bittersweet symphony

Valentine strode along beside Rhythm as though they were a unified front. To an extent they were; if asked he would acknowledge Abaven was where Rhythm needed to be. But that didn't mean he was the plan's most committed supporter. This felt like the end and that was what he was struggling with the most. Their relationship had been turbulent since her and Rhyme had made it home. Not once had they been a unit. They'd been at odds or at the very least distant almost since day one. The more Valentine looked at their relationship the more convinced he became that he was holding on to what life had been like between them years ago and not what their lives were like now. They had been different then but they were practically strangers now.

He was struggling with how to handle today. Did he simply tell her good-bye as though their relationship was open ended or did he tell her how he felt and hope they could go their separate ways and maybe, just maybe, find happiness in their final days? Valentine would always love Rhythm. That would never change no matter how frustrated he was with her or how strained their relationship got. But just because he loved her didn't mean they were meant to be together. Sometimes loving was letting go and by going to Abaven Rhythm was creating a divide between them that Valentine thought too big to overcome. He also thought it was best for her. She needed to be with her family and he needed to be with his family.

They arrived at the border and Rhythm wasted no time in calling for her family. Valentine's until-now stoic expression darkened. He said nothing and when Rhythm leaned into his chest he bent his neck to envelop her in a hug. Their time together was short and though he wished desperately to revel in the feeling of her pressed against him, he simply couldn't and his face betrayed the bitterness in his heart.