Jeff had vaguely heard the door over the music in the den./ he suspected nothing, but thought it odd that no one had told him they were leaving, or asked if he wanted to join. Walking down the hall and peering out the window, he could see Edge speeding away on his bike, and heard his thoughts.

Tell her I love her, and there's a note in the kitchen.

And that was all. Jeff walked slowly to the kitchen and saw the note on the table. It hadn't been folded. He picked it up and looked at the writing. A rushed scrawl filled the page, and it was clear that Edge had been rushed as he penned it. Reading the words once quickly, Jeff swore softly, replaced the letter, and went to get Gabrielle.

Waking up and stirring slightly, Gabrielle felt Christian's arms wrapped protectively around her. Memories of the gentle sweetness with which he had worshipped her body and the silken feel of his skin against hers flooded her head. she could still taste his blood on her lips. Gabrielle settled back in his arms, and felt his grip grow tighter.

"Love you, Gabrielle." He murmured, voice heavy with sleep, softly kissing her forehead. She felt tendrils of his hair brush across her face, and smiled to herself.

"I love you to, Christian." She whispered as he fell asleep again. Before drifting of to sleep herself, she heard the front door open and close, but she wasn't concerned. She had Christian, and nothing else mattered for the moment.

Gabrielle,

I know that if you're reading this, I'm already gone. I don't want you to look for me. And I don't want you to be mad. You need to understand that I had to go. The darkness, the rage, its consuming me, and no one deserves to be around me. It used to be temporary, but when you see this, it will be forever. I just want to let you know that I love you, I always have, and I will never let you go. But I can't stay and hurt you. You can be with Christian now. You deserve each other. Be happy.

Edge