[ in the pits of his heart, he knew she would do this. time slows, inch by inch, as she delicately rips his mask away. would she be revolted? deny him once as she already had, allegedly? he could hardly envision what remained.

but the light floods into his periphery, and her eyes bore into his, claws coveting his jaw. he is a weak man; always has been. and so a weight spatters against his own cheek, and he realizes there are tears flowing from his eyes in a neverending stream. ]

I regret it everyday. [ he says in a quieted breath. ] My choice. The loss of you. O, my sorrow... you are better than a well beloved.

[ as the tears gradually slow, he looks to meet her gaze blearily. there is warmth emanating from her body; so it seems she had achieved her wish. and yet her cheeks are pale with death. ]

...In the end, it's just you and me again, isn't it? [ a weak, miserable laugh. ] Okay. I'll take it.

[ a long, long beat. ]

I'm sorry. For all of it.