, even Cherry was a pretty cool person to hang out with, and she seemed like she hated him!
While he sat there, the door opened, and Copper stepped inside. His cold, dark eyes surveyed the boy, not flinching even when he rose his head to stare.
Copper walked into the medium-sized room, unlocking the door to Todd's cell.
Quirking an eyebrow, Todd asked, "Wait, what are you doing?"
The cop didn't answer right away, instead focusing on the lock. When he managed to swing the door open, he replied, "The mayor will be in to explain it to you."
"The mayor!" Todd, taken aback somewhat, got to his feet.
When the blonde walked inside, she gave him a tiny smile and a wave.
"Todd, hey," she greeted, folding her hands behind her back.
"Cate, what are you doing?" He asked, stepping forward.
"I came to give you some news," she replied. "You won't have to be confined to that cell anymore."
His heart sank. "What?" "No, no... has she come to tell me off for-"
Then she smiled. "I was able to use my powers as the town leader to get you free."
He froze, her words slowly sinking in.
His hand twitched once, twice. She came to him, beaming.
"I- Is there a catch?" He whispered.
"Well," she hummed, trying to remember exactly what she'd been told. "I was told that you would have to complete a year of community service, along with paying back every single thing that you've ever extorted. That includes the ring."
He nodded rapidly. "Yes, yes, I can do that." He was hardly able to keep his lips from curving into a grin.
She paused for a moment before opening her arms. "Can... can I...?"
"Hug me," he demanded, and at once she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. He squeezed his eyes shut, the relief making his body practically melt against hers. He couldn't quite recall the last time he'd felt this happy for something.
He felt a lump forming in his throat when she gingerly began to rub circles on his upper back.
"How'd you do it?" He mumbled into her shoulder.
"I'm the mayor, remember?" She laughed gently. "Somehow, I was able to convince them that you had changed your heart and that you were willing to do anything but go to prison."
He laughed, beginning to tremble against her chest. Slowly, his chuckles grew louder, until he was practically crying with every breath he took.
She stood there, holding him. She began to giggle along with him, clenching him tighter.
"Miracle," he was saying. "You've managed a miracle, Cate."
"That I have," she agreed.
He finally let go of her once he had a handle on his emotions, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"I guess there's one thing left that I have to ask." He said. "Would you consider going out with me... for real this time?"
At this, she hesitated. At the hopeful look in his eyes, she nearly gave in, but...
"While you've proven that you've changed your stance on everything, I'm not sure I can trust you just yet." She told him. When he began to droop, she quickly added, "B- But if you promise me - like, really keep a promise with me - that you'll never lie to people and steal again, then... I'd consider it."
"Done," he replied with a smile. "I'll do whatever I can to prove to you that you can trust me."
She huffed out a laugh, reaching out to wipe another tear out of his eyes. "You've already proven to me that I can trust you, silly. If I was sure that you were still lying, I would have let them take you."
He frowned at that, but when she held out her hand to him, he took it.
"C'mon," he said, not sparing a glance at his jail cell, "let's go find Aceline."
A/N: I've mentioned before that I turned this in as a project. (I actually turned in the fanfiction up to this chapter!) I'm pleased to add that it earned me an A. Another fun fact: I was originally going to end this chapter with a kiss. Just a little tidbit. See you later!
(Author is not studying law. Author uses Uno Reverse Card.)