"This wasn't supposed to happen. Neither of us is supposed to still be around. That's what we get for defying fate." An intriguing concept in theory, but very difficult to figure out in practice. What was he supposed to do? "All I know is..."

He turned his head, looking up at the ceiling. That made it easier. "I love you." A love that he had buried for so long, because he had to. But it was still there, painful and unrelenting. "I love you and it seems to outweigh all else. Even my loyalty."

Blasphemy, wasn't it? To so much as say that. "I don't know where there's space for us in this world. But I'll make it, if I have to. I won't die without leaving my mark. And I'll keep you safe. I failed once. That's enough."