#fuuuck yeah

“When you love someone, you don’t just stop,” he said. “Ever. Even when people roll their eyes or call you crazy… even then. Especially then!” His arms waved around as he yelled, and he could feel the tears rising up in his eyes.

“Why are you so upset?” She asked, standing up from the bed, and looking down at him. “Is it because of what I propose?” He swallowed.

“How can you just talk about leaving me like that?” He looked up at her, a tear falling from one of his almond eyes.

“Is that all?” She said, nearly laughing. “Please, you cannot be serious.” She smiled. “Are you truly going to be so hurt by me leaving? We have had our fun together, but all things must end, you know.”

“Don’t leave me,” he begged, grabbing her arms. “Please, Morrigan, I can’t lose you!” Her eyes grew wide at his outburst. “Morrigan, I’m begging you, please, don’t leave me alone!”

She cupped his face in her hands. “I must,” she said, her eyebrows raised in sad pity.

“Why?” He asked, sniffling. He dropped his hands to his side. “Was I really just for fun?” She didn’t respond. “Oh, Creators!” He sobbed, burying his face in his hands. “If I was really so stupid to think that you loved me, I’d much rather die!” He looked into her eyes, and recoiled at the look of shock in them.

“Certainly you cannot be serious.”

“I am,” he said, his thick eyebrows pulling together. “If you don’t love me…” He trailed off. “Morrigan, please,” he said. “Should I get on my hands and knees?” He asked, gesturing wildly. “Should I beg and plead with you to stay?” He could feel his legs start to give out, and sunk to the floor.

Morrigan bent down as well, lowering herself to look up into his eyes. “Tis for the best,” she said.

“Why?” He asked. “Why would leaving be better than staying with me?” She didn’t answer. “You told me once, you told me love was a distraction. That it only hurt and got in the way,” he said. “And now I agree with you! This hurts so badly!” Tears spilled over with horrid speed, and his throat choked up. “Morrigan, please, tell me I’m not alone in this feeling!” Her silence was deafening. “Morrigan!”

“I cannot stay.”

“But why?” He was desperate for an answer. “Would I be so horrible to keep around? Was this past year so horrific that staying with me disgusts you?” He could feel his heart shattering again.

“Tis not that, I swear,” she said.

“Please. I’ve gone though heartbreak before and you’re making me feel it again,” he said, choking on tears.

Except with Tamlen, it was a mercy to end it all. Now, it’s pointless pain, and it hurts!

“This child must be raised be me, alone,” she said, taking his hand in hers. Her head tilted as she looked at him, her thin eyebrows raising in sadness. “I cannot have you with me.”

“I get in the way, don’t I?” He said, a heartbroken smile on his face. He laughed, an awful, broken sound falling from his lips. “I’ve always just gotten in the way,” he shrugged. “I broke the rules, I fell in love, and I ruined it all because I was too stupid! Twice!”

“Orest-”

“Here,” he said, slipping the ring off his finger, and placing it in her hand. “You never tested it, but who cares? It doesn’t seem to matter anymore. You don’t care about me anymore.”

“That is a lie!” She hissed, grabbing his face to force him to look at her. “I tell you I must leave because I value you, I, I care for you, you stupid man!” She seemed to growl in frustration. “I am doing this because tis what is best!”

“For who?” He asked. “You’re hurting both yourself and me, Morrigan. Consequences be damned, I don’t care!” He pulled her in for a tight hug, his arms shaking. “Please,” he whispered, “I can’t lose you.” He heard her sigh, her chest heaving against his. She didn’t speak for several moments, seeming to weigh her options, to judge any response she might say. She wiggled out of his grasp, and stood up.

“Come then,” she said, extending her hand toward him, the ring offered once again. He hesitated, afraid to take her outstretched hand. He reached forward, and she grabbed his hand in her own, slipping the ring back on his finger. “I do hope you know a thing or two about childcare.” He was certain he looked like a mess; his hair was disheveled, and his eyes were slightly red from crying.