I do not own CSI
Dawn approached. An ambulance came to the scene. Crime scene investigators came to search through the warehouse. The area was flooded with spectators trying to see what happened and news reporters. There was a screen put up to hide Carmen and Jason.
The silent neighborhood was quickly riled up. A police car was parked behind the screen so Jason could be arrested without the world seeing it. Medics were tending to the SWAT team and the two teens. The rising sun hit Carmen's dirty hair, and even then she still had elegant fiery hair.
"Carmen?" Jason said while the medics were walking away.
Jason had his cut stitched up before he went to the warehouse, but he still had lots of bruises and minor cuts. His second brawl aggravated his injuries. Carmen's swelling had gone down on her forehead. The punch Jason had laid on her the first day they met was just healing. She had fewer injuries than Jason.
"What?"
"After all we've been through, do you still love me?"
Carmen looked at him like he was crazy. "Of course! I love everything about you."
Jason licked his dry, split lips.
"Then I have something to tell you." He inhaled a breath before beginning, "You're amazing. I've never been happier in my entire life when I'm with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I'm not doing well in school, but I want to finish college so I can get a nice job.
"I know we can't get married now, but when I've got my life sorted out we could get married if you want." Jason presented the promise ring. "It might take years before we can get married, but will you accept this?"
Carmen's eyes sparkled. Her eyes were tearing up. All she could do was nod and hug Jason.
"I'll marry you one day," she got out.
"Jason?" Nick Stokes stood several feet away.
Jason glanced at him. He put Carmen's promise ring on her left ring finger. He gave her one last kiss before standing up. Jason held his wrists out and let Nick handcuff them. Nick led him away.
Before Jason got into the police car Carmen called out, "I'll love you forever Jason!"
He returned, "I'll love you 'til the day I die."
The car drove off and Jason held back tears. He took in a shaky breath. All that mattered was that Carmen was safe.