His free hand, unencumbered by tubes, lifted to press back against Tucker's cheek. Smoothed back into his dreads and curled there, holding him fast, as he kissed back. Good. Good. Some lightness in his eyes at last, untroubled if only for a moment.

They'd have so much to work through, but they'd get there. And along the way, there would always be moments like this. Something to remind them of what they were fighting for.

When he pulled away, there was nothing in his eyes but love. Adoration. God, he'd have taken that bullet again, a hundred times, if it meant keeping Tucker safe.