Let Him Go

Rated: PG

Pairings: Scott/Warren

Disclaimer: I do not own the X-Men. I just like to write about them.

We’re standing alone in the foyer of the church, taking in the final moments of Scott’s freedom. My eyes follow my hands as they smooth out invisible wrinkles on the lapel of his blazer. To me, he looks every bit the image of perfection; the absolute epitome of the tall, dark and handsome cliché. But, right now, Scott doesn’t need to know how I really think he looks.

“You look like a man who’s about to get hitched,” I say with a sly grin. But his anxious expression helps me to find better words. “You look fine, Scott.”

He pulls nervously at the collar of his shirt and I take notice of the tiny sweat beads already forming on his brow. Suddenly, I can see through his shades, his eyes pierce mine, and for an instant, nothing else exists. I see only Scott - my truest friend, my closest confidant, my eternal partner, my everlasting love.

“Warren?” He starts shakily as if my name is heavy for him to say. “Is this right? I mean, am I doing the right thing?”

His words stab my gut like a thousand shards of glass. It is a question I don’t want to answer, because I must lie to him, and I hate lying to Scott.

“Yes.” The word is alien on my lips. Why did I say it? What I really want is for Scott to be forever at my side. But, I will not tell him that. He must never know, because I must let him go.

His face falls as he registers my answer. I know he’s wrestling with his own feelings, his own emotions, and I know he’s clinging to his last ounce of hope.

“Can you give me any reason why I shouldn’t go through with this?”

This time I look away. I will not look him in the eye and lie to his face again. Of course, I can give him a hundred reasons not to go through with this, but he only needs one. But I can’t say it, because I must let him go.

I shake my head sadly. “No,” I hear myself say as I take a step away from him. I cannot look at him, but I hear him take a deep breath and sigh. My heart is breaking and I long to be anywhere but right here, right now.

As he turns away from me, I look up to watch him walk away. And when he reaches the door, he pauses and casually turns his head to look back at me. My last chance. He’s giving me my last chance. When I don’t speak, he shows me the smile that has melted a million hearts. He knows I only want what’s best for him. He knows that I will never let my feelings for him keep him from the life he needs to lead. And he knows that I will always love him.

Scott finally opens the door, and without a trace of regret, he slowly disappears from my view . . . and I let him go.