She listens to him with a calm, neutral expression despite the tears running down her cheeks. Even if this hurts, even if it's the worst thing she's ever been through, she won't break down - not here, not yet. They both need the chance to get through their piece before they can move on.

"I know you don't mean to hurt me." Dreams, why is her voice so weak? She's certain a moment ago it was strong, but now it's caught in her throat and the effort to push it out is excruciating. "I knew your family's traditions long ago, and yet..." Her eyes drop from his, but she doesn't turn away. "I hurt us both by admitting to something that could never be, by being the selfish, horrible person I am and for that I can never be forgiven. I don't deserve to be forgiven. I-it's so unfair to you. I shouldn't have done this. Dreams, I wish I had never--"

With a sharp intake of breath, she cuts herself off. If she follows down that particular path, she won't ever find her way off of it. She inhales slowly, but doesn't exhale. "I won't take any of this personally. It's not your fault. I have only myself to blame." Another breath, but this time she lets it out slowly. "You're a wonderful person and any woman would be lucky to be your wife." And even from afar I'll envy her. "You deserve every happiness and kindness the multiverse has to offer, Viatorus, even if you don't see it. Don't ever think so little of yourself - you do yourself such harm by being so hard on yourself."

And now... the hard part. Slowly, she rubs away a few of the tears in her eyes, ignoring those escaping down her cheeks, and looks back up at him, trying to meet his gaze if he'll allow it. "I love you, Viatorus, but I will never hurt you again by saying so. I hope that you'll be able to forget this ever happened and be happy with whomever you marry, that you live a long and happy life with her and never be distracted from that."

With one final breath, she sighs softly. "But before we move on... can I ask a favor?"