hard feelings / loveless

the elation from all of this is still shocking to her. a part of nyala wondered it this feeling would ever wear off —– if this was temporary. but when nixon awakes, eyes scanning over features, she feels everything she felt since their wedding day. perhaps she feels it even more strongly now. it forces the drumming within her chest to beat a bit faster, legs tugging on his similarly to how they were intertwined all night long. for a brief moment, nyala doesn’t say anything only to allow her heart to swell. “hey sleepyhead,” she teases with a gentle smile spreading upon features. the girl’s voice remains quiet to keep this peacefulness, this calmness between them. although there’ll be many more moments just like this —– and she’s definitely looking forward to them. slowly, her fingers tracing from his chest to his arm before being enveloped completely. as arms wrap around her frame, she easily accepts the invitation, scooting in to press herself closer. the way nixon pulls her in makes her feel so warm, so wanted, so loved. and she has only ever truly felt that with him. “i just wanted to surprise my husband,” nyala replies almost innocently. a soft laugh escapes as a hand slides from his arm to rest on his cheek.

“not even my eggs and bacon will get you out of bed, huh?” she speaks teasingly. “shame. i put in my blood, sweat, and tears while making it.” her fingers now rest upon the base of his neck and rubs it gently. though, she could easily do the same. she could lay here with him for hours. even now, she gets lost in it. she gets lost in the way it feels so easy to love him; she no longer cares about her previous plans. “we can eat in a little bit. it’s not going anywhere.” the brunette suggests, eyes shutting at the kisses pressed to her forehead. so she can stay like this —– they can stay like this. even if it’s for another five minutes. besides, how could she say no to this? “so, what i’m hearing is i should do this more often. i think i can manage that.” another laughs slips out. “i don’t mind being held hostage. i’m not complaining,” nyala notes with a playful grin, looking back at him fondly. the hum that vibrates pass her lips is proof of that. “definitely not complaining.” and she hates the thought of him stopping anytime soon. his touch is barely there against skin but finds her eyes closing and her body almost trembling because of it. “but if you keep this up —–” that’s when she lazily guides him back to her lips. “—– i’m gonna be wrapped around you for a couple days.” 

he could never imagine waking up with her, next to her, would feel any different than the first. knowing that she’d wake up beside him everyday without fail was exactly what he wanted. he couldn’t imagine anything feeling as good as knowing you had a woman beside you, who loved you, and wanted to wake up beside you just as much. “well,” he breathed, easy, settling in with her warmth beside him again. “i feel very surprised.” laughing a little with the words as they were said. so at ease their mornings continued to feel, regardless of how much time went by, especially considering they started never spending an easy morning together. “well in that case,” his eyebrows raising at the implication of words. “what kind of husband would i be if i just let all your hard work just get cold on the counter?” letting eyes close just a second more before he considered getting up for the first time that morning. 

with one swift movement, his arm wraps around her again, sliding her with him as he climbed from their bed. “c’mon.” he mutters quietly through his smile as his feet find their footing against the hardwood. “we could be wrapped around each other while we get some sustenance. pretty sure we’ll need all the energy we could get.” his grip changing to pick up her thighs to carry her into the room as he walked the two of them into the kitchen. setting her on the counter next to the plates of food she had made earlier for the pair of them. “wow what a chef, baby. michelin style and what not.” taking a piece of bacon from the plate to put in his mouth, overdramatizing the taste of it. “delicious, oh my god.” laughing as he offered her the same piece. “want coffee? or a juice or something?” he asked as he stepped towards the cupboard for glasses for the pair. 

their honeymoon was magical — making memories, travelling to new countries, and beginning the next chapter of the rest of their lives. despite gallivanting around the world, the two chose to return home. although, to nyala, home is wherever he is. currently, it’s the familiar scene of new york. it’s a stark contrast compared to their old surroundings. yet, she can’t help breaking into a smile, though honestly, there’s multiple reasons for her blatant happiness — the main one, of course, being here with nixon. nyala is awake, nestling above his frame, enjoying his warmth, the feel of him. admittedly, she fell asleep like he was her personal pillow with her head resting against his chest. he is still in a deep sleep, his rhythmic breathing matching her own. tranquility channels bone deep so she stays for a moment, enjoying the stillness of the morning, thinking, reminiscing… 

after a few minutes, with him still asleep, nyala quietly slips out of bed — already missing the warmth. with small steps, she immediately heads towards the kitchen. she is starving, and imagined nixon would be too when he finally wakes up. ignoring the persistent rumbling in her stomach, she makes breakfast for the two of them. it’s a very small gesture compared to every thing he has done for her but the girl hopes it will suffice. there’s an evident pep in her step, overflowing with delight when returning to her position from before. she whispers his name then decides to stir him awake with kisses all over — from his neck, to his cheek, to finally his lips. “nixon,” his name is spoken with a melodic quality. “baby, i made you somethin’.”

