He murmured slightly, not waking up. His face was sweeter in sleep, his normally tense brow relaxed as he held her.
He turned his head into the pillow before his eyes fluttered open. Feeling her arms on his side, he tensed slightly, his eyes widening, and she would hear him take a sharp breath and hold it.
His gaze fell on her, his pupils dilated in fear. He studied her intensely for a moment as his shoulders slowly relaxed before his hand came up to touch her jaw, almost in wonder. "Wow."
She placed her hand over his watching him with tired, silvery eyes, though there was a small smile on her face. "Hm?"
"Tez, you..." He paused before shaking his head and kissing her, holding her gently in his hands as if she were something precious.
He hesitated, pulling away slightly, his hand on the one of hers that rested on his chest. She would be able to feel his heart pounding through his shirt. He lifted it gently and placed it down on his shoulder instead, not meeting her gaze. "I'm still... I'm still new to this," he said quietly, his voice low. He seemed almost ashamed, his head down. "And my chest is... So, I can't really... I mean..."
She shook her head, giving him a soft kiss. "I don't mind, Row. No worries." She gave him a playful look after a moment. "Your chest holds no greater affections than your shoulders. They're all the same to me."
He gazed at her almost worshipfully. "Thank you," he said quietly, dipping his head to plant a small kiss on her jawline. "Thank you for understanding."
He frowned, stretching out in the bed. "I have to go back out in the field, if that's what you're asking."
