He wanted to open his eyes again, but he understood the line she was walking in making her choice, and stood there, his fingers lightly brushing the skin around her eyes, across the bridge of her nose... he felt two scars, long since healed, the skin raised just lightly. The tips of his fingers hinted at the story behind them... like the one on her cheek he'd noticed before.
Doug leaned his head forward, their temples touching, and the sensation, along with the concern he felt as he traced her scars, made his chest tighten and feel suddenly hollow. He could only imagine the life she'd led, the things she'd faced. She stood straight, strong and sure of her movements. She never seemed to waver, not until right before she'd taken off her mask and brought his hands to her face.
Doug fought back the tears that threatened to fall in the mix of that elation and sorrow, eyes stinging. Keeping them shut, he brought his closed fist to his collarbone, then pulled it away, opening his hand, gesturing her name.
He kissed the bridge of her nose faintly, then above her right eyebrow, then the side of her left cheek, his mouth turned into a smile that was part pride and part joy. He tried not to ask the question on his mind, but his body betrayed him. What do you see in me?