Derek frowned as the rain started going at it outside. The strong howling of the wind could be heard even inside the room. This morning's weather forecast definitely did not say that this was going to happen. With brows knit tightly together, he looked at his best friend, the groom, and said, "You still wanna go through with this? This doesn't seem like the best time for a garden wedding."

Mark chuckled. "Oh, ye of little faith. This is exactly how hard it rained when Julia and I met. This is a good sign." He stood up and checked himself out in the mirror again, and muttered an I look great for the 50th time.

Derek rolled his eyes and pat Mark's shoulder before walking to the door. "I'm gonna go check on everything. Make sure the chairs are still on the ground."

After Derek left, Mark just stood in front of the mirror, staring at his reflection, as he felt the bile rise to his throat. Is this how it usually feels before people get married? He swallowed down the sick feeling and took a deep breath, only to find his breath caught in his throat again when he saw her in the mirror, leaning by the doorway, and looking at him. He slowly turned around to face her.

And there she was, looking straight at him. It doesn't matter how big the distance between them was. Five meters, a foot, even when they are touching, she still knocks the wind right out of him. She was wearing the same clothes she did when he won her back, almost a year and a half ago. Good memories came flooding back into him... and so did the pain.

"You look great," Lexie said as she managed a sad smile. It was true. He was all dressed up, ready to walk the aisle. They stood there in silence, drinking each other in, adjusting to being around the other, before they take another step. It was always like this with them. Careful, calculated. After everything they've been through, they have learned that it was always easier to take things slowly so as to not repel each other.

Lexie came closer and put her hands on her pockets, afraid he'll see how much they're shaking. But he knows. He always knows. She stops just a few feet away from him, making sure she puts just enough distance for her not to be reeled in again. He's made his choice. And for the second time, it wasn't her.

"I just..." she sighed. "I wanted to say that, um, I— I'm leaving. For good. And I can't attend your wedding. My flight's in two hours and I really need to go. Um, I think. So, yeah. Congratulations. I'm uh, really happy for you."

Mark just looked at her, stunned, still trying to take in what is happening right in front of him, not knowing what to do. Lexie took that as a response and started walking back to the door. Maybe this is what's best, maybe it's better that he doesn't say anything and just let you go. Maybe this will help you in the long run...

...But it won't.

She turned around and faced him again, angry tears forming at her eyes, making it hard for her to see him clearly, and all he is is a big blob of black and white, until the tears started to spill out.

"I don't know what I'm doing here. What I wanted to do here. All I know is that I should see you before I leave and apologize. So I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry I didn't try harder or fight more, I'm sorry I bailed on you, I'm sorry. But I love you. I love you so much it hurts. And I— I've tried for months and months to stop, to let you go, but I— I can't. I can't watch you build a life with another woman when we started building one three years ago... do you remember? Under the covers, I—" she wiped the tears with her shaky hand, wanting to see recognition in his face. Just a small hint of him remembering, and there it was. "You said you'll build me a house, just beside Meredith and Derek's. Sundays with Callie and Arizona. Three kids. Two boys and a girl. What— what happened to that?"

He was speechless, his voice nowhere to be found and he just stared at Lexie with eyes wide, the rain falling on his face. Wait, what? He looked up and touched his cheek. Tears. He was crying.

He remembered it. Everything. The way her lips curled up into a warm smile, or the way she snuggled closer to him, as they fantasized about their future. But that was all it was. It took him a while to accept that fact that it is now what it always has been — a fantasy.

"I— I know I'm not being completely fair here, and I'm probably too late, but I love you. I want you and I'm fighting now. It's us, Mark. It's always been us. You. Me. Mark and Lexie. Everyone's... everyone knows except us. Do— do you know how crazy that is? That everyone sees us and knows, but we don't? I..."

Lexie sighed, looking at him expectantly, hoping for a response. Instead, almost out of impulse, he walks towards her and stopped when his mouth was inches away from hers. Her eyes were closed, panting, waiting for what was about to come. Mark held her face with both hands, his forehead on hers, and sighed. Finally, he kisses her forehead and wraps her in his arms tightly.

"I hope you get the life you deserve, wherever you're going. I hope you find someone who will treat you better than I ever did. I love you, Lex. It's always us, but I don't think that's enough anymore."

Lexie let out a sob and wrapped her arms around him tighter. This is it. This is really it. June 15 - The end. She almost laughed at how tragic this is. Her holding the love of her life for the last time, before he walks on the aisle and she hands him over to someone else. It almost feels surreal. Like a dream. She's losing him, and she has nothing else to do but to let go. She tightens her arms around him once more, as she realizes her greatest fear is happening.

After what felt like forever, she let him go and looked at his eyes for the last time. She tries to smile as she puts both hands on either sides of his face, trying to memorize every detail of his face, even though she knows she's already done that years ago. Slowly, she leaned in and gave him a peck on the lips.

When Mark opened his eyes, she was gone.

—

Hey! Please leave reviews, I'd love to know what you guys think. I'll keep updating throughout the holidays, since I'm off school. I'm currently working on Chapter 3 and it'll be up soon!