Close enough now that I can see every detail of her face despite the shadows.
Dust along her cheek.
Exhaustion in her eyes.
And something else.
Something softer.
“Russ…”
My name barely leaves her mouth.
That’s what breaks whatever restraint I had left.
Because I almost lost her again today.
Because she’s standing here alive and warm in my arms.
Because I’m done pretending this isn’t happening.
I lower my head slowly.
Enough time for her to stop me.
Enough time to pull away.
She doesn’t.
Her breath catches softly against my mouth.
That’s all it takes.
I kiss her.
Finally.
No interruptions.
No gunfire.
No almost.
Her mouth opens against mine instantly like she’s been holding this back as hard as I have.
Not hesitant.
Not cautious.
Just real.
My hand slides carefully along her waist, avoiding the bandage at her side while pulling her closer anyway.
She presses into me immediately.
Like she stopped fighting it too.
The rest of the world disappears.
