To be seen as a hero. In his line of work, and with the brother he'd grown up with, that word was thrown around a lot. So much, that Elliot had started to disassociate himself with it. He wasn't the only medic (or person) who could save a life. Nor was he the only older brother willing to stand up for his younger sibling. So desensitized was he to the things he did only a daily basis, he no longer considered himself a hero.
But giving up his own life so that people he cared about could live? Hearing Rae call him a hero for that, as well as all the other times he'd been there for her? It made him actually feel like one again. Being dead, however, was a hefty price to pay for being thought of as a hero.
There was solid warmth where Rae touched his face, but as when he attempted to wipe her tears away, she was unable to do the same for him, as well. He wondered at that, but didn't question it. It was enough that they were able to touch at all.
Elliot pursed his lips into something that resembled a smile, and nodded his acceptance of her response. He couldn't force her to move on and forget about him. In all honesty, he didn't want her to forget about him completely. The selfless gesture of trying to ease her pain by encouraging her to move on, turned into a selfish one by making it seem like he wanted her to swear she would move on.
"You're right. I'm sorry. I just don't want you in pain. I want you to find happiness again. And you will. I know you will." Elliot had never been much of a believer in the whole soul mate concept, but it had never been an issue with Rae. They belonged together. That much he knew.
The kiss was warm, and although he felt it, it wasn't the same as the kisses they'd shared when he was alive. It filled him with a desperate longing, a desperate desire to stay. Another glance at the door told him he couldn't.
"I love you, too. And I'll miss you." He looked at David and half-smiled. "Both of you. Take care of each other."
With that, Elliot cross the room to the mysterious door and turned the handle. Bright yellow light made it impossible to see what was on the other side, but with a last look over his shoulder at Rae and David, he stepped through.