As the moment between them settled, he gently pulled away from her body.
Bending down, he carefully lifted her into his arms, holding her close. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his bare chest.
He carried her over to the couch, his steps careful as he made sure to keep her comfortable in his embrace. The peace and silence in the room stood in sharp contrast to the wild emotions from earlier.
For a while, they didn't say anything, just enjoying the moment. Her hand found his, and she squeezed it lightly.
A gentle smile spread across his face as he looked down at her, his eyes brimming with affection.
For the first time, he could honestly say that he loved Index—a word that even Lucy had only managed to stimulate during their last moments together, in a life-and-death situation.
