His casual touch, a stark reminder of all their lonely days together, nearly broke her. If it wasn't for how close he was, her tears would've begun anew. How many hours had they spent curled up around one another? How many times had his frigid hands grazed her cheeks? Fallon thought on more than one occasion then that he might kiss her, but when he hadn't she realized those feelings existed only in her head. Surely, if he had had feelings he wouldn't have been as withdrawn? Surely, there would've been some sort of sign to pick up on?

It didn't matter now. The missed signs and lost opportunities were nonfactors in this moment. There was only the choice to be made, and it was Jesse, wasn't it? Jesse, with his selflessness and kindness. Jesse, with his wit and charm. Jesse, with his easy happiness and affection. It had to be Jesse, didn't it? Even Malou agreed.

Jesse.

Except, Lachlan was too close and he was promising her all sorts of changes that she didn't know if he was capable of. Depression didn't vanish overnight, after all, and it would be unfair of her to expect that. Her hands moved to his chest, to push him away or pull him in closer she didn't know. All she knew was she was now more confused than ever.

Jesse.

Her hands gripped the dirty fabric.

Jesse.

Six inches were all that separated them, Fallon pulled him into her, unable to ignore the pull of affection. Their lips met in an explosion of pent up feelings and grief. In any other situation, Fallon might've labeled it as violent.

Lachlan.