Still here

Jason remained quiet as Katie spoke, trying to understand all she said. He wore no smile, but a look that was almost sad. Her admittance of love sent a pang so strong to his heart that it almost physically hurt, and his stare lowered once more to the table.

Pushing his plate aside, he slowly reached across the table and took Katie's hand in his. Just feeling her touch at long last seemed to relax his entire body and soul. His thumb ran over her fingers like it had so many times before. His eyes rained down as he tried to swallow his emotions.

"You shouldn't tell me not to be sorry... I've...messed up so many times with you. All those times you couldn't let me go..." He shrugged. "I didn't help any. Just like this time."

He finally looked up to catch her eye as his grip tightened around her hand. "I never stopped loving you either, Katie. Never. Even...when I had others, my heart just...kept coming back to you. Then I'd get scared and...mess it up again." He gave a short scoff. "Maybe I was just always afraid of losing myself in you when... I should have realized you made me whole."

He lifted her hand to his lips to kiss it softly. "I'll understand if you don't want to be with me again. It's never been easy with us and... I will respect that decision." He paused, still holding her hand. "But if you do change your mind... I'm still here."