She sends him off; all smiles despite the fact that she really wants to cry. They both remember the day they both agreed to go to Rome together. They hugged and they kissed. He even convinced her to do a silly dance. But due to recent events: Ivy pushing Lola from the roof of the empire building and taking off after, she decides to stay and be with Serena.
Dan, however, has no choice but to leave. He already made a commitment and is assured by his family that he has their full support in this new opportunity.
So there they stand, gazes locked together. They listen to the voice telling the passengers that it's time to board. This is it, they think quietly.
"So I guess I'm going alone, huh?" Dan breaks the silence, his eyes not wavering. His hand finds a lock of her hair and he tucks it behind her ear. He makes her melt with a single touch. She grins.
"That's because you didn't cut your hair." She teases him. She extends her arm to try and ruffle his hair but he catches her hand as he steps back. They lock fingers, both their gazes dropping to their joined hands.
"Well… I was planning on doing it when you decided to come with me." His voice trembles. You can't lose your cool here, Dan.
"I love you, Humphrey." Her eyes found his again, her lips turning up into a small smile.
"Maybe we could go back to Dan?"
"Seriously? That's all you got from that?" She exaggerates a sigh. He laughs and kisses her fingers.
"I love you too…" And then "To Rome, I go." They give way to sadder smiles now, letting all pretences go. This isn't a happy moment really. It's the first time they've voiced it out. But now, Dan has to leave.
"Yeah… Take me there?" Her voice is hopeful. But they both know now's not the time so he just nods.
"One day…" They lock eyes again, their gazes a mix of pain and love and hope. He turns to leave but he feels her tug him back to her. She presses a soft kiss on his lips. It's not goodbye.
"Be safe, Dan." Their foreheads touch as they hold on for one last time as he whispers, "I'm coming back for you…"