<strong><em>Elijah speaks up...finally</em></strong><br/><br/>Elijah was pissed off...at himself.  He stood there listening to these two friends arguing over him.  And he didn't have the fucking guts to speak up.  It took Maddi's anger to shake him from his depression.<br/><br/>"No, Maddi."  Elijah wrapped his arms around her and spoke quietly into her ear.  "Please don't be angry at Kira for what is ultimately my fault.  She is not to blame.  Stay with me here while I speak to her."  Elijah kissed Maddi's neck on the side and turned them back towards Kira.  Elijah gripped Maddi's hand tightly, using her presence as a balm to his nervous energy.<br/><br/>"Kira..."  Elijah started and then stopped, unsure of how to proceed.<br/><br/>"Not too long ago I treated you badly.  Very badly.  I could try to say that it was the drugs, or the isolation, or aftereffects of surviving the storm, or all of them together.  But in the end, it was me.  Whatever put me at that point is beside the point right now.  But I can say that it will never be me again.  Maddi has helped me in that regard.  I believe I owe you an apology."  Elijah paused to take a breath.  "I am sorry, truly sorry.  I ask for your forgiveness, not because I deserve it, but rather because I want us to be able to move forward without fear or hatred.  You and Maddi have a friendship that long predates my involvement and I would hate myself if I caused anything to happen to it.  Is there anything I can say or do to gain your forgiveness?  Because I will do it, for Maddi's sake because I..."  Elijah choked up a little, the words coming out as though a surprise. "...love her."