Author's Note: Perfect Life takes place one year after the events of Perfect Match, Book 2. For this story, a blonde, non-ethnic specific female MC w/ default name and a non-ethnic specific male Li is used. The story will consist of one-shot style chapters that follow a general timeline of their lives together. Thanks for reading! Reviews are always appreciated!

~Nicole G.

P.S. Go ahead and message me if you find typos! I write during my free time on night shift and my brain sometimes taps out while I'm editing.

Indescribable

~)x(~

Kai awoke disoriented from her afternoon nap, slowly blinking away sleep from her eyes as she looked around. How had she ended up in the master suite back at the beach house? Last thing she knew she'd been down by the shore, reading a book. Had she dozed off?

She stood groggy, stretching her hands over her head and arching her back. Her shoulders let out a satisfying pop and she smiled in satisfaction, glancing around the room. The window had been left open, letting in the salty scent of the sea and the gentle crying of gulls in the distance. The sun was beginning its descent, pink lines stretching across the horizon.

"Hayden?"

She called out for him as she walked through the living room into the kitchen. A smile tugged at her lips, spotting the scattered remnants of their card game from last night splayed across the table.

They had been playing first to five hundred in rummy, and Kai certainly hadn't expected to lose. She usually only played with Nadia, who had a terrible poker face. Hayden, on the other hand, had been completely stoic throughout the game, no expression whatsoever as he'd picked up card after card. When she'd finally set down three kings she'd felt triumphant, so sure of herself. A moment later though he'd grinned ear to ear, fanning out three aces.

"Well, well, well," she'd sighed dramatically, "I suppose I'll have to concede defeat. It appears I've finally met my match."

Hayden had tried his damnedest but hadn't been able to avoid cracking up at her sorry excuse for a pun. She'd been laughing as well...that is, until he'd stood up and hoisted her onto the edge of the table with nothing short of inhuman speed, a firm hand gripping either side of her waist. Then she'd found herself speechless, staring up at his mischievous smirk in silent anticipation.

"That you have, Miss Park...and now he's going to claim his prize."

Kai cleaned up the cards, leaving the neat stack on the edge of the counter before turning to get a glass from one of the nearby cabinets. She stopped midway though, distracted as she noticed a pink rectangular box propped up on the counter against the fridge. A note had been taped to it. She recognized Hayden's neat script immediately.

Meet me by the cove. Wear this.

Hayden

Kai paused, picking up the box with a suspicious smile and giving it a hardy shake. It barely made a sound, though it was oddly heavy. She lifted the lid to reveal the floor length, satin green gown she'd worn for their date to the opera house last year. It had been freshly dry cleaned, and as she ran a hand over the soft fabric she recalled their brazen behavior that evening after they'd snuck backstage. If she was remembering things right, that had been the very first time they'd…

She blushed, folding the dress over her arm as she made her way to the master bath. She tied her hair up and quickly showered, washing the day's residue sunscreen from her skin. She released her hair and smoothed it in the mirror afterwards, trying to tame at least a few of her wild blonde curls into a somewhat presentable shape. After that she pulled the dress on over her head, smoothing it into place as it fell to the tops of her feet. It was much longer on her without heels, she realized.

A dash of perfume, a necklace, and a bit of mascara. That was all she'd needed to complete the look. With that routine complete she was headed out the door, not bothering to stop and pull on shoes. She picked up the hem of her dress and trotted down the wooden steps of the beach house, feeling oh so regal in her formal wear. She'd forgotten just how much she loved the way this dress made her feel. She felt daring - alluring even - and she glowed from the inside out as her confidence soared.

The sand was cool and squishy beneath her feet as she walked along the shoreline. She re-traced their steps from what seemed like a lifetime ago as she headed towards the cove, vaguely recalling that night by the bonfire with all their friends gathered 'round, telling spooky stories and laughing together. It had been one of the most carefree nights of their stint on the run, a night she had never forgotten.

Her gaze was suddenly drawn downward as she walked, noticing a tiny crab skittering across small bits of shell and colorful pebbles. She walked beside it for some time, until it eventually jumped back into the sea, riding the tide back out into the unknown. She stopped and watched a wave crash quietly over her newfound companion, silently wishing the little crustacean well on its travels.

This was the same moment a nearby sound captured her attention. Curious, she continued on, recognizing the faint sounds of a violin duet. In the near distance she could see the top of the cove. She was close now. The music was more discernible as she turned the corner towards the more private section of beach, yet she still didn't know quite what to expect.

