We've talked about this. You're my best friend. You kind of have to say these things.

[ But they stay with her, the words, and she smiles at him, a little bit vulnerably, before she leans up to him to rest her mouth against his.

And maybe she will. Maybe it'll remain in that icy part of her that doesn't do anything but give to the coldness, or maybe it'll all come to a head. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise right now that she can't. She does know if anything does happen, she can come to him. She always seems to. ]

It is one of my many talents. Just don't go around telling anyone, least of all those that already live there. I would like the element of surprise.

[ Sarah levels a smirk right back at him, but it shifts quickly into a smile when he returns it so earnestly. She leans in when he does, hands framing either side of his face to kiss him back. When it ends, she remains close enough to rest her forehead against his, and it hits her. ]

I love you. Too. [ Her fingers gently trace his mouth after he's kissed her.

He'd said it before and in her concern over making sure Jeremy was okay, she hadn't stopped long enough to say it back. And she knows she doesn't need to do that, either, but she wants to, because it's true. Amidst many things she knows aren't real, aren't true, there's that one truth and she holds onto it. For as long as she can, for as long as she's allowed. ]

And I know I don't have to but I want to. Most of all, I'm just... grateful I get to stay.