In that moment, a thousand impossibilities seemed more realistic. He imagined filling her belly with his child, imagined watching their children play on a lush moonlit lawn, imagined her hand in his when he died. Of course, it was foolishness. He would never risk the creation of a monster with her. The dying, though...
He'd all but forgotten the door as it finally fell open. The feeling of the handle giving way under his cold fingers was enough for him to straighten and break their kiss - but not enough for him to pull away from her completely just yet. Her eyes were deep and beautiful. He passed his good hand over her curls again - and those curls would fascinate him forever - and kissed her forehead.
"Are you ready to go home?" he asked, again feeling the surprise that she wouldn't run -- even after he explained why she should. He should tell her to run anyway. But there were things that Erik's strength could not manage; this was one.