What on Earth was Hayden up to?

And then she saw it. The most perfect scene laid out right before her eyes. It was almost too serene to disturb. She stood there silently a moment, hanging back and to draw it all in.

The rocks around the cove had been covered with various sizes of white pillar candles. Their flickering lights reminded her strongly of a mishap they'd once had with fairy lights. In the middle of the arrangement a large blanket had been spread out over the sand, with an open wicker basket and various food dishes neatly arranged into two place settings. A little table nestled to the side with two glasses, a bottle of wine, and a small bluetooth speaker perched upon it. The speaker was playing an instrumental playlist from Hayden's phone, which changed to a gentler, hopeful melody as she stood there in utter bewilderment.

Off to the side was Hayden, looking rather dashing in his favorite formal attire. He had his navy waistcoat on, the one they'd bought together on their very first date after he'd been soaked to the bone shielding her from the sudden rainstorm. She admired the way it hugged his figure, and with his crisp white sleeves rolled up to his elbows he was indeed a handsome sight to behold. He was casually leaning with his back against a large rock, one leg propped up and one extended lazily across the beach, a book resting on his thigh.

She bit her lower lip, fighting a smile as she watched his expression twist at whatever he had just read. It was endearing to her, getting glimpses here and there of his private moments. It made him seem all the more real to her. She knew there were some people who would probably never see Hayden as anything more than a science experiment, but to her he had always been a true and genuine person. Always and simply Hayden...and in little moments like these, he seemed downright human.

She took a few steps forward, her shadow crossing his view. He set the book aside, standing up and dusting himself off before approaching her. He paused as he looked her up and down, the adoration in his eyes so intense she nearly melted into a puddle right there where she stood. She could never quite explain how those looks of his affected her so. But she knew exactly how they made her feel.

They rocked her to her very core.

"Hey you," he said softly, stepping forward to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. He tucked it behind her ear with a gentle swipe of his fingers.

She tried not to get emotional, but it was hard not to. This was all just so...overwhelming.

"Hayden, this is all so beautiful…" she murmured, gesturing towards the cove. She looked up at him, feeling so very full of love, and saw that same fond look reflected in his eyes.

"Almost as beautiful as you," he said softly, fingertips gliding gently down her sides and coming to rest on her hips. "I'd almost forgotten the way you looked in this dress. You haven't worn it since…"

"The opera," she said with a knowing smile, noticing him beginning to blush. "I was thinking the same thing earlier."

"What a night that was," he said wistfully, a hand reaching for hers. He raised it above her head and slowly turned her, drinking in every inch of her. "Just look at you. You're positively…"

"Indescribable?" she teased, placing a hand on his chest as she came face to face with him again.

He laughed wholeheartedly, kissing her gently and leaning his forehead down to touch hers. "I was going for something more distinguishable, like radiant. But you're right of course...that's simply not enough."

He reached down and squeezed her hands in his before letting them fall. His light touch fell to her lower back as he helped guide her to a seat on the blanket.

"You cooked?" she asked, excited as he took the lids off two bowls, a delectable scent filling the air.

"I did," he boasted proudly, "I got the recipe off Pin-Board. It's a lamb and vegetable pasta salad. Fancy, yet portable. My two favorite things."

"Steve would be so proud of you," Kai said, taking her bowl from his outreached hand. She brought a forkful of the colorful dish to her mouth and moaned as bursts of flavor hit her tongue.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Hayden said with a smile, reaching over to grab the wine bottle off the table. She watched as he popped the cork and poured the Cabernet into the two glasses. She set aside her bowl and took the glass he offered her.

He raised his to the sky. "Well then, what should we toast to?"

Kai thought long and hard before simply settling on the entire reason they'd returned to Indonesia in the first place.

"To us," she said earnestly, raising her glass, "To our health and happiness on our one year anniversary."

"To us," Hayden echoed, clinking his glass against hers.

They drank and ate their fill, laughing as they looked back over the year in reflective memory and continued to toast.

"To Gina's Diner, and to the best damn pancakes I've ever eaten," Kai laughed, taking another sip.

"To horseback rides at sunset," Hayden countered, "...and boat rides at midnight."

Kai reached over to a tray of fruit, selecting and dipping a strawberry into a whipped spread. She held it out to Hayden and watched as he took a savory bite.

"To ice cream sundaes and train rides," she murmured, slightly distracted by the way his teeth gently grazed her fingers. He looked up at her devilishly before hooking an arm around her waist and sliding her flush against his body. Her back arched as he leaned over her and captured a deep kiss.

