And Then, As The Room Went Black,

I Walked Towards My Fate With My Destiny Standing Solidly By My Side

This Was Why I Was Here. This Was Why I Would Take Whatever Reception Waited For Me When I Got Back. Because, Underneath All The Anger And The Sarcasm, Jacob Was In Pain. Right Now, It Was Very Clear In His Eyes. I Didn't Know How To Help Him, But I Knew I Had To Try. It Was More Than That I Owed Him. It Was Because His Pain Hurt Me, Too. Jacob Had Become A Part Of Me, And There Was No Changing That Now.

I'd Forgotten How Exuberant You Are

Eight Full Lives,” I Whispered Against His Jaw, My Voice Breaking. “eight Full Lives And I Never Found Anyone I Would Stay On A Planet For, Anyone I Would Follow When They Left. I Never Found A Partner. Why Now? Why You? You're Not Of My Species. How Can You Be My Partner?” “it's A Strange Universe,” He Murmured. “it's Not Fair,” I Complained, Echoing Sunny's Words. It Wasn't Fair. How Could I Find This, Find Love–now, In This Eleventh Hour–and Have To Leave It? Was It Fair That My Soul And Body Couldn't Reconcile? Was It Fair That I Had To Love Melanie, Too?

He Raised His Hand, Hesitant, Conflict Raging In His Eyes, And Then Swiftly Brushed The Length Of My Cheekbone With His Fingertips. His Skin Was As Icy As Ever, But The Trail His Fingers Left On My Skin Was Alarmingly Warm - Like I'd Been Burned, But Didn't Feel The Pain Of It Yet.