Theon didn't let go. His hands stayed cupping her face, gently pulling her back.

“I don’t want to walk away again."

His voice cracked. "I've tried and it’s not working." Lena's shoulders shook. "Theon…"

"Just this once." His voice broke. "Let me be the one you lean on."

Another tear slipped down her cheek. He caught it with his thumb.

"I'm not asking you to choose me now," he whispered. "Nor am I asking you to forget him."

He swallowed hard. "I'm just asking you to let someone be there for you." Lena stared at him as snow fell around them.

"Why?" she whispered. "Why do you keep doing this?"...