CUT AND RUN what if

Proposal

"Maybe we can start talking about the afterlife then."

A grin stole over Ty's lips and he nodded. The afterlife. Their plans for when work no longer called them, for when they could come out and truly build a life together. That familiar warmth began to seep through Ty as he stared into Zane's eyes. It wasn't the blinding flare of consuming heat it had once been. The flash and bang were gone, but the desire had grown into something less glitzy and more intense. Ty would never get tired of feeling that way when Zane was close.

"I love you," Ty said, a hint of longing in his voice that he was surprised to hear. He didn't want to have to wait for that afterlife; he wanted it now.

Zane took Ty's face in his hands. "I'm not going anywhere."

Ty's stomach flipped at the mere thought, but he nodded.

Zane huffed, then he was against Ty again, kissing his neck, holding him against the wall and murmuring into his ear. "I have something for you. Something I need to ask you."

"Ask me anything," Ty whispered.

Zane wrapped an arm around him. Ty could feel him trembling. His hand delved into his pocket, searching for something as he gave Ty a slow, sensual kiss. The moment held a sudden weight, something intense enough to push aside Ty's odd sense of impending trouble.

His instincts were proven right when his phone began to ring.

"Don't answer it this time," Zane murmured. His lips dragged against Ty's. "Please."

As the phone continued to ring, Ty's mind was torn between answering the call and giving into Zane's desperate plea for his attention. Though the caller was unknown, Ty knew he should answer, it was necessary, yet he couldn't bring himself to do so when Zane was looking at him with those intense eyes.

Zane knew that Ty always answered his phone, even in their most intimate moments. He knew why Ty did what he did. But right now he needed Ty's undivided attention, even if it was just for a few fleeting moments.

Just as Ty reached for his phone, Zane's heart sank. He didn't want to lose him to the outside world, not when they had each other. But then Ty surprised him by putting the phone on silent mode and handing it over to him. Zane couldn't help but smile at Ty's gesture. He knew how important the call was, but Ty was willing to put it aside for him.

Zane cupped Ty's face in his hands and kissed him again, pouring all his love and affection into the kiss. He wanted Ty to know how much that gesture meant to him.

"Thank you," Zane whispered softly, his hands gliding over Ty's shoulders and down to his hands, which he held tightly.

"Ty" His thumbs gently brushed over Ty's knuckles as he began to speak. "I'm not a perfect man. I'm nowhere near it," he stated in a brutally honest tone, His face betrayed no emotions, every feeling laid bare. "Throughout my life, I have made countless mistakes, some of which are irreversible" he continued, his throat visibly moving after uttering those words. "And when I first met you, I was nothing more than an empty shell, hiding behind a well crafted persona, reliving my shattered and grief-stricken past" he admitted. "But you saw through it all, you stood by me thick and thin, never giving up on me. You pulled me out of that hell hole and made me the person I am today. You've made me a better person Ty" he confessed. "You have given me a purpose, a reason to wake up every morning ever since the day you fell into my arms in that god damn hotel bathroom," He swallowed hard, eyes glistening with wetness as he looked up to meet Ty's gaze.

"You were the best thing happened to me in a long time and now I cannot fathom a life without you" Zane let go of his hands and moved a step back. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small brown box.

"Z-Zane" Ty let out a shaky breath as he whispered

Zane descended to one knee with an unexpected grace and extended his hand, holding out the open box. The inside was draped in black velvet, and nestled within its confines laid a gleaming silver band adorned with a vibrant stone. Ty's eyes widened and his breath hitched.

"Beaumont Tyler Grady, Will you marry me?"

For a moment Ty was silent, seemingly shocked speechless and eyes never leaving the ring. Ty felt his eyes prickling with tears. Zane only got a split second of concern that he had miscalculated before Ty said "yes" in as close as his rasping voice can get to a whisper.

Zane's mouth twisted into a smile "Yes?" He repeated.

"yes!" Ty smiles through the tears welling up in his eyes and nodded enthusiastically. "yeah Zane. I'll marry you " came his earnest reply. A soggy laugh left his throat as he hurried to meet zane halfway as he got up. Ty couldn't help as he felt emotions still clogging his throat. With a rush of excitement, he practically leaped into Zane's arms, nearly causing them both to tumble to the ground, his grip on Zane firm and secure.Ty held Zane tightly and buried his face in his neck, whispering "I love you" Zane reciprocated the sentiment, breaking apart from the embrace. With a smile, Ty extended his hand, and Zane carefully took the ring from the box, gently sliding it onto Ty's finger.

Zane affectionately caressed the shining silver band, gently rubbing his thumb over.

Ty slowly cupped Zane's face, drawing him in for a passionate kiss. Zane eagerly responded, wrapping his arms around Ty as they pressed themselves close together, seemingly trying to merge into one. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them in their blissful intimate.