He Knows

He sees her before she sees him.

She looks good. She's always been pretty, with her soft, dark brown locks and sparkling blue-gray eyes, but now that she's matured into a woman, there's a grace in the way she carries herself, an extra spring in her step.

He knows that additional bounce is because she's happy, truly happy.

He also knows that he does not cause that bliss.

When she spots him sitting at the table, she grins. Her pace quickens until she reaches him. "It's so nice to see you," Kitty says as she slides into the seat across from his. He can only nod. He doesn't trust himself to speak. He knows the only thing he'll say is how beautiful she is, how she's kind and brave and smart.

He knows he still loves her.

The waitress on duty at this section of the sidewalk café comes and takes their order. When she's gone, Kitty beams over at him again. The sunlight catches on the diamond engagement ring on her left hand, casting rainbows all over the table. She smiles again, and he knows she's thinking about her fiancé.

He wishes it was him.

But then again, he doesn't. No matter how hard he tried for their relationship to work, he knows in his heart that he never made her feel the way her fiancé does. And le loves her enough to let her go, because the man Kitty is going to marry is a good man. She will have everything she's ever dreamed of. That's all he could ask for.

Their drinks arrive. He sips his in silence as Kitty gleefully tells him how they've just finished the renovations on what she calls their "starter house." She's not trying to gloat, to rub her perfect relationship in his face, but he feels as though she is. Can't she tell he doesn't want to know about the life her fiancé is giving her? He wants desperately to be the one to share all these things with her.

But still, he is grateful knowing she still considers him her friend. These are things she might tell Jean, or even Rogue, and he's glad she thinks enough of him to share stories about her new life.

Finally, when she's run out of anecdotes about the paint samples and carpet swatches, Kitty places her purse on her lap. She draws out a thick cream colored envelope embossed with an intricate flower pattern. He swallows hard, knowing exactly what is inside. She hands it to him.

"I'd like for you to be there," she says softly as she stands. "And so would he. You're part of our family."

Over Kitty's shoulder, he can see her fiancé. The other man waves, and he nods in response. Kitty turns to leave. "Take care of yourself. I hope we'll see you at the wedding."

He watches as she walks away to join the other man. She reaches up to kiss him before sliding her fingers through his. The happy couple leaves him behind without so much as another glance. He looks at the envelope Kitty has left.

He slides one finger under the flap. It tears easily. He removes the wedding invitation.

He knows what it will say before he even reads it.

Katherine Anne Pryde and Robert Louis Drake request your company at their wedding…

And Peter Rasputin knows he has lost Kitty for good.