They were resting under an half fallen overpass, cold wind blowing and causing Elke to curl up closer to Britta. Her bandage was off, temporarily, and the scar, the whiteness of her left eye was visible.

Well, it would have been if her eyes were open. She had her glasses tucked into the inside pocket of her faded teal coat and her jean clad legs curled up to her stomach, her boots so dirty and scuffed the gold on them wasn't visible anymore. 

"Britta?" 

"Mhm, Elke?" 

"Does the rule of a nation being able to live for three days after...death...as long as their head is on apply to micronations?"

"...I don't know, love. Why would you worry about that?" 

Britta asked, pushing a stray strand of hair out of Elke's eyes. She shrugged a bit, falling onto her side to lay her head on Britta's lap. Stockholm suddenly realized she knew the answer.

"Because I think I'm dying." 

Elke's words were too smooth. Like piano keys or cream cake. 

Britta got choked up, leaning down close to Elke and grabbing her face between her palms.

"No. You're not dying."

She was wrong.

Soon enough, Marzin couldn't walk anymore.

Britta had to carry her. Elke got more food and water.

They were sleeping in a half collapsed house when it happened.

Britta stirred when her source of warmth...suddenly went cold.

Elke was laying there, shivering and almost gone. Both eyes a milky white. Mouth half open.

Britta shuddered, and looked at her. "Hey..." She asked softly, and Elke raised an eyebrow to show she heard her. But barely. "Are you..." 

Elke nodded.

And tears spilled down Britta's face. "No...no you can't be! Dammit, Elke! I can't...I can't lose you too..." She sobbed out, clutching the other woman's lapels and pulling her sightless face closer. Elke's breathing hitched. 

"Can I kiss you? And hear you talk one last time?"

She nodded.

"Ich liebe...dich." 

"Jag...jag alskar dag." 

And Britta tried not to sob as she pulled Elke's lips to hers, kissing her and feeling her try to kiss back as much as she could. Britta brought Elke's hand to rest on the top of her left breast, so she could feel her heartbeat. 

She stopped when the attempts to kiss back ceased completely. Elke was already gone, glassy, white eyes staring at the ceiling.

Tear tracks on her face, and her lips stained red from the fierce kiss she had in her last moments.

Britta sobbed into her chest until she passed out.