"Not to mention the underside of that bridge in Paris," he said in a quiet, ragged voice, seemingly taken with the memory. Languid kisses peppered down her neck and throat before he laughed and drew back once more, reaching behind him to refill his glass.

Kai was thoughtful for a moment as he turned away. She reached for her own wine and swirled it, watching the legs slide down the inner edges of the glass.

"To Eros..." she said quietly, staring down at the blanket. A loose thread caught her eye and she picked at it with her free hand. "Even with everything they did to us...I guess I'll always be grateful on some level that they brought you into my life. I have to give them that much."

Hayden turned back and caught her hand in his, threading his fingers through hers tightly.

"To Eros then," he whispered. They both took a sup. A somber moment passed before he smiled sheepishly, breaking the tension. "Speaking of Eros, can I ask you something about...well, about your interview with them?"

She took a sip of wine, genuinely curious as to what he wanted to know. "Shoot."

He bit his lip, playing with her fingers. "We once vaguely discussed what we were looking for when we first went to Eros looking for a match. But I've always wondered, did you put down anything...specific while you were there?"

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean."

"Steve and I were discussing his baking last time he over. Apparently, Nadia put down at Eros that she was looking for someone that cooks. Therefore, it was programmed into Steve when he was set up as her match. I guess I was just wondering if any of my talents are things you...requested. I'm not how the real interview goes, since obviously I only think I went to mine."

Kai laughed awkwardly, taking an even bigger swig of wine as she cleared her throat. "Well let's see..basically, at the start of the interview we were given a quiz to determine what broad personality we best matched up with. I got Scholar. You know, brainy types."

Hayden laughed, choking on his wine as he held up a single finger to pause her. "Wait a minute, you mean to tell me you're the reason behind my fake Stanford degree in astronautical engineering? That I can build spacecraft all because you took a quiz saying you like smart guys? My God, that's rich."

Kai bit her bit, nodding sheepishly. "I may have also told them I was looking for an animal lover."

Realization dawned on Hayden's face. "No way...Dipper?"

"Probably my doing. Sloane adopted him under your name, after all. But hey, you can't give me shit for that one. You love that dog."

Hayden smiled fondly. "I really do. She's the best dog in the whole wide world."

Kai sighed. "Looking back, I'm sorry I put so many things on my application. I thought I was broadening my chances of finding someone, not checking off a list of things to shove into your head."

"I wonder if you're also the reason behind my many language skills then. I mean, Steve barely speaks English half the time...yet I don't even need subtitles to watch the telenovas I follow."

She could hear the humor slowly leaving his voice as he spoke. His gaze drifted out over the wonder, as if suddenly questioning all sorts of things.

"Hayden?"

He snapped his attention back to her, shaking his head. "Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have asked. You know how I get. Sometimes I dwell far too much and much too often about what makes me...well, me." He took a drink. "I'll stop now, I promise. I don't want to get too deep into this and ruin our evening."

"You know you can always talk to me when it comes to this kind of stuff. Regardless of the setting." She paused to study his expression. "I know things like this tend to eat at you if you don't."

He set his wine glass down, leisurely pulling her back against his chest. His arms wrapped around her so they were both facing the water. The sky above the waterline was littered with bursts of copper and ruby splashes as the sun dipped even deeper into the horizon. Hayden kissed the top of her head softly, a smile creeping back into his voice.

"The thing is, I know I'm being ridiculous. I know I shouldn't complain about being accomplished of all things." She felt the gentle rumble of laughter in his chest. He turned slightly, his cheek resting atop her head. "I mean, I learned to pilot a helicopter in what - fifteen minutes? I can't imagine how many hours of training that would have taken without Sloane's coding."

Kai drifted her fingers across his sleeve, toying with the stiff fabric. "I remember that night. You were incredible. A hero who saved all our lives. I don't know what would have happened to us if you hadn't been able to pull off that escape." She turned in his arms, placing her hands on his chest. "You know, looking back, it seems you've saved my life more times than I can count. I'd go as far as to say it's only because of you that I'm still here." Her hand drifted down to his stomach. "For Christ's sake, we'd barely been dating a month when you took that taser for me. There was no way of knowing beforehand whether or not that shot would kill you. Yet you didn't even hesitate. You just...saved me."

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her lightly. "I will always save you, Kai. Whatever may come our way in the years to come, I promise to always be there for you. Never doubt that."

