She looked over at him quickly, her eyes wide. "What?" *** He seemed smug. "Cause you like me?" *** She laughed, hugging him tightly, the movements playful.
“I think I love you,” he repeated, looking over at her. “Don’t panic, though. You don’t have to love me back.” *** She squinted at him before standing up quickly. “No. Shut up.” *** He brushed her hair back gently, considering her. “You’re wonderful.”
She stared a him for a few moments before laughing, her eyes bright as she leaned back. *** He looked up at her. "No?" *** She looked up at him, leaning into his touch. "I'm sorry you were sad today."
He squinted at her, looking tired and slightly frustrated. “That’s pretty rude.” *** She glowered at him, looking embarrassed. “No, I... I do like you. I just don’t want to talk about it.” *** His frown returned and he leaned into her touch. “It’s not your fault.”
She looked over at him, a wide smile on her face. "No, Ellis! I love you too!" *** "We don't have to," he reassured. "It's alright." *** "Still," she said, pursing her lips. "I don't want you to be sad."
He blinked, sitting up slightly. “You do?” *** She sighed embarrassedly, sitting down next to him. “You make me feel all fluttery.” *** “I’m alright, Rory,” he said quietly. “Don’t worry.”
She looked over at him with a grin. "Yeah." *** He offered a small smile. "You make me feel like that too, Aisling." *** She kissed his cheek. "I love you."
His whole face brightened and he sat up completely. “You love me. You love me?” *** She looked over at him thoughtfully, her brow furrowed for a moment before she slipped the hat off her head, leaning down to rest her temple on his shoulder gently. *** He gave her a small smile. “I love you too. Come on, let’s sleep, okay?”
She grinned, leaning over and kissing him. *** He looked down at her, hesitating before kissing her head. *** She nodded, hugging him and closing her eyes.
He kissed her back, his hand in her hair. *** She paused before looking up at him. “Did you just kiss my head?” *** He gently lowered her down on the bed, lying next to her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
She pulled away after a moment, watching him intensely. "I love you." *** He pursed his lips, looking down at her. "Yes." *** She opened her eyes to look at him curiously.
He laughed brightly, cupping her jaw. “I love you too.” *** She considered this, her expression severe and sharp with one raised eyebrow. Finally, she nodded and rested her head back on his shoulder. “Okay.” *** He noticed her looking and paused. “Is that okay?”
She grinned, hugging him. *** He looked nervous, choosing not to do it again. *** She smiled up at him. "Perfect."
He kissed her cheek, holding her close. “You’re in love with a possible murderer.” *** After a moment’s hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his waist tentatively, scooting closer to him. *** He leaned his forehead against hers and kissed the tip of her nose gently. “Good. Sleep, okay?”
"There's no guarantees," she said, resting her head against him. *** He put an arm around her. *** She nodded, closing her eyes. "You too."
He sighed tiredly. “I know. I’d like there to be more certainty, though.” *** She looked up at him thoughtfully, observing him. *** He exhaled before nodding slowly. “I’ll try.”
She nodded, kissing his temple. "I know. Me too." *** He was watching the fire, his expression was peaceful, but oddly aware. He didn't notice her gaze, the light reflecting in his eyes. *** She kissed the side of his neck. "Mm. Good."
He watched her for a moment, his expression soft. “Are you staying out here tonight?” *** She considered him for a moment before resting her forehead against the edge of his jaw, closing her eyes. Her soft brown hair brushed against his cheek and she was silent, saying nothing. *** He rubbed her back slowly, saying nothing, the events of the day having caught up to him.
"I can if you'd like me to," she said, squeezing his hand. *** He reached up, running his hand through her hair gently. *** She slowly drifted off, her arms around him.
He shook his head reluctantly. "No," he said with a frown. "You should go sleep inside. It'll get too cold out here." * * * She was quiet, her arms around his waist, the warmth of the fire making her relax ever so slightly. * * * He stayed awake for a couple more hours before drifting off as well.
