Re: Epilogue - 3 Days Later
Kain felt Blythe slowly relax in his arms, and for a moment neither of them said anything, until she lifted her face up to "look" at him. Her eyes were still red rimmed and moist, but her expression didn't seem to hold any of the panic or sorrow from before. And she began to speak, soft, earnest words and a small, shaky smile.
I love you, but I no longer wish to court you.
It took him a moment to realize what she had just said, his smile falling from his face and his eyes widening in shock as dread began to knot in his chest. Even as a hundred protests ran through his mind, and he was getting ready to voice them, Blythe pressed on in much the same tone as she had before. As she continued, it became clear that her intent was not to leave him, and by the time she was done Kain blinked, scarcely believing what he was hearing.
Then he exhaled the breath he didn't know he'd been holding in a hoarse, but almost giddy, chuckle. It was rare to see the dragoon this happy about anything, and he spared no time in showing it as he swooped down on Blythe for a kiss. However, he was slightly over-eager in his excitement, and he accidentally slammed his nose into hers rather painfully as he gave her a quick peck on the lips.
It still counted as one of his favorite kisses thus far.
As he pulled out of the kiss he briefly held her much more tightly than he had before, then released her and snaked one of his hands down to grasp one of hers.
"Blythe, I..." Kain paused, both because he didn't quite know what to say, and his tone had been laced with excitement. He continued on, his tone a bit more calm than before. "I won't let you down. I...well, I have never felt this way about anyone before."
After a short pause, and another small chuckle, he added, "And I never will again. You are no more quick in your feelings than I am."
It was amazing, how quickly their conversation had turned since he had arrived here. From stiff and awkward, to downright loving and romantic. It was far more than Kain could have hoped for when he had come out to comfort Blythe, and it reminded him of just how much he cared for her. Even if they were in the middle of a war, even if they would soon have to face the reality of that fact once again, he was hard pressed to find a time in his life when he had been more happy in the company of one person. It seemed as though she continually brought out the best in him, and Kain enjoyed it. Around her, he didn't have to be on edge, constantly careful about his every word and action. She was one of the very few people he honestly trusted. And now he knew that she was putting the same amount of trust in him.
In short, Kain felt as though he was the luckiest man in Asgard.