[He had long since closed his eyes, though he wasn't asleep. No, his heart and his mind were at odds. The truth of the matter was that being here lit something long dormant within him. It was so much more than just having a job to do...being here felt like he was actually needed. That his purpose had outgrown the Empire's and now he was on the precipice of something new.]
[Holding her against him, losing his thoughts to the crackling of the fire, the scent of her shampoo, the steady rise and fall of her back as she breathed against his bare chest...]
[He doesn't answer right away, and when he does, his voice is soft.]
no subject
[Holding her against him, losing his thoughts to the crackling of the fire, the scent of her shampoo, the steady rise and fall of her back as she breathed against his bare chest...]
[He doesn't answer right away, and when he does, his voice is soft.]
Do you want me to go?
[And before she can respond.]
I want the truth...not what you should do.