"The One" – Part 7

Summary and additional notes in part 1.

Author's Note: Wow, the feedback I'm getting for this story has been great! Here is another lengthy chapter! As the title implies, the leap could go good or bad...

Colleen - I can't PM you, so I'll respond here. Thanks for the reviews to this story and to "Bury The Castle"! I'm always thinking of different plots for Fadam and ways they could work out, so that's how the idea came about for BTC. Anyway, we will find out the fate of other Degrassi characters in this story as it progresses. I will say that Holly J will definitely offer her opinion on what's going on whether she says it in person or over the phone!

This is not related to my Degrassi timeline fics. (See my Author's Profile for details!)

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Degrassi!

-oOo-

Fiona had been relieved when the movers finally arrived. While she waited, she had gathered clothes from her closet and set other items aside. She had more things in Beth's room – it was where she had spent most nights – but she was inclined to let her keep them. It was cowardly, but she didn't want to run into her. She was grateful they had separate rooms because it made it easier to get the bulk of her stuff.

"Miss Coyne, we're moving the last of the boxes," one of the workers told her.

"Thanks," she responded. She was happy the hard part was nearly over. This morning had been tough. She continually walked on eggshells, hoping to avoid coming face to face with Beth. Tami was furious with her. Gretchen was upset too, but had remained civil.

Fiona looked at her phone again and frowned. With so much going on, she felt a bit silly texting Adam. Her mother warned her to tread carefully with him, but she ignored the advice and messaged him before leaving the Penthouse. That was hours ago and she still hadn't heard from him.

She ran a hand through her hair. Maybe her mom was right. Just because she was certain of how she felt about him, it didn't mean he would reciprocate. Part of her thought, perhaps it was just as well. It was penance for the way she handled this break up. But the larger part of her was hoping for a miracle.

Suddenly she heard her phone vibrate.

** Just saw ur txt. When and where? :D – Adam T. **

His smilie face made her laugh. She looked up and saw Tami glare at her as she walked by.

** Let's grab crepes. Lugilio's. 72nd and Columbus. 2PM – Fiona C. **

She grinned. She had an hour and half. It was enough time to wrap up things here and accompany the movers to the storage facility.

Gretchen walked up to her with a raised eyebrow. "I'm not even going to ask."

Fiona switched to a neutral expression. "Sorry."

Gretchen shrugged. "It's not me you need to apologize to."

"I guess I deserve that…" she conceded.

"I'm not lecturing you," Gretchen assured her. "You know me, I'm rather blunt as well. And I still can't believe you're moving out. Who's going to help me pick out outfits for dates?"

Fiona smiled at her. "I'm only a phone call away."

Gretchen nodded. "I just hope you know what you're doing," she said grimly.

"I don't," Fiona admitted as she shook her head. "I don't any clue what I'm doing."

-oOo-

Adam wrung his hands nervously as he waited by the door of the restaurant. He was a little bit early and figured she would arrive any minute. He still couldn't believe Fiona asked him to brunch. Yesterday had been incredible, but they left things open ended. He thought it was a good sign that she wanted to see him again so soon. But then again, maybe since they had gotten along so well she was eager to introduce him to Beth.

He sighed. He was the one who suggested that she bring her girlfriend next time. It was just as well. Beth wasn't going anywhere. If he was to be Fiona's friend he would have to meet her sometime. He had to accept reality. His jealously had no legitimate basis. He and Fiona dated nearly a decade ago! They had both moved on a long time ago. The nostalgia he was feeling, was just that. Perhaps since he was in a new city with few familiar faces he was just latching onto her. As he met more people he was certain he'd feel like himself again.

"Fiona," he called out. He had spotted her walking down the street. She was wearing a pink sundress with a denim jacket and brown boots. He thought she looked beautiful.

She smiled when she heard his voice. "Sorry to keep you waiting," she told him as they shared a small hug.

He smirked at her. "Fiona Coyne is always fashionably late," he teased. "But this time, I was early."

