Title: Quietus
Rating: G
Word Count: 200 (double-drabble)
Verse: Book, but there's no reason it can't be TV-verse, too
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: Jim is the great creator, and we are but amateur puppeteers.
Summary: Everything comes to an end eventually.

I fought beside him as long as I could, but when he started worrying more about my safety than about his enemies, we knew it had to end.

Decades passed but only touched one of us. He looks like he's in his forties, even though we're both better than twice that. When some smartass nurse saw him kiss me goodbye one day--really kiss me--she started calling us Harold and Maude.

He visits me every day, like clockwork. At 4:15, the nurses clear a carefully planned path between us, turning off anything sensitive and electrical. They don't really understand what he is, but ever since he banished a demon from the ICU, they've been more accommodating of his quirks.

But he didn't show up today. Or yesterday. A nurse asked if he was on a trip. I said nothing, turning away to hide my tears.

And now Molly and Carlos are here, looking as young as he does, even though I've met their grandchildren. Molly's arm is in a sling, and her mascara is runny. Carlos' hand is tight on her shoulder. They don't need to say a word.

Such a fool. I was so worried he'd outlive me.

Author's Note: Love to my beta, Kat (Rosethorn). This bunny came along around the same time as "Cold Comfort" (see link in my profile). For someone that claims to ship Harry/Murphy so ardently, I'm really a terrible fan. :D For those curious, "Quietus" is Latin for calm, resting, quiet, and also death.