She kissed him again.

"Mmm, I like the sound of always," she whispered against his lips as she pulled back.

He took her hands in his, pulling her up with him as he stood. "On that note, I say enough with the doom and gloom." He reached down to turn up the music a few notches. "After all, it'd be criminal of me not to ask you to dance when you look so damn fine."

He reached forward and placed a hand on the small of her back, taking her in his arms as he led her in slow circles across the sand.

"To many more moments like this," she said breathlessly as he spun her one final time, grinning as he pulled her close, the sounds of violins echoing throughout the nearby cave. "To coming home every evening to this wonderful smile..." She gently touched his lips. "...this face..." She cupped his cheek. "...and this heart." Her hand slid to his chest as she smiled brightly up at him.

He placed his hand overtop hers, squeezing it gently. "I'm yours, Kai. Every part of me."

"As I'm yours," she said sweetly.

Hayden slowly took a step back from her then, a contemplative look etched into his features. He seemed to be struggling with his thoughts, with the need to say or do something. Sometimes when he calculated outcomes to a scenario in his head his brow would furrow, just as it was now. She knew this look all too well.

"Hayden, what's wrong?"

His demeanor changed quite suddenly, a broad grin stretching across his face. "Nothing. Nothing at all. It's just that...well, I've been waiting for the perfect moment tonight to ask you something and now it seems I've run into a problem." He reached forward to take both her hands is his, squeezing them with gentle pressure as he shook his head. "Because, you see, with you, every moment is perfect. I've had so many opportunities tonight, so many windows, and by now I know I'm just stalling..." He took a deep breathe, centering himself before locking eyes with her. "So here goes everything I suppose, because I'm tired of waiting and honestly, at this moment, right here, I swear I've never loved you more."

He swallowed hard, eyes growing soft. She waited patiently as he gathered the words he wanted to say. Her heartbeat raced in anticipation.

Finally, he spoke. "Kai, I meant it when I said always. I meant it when I said I want to be there for you. To take care of you and cherish you for the rest of our lives together. You're everything to me. The sun and moon and all the stars combined. My perfect match in everything and anything I've ever set out to do. You've never looked at me as anything less than a man, and you make me feel more connected to humanity than I ever thought possible. I am honestly and without a doubt the man I am today only because of your love and encouragement, and now I want to return that kindness, to give back to you all you've given me. I want to shoulder every burden that ever comes your way. I want to care for you when you're sick, and celebrate you in health. I want to support you through every last endeavor you'll ever face, and love you until your very last breath falls from your lips."

He slowly sank to one knee, letting go of her hands to reach into his pocket. Kai felt her breath catch. Her throat was tight as her eyes began to water and blur her vision. He popped open the little black box, holding it out for her to see. A simple yet elegant ring glistened in the last few golden rays of sunlight.

"Kai, will marry me?" he asked quietly, looking up at her with all the vulnerability of the world in his eyes.

She was nodding before he'd even finished his proposal, tears streaming down her face over a smile she couldn't contain. She fell to her knees in front of him only a second before diving into his arms, overwrought with happiness. A quiet yes was all she could manage to speak, but she was sure he'd heard it, because he was holding her so very fiercely, the way an anchor holds a ship to shore.

She turned to kiss him, passion overtaking her as she took his face roughly in either one of her hands. They kissed with a slow but hungry tenderness that sparked a growing need within her. When she finally pulled back he took her hand, slipping the diamond covered band over her finger before twisting to place a kiss to her palm. She stared down at the ring in awe, half in disbelief and half in wonderment as it glittered in the candlelight.

"Just look at you," he said tenderly, laughing as he reached forward and wiped her tears away with a stroke of his thumbs. "I broke you."

"I'm sorry," she said, sniffling, "I'm just so happy. I don't mean to be-"

He held her face gently. "Hey now, none of that. You should know I never want to hear you apologize for something as pure as feeling. It is, after all, what makes you human."

"It's just..." She swallowed hard. "I never knew I could love like this. That it could be like this. My heart is just so...full?"

It was a lame explanation to all the emotions swirling around inside of her; he chuckled, leaning forward to kiss her, lingering just a hair away from her lips in the aftermath.

"I love you," he said, true and simple.

Those words sank deep, warm in her belly. She glanced up, a fire in her eyes she knew he recognized.

"Show me just how much," she whispered hoarsely, reaching out blindly for him as the sun disappeared, encasing them in starlit darkness. Her fingers hooked the base of his waistcoat and drew him closer. She felt his muscles retract in response. "Touch me."

