Worlds apart: Dee Dee and Carlos

"Thank you," he breathed.

After stopping at her apartment for some things, Dee Dee went with Jace to his home. It was a small, modest house nestled in between others, but it stuck out with its warmth. It was clear his mother loved and cherished it: through the small garden and flower boxes surrounding the windows, the painted shutters, and the vibrant red door. When the entered, the house was still in a simpler time: filled with antiques and old family photos. Dee Dee loved it immediately, "it's lovely."

Jace smiled and ran his hand along the banistar," Ma loved this place."

Dee Dee carefully set her bag by the steps, making her way to the bookcase. She gently ran her fingertips across the many spines of books, mesmerized. "She loved her books too, I see."

He chuckled, "No, Ma never understood why I needed so many books. They are mine."

Dita smiled, "Poe...he is tortured, but I like him."

"I love him. I don't trust a man who isn't at least slightly tortured," a smile crept into his eyes.

Dee Dee smiled, "I didn't realize that I going my literary soulmate."

The word soulmate made him flush and turn.

Dee Dee, not noticing, continued looking at the books.

Making his way into the living area he grabbed a record and put it on the player. The song was slow and sweet. A female voice warbled in french, he had no idea what she was saying, but he'd loved this record enough to send it home.

Dee Dee paused, listening to the crooning of the lady. She smiled softly at the lyrics as she listened. She had taken French since she was in high school; hoping to go there someday...after the world stopped being so chaotic. She looked up at Jace, "This is beautiful."

Pulling her to him he silently began spinning her gracefully around the room.

Dee Dee blushed as they danced. Eventually she rested her head against his chest.

This was what kept him going after witnessing all the pain and suffering in the camps, all the deaths, all the chaos. The woman in his arms had given him a gift, hope. As the song came to an end he tilted her face up to his and gently placed his lips against hers.

Dee Dee was surprised at first by the kiss, but didnt hesitate kissing him back.

Every thought he had had while overseas began spilling out, "You kept me alive, Dee. I had given up, lost hope, your letters kept me a live. I don't want to live without you. I want to marry you and have kids with you, make a life with you," he kissed her over and over.

Dee Dee blushed, "You want to marry me?"

The ring in his pocket seemed like it was burning his hip. Smiling, he pulled it out and got on one knee.

"I do, I know it's strange, but will you marry me?"

Dee Dee stared at the pretty sparkling ring in the box. She had seen so many rings while working at Tiffany's but this one was beautiful and hers. Unique and not like something duplicated; like them. She smiled, nodding in a daze, "Yes."

The relief he felt was palpable. He had been terrified she'd say no. slowly, he slid the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit. He pulled her down onto his knee and kissed her as passionately as he could.

Dee Dee smiled against his soft lips, gently resting her hands on his shoulders.

"I was afraid you would say no," he blushed.

Dee Dee stroked his cheek, "I fell in love with you after your first letter."

The love in him made his chest hurt as he leaned forward and kissed her again. He couldn't let her go, he was afraid she would disappear.