[ Not for the first time her thoughts turned to the outlandish idea of never returning home, but the idea had sprung from cowardice and a desire to avoid the war waiting for her. She wouldn't have been able to live with herself, backing down from a challenge wasn't something Lily knew how to do. ]

El– [ She breathed his name before kissing him. ]

We're here now and it's wonderful. It's more than I could have asked for. No amount of missing you will ever diminish that for me.

[ It was like he was a gift she wouldn't be able to keep, and while the concept was rough to grapple with, it would be what it would be - and to her it was very worth it. ]