She didn't need to ask him twice. His lips came crashing into hers, soft and rough and wild all at once. His hands roamed down her body as he kissed her, squeezing and kneading heated skin through satin fabric. Her head swam with pleasure, tilting back as his kisses slid down her throat and across her collarbone. Her hands fumbled, clumsily shoving the waistcoat up over his shoulders.

He paused to look down at her a moment, locking eyes with her as his fingers slipped beneath the left strap of her dress. He slowly dragged it over her shoulder, leaning down to press tender kisses to the newly bared skin. He lifted her breast, kneading it, yet she ached for more. Her hips drew up of their own accord, grinding against him as teeth pulled gently against tender flesh.

"Hayden, I want…"

His grin was wicked as he leaned up to capture her mouth with his, tongue caressing hers. At the time same his hands were slowly hiking up her dress, the material tickling and teasing her skin as it slide upwards.

"I know exactly what you want," he whispered smugly, nipping at her lower lip. "It is, after all, one of my many, many talents."

He slid lower, pushing her legs apart as he settled himself between her thighs. His hands slid up her legs in a maddening slowness, fingers light yet firm in their exploration of soft skin. He bent down, teasing the inside of her thighs with patient kisses. She groaned in response, squirming on the blanket.

He finished sliding her dress up over her hips, pausing a moment to look up at her blushing face as he noticed her absence of panties.

"You naughty, naughty girl," he said teasingly, fingers reaching up to graze her tender flesh lightly. "So presumptuous."

She moaned as he pressed his thumb down in tight circles, exactly where she'd been craving it. Her back arched lightly off the blanket.

"Hayden!"

He bent down, breath warm against her. "I love it when you say my name. Say it again."

He took his hand away, replacing it with his mouth. Kai's hands gripped at his shoulders, nailed digging in.

"Hayden…"

"Mmm...just like that," he whispered as he pulled back slightly, "Music to my ears."

He teased her relentlessly, bringing her to the brink multiple times, only to pull away at the very last moment. She was panting hard, impatient hands twisting in his hair.

"Please," she moaned. "Please, I can't take much more…"

In response to that she felt two fingers slip inside her.

"Oh, I think you can."

She whimpered, feeling him caress her from the inside out, fingers and tongue working together in quick strokes. At last she reached her crescendo, waves of pleasure rolling over her in bursts like fireworks. A thousand stars filled her vision, bright and beautiful, some belonging to her and some to the night sky above.

"I'm nowhere near done with you," she heard Hayden say.

He had sat back on his knees, hands coming up to the collar of his shirt. She watched him with greedy eyes as he teased her, deft fingers slowly popping each button singularly out of place. One by one. She knew he was giving her a moment to catch her breath, and for that she was grateful. She felt as though she had just run for miles. Yet her eyes remained locked on his body, hungry for more. She could never get enough of this man.

"You're insatiable," he said with a sly smile, watching her as she studied him.

"Only for you," she replied in a sultry voice, slowly raising to her feet.

His breath seemed to catch as he looked up at her. Her dress was still half off, and the breeze was drifting through her wild hair, making it dance with the sea air. What an image she must've looked. A siren of the sea, come to claim his soul.

He rose to his feet, letting his shirt fall off and hit the sand behind him. Then he paused, watching her reach up, fingering and twisting the other strap of her dress.

"See something you like?" she teased, sliding it down a few inches to expose more skin.

He reached down to undo his pants, eyes never leaving her. She bit her lower lip, taking in just how much he liked what he saw.

"That's right, two can play your little game, Mr. Young," she said with a coy smile.

She pushed the strap completely down, letting the satin dress pool at her feet as she stepped out of it. She sauntered up to him, trailing a hand lightly over his shoulder as she circled him like a vulture sizing up its prey.

He turned to face her, catching her by the arm and pulling her flush against his body. He was warm to the touch, his arousal pressed against her belly.

"I can only be so patient, Kai," he said in a gruff voice that sent thrills down her spine.

"Mmm, I love it when you talk like that," she said, arching against him seductively. "Go on then. Tell me. Where do you want me?"

"On your knees."

Kai grinned wickedly, letting her nails drift lightly down his chest and over his abdomen as she lowered her knees to the cool, dark sand. She reached for him, looking up to see his eyes flutter close as she took him in her hand. He reached blindly for her, a firm grip twisting into the back of her hair, anchoring her in place. A soft moan escaped his lips, encouraging her further.

