"That’s what I don’t get," he said, continuing on as if she hadn’t spoken. "How somebody can just come along and get me… and not feel about me the same way I feel about her." Uncomprehending brown eyes sought hers out, devoid at last of anger, hurt and resentment. "I’ve never met anybody like you, Abby. Anybody…" he hesitated, gesturing lamely and ducking his head. "Anybody at all."

"I don’t… John…"

"She’s never gonna love you." Bringing his gaze to focus on hers once more.

She flinched at the blunt words. "Are you trying to hurt me?"

He shook his head. "You didn’t see her… Weaver… this afternoon when she went flying into Curtain 2. There’s no way they’re finished."

"You don’t think I know that?"

"Then… why?"

"Carter… if I said to you, Be with me now… Would you?"

"Of course."

"Even knowing that I didn’t love you? Knowing that Kim and I weren’t finished?"

The question gave him only a moment’s pause. "Yes."

"Then how can you ask me why?"

"But…"

"Either Kim will deal with what she feels for Kerry or she won’t. I can’t change what’s going to happen. Do you know how many times somebody’s accidentally let it slip that Kim and Kerry went off shift together? Don’t you think that a part of me is going crazy wondering what they’re saying to each other right now?"

"You don’t think…"

"No," she interrupted him before he could say the words. "Kim wouldn’t do that. Whatever you think of her, both she and Kerry… They wouldn’t."

"And that’s okay with you?" Incredulity strained his voice.

"Of course it isn’t. But honestly, Carter, what choice do I have?"

"You can walk away."

"I’ve been walking away from everything since I was old enough to buy a bus ticket. I walked away from taking care of my mother and into Richard, who needed somebody to take care of him while he went to medical school. I walked away from Richard and into Luka, who needed somebody to anchor him while he dealt with whatever the hell it is he’s dealt with and still won’t tell me about…"