"Please, wait."
Green eyes that glistened in the soft sunlight. Half-open lips with a plea resting on them. There was a genuine concern for him in her heart.
His hand had gripped the blade at her words, instinctually. He allowed it to loosen, but he did not leave it. He met her eyes and waited.
"You know what awaits you ahead," she said, taking another step toward him. He didn't move. "You know what I'm going to have to do. Please don't. Don't do this."
He blinked once and stayed silent.
"Why?" she asked, opening her hands to him, reaching out to him. "Why would you do this to me? I only want to help you, please, just let me in!"
She took one step forward, and he took one step back.
"Please, please don't." Her eyes were wet with unshed tears. "Just stay here. You will want for nothing, I promise. I can—I will make you happy. You just have to..."
Her words trailed off as he took one more step back. Her hands fell to her sides.
A cold gust of wind blew, rustling the trees. It brushed over his artificial skin. He did not move.
"Fine," she said quietly. "I understand. This is what you want. The only thing you think I can't give you. You really are that selfish."
Her fists clenched. She wiped at her eyes with her forearm, and when it fell once more, the green had become a blazing emerald. Striding around him, she made her way to the elevator. After a few moments, he followed.
She only turned to him again when it began its descent.
"You are so blind," she snarled. "So arrogant. You don't even care what happens, do you?"
His lips parted—
"I care," he whispered.
The elevator mechanism made a thunk as it reached its destination, but neither moved. Her glare did not leave him.
She inhaled sharply, betrayal shining in her eyes.
"Then you're even sicker than I thought."
For a moment, he was almost sad, watching her walk onto the platform. But he remembered—
They were not people. They were obstacles. They stood between him and freedom. Not even death restrained him. So kindness could not either.
Especially not a kindness so twisted as hers.
His hand gripped his sword again, and he stepped onto the platform.
