A/N: (I'm leaving this the way it was originally just because--LOL) I'm sure there's a PC-ite out there right now wondering why I would chose this song for the closing chapter. Well, I honestly can't tell you why—one thing it has nothing to do is with Michael Easton—I've always loved this song, it's sweet and you feel it deep in your heart. It's really about the wanting to begin a new life with someone. Anyways, everyone enjoy! Until next time—thanks for all the wonderful reviews--PCGirl.
"Jessica, I really am going to be fine," said Natalie as she moved cups from boxes to the cupboard in hers and John's new apartment in Philadelphia.
"I know—I just worry about you is all."
Natalie smiled, "Well, I'm glad you're worrying about me but in case you forgot my boyfriend is a cop."
"Fine—I'll give you some slack. That place just didn't sound very—uhm, hospitable."
"Maybe not for you, but I was raised by Roxy—I've lived in worse dumps than this. Anyways—it was the only place that we wouldn't have had to wait two months for an opening," she said as she pulled her hair out of the pony tail and pulled it back up again, wiping the beads of sweat off her neck—it was definitely a hot August night.
"Ok, but call me and tell me how your first day is."
"I will. Bye Jess."
"Bye Natalie."
Natalie threw the now empty box over next to the door where the rest of them sat and walked into the bedroom—they'd ended up having to get a one bedroom apartment for now. John was sitting there looking out the open window, "Any luck on a shower cooling us down tonight?"
"It feels like it's about to pour," he said turning his head towards her and giving a smile.
"Well, I'm going to take the empty boxes down—I remember seeing that Deli a few doors down—you want me to pick up a cheese steak for you?"
"Yeah, I could use some food right about now," he said as he walked over to her and pulled her close to him. He moved down to give her a passionate kiss as his hand slipped something into her back pocket.
Natalie pulled out of the kiss and reached into her pocket, "A knife?"
"For protection—ok? When you get back I'll have my other box unloaded," he said as she turned and left the room. He stopped for a second and walked out to the living room as she collected the boxes, "Hey—I love you."
She looked back to see his head resting against the door jam, "I love you too."
John slipped the remaining items of his into the bottom drawer and heard the front door open. He leaned over to see Natalie walking in, soaked from head to toe from the downpour that finally decided to greet the muggy night. He tried to hide his smile, but he couldn't keep it hidden as he spoke, "That's one way to cool off."
She gave him an evil look, as if daring him to speak, before sitting down on the floor next to him and pulling out a wrapped sandwich and handing it to him, "One Philly Cheese steak—supposedly the best in town."
"Yeah? Probably like every hot dog stand in New York—they all say they're the best, but has anyone ever gone and tried every vendor in the city?"
They stayed silent for a few minutes while eating and Natalie looked over to see he'd put down his sandwich and was just staring, "What? Do I have something on my face?" she asked, touching her face in reaction.
"No, it's nothing," he said shaking his head.
"Don't start with the silence thing again John—I thought we were past that point."
"We are—I was just realizing how you've changed me. The past few years I've slowly built this wall around my heart—making it so I never showed any feelings. I think I was harder to break into than Fort Knox.
"There were women in those years that had an interest in me, but when they saw the barrier they turned and walked away—I guess the idea of having a relationship with a unfeeling statue turned them off. But then there was you—you somehow got onto the other side of the barrier and tore it down from the inside. You could have walked away just like all the rest, but you didn't—and in the end, I'm sitting here next to you and I feel reborn, as if I'm getting to have the chance to start from scratch in love. There are no barriers with us now Natalie—it's just you and me, and I'll always be grateful for you bringing me to a new point in my life."
"Wow—I think that's the most words I've ever heard you say without being interrupted," laughed Natalie as she wiped away the tears. She leaned in to him and kissed him before whispering, "You were worth it."
"Am I?" he asked with a complete grin on his face. When she'd leaned in he could faintly smelled flowers—possibly roses. The slight scent though was all it took—John had to have her closer than physically possible and in moments they were losing themselves in each other.
And as the rain poured outside, washing away the dirt and grime of the hot August day John knew there was no woman before or after Natalie—there was only her and what she did to him.