Sean waited anxiously at his apartment. He knew he should've gone to the Simpsons tonight but he hoped Emma would understand his reluctance. He had so much to say to her but he didn't want to say it in front of everyone. And he couldn't put on a front and play the perfect boyfriend. Not that he was even sure that Emma would let him. Okay, he was still scared of her rejecting him. If Emma was going to tell him that it was over then he'd rather it not occur in front of family and friends. Sean wasn't too keen on breaking down and bawling down like a baby in front of everyone, he'd done it once and that was enough.

He looked at his watch, 11 p.m. Manny had called four hours ago with the news that Emma was home and currently being hugged to death by her brothers. Sean made her promise to tell Emma that he was waiting to see her at his apartment when she was ready. So now he was just waiting.

A knock sounded at his door. Sean hestitated a moment before crossing the room and opening it.

"Sean," Emma said with a smile.

"Emma," Sean said, taking her in. His Emma was finally standing before him. And it was at that moment that he forgot how to speak. The relief of finally seeing her overwhelmed him. Tears started pouring down his cheeks. All he could do was pull Emma inside the apartment and hug her with all the love in his heart.

"Is it really you?" Sean whispered, finally managing to find his voice.

"It's really me," Emma replied, her own tears making her voice rough. "I've missed you so much."

"I'm sorry, for everything."

"You don't have to be sorry."

"But I do," Sean said, pulling back from Emma so that he could look her in the eyes.

"I understand why you were angry."

"But that doesn't excuse my behavior. I acted like a jerk. I didn't even come to say goodbye to you at the airport. I was just scared of losing you so I pushed you away."

"It's something we're going to have to work on together because we're in this relationship together, right? You do still love me, don't you?"

"I'm sorry I made you doubt that. I love you so much." Sean said before he leaned into give Emma a kiss that had a year's worth of built-up passion.

Emma broke away from the kiss reluctantly. "I think I know where this is going and I can't yet. I want to, but I'm not fully healed."

Sean took a deep breath. "I've waited a year, I can wait a little while longer, but just a little," he said with a happy grin.

"I was still kind of hoping I could stay here tonight, with you."

"Won't your mom be angry?"

"She's just going to have to get used to it because I plan on being over here a lot. Like, every day, if that's okay with you."

"Yeah, I think I can handle that," Sean said as he pulled Emma back in for another kiss.

Sean slept soundly that night. Having Emma in his arms again gave him the most restful sleep he'd had in a year.

The next morning he found Emma in the kitchen making breakfast. The sight of her in one of his t-shirts and a pair of socks was something Sean wanted to see every day. "Let's get married."

"What?" Emma asked, the question halting her egg-beating.

"Okay, I screwed that up. It's just I saw you here and it made me happy and I want to see it all the time. I know this is an impulsive proposal but the thought behind it isn't. Wait here." Sean ran back to his bedroom and grabbed the ring that he'd hidden in a shoe.

"See," he said, showing her the ring box. "There's an engagement ring in here. I bought it after I got your last letter. I love you and I want to be with you forever. I'm sorry this is so crappy," Sean said in defeat as he looked at Emma's surprised expression.

"It's not crappy," Emma said, setting down the eggs she was beating. "It's really sweet. If you'd gotten down on one knee and started spouting about how much you love me then that would have been crappy. It's not a perfect proposal but it's from you and it's from your heart. So yes, I'll marry you."

"You will?"

"Yes, I will." Emma said as the reality of the situation sunk in and a smile broke out across her face.

"I love you," Sean said, grabbing Emma and kissing her.

"I love you, too."

Sean''s tattoo was cool on his skin as he continued to kiss Emma. Everything was finally right in his world. He and Emma were going to have a future together. Things wouldn't always be easy but he was never going to lose faith that they would get through whatever life threw at them.

It's finally over. I'm actually not too fond of the ending but I've been writing it in my head for days and nothing has seemed right. I probably should have ended this once they found out Emma was alive. Oh well, my apologies for a not-so-great ending. Thanks to everyone for reading.