No, more like... it was easier if they knew me, if they were family. Harder, too. If I made mistakes, we'd fix it, but it hurt more to let them down.

Leading others... had to worry about letting them down [and] losing their faith.

It... depends. On who I was taking care of. Does that make sense?

Fortunately, he was also a damn genius and she had a head as hard as stone, so fate could eat it anyway.

But...

it was harder to deny some sort of force at work when she looked at her life now, and at a universe that had sent Tirum across countless worlds just to stumble on hers.

Gods, you can't get me all mushy like this when there's a dragon hanging around like it's gonna eat us.

C'mon, let's either get gone or find high ground. [She plants another peck on his jaw as her fingers twine with his so they can do just that. Together.]

I get a turn at asking?

Well, I'm not gonna say [no,] but I'm pretty fond of this one.

[She settles back in his arms just enough to look in his eyes, giving it some serious consideration for a moment.]

...What if - after my whole mess is straightened, or we at least have a plan to keep you and Cara safe 'til it's done,

Not anymore.

🥰

[She tiptoes up to meet his lips, smiling so brightly she's sure her cheeks will ache for a week.

She won't linger [too] long. There's an asshole dragon, after all.]

I'm no expert but I'm [pretty] sure the couple kisses when they get engaged.

I dunno if you could've, I think it suits us.

Yes.

You're asking me while we're arguing with a big, evil dragon?

[A grin slowly creeps across her face.]

Wanna elaborate a little, sweetheart?