Chapter 12 (Tommy's POV)

"You were always ready to fight for us. Now it's my turn." I looked at you, an overwhelming number of emotions running through me. This certainly was something new. Usually the roles were reversed in this game we had played for far too long.

"What's different this time Jude?" I questioned. Why were you so ready to put in the effort now. How could I be sure that this wasn't some temporary lapse in judgement on your part, and that you wouldn't be running for the hills come the next morning.

"Tommy, look at us. We're miserable without each other. I can't live normally without you. You're like my other half. I haven't eaten or slept right in the two years that we've been apart. And I don't believe that I'm going out on a limb by saying that you're not doing much better without me." You finished, hands on hips, a determined look on your face.

I sat in silence. There was no use in denying that I was currently living on the brink of hell. But a small part of me couldn't help but to think that I wouldn't be there if I had never met you in the first place.

"You did this to me, Jude! With your constant pushing me away. I can't deal with that anymore! Everytime I get my hopes up that we could just live happily, you run and I'm left with nothing but memories and a broken heart! I can't let you back in, because you never let me in to your heart in the first place! No matter how much I try to break through your walls, you build them back up!"
You hung your head low, tears coming to your eyes. "I'm done running Tommy. I can't deal with being without you anymore. You're my other half. Running from you is like running away from myself. By running and being apart from you, I'm only hurting the both of us. And if you repeat my past mistakes right now, you'd only be doing the same."
I rubbed my eyes harshly, a loud sigh escaping my lips. I looked back up at you, through only slightly blurred vision. "I can't let you back in Jude. Not if there's even the slightest chance you might leave again. If it's us again, it's got to be us forever. Because if you were to leave again, I wouldn't be able to cope. You've got to be sure this time."

"I'm sure Tommy. I've never been so sure of anything in my entire life. From the day I met you when I was 15, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. It was never you I was unsure of Tommy. I was unsure of myself. I never thought I was good enough for you, and I was always amazed by the potential you saw in me. I couldn't believe that you could love me so much. When I used to accuse you of cheating and being unfaithful, I wouldn't have blamed you, because I just thought you deserved so much better than me." You explained, tentatively sitting next to me on the edge of the bed.

Instinctively, my hands reached over to grab the sides of your face, and my lips met yours in a kiss that was 2 years overdue. All the passion and love that was pent up inside of us now temporarily released, I pulled away, leaning my forehead on yours. "You're the only thing I've ever wanted. Don't ever doubt that. Not even for a second."

A small smile played on your lips as your eyes met mine. My thumb ran over the side of your cheek, and I saw a contemplative look cross your features. I looked at you inquisitively, silently urging you to speak your mind. It was time for everything to come out into the open now. However, what was about to come out of your mouth next would severely shock me.

"Marry me Tommy?" Your request caught me off guard, and I looked into your eyes trying to judge how serious you were. I was surprised to see no hint of unsettlement, no nervousness, no playfulness. As much as your request had thrown me for a loop, my answer would jolt me even more.
"With pleasure."