The rust of hurt has left its mark

But he grins at her cautiously

When she sighs,

And she understands that he can see her -

Even if she doesn’t see herself.

He knows she wants to be alone,

So he prepares to hold on tighter…

But he grudgingly keeps his distance,

If only for her sanity.

He doesn’t intend on leaving her,

And though she tries to drown into depression,

He pleasantly refuses.

Immortal,

She says.

Upset, he grabs her arm fiercely.

“I don’t want to remember the attempts.”

He doesn’t think she realizes how much the blade hurts him…

But it cuts into him as it does her,

And he’s not strong enough to fight the pain.

“Please,” he begs,

Seeing her fade away,

“I need you.”

The light dims;

His eyes never lose their intensity.

Shrink away,

Her mind tells her.

It pleases him to know

She can’t.

Reassurances force themselves into his mind:

If she’s ever on her own, she’ll stay for him.

Until he returns, she’s devoted enough

To wait.

Though he’s quite certain that

As she cannot leave him,

He can never leave her.

“Please,” he tries again,

She looks up,

So questioningly…

Her innocence aches with irony...

“I love you.”