The cold had long since seeped into his bones. His head throbbed with exhaustion; a sharp pain behind his eyes reminded him that the pain medicine had worn off. He shifted and adjusted his neck on his forearms behind his head, ignoring the burning across his brain.
He tried to see her from the corner of his eye but she was farther away than he had thought. There were so many things he wanted to say to her before it was too late but the words, nor the inclination to say them, never came.
If there was ever a time for him to have that conversation that they'd put off for almost a decade, right there and then would be it. The stars above sparkled brightly in the obsidian sky, the water below reflected with startling accuracy all that was above it. A warm breeze swept across them, momentarily warming his cool skin.
"I love you, you know that, right?"
She didn't hesitate in her answer.
"Yes."
"You love me."
"I do."
"We could have been good together."
"Yes."
"It's too late now."
"It is."
He turned his head to her, feeling the painful pull in his chest. She looked beautiful lying beside him, the stars glittering in her dark eyes.
"We could make it work."
She turned to him and smiled sadly, shaking her head slowly.
"No." He nodded sadly in acknowledgement. He heard her shuffling, could see her turning to lie on her side facing him, her arms tucked under head. "You have a home on Earth now. And I have a son to another man."
John's lip slid up in something akin to a smile and he turned away from her, facing the sky. He sighed and closed his eyes. He felt her lips on his, a mere brush before she pulled back. He opened his eyes and peered at her as she hovered over him.
"Why did we wait so long to say these things?" She shrugged and John smiled, his eyes sliding to her lips. "It's so easy to say it now."
"I know."
"You haven't said it yet."
She smiled, her eyes sparkling and his hand rose of its own accord and tucked the strand of hair behind her ear.
"I love you."
"You do."
"You love me."
"I do."
"You'll be gone tomorrow."
"I will."
"I will miss you."
"I'll miss you."
They stared at one another for a few moments longer before she lowered herself on top of him, resting her head on his shoulder, a hand on his chest while both his arms circled her waist, tucking her closer to him.
"I love you."
"I love you."