It was the only option they came up with together, the only thing bearable. There would be time to see the kids later, time to make amends in the future. But this time was theirs, because after eight years of dancing around it, they were ready.

Perry gunned the engine, glancing over at JD, who was staring resolutely out the window. He hadn't spoken since he'd picked him up, the scruff dark and apparent on the kid's face again. It was as if the scruff signified he was ready to grow up, ready to be a man.

It wouldn't be forever, it wouldn't even be long. But they just needed to get away, forget all the responsibilities that kept driving them apart, kept hanging over their heads day by day as they went to sleep with one person, and slept with another in mind.

"You sure this is the right thing?"

Perry glanced at JD's questioning face; he suddenly looked every bit that young intern he'd first met, fumbling with an IV and looking to Carla desperately for help.

"I don't know if it's the right thing," Perry replied honestly, turning onto the highway. "But it beats doing the wrong thing every day."

JD seemed to agree with that, and rolled his window down, despite the cool air that blew across his face. He seemed to lean into it, closing his eyes and letting it whip his loose hair across his forehead.

Perry swallowed hard, fingers gripping the steering wheel loosely. He hated this, this culmination of feeling and emotion that made his chest tight. He kept his eyes steadfastly on the highway, the darkness of night hiding the distance ahead.

He looked up when JD took his hand. The younger man looked so earnest, emotion flying across his face and his eyes darkened in the dim car.

"It'll be alright."

"I know."

XXXXXXXXX