being home with her, a home that was theirs, felt like an extension of their honeymoon. though, he doubted it wouldn’t ever not feel like that. ever since she put his ring on her finger he felt as if he was walking on air, a feeling he figures he’d never truly get used to. but, realistically. he’ll never truly believe she actually put his ring on her finger. there’s always going to be a piece of him that believes that’s just a figment of his imagination. especially coming from where they did, all they’ve been through. everything he’s made them go through, honestly. but, starting their lives here, together, in this city that’s seen them through the whole thing. their life, however, was wherever they were. an easy realization having just lived their post marital vows in every city they had ever imagined themselves existing it. with that being their normal for months, adjusting to language barriers and yet neither of them thought of it as anything but paradise, he knew that life in new york wouldn’t be any different. and, it hadn’t. though, he missed drinking wine with her by the river seine and wandering cobblestone alleys that held more history than either could ever know - he knew this was good. being home, adjusting to life, intergrating their friends and families back into their lives. finding a normal outside of what happened before, finding their normal. this was good, he was excited about this. 

and he didn’t find it hard. finding it easy to relax in this space, their space.  easily falling back into old habits. or new. depended on how you saw it. ever since getting back into the states, he’d found it hard adjusting back to the time, finding himself exhausted no matter how much sleep he’d received. he wasn’t even sure when exactly they’d fallen asleep last night, or maybe it had been this morning, it all seemed to blur together. though, he could find sleep considering she was curled up beside him, the only comfort he needed. and the soft press of lips to skin wasn’t the worst way to be woken, especially when eyes open she was there with light from the window shining in on her in just the right ways. smiling, he wraps arms around her, bringing her to him again, not realizing how much he actually needed her warmth. “you shouldn’t have.” sleep still holding onto his voice, raspier now with the morning. he’s quick to press another kiss to her lips, though it’s mostly teeth as he’s smiling. “considering,” he starts between kisses of his own to her forehead now as he tightens his hold. “i could just do with this.” he sighs easily, eyes closing again as the comfortability envelops him. “actually, sorry, this is all i want to do today. have you wrapped around me, screw anything else. don’t wake me up like that if this isn’t what you want.” chuckling softly as he maneuver her next to him, practically pinning her to the spot next to him as arms stay firmly wrapped around her. his lips quick to press his lips to her shoulder, her neck, in the same maneuver she had just pulled on him. 

nyala releases a sigh of content at the way his arms easily wrap around her. it’s comforting. a reminder that her true home is nowhere else but with him. her grin grows wider, a soft giggle falling from her lips as she can’t seem to contain the joy she feels. it’s all she want to do — sit here in his arms. truthfully, she hasn’t processed it all yet — it’s why her body is shivering ever so slightly and goosebumps line her skin. all of this feels surreal. “i feel like i don’t deserve to be here —” in this moment, focusing on paris’ cityscape, married to the love of her life. it’s a dream come true. her brown eyes narrow in on him, same grin present on her features. “— like it’s too good to be true, like it’s too perfect.” she explains. “— but, it is perfect.”

nothing around them is more significant than what they share. not the stars in the sky, not the coolness of the air, not the bustling of the night. the only thing that matters is THEM. “— so, let’s stay. let’s stay here for a while. we have nowhere else to be but here.” with each other. they’ve always talked about doing this — seeing what the world has to offer. may as well take advantage of the time. “there’s no rush.” with a smirk, the girl nudges into him with her weight. only to pause before breaking her stare for just a moment. “we have forever, remember?” she insists, voice soft and warm, body melting against his.

