A/N: Hey guys, so weird news... this is the very last chapter of The First O.O I can scarcely believe it, and I am so blessed to have such amazing people to share my writing with. I just want you all to know that you're great, and I'm so grateful for your support! Now, please enjoy :)

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05 - 03 - 2089

I see my freedom everywhere now.

I see it in the wisps of grass tickling my bare feet. I see it in the trees on either side of me. I see it in the new growth covering the forest, drowning out the remnants of winter.

So much green.

So much life.

I'm taking my daily walk through the woods behind the house where I spend most of my time. The house is on the outskirts of a quaint town, one much warmer than Fairbanks. After a long, long, plane ride we landed in this place. It was much warmer than Alaska when we arrived, and after several months the snow has completely disappeared, new life has springing forth.

I'm still not tired of all the color. I look forward to leaving the house and enveloping myself in nature. Listening to the breeze blow past as birds skitter about to make their nests. Hearing the beginnings of frogs croaking in a nearby creek, and the buzz of insects. It's so plain, so untouched, that it's easy to forget what it happening all over the world.

"I thought I'd find you out here."

I turn around to see Cade heading towards me, slow because of the bulky crutches he has to lean on for support. He's wearing gray sweatpants and a loose t-shirt, the bandages around his stomach just peeking through.

I head for him, a smile on my lips, but by the time we reach each other, he's already breathing hard and his face is pale. His normally shaggy hair is gone, having been buzzed short when he needed surgery for the bullet that landed in his stomach. The hair is starting to grow back more now, but is still shorter than it was.

I don't hesitate to stand on my tiptoes and plant a kiss to his lips. He grins against my mouth and kisses me back, heat flooding through me even in the chilly morning air. When I think about how I almost lost him all those times months ago, I can't help but deepen the kiss.

When we pull back, I give Cade a moment to steady himself, ready to reach out if he needs support. The bullet did a lot of damage inside him, according to the doctor who treated him, and he said Cade was very lucky to be alive.

In fact, that Cade is already up and walking around after all his surgeries is a miracle. His body is still weak, so he needs the crutches to help him, but he's healing more each day.

"How are you feeling?" I ask, shoving my hands into the pockets of my blue sweatshirt.

Cade shrugs. "Not too bad, considering." So, that means you're tired and sore. Get him to rest, Gis.

"Why don't we go inside?" I suggest, hoping he'll agree so I can get him to rest. I know he pushes himself too far, despite what he says. And I know he's tired of staying in bed and playing the patient. But whenever he complains I remind him that I did it for sixteen years.

"We don't have to go in. I know you prefer it out here."

"It's okay. I'm done with my walk anyway." I take a step towards the house, but Cade holds out a hand, a hint of a smile on his handsome face.

"Gis, it's okay. I'm not going to break if I stay out here for a few minutes." Cade draws me near and entwines his hand around mine. The skin is warm, the touch sending sparks up my arm.

"Only a few minutes," I relent, nestling closer to Cade as best as I can around the crutches.

Cade rests his chin on my head and says through my hair, "Of course."

I relax into his touch, silent for a moment until a thought pops into my mind. "Cade?"

"Hmm?"

"What was this place called again?"

I feel Cade smile against my head, before he shifts slightly. "Province Two, Minnesota."

"Oh. Right." I bite my lip, then say, "Why is it called that?"

Cade shrugs. "I'm not sure. When the collapse happened, all the states changed in some way or another. I guess Minnesota decided to change their cities to provinces instead."

I nod, relishing in the silence that follows and merely enjoying Cade's company. No words need to be spoken, not in this moment.

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After a nice time out in the forest with Cade (which was longer than a few minutes, much to my protests), we head inside. We are greeted by the smell of bacon and eggs cooking, the sizzling sounds reaching our ears from the entryway.

"Smells like Mrs. Tate is making breakfast," Cade says with an appreciative sniff. Mrs. and Mr. Tate are our hosts, a couple who offered to keep us safe and out of sight. They really are sweet people, and Mrs. Tate is an especially good cook.

I help Cade undo his shoes, then we make our way through the carpeted hallway into the spacious kitchen. The table is situated in the center of the room, and along the far wall is a wide set of glass doors, revealing part of the creek beyond the spring trees.

After giving the view a moment's glance, I help Cade into his seat, then set his crutches against the counter. He settles in, his movements rigid even though he's trying to act casual. Make sure he rests after this, I mentally remind myself.

"Good morning!" Mrs. Tate chirps from the stove, waving her spatula around. I grin and join her, helping to toast the bread. Her sandy hair is already pulled back in a messy bun, similar to how she taught me to fix my own hair. Her face is bright, even this early in the morning,

Once the food is fixed, Mrs. Tate and I bring it over to the table and sit down. Mr. Tate has already gone to work for the day, having made his breakfast on his own before we were awake.

"How did you sleep?" Mrs. Tate asks as she scoops some scrambled eggs onto her plate. I plop two slices of toast onto my own plate, the freshly cooked food curling around my nose.

"Pretty good," I say between a bite of bacon.

"Like the dead," Cade adds, his own fork poised for his mouth.

"Good, good. I have to go into town today to get some groceries. Is there anything you'd like?"

I shake my head, and Cade mirrors my actions. The rest of the meal is filled with pleasant conversation, but by the time we are finished Cade is hunched over his plate, clearly worn out.

"You better get him to bed," Mrs. Tate whispers as she brushes past me to clean up the dishes. I nod in acknowledgement and thank her before turning to Cade.

"Why don't you lay down now?" I suggest quietly, hoping Cade doesn't react badly. He hasn't exactly gotten angry at me because of it, but he has become a bit annoyed. I only want what's best for him.

Cade looks like he's about argue, but then he blinks and purses his lips. Finally, he nods tiredly. I refrain from saying anything else as I hand him his crutches and help him back to his room. He doesn't hesitate to sink down onto his bed, letting out a long breath.

Once his crutches are set aside, he pats the bed at his side and I sit slowly, careful not to bump him. But it doesn't do much good, as he pulls me to his side the moment I'm seated. I roll my eyes and lean into him, savoring his clean scent and the warmth that seeps into me.

"It's really over," I breathe, basking in the absolute peacefulness of this moment.

"Mmhmm."

"Cade, do you remember what I said to you when..." I hesitate, suddenly struggling to get the words out. The memory of his bloody face staring at me while I'm about to be put under still haunts my dreams. But I haven't forgotten the words I said to him. How I admitted that he was the source of my freedom, the symbol of life. Everything to me.

Thankfully, Cade knows what I mean and he nods. "Yeah?"

"Well, I... I just want you to know that I meant it. Every word." I feel heat spreading to my cheeks, my face turning color even though I try to keep my expression neutral.

Cade doesn't respond. Moments pass, and I look over at him. I'm mildly startled to see him already staring at me, his gaze piercing despite the exhaustion that is weighing him down. His eyes glisten, and with a start I realize they are unshed tears.

"Are you okay?" I whisper, wondering if he's feeling worse. I'm about to reach up and feel his forehead when he clears his throat.

"You know you're absolutely amazing, right?" He says, his voice thick with emotion.

There isn't anything else I can say. Not after that. Without another word the dam bursts. I can't hold it back anymore as a choked sob escapes my lips. Then Cade's arms are around me and he's kissing me fiercely, the love and care and devotion we feel for each other laid bare in this kiss. A kiss so deep it feels like he's afraid I'm going to disappear if he doesn't hold on to me.

And I now I realize something that lights me up inside until I'm burning with incredible feeling.

I've found my home and it's right here beside Cade.

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