Cristina had not been showing such a genuine and beautiful smile to him for months.

"Now, you can find someone else who can make you happy, Burke. That's a good thing, isn't it?"

Burke couldn't believe in what she said. How could she be so calm all of a sudden?

Cristina saw that but did not respond to it.

Keep smiling, she told herself. Someone had to be in control and not let the emotion go havoc. Someone had to be the adult in the relationship.

"Perhaps we could be friends some day."

Friends? Burke did not want to be just friends with her. Standing still, he stared at Cristina, until their gaze met again.

It was painful.

Do no harm, Cristina reminded herself. She cautioned herself against saying anything else to prolong the pain.

This wasn't how she wanted things to be. But at least, she could feel now. She knew she was capable of feeling sad. She knew her limits. She was able to show him that. That was enough. She had learned more from it than she ever thought she would. She was becoming more self-aware.

After all, knowing what she didn't want in life was the first step to knowing what she really wanted and was capable of achieving.

Burke was still staring at her.

Those were important things, weren't they? Maybe she was beginning to rationalize with herself, but she knew she had to be thankful.

Burke didn't take his eyes off her.

It wasn't that bad, really. They've had wonderful moments. She recounted the warmth he shared with her—from his gaze, his hands, his body; his smiles, his words, his coffee. Everything.

Burke was still watching.

What more could one get in a year? Ten years from now, all they would remember would be those fond memories of intimacy. Perhaps they could even joke about it with their family. Their children could be friends. Yes, if she did end up having children.

Burke's eyes were begging her.

"It's going to hurt, but it will pass," Cristina said in earnest.

It was not an easy ending for either of them. It might have been better if there was hatred. Cristina thought she really loved him. She now knew it very well. She really loved him—that's why she had to end it.

For two people who truly loved one another, breaking up was hard. There would always be a place in their hearts for each other, everyday in their life. There would always be a flicker of hope somewhere that could not be extinguished.

Cristina did not reject him when he pressed himself against her. If they were to end it, it had to be on a beautiful note.

It wasn't a way to contradict what she vowed to do—it's the very last time they would be giving themselves so completely to each other and she wanted to cherish it.

"I'll always be there for you."

"As a friend."

"As very very good friends."

It's time to move on.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

A/N: If there really has to be a break-up, I'd rather have one that doesn't turn them into enemies forever. I want something that can maybe bring them back together some day. That said, this is the end for THIS story. Thanks for reading. I don't normally get a lot of reviews, but I know you've been reading and that's good enough!