nyala understands the weight of this. how important and relieving it is for him to express that freely, and to know he’s comfortable enough to do that now means everything to her. “i know what you mean,” she whispers with a nod. “i feel like i’m living in a fantasy.” which proves that she has something really beautiful in her life. something she never thought she would have. something she doesn’t have to fear losing. not anymore. her breath catches in her throat as nixon reminds her, heart racing as her head shakes in disbelief. how will she be able to sleep tonight? maybe she can’t and it’s not a bad thing. she’d rather stay up all night. she wouldn’t mind being in his embrace for hours, talking to him like this, feeling this this. “it doesn’t feel real. but it’s all real. every second of this is real.” and she really can’t imagine this feeling ever fading for either of them.  “i —” head turns to focus on him but her words cut off. when eyes meet his, she’s afraid her heart might explode. a shaky breath falls from her lips. “— am not used to hearing you say that.” she admits, immediately bringing her free hand to push back the hair from his face. her gaze lingers on his face, nothing but pure ADMIRATION in her eyes. smile brighter than the lights before them; a quick kiss is left on his cheek. “i can’t wait to get used to that, husband.”

the image of them staying, carrying on life here in paris, or anywhere that wasn’t home, truly excited him. getting away from what tied them to home, what waited for them there. a change of pace, scenery, it felt good for them. after everything, they needed to be away from it all, from the consistency of their routines, the draw of the questions and prying and everything they didn’t need in their relationship. he wanted something new, it was almost like he needed something new. imagining her, them, in these beautiful places, seeing all these things he’d only heard about or seen in books or pictures, actually got him excited. being here, actually being in a place like this - somewhere he couldn’t really imagine himself being in before this - made him excited about life, and what they could do here on out, in their lives as a married couple. 

another phrase that upended him. married couple. she married him. she really did marry him, and he actually went through with it. he was married. to the love of his life, the greatest woman he’d ever met, and she actually wanted to make a life with him. a life here. with no rush to get back to normalcy. “you’re right.” he says simply, though the grin on his face is palpable. “let’s take our time. we have to find something to fill the rest of your life with. wouldn’t want you to get bored of me.” smiling as he sifted to look at her, hand stroking softly through her hair, his other hand resting comfortably on her thigh. 

“i definitely think i am. have been. for like,” pausing for a moment, feigning thought. “how long have you been with me?” as if he needed a reminder, like he hadn’t been counting the days, minutes since even before she’d officially wanted to be with him. “living in a fantasy.” clarifying, though it definitely felt more like it now. married, small and beautiful, honeymooning in a place like this. “i’ll never get used to it.” laughing softly, arms snaking around his wife’s waist. closing in until there were no space left between them, pressing a kiss to her cheek, her chin, and finally her lips. “baby,” after he pulled away, unable to keep the inevitable grin off his face. “we’re in paris. on our honeymoon. we got married, i’m never going to get over that. i can’t believe you married me. you’re so out of my league.” 

this feels new again, like they’re starting a new chapter together yet they’re back at the start of it all. the laughs, the smiles, the fond gazes — hearing how much he loves her makes her feel like she’s falling for him all over again. since the wedding, things between them has been incredible. it’s beyond words. everything has shifted for them, but it’s for the better and today has expressed that. and it’s something nyala refuses to let go of. someone loves her, despite being told that no one over could, feeling for so long that no one ever could. they’ve reached the place where their night will end, but she can feel that her love for him is just beginning. 

the city of paris is beautiful, perhaps even more beautiful than london or new york or even rome. more beautiful than she could’ve imagined. the two have always talked about travelling around the world. although the idea was entertained, nyala didn’t expect for this to become a reality. this certainly doesn’t feel real. a part of her is still almost convinced this is a dream. yet, more than happy to indulge in the fantasy. the entrance leading from their suite to the balcony is open, offering a spectacular view of the eiffel tower. it’s a peaceful night, stars painting the sky and waiting for the two to focus their attention on them. her stare stays fixed until they finish setting up the area for tonight, though a small smile can be seen on her lips when looking closely. 

nyala tosses her hair over shoulders, then finally turns her attention to him. she doesn’t speak, simply moving to sit by him. “nixon —” is all the girl says before reaching over to pull a blanket around them. body leans into his, hand intertwining with his own. a hand that now carries the weight of a ring. her voice is whispered, as if speaking too loudly will disturb the peacefulness of the night. but truly, she doesn’t care about any of that. all she wants is HIM. “— i don’t know how you do this. you pick these perfect settings,” she comments while her smile grows more and more bashful. she feels amazing right now. “and — now i’m not sure if i ever want to go back home. i’d have no problem staying out here with you.”

it all kind of felt like a blur. everything after the wedding had just, happened. like the wedding itself had just happened. one moment he was just dating her, engaged, and the next - they were man and wife. a jump of a commitment. though, he wasn’t complaining. he could never. he had nyala. and he loved her now more than ever, if that was even possible. from the moment he had met her this had been what he has wanted, even though it hadn’t been all to clear then, and had taken him so long to come to that conclusion. 

