The dust cleared and everyone's eyes went skyward. The Eye had been partially damaged, but was mostly intact. Leo helped me to my feet and we nudged our way through the crowd of onlookers.

"I guess I'll have to take you back to the station." Leo said, rubbing the back of his neck.

I shrugged and he seemed to sense I wasn't in the talking mood. He guided me along and we made our way back to the station. When we got there, my Dad was frekaing out. He was watching a monitor that was broadcasting the news. I approached him and tapped his shoulder. He whirled round, embracing me. He glanced at Leo.

"Thank you for bringing back my daughter." Dad smiled.

"No problem." Leo said, and he reached out, patting my shoulder.

I was completely numb to everything. A part of me knew Ashley was dead, but another part didn't want to believe it.

***********************

2 Months later

I had not gone to live with Dad afterall. I did still see him and that's what mattered. Andrea wouldn't speak to me, but I wasn't too bothered by her. My life went back to normal. Christmas ticked by and we were into February now. Mrs Appleby continued to look out for me and I returned to work.

Beverly treated me as normally as possible. Jace asked me on a date, much to my surprise and I did go out for a meal with him, but I couldn't bring myself to have the same feelings for him as I had before. I wanted to, but it wasn't in me. It was like I was still getting over everything.

The people in connection with the facility had been arrested and charged by Alastair and Luna, the girl with silver hair. Sphinx's actions had seen that justice would be served, but it had cost them their lives.

Dani often visited and he was a welcome distraction from the grief I felt. He was happy and usually dragged me out of the flat on my days off. My life seemed to be ticking by nicely.

Valentine's day arrived and I was off work today, watching Disney films and eating ice cream.
The tub was balanced in my lap and I was part way through The Princess and the Frog when the doorbell went. I set the tub down and padded over to the door. The postman greeted me with a parcel I had ordered and a handful of letters. Two of which were bills and the other was handwritten. I opened it last after signing for my parcel.

Inside was a note from Leo. I hadn't seen him for a while:

Hello Rini, I hope you get this on Valentine's Day as intended. I have a special surprise for you.

Underneath, he'd scrawled a meeting place and I raised my brows. I sighed and packed away my ice cream and ripped open my parcel, pulling out a new dress. I guessed I could wear it for this surprise. I got dressed and made my way to King's Cross Square where he wanted to meet me.

It wasn't a long journey there and the fountains were on because of the unseasonable warmth. Couples loitered around, holding hands and I felt like the odd one out. I sat on a bench nearby, keeping my eyes peeled for Leo. I waited till it got to the time on his letter, then I started to wonder if he'd stood me up.

I glanced across the way and blinked a few times. A very familiar figure had appeared. It couldn't be. Ashley. I stood then and walked round the edge of the fountains. As I drew closer, I began to realise that it was Ashley. His hair was slightly shorter, but still black. He saw me and smiled.

We approached each other and I was filled with the urge to both kiss him and punch him. I really didn't want to punch him so I launched myself forward and kissed him. He seemed stunned then responded. I never wanted to let go, just in case he was imaginary. I had to pull back eventually though.

"You're here? How are you here?" I asked.

"CC and I survived. Leo helped us gain new identities." He said.

"I missed you." I murmured.

"I never really stopped thinking about you." He admitted.

That broke me because I hugged him and his arms wrapped round me. It was so familiar and comforting that I burst into tears.

"So, we can be together like normal people?" I asked.

"Our relationship was never normal, but we can be together." He replied.

I sniffled and let go, taking his hand and leaving the fountains.

Notes

I toyed with the idea of leaving them dead, but I love happy endings. Also I have a new story if anyone is interested. It's called Bullets and Mercury. Read if you like things that go on forever and Andy murdering people.