Ten months and nineteen days since the arrest. Nine months and twenty-seven days since Aphmau and the Lycans found a new doctor to treat Derek. Seven months and fourteen days since Aaron got his own place and moved out. Four months and a day since Melissa was promoted to CEO of Lycan Inc.

And finally:

Aaron waits impatiently outside of the hospital window, hoping to hear the doctors say everything will be okay sooner than later. "He's a strong man. He'll make it."

He sits down on the chair next to the window, "I know he is." He says, "But sometimes even the strong ones go down."

"Don't think that way. Me and you went through doctor through doctor to make sure that Derek is in good hands. I trust Dr. Gonzales."

Five hours, forty-eigjt minutes and seven seconds since Derek was called in for surgery. Aaron spent each second worried that there was a slight chance Derek wouldn't make it.

Aphmau noticed how stressed he's been. Ever since Dr. Gonzales started working on Derek's case. He's been extremely stressed since his surgery had a date.

Aphmau put her hand on Aaron's, "Don't worry. Everything's going according to plan."

Except Aaron didn't believe. Well, yes, Derek's getting better, but one thing still felt incomplete. It's been one year, five months and thirty days since Aaron's been in love with Aphmau.

He knows they've decided to wait, take it slow, but Aaron was more than ready to tell Aphmau how he feels. Too bad he's choosing to respect Aphmau's decisions.

"You're right. Thanks for being here with me." Aaron tightens his grip on her hand.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world."

•○●A Purplla Publish●○•

"You two should go eat something, change. You haven't moved since early this morning." Rachel suggests, "I'll tell you when he gets out."

"It's okay, Mom."

"No, I think she's right." Aphmau stands up and stands in front of Aaron. "You haven't gotten out of that chair in so long. I'm taking you home to change then I'm treating you to dinner."

"We really don't have to-"

"That wasn't a question." Aphmau pulls him up. "You're coming out with me, whenever you like it or not. Derek will be fine. We can leave for an hour or so."

Aaron sighs, "I guess you're right." He turns to Rachel, "Please don't forget to call me if anything happens."

"Of course. Now go before you sprout mushrooms."

~~~

"So you're afraid of buried alive? Why?" Aphmau laughs.

"Dude, imagine watching someone bury you. That's a terrible thought to have." Aaron explains but Aphmau continues to laugh.

About two hours have passed and they find themselves parked on the outside of town, sitting in the truck, watching the sun go down and just talking about life.

"Okay, Everton, what's your weirdest fear?" Aaron crosses his arms.

"Clowns."

"So Cathy and Jenny?" Aaron makes a joke. Aphmau starts snickers and hits him lightly on the shoulder.

"You are mean!"

"The truth hurts." Aaron laughs with her. "Thanks, I really needed this time."

"This was the least I could do." Aphmau says, looking back at the sun setting. "Isn't it so beautiful?"

Aaron looks down on Aphmau, "More beautiful than I could imagine."

Screw starting slow. Aaron was done waiting. This was the moment he could tell her everything. This was the moment. And there was no way in bloody hell he was going to pass this opportunity up.

That was until his phone rang. "Hello?"

"Me and Melissa were told that Derek's surgery is done and-" Aaron starts to panic and faces Aphmau,

"Don't tell me anything else! Me and Aph will be there as soon as we can!" Aaron hangs up, "We gotta go! My dad's our of surgery."

Aphmau's eyes widen and she stands up, "Then why are we still here?! Let's get this show on the road!"

"Right right!" Aaron stands up. Finally. Fricking finally.