The coffee shop is uncomfortably quiet and unbusy, a thunderstorm tearing its way through New York streets beyond the window. Julia and Wes have been split up for quite some time, but when he sends one of his handwritten letters, smelling like vanilla, enclosed with a flower, how can she possibly say no? How sweet he is.

Julia isn't cold. She doesn't fight or yell. After all, she hasn't been mistreated or cheated or abused. Wasn't she the one who ended things, once again? When she sees Wes, she even smiles. She relishes that he crawls back each time. It makes her feel loved. She doesn't know why, and she hates that she drives him away only to lure him back; he doesn't deserve that. But it's been so long that this is the only way she knows how to nurture a relationship.

He takes a chair opposite her, nursing a hot chocolate and running a hand through his hair, which is a dark, nutty red threaded with grey. His grey eyes are tired, but happy, she thinks. Unusual. Even when sitting, he still gives the stretched impression of one very tall. Awkwardly. he shakes her hand and avoids her eyes. He's adorable, Julia smiles to herself.

"I know I'd regret it if i didn't say it right now," Wes starts, eyes still trained somewhere over her shoulder. Here it comes, she thinks, smiling and shuffling in her chair. Yes, my love, tell me you want me back. Tell me-

"I've met someone."

Oh. It is like a punch to the gut, wind knocked out of her. She can barely speak. When she finds the words, she musters the soul to break the eye contact and chase a tear from her cheek. "I didn't.. You- How long ago?"

Wes clicks his teeth. "A month. But we're not steady yet." He takes her hands, and the connection is electric. Julia had forgotten how much she loved this. Loved him. He speaks softly to her. It is not romantic, but friendly and kind. "It felt right to let you know. To.. officially end things, as it were. I just.. can't keep waiting to be picked up again forever."

She knows this is his right, that she's pushed the limit too far and he deserves better than that. It doesn't hurt any less. He tries to look upset, but he's more calm and present than he ever was with her. What is so wrong with her?

Julia gently wrenches her hands away and looks him in the eye. He doesn't look away. She says matter-of-factly, as if she's been holding her breath, "I love you." He only smiles at her sadly.

"I've been dumb. But not anymore. And I'm hoping," he says, standing up. "That you will be happy. We deserve something better."

Julia watches him go, heart thumping. Is this heartbreak? He turns over his shoulder when he leaves, "I love you too." And he is gone.