it feels like he could burst at any second. his bubble, the little world they had created for themselves, beside everyone else’s. he liked living in this, this serene place. it wasn’t like paris was all that peaceful, there were still life being heard through the open balcony he sat on, but somehow the city noise was unlike that of home, it was somehow better. it lured him farther into this dreamscape. they had talked of this for forever, escaping just the two of them. however, he had never expected it to be when he had made her his wife. but to be fair, he really never actually believed that would happen either. it all felt as if it were just a fever dream, one though he was adamant that he never wanted to wake from. 

he’s made himself at home on one of the loungers on the balcony, his guitar is setting beside him. he had planned on doing some writing in the stillness of the night, but it had yet to come and he had, at some point, gotten lost in the cityscape. he’s letting everything soak in, he hadn’t even realized when nyala came to wrap herself around him, something he hadn’t realized he had missed until she was glued to his side. his arm is quick to wrap around her shoulders, pressing a kiss to the top of her head while he’s gently bringing her in close until she’s pressed tight to his side. it’s hard for him to focus on anything she’s saying, his mind racing just from the simple fact that that’s his wife. “paris was made with you in mind, i’m sure of it.” nodding slowly as his eyes finally tear themselves from her and focus back to the buildings and the seemingly bustling town beneath them. “i think i could too,” he agreed, easily. he’d been thinking a lot like that lately. “right here, in this spot, i think i could stay here forever. feeling like this, being with you. this is everything i want.” shrugging his shoulders, letting the words fall so easily. the hand holding hers softly running over fingers, fiddling with the ring that decorated her finger. “i keep needing to pinch myself.” he begins, the same huge grin painting his features. “it all kind of feels unreal. being here with you. being married to you. it all feels like -- a dream.” the words sound like a sigh as they fall from his lips so carelessly. he’s so unafraid to say this to her now. he wants her to hear it. his head is shaking now, a soft laugh falls from his lips while he presses another soft kiss to the girl’s temple. “you’re my wife.” he says it like he has to remind himself, or her even. “we’re married.” 

nyala wished for another chance to bind to him. she always wanted to believe that she would, but it was a guessing game. now, it is happening. it is finally happening. nixon is here, she is in his arms, he has her, they have a second chance at starting their new life together — which is rare, but she doesn’t intend to waste it. she’s diving as far into this as she can and she will not look back. she’s going to ensure that it stays like this — forever. one is ready for this be their newfound reality. a small smile starts to form as he compliments her, her heart starting to race. “for you,” she promises in every way. his next words make her mouth part, her chest heavy now.

“okay,” nyala speaks quietly. she hums slightly, her head nodding in agreement. even as he insists, the girl barely believes it. she doesn’t know how to process it all nor does she have time to; her mind is always filled with how much that she loves him. but how could one person care so deeply and so much for her? it’s a question she’s been asking herself since the very beginning, and while she has learned to accept it, she still can’t comprehend it. a hand rests on his cheek before pulling back, staring back at him with such a deep adoration. and she will never get tired of hearing that word: wife. 

after signing the necessary paperwork, they were guided up a staircase through a series of hallways to a quiet area of the courthouse. besides the judge, two people were in the room as well — witnesses, she figures. when she reaches for his hand, she lets out a soft sigh, closing her eyes for a brief moment. she is eager when they approach the stand. though she may be unsure of protocol, she will be sure to follow his lead — all while becoming irrevocably his.

it’s happening. it’s official. in only a few long moments she’d become his wife, forever, just them two. it doesn’t feel like anything is going to change, though still everything won’t be the same. as cheesy as that is. she’ll never just be his girl, the one he lives with, his girlfriend, after this - she’s his wife. she’s his. this is binding - forever. there’s no backing out of it now, not that he would ever want to now, but there’s no way he’s not following through. there’s no way he won’t do this. nothing could possibly keep him from ever following through this time. nothing in this world could possibly stop him from being right here right now. marrying nyala was all he wanted, being with her was the best thing that could happen to him, and it was about to be finalized. 

he squeezed her hand where they stood in front of the podium, taking a calming breath as he waited for the officiant to start. he looked to her with a smile while he began explaining the process, nixon shook his head, almost in disbelief this was actually happening right now. he was really standing in a courthouse, ready to say his vows and marry the woman of his dreams. that this actually wasn’t a dream, this was real, he was living it. 

