[So this is it. She returns the kiss, clinging to him until he pulls away. Swallowing, she looks down. How she’s managed to this whole time, she really doesn’t know.]
You deserve… so much more.
[That’s all she can really say. Anything more and she would end up latched to him, refusing to let go. Unnecessary pain.]
… Goodbye.
[Without another word, he turns and begins to walk out the door. But for ten short seconds, he lingers in the doorway. He considers turning around, going back to her forgiving her, and holding her. He considers leaving the gang and running away with her, somewhere that no one will ever find them. For ten seconds, all of this seems more real. It seems possible.
Quickly, though, he pushes these thoughts away. He walks out the door and closes it behind him, standing perfectly still.
Another one gone.
He takes a deep breath and begins to walk, shoulders back and head high. He doesn't look back.]


















