Eric listened to Macklyn's words. It hurt just as much to know that his mate felt about the same when it came to their time apart. It made him curious as to why they had allowed each other to suffer for so long, but he hoped that the time had come to reconnect and overcome that great sadness.
The hybrid slipped his hand in to the pocket of his leather jacket and produced the ring that Macklyn had given him, holding it up where the other man could see it clearly, "When you gave this to me we exchanged vows. I promised to protect you, and I failed to do that. I didn't live up to my promise. While we've been apart I've learned to value those words we exchanged. I made sure to protect you, that nothing could trace back to you and that nobody knew you and I weren't really together. Selina knows, but I don't think she's told anybody. I want to be able to be here if you need me. There were times during our separation that I did need your help. I had to learn to overcome that and figure it out on my own. It's a good lesson to have learned, but I don't want to have to do that anymore."
He put the ring on, and then placed his hand on the corner of the table closest to the side facing in to the kitchen. With a shove, the table, the obstacle between them was sliding across the room, ending in the living room. Without a barrier, Eric scooted himself and his chair close to Macklyn, limiting the distance. He only stopped motion when they were close enough together to touch, his knees pressing gently against his mates.
"I'm sorry I hurt you. You mean so much to me, I can't lose you again. If you don't want to be together, I'll understand but if that's the case then please just kill me so I don't have to keep living without you."