with a clearing of his throat, he turned to the officiant offering him a smile as he let go of nyala’s hand, fishing around his pocket for what he had written for her and this moment. his posture shifting as they had reached their vows, the man standing before them looking at the pair with kind eyes and a hopeful smile, as if he was rooting for them too. “i, nixon flynn,” a restful sigh as he paused for the man to continue, so that they could continue. “take you, nyala wilson to be my lawfully wedded wife. to have and to hold,” a smile pulling at his lips as he made his promises to her, in a fluorescent lit room in a town he couldn’t really remember the name of, but he couldn’t imagine it any other way. this felt like them. simple, easy, to the point. sliding the box that held the ring he had purchased only hours before from his pocket, taking the ring and placing it on her finger after the words ‘i do’ fell from his lips. 

the officiant finished with a few words, that nixon couldn’t really pay attention to. she was his wife now. they were married now. she was his wife. as the confirming words were spoken, nixon wasted no time before he swept her up in his arms, placing his lips to hers in a passionate kiss, mouth quick to deepen it as a few cheers are heard around the room. the first embrace as man and wife, the first of so many. “yours, always.” he whispered, smile still pulled so tight against lips as he pressed a kiss just above her ear. “let’s get outta here.” he mumbled a second later, taking her hand in his as he collected their paperwork once again and started for the exit. 

she’s changed for the better — the girl she was before she met him doesn’t exist anymore. not entirely; they’ve become new people together. they’ve grown together. they’ve adapted to a life together. nyala never thought she could love, and now she doesn’t know how to stop thinking about how much she does love him. “i can’t wait for you to be my husband.” she whispers finally, joy present in her features with a soft gaze on his. this is what is right for them. “i can’t imagine a future without you. i don’t want to.”

the moment she is captured in a kiss, she lets out a quiet sigh against her, body rushing with the same euphoria she has felt since the moment she realized she had him again. when she hears his excitement, the smile on her lips can’t be fought. her hearts pounding in her chest just over the idea of getting the rest of her life with him. her grin doesn’t fade as he pulls back, fingers still tracing skin, wrapped up in his arms. “i’m going to be your wife,” she repeats in a whisper with a giggle following suit. “yours,” she insists, smile growing in an almost bashful sense. she has to remind herself of that too. this is real. she stays silent for a moment before speaking — in a bit of disbelief herself. “yeah. yeah, okay. i’ll see you then.” she draws a deep breath, taking a few steps back. a lightheartedness embedded in her tone.

the next hour felt like a millennium because there is just no way of containing the excitement. on the other hand, it felt like minutes considering nyala had to make herself pretty for her big day. their big day. clad in white, she arrives at the courthouse. and it doesn’t take long for her to find her husband to be. “you look handsome,” she says then intertwines their fingers. it’s all a bit surreal. when his eyes meet hers, it’s almost too much for her. “maybe too handsome.” a joke offered with the same smile from before. her nose crinkles as she lets out a small laugh. though she won’t admit it, she is a little nervous. despite her strong grip being a tell-all. “we’re, uh — we’re really doing this….” they do deserve this. they deserve to be happy together. “are you ready?”

watching her as she walked away from him, a sigh of relief falling from his lips his hand comes to rest against his chest. taking a moment to collect himself, slow his heart rate a little, before he started towards anywhere that could have a suit ready for him any perhaps even rings for them on such short notice. drumming his fingers against his leg as he browsed his options, counting down the minutes before he wad due at the courthouse. he pictured this moment so many times, especially when he was away for those months, though he never really imagined that it would actually be happening. this was good, this was the step they needed. this was what they needed. he couldn’t wait to grow old with her, officially belonging to each other, a piece of paper to prove it. 

having phoned the courthouse during his hour to get everything prepared, he knew they had the time for them. he even went so far as to arrive sooner than he was needed, probably more out of nerves than anything, but he did start to fill out the paperwork needed so they could legally bind to each other. fingers nervously drum against his leg as he waits for the woman to return, if she does return. it truly felt like an eternity before she returned, dressed in white. she looked so beautiful, dawned in ivory, like she was glowing. perhaps she was. rising from his seat, making his way over to her, a giant smile pulled at his lips as he found his way to her. “you look,” shaking his head, taking her hands as he looked her over. biting his lip to keep himself from grinning, collecting his answer. “you look so beautiful.” 

