I would like that [ he murmurs back, stroking her hair behind her ear. His own eyes are softly crinkled, the beginning of crow's feet spreading from the corners. ] I know you take risks with me. That's something I cherish. It makes me bold enough to do the same with you.

[ More truths he'd normally not voice, but right now he wants her to know. And he wants to smooth that hurt from her, the missing of important people. He understands.

Instead he lets his fingers trail across her cheek, down her neck and around her shoulder, his other arm holding her firmly to him. He kisses her hair, her forehead, and then very softly her lips. ]