"No I won't do it again, I don't want to pretend
If it can't be like before I've got to let it end
I don't want what I was I had a change of head
But maybe someday
Yeah, maybe someday

I've got to let it go and leave it gone
Just walk away, stop it going on
Get too scared to jump if I wait too long
But maybe someday"

- The Cure ("Maybe Someday")

She wrings her fingers nervously in front of her, refusing to look into his eyes – terrified that it would break her resolve. She inhales deeply. She trembles, wrapping her arms around her torso. She has to do this. For herself, if nothing else.

Seeing how frail and vulnerable his Montana is makes Danny ill, knowing that he is the reason for this. He has grown tired of the distance between them, physically and figuratively. He doesn't care if she hits or curses him. He needs her in his arms now.

She instantly dissolves into another fit of tears as he envelopes her into his strong arms. He strokes her hair and kisses the top of her head. He murmurs into her ear that it will okay. That they will make it through this together. Stronger than ever. He promises.

Being so close to him has pushed all of her rational thoughts out of her mind. Her body automatically conforms with the warmth of his. She feels safe and complete in his arms. Her shoulders relax. The tension tightly wound in her petite frame starts to slowly uncoil. Maybe… just maybe… When the sobs subside, she nuzzles his neck and inhales deeply, trying to soak in his scent.

Her body stiffens. She pushes away from him, her eyes wide with shock. He tries to read her face, cupped in his hands. He tries to pull her back into his embrace, but is surprised at her resistance. She wrestles herself away from his grip. She is too broken, too tired to feel anger at him.

You still smell like her, she tells him woefully.

Danny blinks rapidly. He can explain. It was just a hug. Nothing more. Nothing happened.

Lindsay shakes her head sadly. She can't do this anymore. She has to let him go. She has to move on.

He pleads with her. He begs. Give him another chance. Please. He swears that nothing happened. That nothing ever will again. They're just friends now. It was a one night mistake. It was nothing. Please, Montana. Listen to me. It only happened once. It was after Ruben died. I can't be without you. I'm sorry.

She wants to believe him. But she can't. Maybe they aren't meant to be after all. If they were, wouldn't he have sought solace in her instead of another woman after Ruben died? She tried to be there for him however she could. She's sorry she's an emotional cripple. She's sorry she wasn't good enough for him in his time of need. She's sorry that she was wrong about their relationship.

He cringes before slumping his shoulders in the agony of defeat. Please. Just one more chance. That's all he asks.

She bites her lip, she cannot give it to him.

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A/N - Dear reader, please do not flame me...