A/N: This is a very short chapter. You probably all guessed it was coming up. I know some of you will be unhappy about this, but it's called artistic licence.
"John," Lin whispered. "I know you can hear me. I know you may never wake up, and I know if I don't say this now, I may never have the chance again..."
He steeled himself, moving closer to the patient and placing his hand gently on the young priest's upper arm.
"I... I don't know where it came from, or how long it's been building, and I'm sorry that it took this tragedy for me to come to terms with it..."
John's arm twitched slightly and Lin's heart stopped for a second. It was, without a doubt, truly now or never.
"I love you, John. I know your vows forbid it, your religion condemns it, and I don't dare hope that you feel the same for me. But I had to tel you that even if I can never have you, you will always, always have all of me..."
"I had no idea you felt that way, Lin-san," came a voice from behind him. "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were busy with confession."
"That's ok, Mai. I didn't know I felt this way until about an hour ago."
The girl nodded. "I understand. I just came to find out if you would stay with John. Ayako wants me to go home and rest, and then she and Bou-san are headed back to the base."
"I'll stay," he whispered. "Forever, if that's what he needs."
A/N (again): If this really bugs you, just pretend Lin's a girl or something. Seriously. Don't write me hate-mail about it, I get enough already.