““It’s where I want to be most in the world, Starfish. I know my home; I’ve found my place in the world. I shouldn’t--won’t--keep you from finding yours.” “But--” He kissed her, gently at first and then with all the hunger of a man who might never eat again. Tears were trickling down her face now. “What if I want to come, if I know the risks, but--” “You might be able to handle that,” he said roughly. “But I’m not sure I could.” “Life doesn’t offer any guarantees,” she said, knowing she had to push, had to make him understand. She wouldn’t get another chance. “I want to try. I want us to try. What happened to figuring things out because that’s what you do for the people you love?” He kissed her wet cheeks and pulled her close. “Can’t you see?” he whispered hoarsely. “That’s exactly what I’m doing.” And then he was gone.””
