The city's voice quieted as it fell into darkness and silence. Her kisses held a request and Doug listened, as their lips fell together, and deeper, and his heart ached and demanded they open and look at her. Her kiss said, 'do not,' and he quieted the storm. She led him to the chair.
The river pulled with terrifying force, and Doug found himself at its edge. There was so much between them, so much that kept them apart. It would only take a step.
Doug pulled her to him, returning her kiss. She asked him to fall into her as he had the city. Eyes shut, each touch said more than word or gesture. It was an impossible place of complete honesty; a rush of sensation and clarity. I'm afraid. He pulled her closer to him, his hand on her cheek as their kiss deepened. I never want to turn back from this. I want you.
The river raged, but Doug held fast. Something held him back.
His eyes opened, his fingers still tracing her cheek. He searched her covered face with hungry eyes, in the darkness barely able to see as it was. He tenderly kissed the mask above each of her eyes, making a different request of her. Will you always hide?