Chapter 12

A/N: Okay so if any of you are still reading this, then I'm shocked. I know it's been four months since I've updated but I just never found the time. I even considered abandoning it, but I've decided to finish this story no matter what. However, this is the final chapter. I have had many difficulties with this story but I've also enjoyed writing it and of course, seeing all of you readers who like it. If anyone has any ideas for one-shots, PM me and I'd be happy to write them. I hope this chapter was worth the wait, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Still don't own it...

Later that night, around eight-thirty, Dani finally reached her apartment, her first day back had taken all of her energy, leaving Dani exhausted. As she rode the elevator she kept thinking of how all she wanted to do was fall into bed, food not even being on her list of priorities at the moment. She reached her door and was startled to find her door unlocked. Must have been too rushed and forgot to lock the door this morning she thought. Just to be on the safe side, Dani grabbed her weapon and hesitantly opened her door, unprepared for the sight in front of her eyes.

Inside was none other than her boyfriend who was in the process of cooking her dinner, although his day was at least twice as exhausting. Jesse looked up only to come face to face with a SIG Sauer P229.

"Jesus, Dani! If you don't shoot me, then you'll give me a heart attack!" he practically screeched.

"Oh hush, you big baby. Besides, when aren't you getting a gun aimed at your head?" she retorted.

"Touche" and with that, the bickering ceased. Dani put away her weapon and badge and went into her room. She returned a few minutes later in sweatpants and a t-shirt with her hair down. Jesse saw her and grinned widely as she blushed. She made her way into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Jesse.

"What smells so good?" she asked into his back, her voice muffled.

"Chicken Alfredo" he responded, stirred the pot one last time and turned around to face the beautiful woman in his arms. "How was your day?" he asked smiling.

"Tiring. I hate to admit it, but I'm glad I waited so long before going back to work. I don't want to think about how I would have felt if I went back any sooner. Do me a favor and wipe that smug look off your face!" she laughed.

"And if I don't?"

"Then I'll have to kiss it off." she threatened with a serious expression.

"That's the kind of threat I like!" he said as he leaned down and kissed her lightly. One kiss turned to two but before both got carried away, Dani pulled back and reminded him of the dinner that was quickly becoming overcooked. Jesse turned off the burner in a flash and gave her a smile "Hungry?"

After dinner, they both decided to watch a movie, however deciding which movie was another story.

"I still vote Unstoppable" Dani said.

"And I vote The Princess Bride" Jesse argued.

"Why, I didn't take you for a romantic movie guy!" she snickered.

"Like you said, I get guns pointed at my head almost everyday, is it so bad that I want to come home and not watch poorly portrayed action?" he began in a defensive tone.

"Fine! The Princess Bride it is." she gave in.

Jesse gave her a peck on the cheek in gratitude and started the movie. They settled in on the couch with her snuggled with a blanket and her head on his lap as he played with her hair. Right before the movie began, Dani gave him one rule, "Do NOT answer everything with 'As you wish'. I actually will shoot you, got it?"

He gulped, trying to determine if she was joking or not, but the look on her face gave away nothing. "Got it" he answered and continued to play with her hair as the opening credits began.

Halfway through the movie, Jesse noticed Dani yawning more and more often until finally, her breathing evened out and her eyes slipped shut. He ended up watching her more than the movie, it was the only time he could without her calling him creepy. He didn't think of it as creepy, instead he felt as if she could disappear at any given moment. Plus when she slept, she was peaceful and somewhat vulnerable, a side that only one person got to see.

By the time the last "As you wish" had been spoken, Jesse himself began to feel tired. He gently picked her up, careful not to disturb her, and made his way to her room. He gently laid her down, tucked her under the covers, and smiled when she clung to his shirt. She stirred as he tried to pry his fingers away and mumbled a barely coherent "Stay" but Jesse heard. He scooted her over, climbed in, and watched as Dani semi-consciously assumed her usual position: her head on hist chest near his heart, her leg over his, and her hand across his stomach in a somewhat possessive manner. Jesse held her close and drifted off to sleep, whispering "I love you".

Dani laid there in silence taking in his words: he loves her. She hadn't loved anyone since Jay, clearly all that's changed. She realized that tonight, the way everything had seemed so normal yet fun, could be every night. She wasn't scared of the thought, instead she enjoyed that idea a lot. Of having a new life. After waiting until his breathing evened out, Dani whispered "I love you too" and closed her eyes.

A/N: Aaaaaaannnnnddd a great cliché ending, right? I had a lot of fun writing this story even though we hit a "few" bumps. A big thanks to MusicIsMyLife113 for all of your support and enthusiasm throughout this story and a big thanks to all of you who reviewed, they made me so happy!