[ yes, that is the answer he'd known would be coming but he'd wanted to try once more to see if something had changed her mind. if perhaps strange's post had gotten to her a little more than she let on.

but she was committed and now, so was he. ]

I've changed my mind.

[ he uses words from a previous conversation, harkens back to the first time they'd discussed this. ]

You told me that you wanted your powers back but not more than you wanted me. Prove it. If you go, it is —

[ his heart pounds so hard against his chest that he's almost positive that she can hear it. ]

If you go, you will not have me anymore.