Yes, the title is a Hamilton reference. This chapter is the real gut-puncher, I warn you.

It was time.

D-FIB couldn't quite believe it. She'd anticipated it, but it was still a shock to see her beloved M-O attached to a bunch of wires, the only thing keeping him alive before the cancer overpowered the life support.

It was only a few days after the party that M-O had a scare unlike any other. It left him paralyzed. The only things still functional was his vision and voice box.

Beside her, was Benny, with a look of absolute misery. He was keeping it together, but it was only a matter of time before he broke down.

Their friends were in the hall, waiting for the inevitable. She could only imagine how they were holding up.

"D-D-FIB?"

She looked down. M-O had a sad smile on his face.

"Yes, M-O?" She tried not to let her voice crack.

"C-Can y-you…bring-g our friends h-ere? To s-say good-bye?"

"Of course."

One by one, each of their friends tearfully bid farewell to him. When it was Kitty's turn, she could only get a few words out before bawling. M-O didn't mind, as he knew what she wanted to say.

WALL-E and EVE were the last to go, the latter going first. "Hey, M-O. I just want to say, thank you for being there for my husband, and me by extension. I hope you rest well. Goodbye. I will never forget you."

EVE stepped back to let WALL-E say his piece. "M-O...best...friend...brother. Thank...you. Good...b-bye."

Everyone went back into the hall, but M-O said "Wait," when WALL-E and EVE tried to go.

"W-WALL-E, Ee-vah. Pl-please stay."

They did as they were told.

M-O seemed to find a burst of strength, as he said, "There are things I want to say to all of you."

He started with EVE. "EVE, WALL-E may have provided the push, but by coming to Earth, it was you who started the chain reaction that changed our lives for the better. You're a dear friend to me and I'm sorry to leave you." EVE smiled at him.

Then, WALL-E. "WALL-E, you changed me for the better. I learned I could do things I never thought I was capable of. You're my best friend and I'm honored to call you my brother. And thank you to helping me get together with D-FIB." WALL-E rushed up and gave him a gentle hug.

Next, Benny. "Benny, we may have started off rough, but I'm glad I met you. You're my son and I feel proud whenever you call me your father." Benny perked up, and gave a tearful smile.

At last, D-FIB. "D-FIB, I can't express in words how much I love you. I'm still grateful for the time you saved me from that steward. I'm sorry things have to end this way, but honor me by living out however much time you've got left. Which I hope is a long time. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm sure I'll see you all again. I love you all, but alas, it's time to say goodbye."

He remained conscious for a little while after that. D-FIB could tell he was fighting to stay as long as possible. She kissed him deeply, then whispered:

"It's okay, M-O. You don't have to fight anymore. You're at peace now."

This seemed to relax him. He gave a long sigh, then his yellow eyes, those beautiful bright lights, slowly faded from his screen. Then, there was still silence.

D-FIB gave his blank face one last kiss, then brokenly wept over his body. Benny collapsed and let out a loud cry. WALL-E buried his face in EVE's chest, sobbing quietly, while she rubbed his back, also crying.

From out in the hall, the remaining robots could hear the sorrow. "Did it happen?" Kitty asked quietly, even though she already knew the answer.

L-T bowed his head. "I think so."

It was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Then, everyone started to grieve, mourning over the loss of their friend.

Outside, the sun was setting.

The same sunset M-O loved to watch.

If only he could see it.

But perhaps he could, just in a different place.

The inevitable finally came. Our protagonist, M-O, has finally passed on. But at least he's not in pain anymore.

I have nothing more to say.

CocoDisney out!