Snaps' POV
The next day, I solemnly helped James pack what little he'd brought back up. I noticed him place a gun on his belt, but didn't say anything. It wasn't unusual for him to carry a gun, but this time was different.
It seemed like we both knew something big was coming.
We finished quickly and I looked at my watch. "It's time." I said sadly, going and opening his door as he slung his bag over his shoulder. The car to take him to the helicopter would be there any minute.
It was a silent walk down to the exit. I supposed neither of us knew what to say. It felt like something heavy was between us in the air. I could have touched him, but I couldn't have at the same time.
We reached the doors and I stopped, figuring this would be goodbye.
He turned to face me, as though preparing for something huge.
"Hmmmm?" I answered.
"I…do you…do you want to ride with me?"
"All right." I said without hesitation. It was hard to believe I'd been running from him for a whole week before.
Once in the car, it was silent again, and I began to wonder if he had something to tell me…why would he have asked me to ride with him if he wanted quiet for company?
Still, though, nothing, and before I knew it, the helipad was in sight.
I let out a heavy sigh as I opened my door, and he came around to my side.
"What's the matter? Sad to see me go?" He asked with a smirk.
I nodded, more serious than he ever could have imagined.
His smile faded as we walked toward the helicopter. The blade began to whirl and my ponytail flew wildly behind me as it gained speed.
I looked at James, squinting against the man-made wind.
"Be careful." I said, just loud enough to hear above the whirring.
I turned to go, but then his voice reached my ears.
"Snaps?"
I turned back, but he was already there, closer to me than ever before.
In one smooth movement, he took my head in his hands and lowered his lips to mine. He kissed me passionately, wrapping his arms around my shoulders and holding me close. I brought my hands up and lightly held his shoulders, killing back intensely, meaningfully, but gently. My mind hadn't even registered the shock of my situation, my heart had taken control. And I kissed him, did what I wanted to do, and not what I had to do, for the first time in my life.
All too soon, he pulled away, but didn't leave. He leaned down to my ear, his arms still around me.
"Snaps…I love you. I've always loved you, and I'll never stop. Is this what you wanted? It's all I want now…"
Before I could answer, he kissed my cheek and turned away, striding to the helicopter.
I looked on, shielding my eyes as it took flight, hovering a moment before heading North.
I don't know how long I stood there, taking it all in, staring at the now empty sky, wishing he'd given me a chance to say what he'd said to me back. Those first few minutes he was gone seemed to last forever, and I missed him already…and wondered how long I would have to live knowing that he didn't know I loved him back.
Third Person
"The codes are on their way." Ali said. "But it will take a few days to arrive, so you have time to get them, just don't let them out of your sight, Carter!"
"Yes, sir." He replied. "How long do I have?'
"Three days at most. Don't lose them, it should be easy now that the other one is out of the way."
"Yes, sir." He seemed hesitant.
"Goodbye."
Click.
'Damn it.' He thought. 'How am I going to do this?'
