~'Cause nothin' lasts forever And we both know hearts can change And it's hard to hold a candle In the cold November rain We've been through this such a long long time Just tryin' to kill the pain But lovers always come and lovers always go And no one's really sure who's lettin' go today Walking away~

~Somewhere between Jan. and Feb. 2002~

"Don't cry." I said loudly, alarmed at the first sight of tears in her clear blue eyes. "We both knew this was gonna happen sooner or later."

"We've wasted 2 years, Hunter. On a love that was merely a publicity stunt. The worst part is, I let myself believe it." She said grimly, those slender fingers tracing the papers absently.

"Believe what, bunny?" I asked, stupidly using the pet name I had bestowed upon her on our 'honeymoon'.

"That, puddin." She spat, emphasizing the name almost comically. "That you actually loved me."

"I did, damn it. You and I both know feelings, no matter how real or deep they are, don't last around here. I think it should be called 'The Curse of the Century'. Look at Savage and Elizabeth.Matt and Amy.Trish and Jeff.Spike and Molly." I offered, trying to comfort my distraught ex.

"Don't you dare compare us to them. At least what they had was real." She said, throwing a stray high heeled sandal at the door. It landed with a crash, and she looked startled.

"Please. 2 years is a lifetime with all we've been through. Are you saying you'd rather us never have been together?" I asked, hoping the answer would be no.

"Kinda." She said, cutting the 2-syllable word short.

"Please don't do this. It's not like I'm the first guy who's ever left you." I said, clenching my jaw.

"Honey, don't do that, you look like a gorilla. Yes, I know you're not the first. Guys are usually easy come, easy go. Not this time. I know you weren't my first, but I hoped you'd be my last." She said, her tone smooth but full of emotions.

"Umm." I began, at a loss for words.

"Who's fault is this?" She asked, musing outloud.

"Both of ours." I answered, smiling at her sadly.

"Ack. Don't look at me like that." She begged, shaking her head. She threw the last article of clothing into her suitcase and sat atop it, attempting to zip it up. Not being able to stand seeing her struggle, I crossed the room to help her. I reached for the zipper, and our hands touched. She jerked back, eyes full of fear.

"Don't." She croaked.

"I.I'm sorry." I said lamely, zipping the stuffed suitcase.

"No. You're not." She said, kissing me on my cheek as she let the bellboy who had just arrived in. He grabbed her suitcase and they walked out. And just like that, she was gone.

~And when your fears subside And shadows still remain I know that you can love me When there's no one left to blame So never mind the darkness We still can find a way~

~June 2005~

"Stephanie!" I exclaimed, embracing her in a warm hug.

"Nice to see you to, Hunter." She said, smiling warmly at me.

"Vince announced your betrothment last week. What's his name?" I asked, trying not to sound jealous.

"Dean Quinn." She said, looking very much in love.

"Stephanie Quinn." I said, testing it out. "Tasteful."

"Thanks. How's Lisa?" she asked, bringing a smile to my face.

"Very pregnant." I said, recalling my wife's round belly, firm with our second child.

"And Jacie?" she asked, referring to my 2 year old.

"Energetic." I said with a laugh.

"Typical." She said, smiling.

"Well I really should go." I said, walking off.

"Wait." She called.

"What?" I hollered back.

"I forgive you." She mouthed, the 3 years worth of maturing showing very well in her expression.

"Thank you." I mouthed back, smiling.

~ 'Cause nothin' lasts forever

Even cold November rain ~

A/N don't own.sorry if it sucks review anyway please