*inhales sharply and has exactly one split-second to register a blinding, blinding surge of joy or heat or absolute terror* *makes a sound low in his throat, any half-formed words swallowed up by your kiss, broken by your hand tangled in his shirt*
*finally (a second or a lifetime later) pulls back enough for a ragged gasp* *cups your face in his hands and meets your eyes searchingly, something more desperate twinging around the edges* Lily. *and another breath (can't breathe)* Lily, I love you. I really do.
*runs out of words and so simply kisses you, deeply, both arms wrapping around you as though he would steal you away right here and now* (*he would*)