[ P ] Past Tense

Belfast smiled down at her, the gentle press of her paw into his causing warmth to radiate through his chest. And, if he didn't mistake it, he felt his heart skip a beat once or twice, tripping over itself as if he was that little rogue of a pup again. How wonderous it was to be able to focus on her—not what he had perceived as her charity or the burdens he imagined that he hefted on her shoulders—but on her smile and the almost bashful way she gazed up at him. He took in her features not with regret but with simple, pure appreciation. Had her eyes always been so bright? Her expression both so fiery and cutely anxious? It made him wonder if he had ever really looked at her before. Belfast realized then just how much the veil of childhood trauma and self-hatred had muted his life, reducing Xandria to an overly concerned shadow when instead she was a strong, beautiful woman. And he was so incredibly lucky to have her in his life. "I won't let anyone hurt you," Xandria breathed and Belfast smiled, laughing softly as he nodded. “I know.” His turquoise gaze was warm as he stared at her, unable to tear his eyes away. Now that he could finally see her, he could hardly stand to look at anything—or anyone—else. Xandria's nose gently pressed against his and Belfast's expression softened, gaze reflecting the many apologies that he owed her. “It has been real, I am so sorry that I ever made you think that it wasn't.” With that, if she let him, he'd lift a paw to tip her chin up, holding her gaze and all its vulnerability with his own. Because, for once, he knew that he too could and would protect her heart. “I love you, Xandria Tiamat,” Belfast whispered before pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. “my sin, my soul.”

STOCK ➤Dawnthieves CODE.ART➤ amphi

@Xandria

Xandria felt herself growing warm in the cheeks at the look of appreciation he was giving her. The way his ocean gaze glowed with obvious admiration made her feel a little shy and giddy. It was the first time since sustaining her injury that she felt truly beautiful, scars and all. A bashful smile touched her lips and she gazed back at him, golden eyes full of approval for her handsome new mate. She never thought that she would find romance. It had never been her dream as a restless child, wanting to take on the world. She wanted a heroic adventure not a love story. This unexpected happiness was a joy she’d never known she needed.

Now that she had him she knew she wouldn’t let him go without a fight. He had a habit of running away and hiding. This time there was no escape. He was hers, forever and always. The paw that touched the underside of her jaw was warm. Her eyes met with his and she could see the love and sincerity within them.

”I.. I love you too, Belfast fucking Moss,” she whispered back, leaning closer to accept his kiss. It was sweet and tender compared to their first all those years ago. ”You got better at kissing,” she teased him, snuggling into his warmth.

Fade to exit?

code & art by claerie


@Belfast