"I am damaged."
She stared at him, scrutinised his features, taking him in. His gently freckled cheeks, the deep set jawline, the thick lips, blue eyes that stopped Veronica in her steps.
"Far too damaged."
He stepped towards her slowly, as if she were a deer that might dart away. He clutched at his abdomen where her bullet had hit him. The sight terrified her - she had hurt him.
But he had hurt her and he had hurt Heather and he had hurt-
"But you're not beyond repair."
Her eyes shot up to meet his. He crouched beside her, holding his hands out to the bomb she clutched to her chest.
"Stick around here. Make things... better," he laughed over the words as the chants of Westerburg began. "Because you beat me fair and square."
He took the bomb but she didn't let go. This was her punishment - she didn't deserve to live. She may not have been the direct reason of the deaths of Heather, Ram and Kurt but she was the reason JD had decided to kill them. To protect her, to protect their love.
"Let go," he whispered, leaning into, head pressed against hers. She cried, tears spilling over her cheeks. "I... made you cry... but that will end tonight."
He moved his hand from the bomb to her face, stroking the tears away. Then he kissed her. Passionately, deeply. She let the bomb fall to her lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She loved him. As unhealthy and cynical as it seemed, a world without JD was not a world she wanted. She'd be damned to stay here alone.
He pushed her away, took the bomb in his hands and smiled. His smile was forced, his eyes dull. He rose to his feet and moved back. She felt a numbness through her as his touch disappeared.
He pressed the switch on the bomb and a timer lit up.
Thirty seconds.
"Please step back now." She obliged, lips pursed, hands shaking.
"Little further... don't know what this thing can do."
Twenty seconds.
"I hope you miss me... and you know I worship you." He pushed the bomb into his coat. His wound was splashing out blood, his face paling. Whether from fear or blood loss, she wasn't sure.
"I'd trade my life for yours." Tears streaked down his face. "And when I disappear-"
Ten seconds.
"Clean up the mess down here..."
Five seconds.
She watched his knees buckle, just as she felt her legs moving to him, arms out stretched.
"Our love is god," she whispered. She kissed him one last time.
Three.
Two.
One.