Were it not for the timing, Maggie knew her answer would've caused them both far less grief. They would embrace, perhaps even share a chaste kiss. She wouldn't be forced to watch him leave for what she now knew would be one of the last times. Their friendship was irrevocably altered. The question couldn't be rescinded, just as her response was now permanent. Maggie rose to her feet, tempted to beg him to stay for just a minute longer. Percy was her best friend — her person. How could it be that they would no longet remain friends after this? How could a near decade of friendship cease to exist?

Taking a few steps towards him (though nowhere near as close as she wanted to be) Maggie fidgeted anxiously with her fingers. Her impatience led them here. Her doubt in him ruined them. If only she had been brave enough to ask him directly. If only he made some sort of indication this was his plan. "Percy..." she pleaded, unsure of what she was asking. Their friendship couldn't end on this note, Maggie wasn't sure she would survive it.

"You'll be there...won't you?" It was cruel of her to ask, she knew it the second the words left her mouth. But, Maggie knew she would never make it down the aisle without Percy in attendance. Without his blessing. "Please...I...want you there."

---