It always surprised her they'd made it this long. Through years of conflict, broken bones, tears and trials, their hair had greyed and teeth yellowed, but here they were, strong as ever. Not fighting as hard as they once were, nevertheless they continued to push themselves to their now-reduced limits.
She still regards him with the same playful attitude she did in her younger days, though she doesn't jump him as often or kiss him as hard. And while her snarky attitude has since mellowed from her younger days thanks to his calming influence, she hasn't lost her confidence or spark. Something he loves her for that much more.
He stills wears the aftershave she adores, he tried to wear a new one once, which she promptly smashed. Not her brightest move, considering the stench it left in the bathroom after, but he never tried to commit such a heinous act again. Their love only grew.
The hair she loved so much, still does, has since been shortened by age, something she has finally come to terms with after almost five years of it being short. She likes it better though, her love looks more mature and chiselled, not that he didn't before, but even more so now. And she likes him that way.
Memories of how they met linger in her slowly fraying mind; she despised him then. Yet she can only chuckle at her naivety and thanks him every day for saving her and her best friend for the inevitable demise of the two escapees due to her lack of strength, or foresight.
Foresight! If only she had known how wonderful their life would be together in the future, she would have easily accompanied him back to their prison. The stolen kisses, passionate fights, cabin escapade, she would've leaped into his arms then and there. If only she had known.
He occasionally has flashbacks to the days he faced without light, without her. She remains steadfast by his side through these moments where he loses himself in daunting memories and haunting faces. He used to be volatile when remembering such experiences, losing his calm façade, and embodying the monster-like qualities he tried so vehemently to run from. He has mellowed since then, allowing her to calm him, protect him and love him. For that, he loves her more.
And it's moments like these, when they bid tearful farewells to their loved ones, in this case, his mother, that they truly recognise why they are so perfect for each other. When she, in her diminutive size and her passionate, whirlwind beliefs, completely supports her generally strong, pulled-together lover, it is these times, when they completely switch personalities, that they recognise their true purpose in life. Loving each other.
Thanks Guys.
Disclaimer: I don't own the material written by Rachelle Mead, nor do I claim to.