Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.
Written for the Pairing The Character Competition - LuciusAlice.
Goodbye
She looks beautiful, a vision in white and cream, her cheeks rosy with excitement, her eyes glittering. He slips into the room as soon as her bridesmaids leave her for a moment, determined that for one more moment, she'll be his.
Her eyes meet his in the mirror and she winces at the pain she sees reflected at her. Turning to meet his gaze, he can see her eyes suddenly brimming with tears and he feels a pang of guilt.
Her tears weren't what he came here for.
Shaking his head, he steps forward, taking her hand in his own. Slowly, he lifted it to his lips, pressing the soft, familiar skin against his mouth. He would never have this again, he knew.
She wouldn't accept him in her life now, not now that she was marrying someone else, signing her life over into another's hands.
Taking another's name.
"I came to say goodbye," he murmured against her skin. "You look beautiful."
A single tear dropped, running unchecked down her cheek. He dropped her hand, before leaning forward to kiss it away.
"Be happy, Alice. Stay safe."
He turned away before she could see the tears welling in his own eyes, leaving the room before the first one fell.
He didn't hear her choked whisper of "Goodbye, Lucius."