She softly laughed.

"So, where's Beth?" he asked casually. He did his best to keep his face neutral.

Fiona paused. If he was asking about Beth then he thought she had asked him here as friends. That would make sense but neither of them had hinted otherwise yesterday. She internally debated what to say. She took a deep breath and decided to go on instinct.

Fiona looked into his eyes. "I'm not with Beth anymore."

Adam blinked. He was stunned. "What?" He croaked out. He found himself thoroughly confused by her admission.

She ignored her nervousness and held contact with his eyes. With every passing second, the meaning behind her words became clearer.

"You mean… You're not… Um," he stumbled over his words. "But I thought…"

His reaction made her smile, and gave her hope.

"I want to be with you," Fiona affirmed decisively.

Adam was floored. Nothing in his life ever worked out this perfectly! He wondered if he was still dreaming or if this was some kind of practical joke! He searched her eyes and the emotions he found there moved him. He realized she was serious and he slowly let down his guard.

Adam stared back at her with open affection. He was delighted when she broke out into a huge smile and he quickly took her hands in his.

"Are you sure?" he questioned. His head was spinning and he felt like he was in some kind of crazy romance novel. Stuff like this didn't happen to regular people!

She nodded. "Pretty sure."

He let out a breath. He found her eyes again and stared at her in wonder. "I can't believe this is real! I couldn't stop thinking about you all night!"

Fiona let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Me too! I ended things with Beth. I just knew…"

Adam slightly frowned. Their happiness came at a price. "You're not together anymore?" he reiterated, finally putting together his earlier incoherent thought. He needed to hear her answer before he could fully give into this moment.

She shook her head. "I care about her deeply, but it's different with you… It wouldn't be fair to any of us. How could I stay with her when I love you?"

Adam felt like he was about to fall out. "What?" Did he hear her right?

Fiona briefly paused, wondering if she had said too much. She didn't want to scare him away, but she knew how she felt. She didn't want to hold it in anymore.

"I'm in love with you," she said decisively.

Adam took a step back. "Fiona…" he started hesitantly. "We just ran into each other."

She looked at him, full of conviction. "I know."

"We haven't seen each other in seven years!" he reminded her, troubled by her calm demeanor.

She nodded. "I know," she repeated.

"This is crazy!" he said frustrated. He wasn't sure how to feel. People didn't meet up after years apart and suddenly declare their love for one another! It didn't make sense. It wasn't rational. There were so many ways this could go wrong.

"I know," she stated firmly. They looked at each other again. "But I also know, without any doubts, that you're the one for me."

He looked down at his shoes.

"Tell me you don't feel the same?" she challenged him.

Fiona swallowed the lump in her throat. Somehow she managed to get that all out without her voice breaking. She put everything on the line and all she could do now was wait.

Adam felt lightheaded. Everything was moving so fast. In less than twenty four hours his whole world had been turned upside down! He cared deeply for Fiona, but this seemed like too much, way too soon.

He looked up again, and blue-gray eyes met his clear blue ones. It was then that he knew. He let out a breath.

"I do," he admitted in a soft tone that came out barely above a whisper.

Her whole demeanor visibly brightened. Fiona rushed towards Adam and threw her arms around him. He immediately hugged back, delighted to have her in his arms again after all these years. They stood there for a long time, simply holding each other. Adam kissed the side of her head before finally pulling away.

He then rested his hand on her cheek. "I love you, Fiona. I always have," he professed. The moment felt surreal but it wasn't a dream. It was really happening! He was freaking out a bit inside, but he also felt happier than words could describe.

Fiona grinned broadly. She knew it might seem crazy to anyone else, but they were crazy in love.

The two of them moved forward and shared an emotional kiss.

.

tbc

A/N: Aww. The End.

Totally kidding! Trust me, this fic is far from over! Reality's right around the corner, but there is a chapter of fluff coming up first. Hmm, it's rather early so still deciding whether to post it today or tomorrow...

Review! You know you want to! :D