There was never a question in my mind as to if I would return to Aaric, but when. I admit, part of me got scared. I spent a few days with him and they were wonderful, but I just kept waiting for everything to crumble, I waited for myself to crumble, but it didn?t come. I was okay with Aaric, for the first time in months I could hold myself together and manage to smile and most of the time; I smiled because I was actually happy.

We had a agreed I?d take a few days to get my things together and I?d decide whether or not to sublet my apartment, keep it empty in case things didn?t work out, or end my lease agreement. I decided to sublet the apartment. I had very few furnishings, as I had never got around to making the apartment a true home. I just didn?t have it in me to decorate and pretend that by making my surroundings beautiful and comfortable that it some how meant I was okay. My apartment reflected who I was for this past year, it was cold and empty. It was something very sad indeed. What furniture I did have, I decided to leave. I wanted nothing that was a part of the year from hell, I didn?t want the ghosts that lurked in the furnishings or to be reminded of the reason I had bought everything in the color black.

Staring at the mostly empty apartment, I shed no tears as I said goodbye to the past year. It was time to move on and get myself together and for that to happen I needed a fresh start supported by someone I loved. I had a comfortable home waiting for me with plenty of books to keep me company and a strong Irish man to get me through the bad times that I knew were lurking. I was finally going to have a home in Rhydin and a chance to be happy.

I arrived back to Aaric?s house, my new home, unannounced. I hadn?t stayed in the greatest of contact with him since our time together, but I just needed those last few days alone to really get a handle on what I wanted, what I needed, and how I was going to get both of those things. I knew now exactly what I wanted and needed and it was all in a little cottage near the glen.

Standing on the front porch, surrounded by the few boxes that contained my clothes and the few personal items I had brought with me from my Father?s home, I knocked on the door and then tested the handle, pushing it open.

?Aaric? I?m back, are you here??

I couldn?t help but laugh in surprise at Aaric?s reaction to my returning, to my being home. I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding on tight as he lifted me up into his arms; nothing had felt so wonderful and so safe for far too long.

?Home.? I whispered in his ear, grazing my lips over his cheek. ?That sounds nice.?

Sliding from his arms I looked down at my few pitiful boxes, my life fit in just three boxes and one of those were my books

?I?m sorry I didn?t let you know I was coming, but I wanted to surprise you. I?m here for good. The apartment is already sublet for the next six months.? I bit my lip trying not to get overly excited and embarrass myself by squealing.

?Anyway, this is it. This is my stuff.? Leaning down I grabbed a box and carried it through the door, setting it down in the living room.

?I?m not sure where you want me to stay.? I wasn?t so sure I was ready to share a bed with him, eventually, but now? ?I don?t want you to give up your room for me, so if it?s alright with you, I?ll just sleep on the couch.? The couch wasn?t the most comfortable option, but something told me that I?d be sleeping better here on the couch than I had in my own bed for a very long time. It was very strange being here, making a life together. I wasn?t sure what I was supposed to say or do next. Should we celebrate? Should I offer to cook a meal? Running a hand through my hair, I smiled up at him.

?Well then?? My lips twitched as my smile turned into a little smirk and I shoved my hands into the pockets of my jean skirt and looked up at him through the veil of my eyelashes, trying to give him one of those coy but smoldering looks, the one that melted hearts. At least that?s how it worked in the books.