In the space of a few hours, he had watched most of his life disappear. It had been given back, yes, but that didn't mean he was going to sleep any better. A man couldn't escape the ghost of his own mortality so easily.
He found her in an empty jumper bay, sitting with her back against the wall as she stared out over the dark water. For a minute he watched her, the stars giving him just enough light to make out her features.
Stepping forward quietly, he walked over to join her. She gave him a tight smile as he lowered himself to the floor, and then moved her eyes back to the water.
"You've been avoiding me," he teased, trying to keep his voice light.
He saw her stiffen and knew that he had failed. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice almost raw. They both knew she wasn't talking about her absence. "How are you feeling?"
He shrugged. "Physically? Never better." He paused. "I'm sure there's a whole thing here about mortality and seeing things differently and not wasting any more time. I'm not really a big talker, though."
The corner of her mouth tugged upwards. "A man of action."
John chuckled quietly. "Something like that."
His left hand reached out, hesitantly searching her out in the darkness. Elizabeth turned to look at him, questions heavy in her eyes. But she met him halfway, their fingers tangling naturally. A silent sigh escaped him, and she leaned into him a little, feeling the tension ease out of his body.
"We'll be okay," he whispered.
She thought maybe he was right.