It’s been a long time since Simon has felt so, well, open with someone. His mother was the only other person besides Ryland.
He woke up to Grace’s beautiful face, the stubborn stubble on the curve of his jaw, his kind voice even when Simon did something wrong.
This had to be where Mars and all its inhabitants went; Heaven. How did he manage to get here, then?
He couldn’t find it in himself to ponder the question, because Grace was settling on his chest, with the blonde’s face pressed into the crook of his neck. The faint scratch of stubble made a shiver run down his spine, the simple act filling Simon with so much love.
He wanted to stay with the scientist forever. Hold him close and card his fingers through choppy blonde hair. He wanted to be with Grace through everything. He wanted to grow old with him, something he never even dreamed of on Eden.
He was greedy, but who could blame him? He went through hell and back, and when presented with a new life, a way to refresh and repent his worst sins? He took it and ran. He just wanted to live, and he got his wish.
He got his wish curled up in Ryland’s arms, with their legs intertwined together.