"It's been a long time."
"Yes, a long time."
"Is this it?"
"I guess it is."
It's strange, the way everything seems to culminate in one huge moment of emotions and it seems like it will never end, but it does. And that end is nothing like what you expected, but maybe that's because you never expected anything at all, or maybe it's because you expected everything and nothing all at the same time.
But it's the end now, and, to be honest, there's not a whole lot you can do about it. You try, though, you try so hard. It's partly why I love you: you always want to help everyone, even those who don't want it. I'm sorry, but this time you can't fix it.
"What-" you start. Falter. "What do we do now?" You're looking straight ahead and I can tell you're trying to be strong.
"Nothing," I reply, because, really, what can we do? We're done there, and there is done with us. I stand a little straighter and hold out my hand. You take it, like I knew you would. You were always so dependable.
"We don't have to do anything anymore. Not if you don't want to. We've played our part and we don't need to do anything else. You've done enough." I start leading you. You don't move for a few seconds, and I get afraid that you won't come, but you follow me, holding my hand so tightly.
"Are we dead?" You don't sound afraid, just as though you want to get your facts straight.
"I think so." You nod and move a little closer to me.
"It was during that battle, was it? The important one." You stop for a moment, thinking. "I can't remember why."
"For you, yes, it was then. I was a bit before you. I've been waiting. You don't wait long here." That's true, but it still felt like a lifetime waiting for you.
"I remember… I remember being with you and being happy. I remember losing you, and I remember finding you again and being even happier. And then I remember emptiness and a hole in my chest that never, ever went away." You raise your free hand to you chest, as if expecting the hole to still be there.
I smile now. "Yes, I remember most of that as well. But look now. We're here, and we're together, and it might last forever and it might now, but I don't mind." You look at me for the first time, and the silver eyes that I'd missed so much gleam at me like a full moon on a cloudy night.
"I don't mind either," you whisper.