“we’re really doing this.” he confirmed, nodding his head taking a calming deep breath. it was a long time coming, and this was finally the home stretch. she was here, he was here, they both showed up. they were going to do this. they were going to get married today. “i’m so ready. never been so ready for anything in my life. let’s go make you my wife.” said with such a big grin as he took a step closer to her, releasing one of her hands as it came to rest against her cheek, pressing his lips to hers quickly - softly. taking a second to hold her, to calm the nerves that bubbled deep in his stomach before he continued. “so, um, i got here a little early. i already filled out my end of the paperwork, so you just have to sign a few things. dot a couple i’s. and, you know, we can do this.” handing her the paper he held in his hand, fishing the pen from his pocket. “let’s go make you my wife.” 

they have spent almost every moment together since his return, but they haven’t had the time to do what they are doing right now — just experiencing life like this. it’s deliberate and it is for the purpose of sharing each other’s warmth and to be in the arms of someone they love. thankfully, things eventually picked up right where they left off. the two were comfortable with each other again, but so much of their future plans were placed on the back burner to live in the moment, to make up for lost time — both finding a way to move past everything. now, it’s like starting over.

nyala’s immediately caught off guard, lips part slightly, but her breath holding. a part of her is a nervous, in the back of her mind the pessimist still sits. she freezes — even though it’s all she thought about since that day, she feels overwhelmed by a multitude of emotions. however, a little smile forms on her lips. she doesn’t respond right away though, simply letting the words warm her body. “yeah?” voice is soft as tone shifts into excitement. there is even a glimmer in her eye. “seriously?” she smiles again, lips rubbing together. she wants to marry him. she’d marry him anywhere, anytime, anyplace. 

“i’d love nothing more than to be your wife,” she tells him honestly as shoulders cave within slightly. releasing a quick laugh, her frame leans into his. she doesn’t need a fancy wedding. as long as he’s sure about it, she doesn’t mind; she truly believes that, because she knows what she has with him is right. “nix — if you’re ready, i’m ready.” nyala nods, as if she’s pleading for them to do this. finally. there is nothing left to question; there is no time like the present. “let’s do it,” she says with a grin. “let’s get married.”

though he had hoped for this, he hadn’t expected her to be so ready for it, without so much as a “proper” proposal. he’s grateful, nonetheless, elated even. surprised that she’s so ready for this after what happened the last time they were ready to walk down the aisle. he’s wanted nothing more than to be with her for the rest of his life since, really, the second she stumbled into his life. and, it’s like finally it’s all come together. he doesn’t want to ruin this again. he doesn’t want to disappoint her again. 

he easily wraps her up in his arms, elated that she could even agree. he pressed his lips to her temple in a soft kiss, though the smile on his lips doesn’t fade. “i can’t wait for you to be my wife.” words whispered into her hair, a shake of his head following. still in disbelief that she still - after everything, after all that he’s put her through - she’s still interested in being with him for the rest of her life. being shackled to a man like him. maybe somehow it made it all worth it, that all they went through, or all he’s put her through, somehow was for a greater good and it was this. although unbeknownst to him, it was almost like he was waiting for this moment since she walked into his life. like he loved her since she walked into his life, and he wasn’t even sure he believed in that, but here he was - both of them being a testament to it. 

they deserved this, without a doubt. everything else - everything they’ve gone through suddenly dissipates and it’s just this. suddenly it’s just two people wanting to be with each other for the rest of their lives, undoubtedly, unquestionably. his hold on her tightens as he lifts her only slightly, his lips finding hers, deepening the kiss almost as quickly as it started. “baby,” words sounding like a sigh as they’re whispered against soft lips. maybe this is what he needed, this moment to be just them, maybe that’s all he needed - just them. he can’t help the laugh that emits, a laugh that almost still sounds in disbelief, as he lowers her back on her feet. “fuck,” shaking his head as he looked at her now, his hand coming to rest against her jaw, his thumb running softly against her skin. “you’re going to be my wife before today’s over.” laughing softly as he pressed his lips against the spot once occupied by his hand, as they slid to hold her gingerly at her neck. humming softly as he let it sink in before he pulled away, hands now holding hers as he takes a step back, knowing he’d have to physically remove himself or he could stand there all day. “i suppose we should go get ready then, huh?” the disbelieving laugh never seeming to go away. “i’ll meet you at the courthouse in an hour?” bringing his hand to his lips before he lets go of her completely, shoving hands in his pockets as to finally get himself moving. “i’ll, um - i’ll find a tux and the rings. you just - you just make yourself pretty, my love.”