Lyrics on description belong to Luther Vandross. I wasn't aware that this song existed before I wrote this, but it fits perfectly, I think. Also, I feel like the characters are a bit reversed, with Alex being the scared one...maybe, maybe not. Let me know what you think!
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He couldn't leave her yet. So he kissed her. On the cheek, but only because he knew they would have other chances. He wrapped his arms around her, loving the way she fit there perfectly. He breathed in the scent of her shampoo, something sweet and subtle, so like her. He felt the moisture through his shirt from her tears on his shoulder. He wasn't used to her tears, and he was blown away by their heartbreaking beauty and all that they implied.
She clung to him in a way that was completely out of character for her. But in a way, it wasn't, because it was him. She had always needed him, but she had been so afraid to lose him. And so she didn't let him see her fall. But now none of it mattered. She was finally in his arms. She didn't have to be so strong anymore, not now. If she could just stay right here forever, she would survive.
"Don't let go." She whispered the plea when she felt his arms loosen.
He kissed her hair. "Never, Alex."
But they knew he had to. And so he did. He let her go, and walked away. But as she watched his back, as she had so many times before, she knew that their hearts never would.