She tilted her head. "Hm. Do you know what I was just thinking?" she asked quietly, her lips curling up into a smile. "I was just thinking about everything I love about you. I love the way your fingers turn pages. I love the way you cross your arms when you're thinking." She bit her lips and met his gaze. "I love the way you smile slowly, and I love the way you frown when you tease me." She sat up and continued, her eyes sliding downwards to look at her fingers. "I love the way you tap on surfaces when we're in meetings. I love the way your eyes look when you first wake up. I love the way you turn to me when you sleep, like it's only natural. I love the way you laugh, almost as if you're surprised by it. I love the way your brow furrows when you play music, and I love the way you speak, as if your words were all very precisely chosen." She leaned towards him, her words quiet in her mouth. "You're worth it."
He sat up, his expression thoughtful. Walking over to her bed, he sat on the edge, taking her hand. It was obvious he didn't care what the nurse said at this point. "You know what I love about you?" he asked, before kissing her softly. "Everything."
She laughed joyously, squeezing his hand. "Everything?" she asked, looking up at him with bright eyes. "That's a lot of things. What about my temper? My inability to forgive? My tendency for jealousy? I don't imagine you love all that."
He kissed her cheek, traveling down to her jaw. "Everything. Everything about you. It's what makes you, you."
She exhaled as he kissed her, and he would be able to feel her pulse against his lips. Her heart was a bird that was caged within her ribs, and it was fluttering wildly. Her hand came up to cradle his face, and her fingers brushed the nape of his neck. "We're going to get in trouble, you know," she murmured.
He put one hand on the side of her neck, lightly tapping his fingers. "I just want to be near you, that's all," he said, his voice low as he kissed her again, this time a bit more deeply.
She kissed him back, her mouth fitting to his like a puzzle piece sliding into place. "Mm. Well, you've certainly achieved that," she murmured between kisses. She pulled away, her face still close, their noses brushing and her fingers rested on the side of his face. "Well done."
He smiled slightly, lightly brushing her cheek. Though, he stopped as he remembered something. "Does your side hurt?"
She frowned and shifted in the bed slightly. "It doesn't feel great," she admitted. "But I'll be fine."
"It's not your fault," she said softly, leaning forward to wrap her arms around his neck. "You did your best in there."
"Mm. I love you too." (Time skip!) The next day, the sun was shining. They had landed in Umbra, a small town on the coast, and they had been given permission to explore the town. It seemed to be fairly close-knit, with markets, and stores lining the block as couples walked down the street, enjoying the sunshine. Poppy and Francis went down the ramp of the ship into the town, squinting in the bright sunlight.
"No," she said cheerfully. "But I'm not going to stay in the ship. I've spent too much time inside the last little while."
"Well I don't want you to get hurt," he said, his tone slightly worried, "especially if it can be avoided."
She gave him puppy-eyes, her head slightly cocked. "Please don't make me go in there," she said sadly.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, but his expression softened as he looked at her. "I won't, but please be careful."
