A/N: And it’s over… Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed and supported me. Love you all.

Wow. That’s all I have to say. When I first met Adrian I would have never thought that everything that has happened would happen. We were young, troubled, but he gave me something which could help, no matter what else was happening in my life. He gave me his friendship.

At first that was enough but over time I wanted more. Even when he was being a complete ass to me, I never wanted him out of my life. Well, I have my wish now. How often can somebody say that and truly mean it? How often can you truthfully say that ‘I’ve found my one true love, my soul mate?’ Well I can.

But I’m not going to lie. I can’t say that it was easy, that time at university. Phone calls can’t replace the joy of having that special person in bed with you, curled up and just wonderfully close. We didn’t even get chance to meet up every weekend because we had to actually study in order to graduate. God, the thought of more time apart is well, one of the worse things I could think of. A fate worse than death if I was being melodramatic.

Sometimes I had to wonder if it was worth all this pain. What would happen a few months down the line, a few years. What would happen if we split up? All I’d be able to think about was how it wasted my university days. I could never voice these thoughts (doubts) out loud, not even to myself because that would make them real. The only times that they were really an issue is when I was alone in a bed that seemed too large in the dead of the night. That was the time that all the terrible traitorous thoughts would come and plague me.

I never gave in though. I’d find myself fingering the ring that I had, with it’s inscription but more than that, the memories infused in it. I would never willingly give them up. I’d be insane to.

In a way the distance made us appreciate the time we spent together all the more, we never really took advantage of it. We savoured it. It made things better, like the sex. And there was always the knowledge that we were only a short train ride apart. That made the harder times easier to deal with. Like birthdays. No way could I have been happy knowing that my boyfriend was so close yet so far. Naturally we met up for them, and all the other special occasions.

We’d find ourselves back in our home town, staying with friends or in guest houses. Those were the times I treasured and looked forward to most.

And now? Well we’re back living together, after three years it’s long overdue and very welcome. It was amazing how quickly and flawlessly we slipped back into old routines, even after the time apart, and the fact we were older. But it proved that all the waiting, all the difficulty, all the pain was worthwhile.

After all, nothing can stand in the way of true love.

--

I think that I’ve always loved Anthony. In fact I know it. It may seem cliché to claim it but… if it’s the truth then it’s, well, the truth.

Looking back on everything makes me believe. When I befriended him I felt a kinship, something more than ‘oh look we’re both boys of the same age.’ Even then I thought he looked adorable and I wanted to protect him even though I was in no position to try and support another person. I could barely cope with my own life.

That didn’t mean that I just stood by and did nothing though. I remember showing him the beach, my sanctuary and really, that took a lot of trust. I can’t help but cringe and feel extremely embarrassed when I think about how I betrayed his trust in me, and nearly tore our friendship apart.

Fortunately for me Anthony is an insanely nice guy and he forgave me. And he loved me back. What more could a person ask for? That’s what I thought.

It took me a while to accept that our relationship was for real, and during the university years I have to admit that I was plagued by jealousy. Whenever I saw couples around the campus I wished that that was us, and wondered if you were wishing the same. I also had to wonder why you stuck with me when you could easily find somebody that went to your uni. Who’d turn down a date with you?

Of course the answer (which was obvious) took a while to show itself to me. I realised on my first birthday at uni, when you showed up out of the blue, with presents and a determination to recreate our favourite scenario. A home cooked meal and then a mind-blowing love making session. Because that’s what it is. Love. That’s why you didn’t abandon me just because things got a little tough, that would be running away from love and nobody with even an ounce of sanity did that.

That’s why I told myself to get a grip, and actually try to enjoy university. Which I suppose I did, but not as much as when I got to see my boyfriend, no matter how infrequent it happened to be.

I kept my promise though. We went away every Summer, camping in various places. We even bought our own tent. It was fun, magical. I think next time we might do something a little different and go camping in France. It should be special because, well, I might propose.

And you know what? I know that the answer will be ‘yes,’ after all how could I miss the hints that you’re ready for a bigger show of commitment? I know plenty of people who would be happy with just living together with the one they love. Then again you’re not most people.

That’s why I love him. Past. Present. Future.

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Profiterole: I’m glad you enjoyed their holiday. They did. Now they get their well deserved ‘happily ever after.’ Thanks for following the story and sharing your thoughts, I really appreciate it.