Michelle sat still as her husband dried her off. He pulled her shirt over her head and put the boxers over her feet, holding her up gently so he could pull them up. "There." he stated. "Good as new." Michelle smiled bleakly and closed her eyes, taking a labored breath. Tony watched her for a minute before asking, "Are you scared?"

"Of dying?" she asked. He nodded and pulled her hair back out of her face. "Not anymore." Tony lifted her and carried her to bed, seeing that she was quickly getting tired of sitting. He lay down beside her and played with her curls.

"What do you mean, 'Not anymore'?" he questioned.

"I was afraid that I would… die… without ever seeing you again. I thought I'd never… get the chance to tell you all the things that… I wanted to say." she explained. "I was waiting for you."

"I'm here now. It's all okay." he whispered, kissing her on the forehead.

"Tony, listen to me." she instructed. "You have meant… more to me than any… anyone has. I loved you from… the moment I met you. I promised to love you… until death… but I…" she stopped, her breathing becoming heavier. "I'll always love you Tony. Death… can't change that." He smiled, letting a tear fall. "I'm not… I'm not afraid of dying. I'm afraid… of leaving you. The years we spent… together… really were the best… years of my life. I love you for that… Tony. I love you so much."

"No." he cried. "There has to be something they can do. There's always something."

"I don't want them to… to do anything. I told them I didn't want anyone to try and be… a hero." she explained. "They can't save me."

"I love you so much Michelle. I can't lose you." he moaned. "I need you." Michelle cuddled against his body, trying to absorb his warmth. He leaned down and kissed her softly, not wanting her to use up too much energy. She barely kissed him back, frowning when he pulled away.

"I'm sorry." she whispered. "It doesn't look like we'll be able to make love tonight." Tony shook his head and kissed her again.

"I don't care about that, baby. I can hold you as long as I want. That's all I need." Michelle's frown turned into a grin, and she cuddled up against his chest, fitting perfectly against him. He rubbed her back softly as she cuddled up to him.

"Say something in Spanish." she requested. "Please."

"Mi Dios. Ella es mi esposa. Por favor, permita que ella viva. Adoro Michelle. Por favor. Adoro mi esposa." he prayed.

Michelle looked up at her husband and kissed him. It was a strong and passionate kiss, holding everything from their past. Tony held her tight and kissed her fervently, loving the feeling of her body against his again. He knew that kiss had take all of the strength she had left, and he gave her all he had in return. She pulled away, gasping. "I love you, Tony." she whispered, embracing him again.

"I love you Michelle." Tony replied, crying. "I love you so much." He kissed her on the head and cuddled closer to her, his heart slowly breaking. He rubbed her back gently and kissed her forehead one last time.

With that Michelle fell asleep, and never woke up.