"Stay."
The 'please' is implied. He knows it is a request. He raises an eyebrow at her.
"I know. I know, what I said. And so do you. But..." She takes a deep breath, and closes her eyes as if carefully choosing her next words. When her green eyes bore into his again, they are glistening with tears. It takes him by surprise.
"But you don't know what I meant."
She swallows. He notices her hands shaking.
Is she afraid? But that's...impossible.
"I am not fickle, Mr Holmes," she says, defensively. "Not usually. I know what I wanted."
"Not fickle," he laughs, but there is no mirth in his voice.
"What I thought I could not, should not, ever have."
She stops herself, almost abruptly.
"I see," he replies, after a pause, seeing that she would not continue.
"I...I was scared. Terrified, of my own emotions. And yours..."
"Emotions?" he asks, quietly. A small flutter of elation settles in his chest. He tells himself it is because he has finally won the game they have played for so long. He ignores the little voice that reminds him that he is only lying to convince himself.
"You will leave, someday, Mr Holmes. All good things must come to an end. I know it, and yet-"
"No," he cuts in.
She stares at him in shock, and he feels his voice quivering as he speaks the next words. "I will not leave, Ms Adler."
"I thought..."
"I know. You were wrong."
"I couldn't. I couldn't walk away. I tried."
"Stay, then."
Please?
Notes: It's never a bad time for some Adlock hurt/comfort!
P.S. I haven't abandoned my multi chaps, but this was begging to be written.