#unexpectedvariables

I glanced over at Newt, and gave a small smile. He took it as an affirmative and slid down to sit beside me. I turned my gaze back out to the vast open water, tracing the line where it met the darkening sky with my eyes.

Newt followed my gaze, "beautiful, innit," he said quietly.

I sighed softly in confirmation.

"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here to see it," he continued, turning to me. "You saved my life, Amy."

He had my full attention now, but I didn't know how to respond. I just stared into his eyes, so dark they appeared almost black. Wanting so much to say something, anything.

"I tried to bloody kill you... and you still wouldn't let me go."

He reached out slowly, fingers brushing against the bandaged cut on my shoulder. I flinched at the sting, all the while hating myself for it, knowing what would come next.

"I'm so... so sorry," he murmured, withdrawing his hand.

I couldn't handle the pain and regret in his eyes, and, before I could think, reached out and grabbed his wrist before he managed to draw it all the way towards himself.

"It's okay, Newt. I know that wasn't you."

He glanced down at where my fingers were wrapped around his wrist and I let go, sheepish.

He appeared to consider something for a moment, before he took in a sharp breath and met my gaze again.

"Would you join me for a walk?"

At my nod, accompanied by a quiet 'sure', he got awkwardly to his feet and extended a hand towards me to help me up.

I took it, hopong he didn't notice the way the contact made my heart beat faster and heat rise to my cheeks.

I expected him to let go as we started walking, away from the crowd behind us, but he didn't. He seemed not to even notice his hand still holding mine as we made our way slowly off the rocks and along the edge of the waves that lapped against the sand.

We walked in silence for a while, until we rounded a corner. There, Newt halted and released my hand. By now the last rays of the sun were sinking below the horizon, turning the ocean scarlet and the sky into a watercolour painting of pink and orange and crimson. The others were out of sight, only a few snatches of lighthearted laughter occasionally drifted over.

I turned to see Newt regarding me with an intensity I had never witnessed before.

"I remember what you said, Amelia. You probably didn't think I would, but I need to know. Was it true?"

I trembled as he leaned closer, gaze burning into mine.

"Amy. You said... you said you loved me. Did you mean that? Or did you just say it because... you thought it might help get me out of there?"

I stared back, swallowing hard. In my mind, I was screaming my answer, but the words just wouldn't come.

"Amy..." his voice sounded pained.

"It was true, Newt... it IS true. I meant every word."

He went silent as I stood there trembling. A soft breeze from the ocean ruffled his blonde hair as his eyes searched mine for another moment before he responded.

"...Good that."

Newt took a step forward and closed the space between us, his hand gently tilting my chin up as his lips came down to press against mine. The kiss was soft but urgent.

I stood, frozen, until he broke away and looked at me quizzically. The last thing I wanted was for him to stop. So, I stretched up and pressed my lips back to his, earning a surprised gasp as my fingers tangled in his hair to bring him closer. His lips were chapped and he tasted like sweat and blood and dirt and I didn't care, only ever wanting more.

His hands rose to my sides, holding me tentatively at first, then pulling me closer as his grip tightened and he deepened the kiss. I caught his bottom lip between my teeth and tugged softly, drawing a quiet, low sound from the back of his throat as he pulled my hips up against his, sliding his fingers up my sides under my shirt.

Then suddenly he broke away, panting, hands halting in their path.

"Is this okay?"

I pressed myself closer against him, dizzy, our foreheads connecting, staring into his dark brown eyes.

"This is everything I've dreamed of for so long."

And with that, he wasted no time shoving mouth back onto mine. His tongue traced my bottom lip and I allowed him entry, slipping my own tongue out to meet his while I slid my hands up under his shirt, tracing along his back, mapping my way up his spine, along his shoulder blades, over the muscles in his shoulders, all the while his hands explored me.

They were rough from working in the gardens for years, and felt amazing against my skin, tracing along my curves, holding me as close as possible against his body. Wanting to make it easier for him, I grabbed the bottom of my shirt and pulled it up over my head, dropping it on the ground beside me.

Instead of continuing like I wanted him to, Newt stopped and took a step back. I saw the surprise in his gaze and for a moment was afraid I may have gone too far somehow, until his eyes slowly slid down my body. I felt a blush rise once more to my cheeks as I stood there, shirtless, before him.

His eyes met mine again and he calmly reached over his shoulder and tugged off his own shirt, dropping it beside mine.

I couldn't help myself; I stared. He looked... amazing. The moonlight glowed softly on his skin, etching every angle, curve, and dip of his lean form in patterns of light and shadow.

Then he smiled and took my hand, drawing me in again. His breath was warm against my neck as he whispered, "have I ever mentioned how beautiful you are, Amelia?"