[ His head turns slightly to lean into her touch, because as always, the touch of her hand is comforting, and while a part of him feels selfish for wanting that comfort, he finds himself needing it now in this moment more than ever.

The first thing he says in reply is an apology. ] I am sorry that you must be here to witness this. [ He remembers offering an apology once before, but he feels as though he has to do so again. ]

I- I have no need for anything from you, because you have given so much to me already.

[ But he has one thing he wishes to tell her, so he tightens his fingers against hers as best as he can, and then he says: ] I want you to know that no matter what happens, no matter how this ends, that I love you.

[ He manages a smile for her, the biggest smile that he can give. ] I will always love you.

[ Even if he leaves this star, he wants to make that plain, in hopes that it will give her comfort if he does not return from this.

And then he pushes himself forward just a little so that he might brush his lips against hers, but he wishes to kiss her once more, so the effort is worth it in his mind. ]