She leaned forward and teased him gently, her tongue swiping the length of him. At that, his other hand fell to her shoulder, steadying his balance.

"God yes...just like that."

After a moment more he carefully pulled her away, looking down at her with burning hunger in his eyes.

"I need you. Now," he said firmly, not waiting for her to reply as he reached down to take hold of either side of her hips. He lifted her swiftly, as if she weighed no more than a bird, holding her firmly in place as she wrapped her legs around him. Oh, how she loved to be held like this. To see him embrace his strength. He could be so powerful when he let himself go; it was terrifying...in the most electrifying way.

He looked up, capturing her gaze as he slowly lowered her onto him. Her breath hitched in her throat, her head tipping back in pleasure as he filled her.

This. This was a feeling she would never tire of. Being in his arms, their bodies intertwined, him moving inside her as they danced to a secret rhythm only they two knew.

He held the base of her thighs, moving her up and down as she ground against him shamelessly, arms looped around his neck, fingers in his hair as she let herself be carried away with each rush of ecstasy.

He leaned forward, teasing her breasts with his tongue, his teeth, his lips; moving faster and faster beneath her. Her grip on him was loosening as she came closer and closer to release, feeling him sink deeper and harder inside her with each masterful thrust.

When she came the second time she clutched at his shoulders, crying out. He held her tightly, steadying her, not showing a single moment of mercy in pace until joining her a moment later, his groans of pleasure almost animalistic as as he gripped her close and pressed his forehead into her chest. He rocked her there, slow and steady, until the very last spasm was rung from his body, leaving them both fully sated.

She was as breathless as he was as he slowly lowered her down to the ground. Her feet had barely touched the sand when her knees began to wobble. He laughed, placing a strong hand on either of her forearms to steady her.

"Easy now. I've got you," he said, helping her lower herself down across the blanket. He moved the rest of their dishes and basket aside and stretched out beside her, his hand finding hers in a familiar way. She laced their fingers together, staring up into the night sky, feeling completely and utterly content.

"Have you ever seen anything so beautiful," she whispered after a moment of quiet reflection, taking in all the stars. In New York, they never saw the night sky this way. The city lights drowned them out.

"Perhaps," Hayden said, turning on his side to stroke her arm as he stared down at her.

She gave him a knowing smile, scooting closer to lay against his chest. He propped an arm behind his head, finally gazing upwards.

"You're right though...it really is something," he said in awe.

"It makes me feel small," Kai admitted.

Hayden laughed, elbowing her ribs. "You are small."

She gave him a playful slap, and he smiled.

"Ooo, so fierce," he teased, "Look at me, I'm trembling."

She stretched lazily into his side, pressing up against him so that every curve of her body was against his, like a puzzle piece falling into place. "Mmm...me too."

She heard him sigh against the top of her head as he kissed her hair and cuddled her closer. She tried to stifle a yawn, suddenly feeling a wave of exhaustion pass over her.

"Are you ready to go back to the house?" he asked.

She closed her eyes, listening closely to the lullaby of his artificial heart beating in her ear. It was slightly different from her own, and it had always fascinated her. Instead of a two-beat sound, it was just one single, evenly paced thump. It was like listening to a soothing metronome, and she loved it, if only for the fact that it was unique...just like him.

"Not just yet…" She murmured sleepily, nesting closer. "I want a to stay a little longer...right here in this moment."

"Whatever you wish, Kai. All my moments are yours," she heard him say softly as she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

~)x(-

Hayden wiggled out from underneath Kai, turning her onto her side and folding the rest of the blanket overtop her. He bent over to kiss her exposed shoulder lightly, drinking in the sight of her beautiful face bathed in the glow of island moonlight. Sometimes he wasn't quite sure how someone so perfect could be real. There were times he was half convinced she was his Match, not the other way around. Because how else could she manage to be so unearthly, so pull of passion and life?

But she wasn't a Match. She was human, and most importantly, all his.

He smiled to himself, standing up to stretch before fumbling back into his clothes in the dark. By now all the candles had gone out, and all they'd left behind were curling trails of smoke that stretched upwards towards the sky.

He glanced over to Kai's sleeping form as he reached for her dress, folding it over his arm. She looked so precious in her sleep. One would never guess just how much hardship she'd seen over the past year. Just how much she'd survived. She was his little warrior, and had fought with blood and fire to keep him and everyone else they loved safe.

Which it why she had earned the right to be happy, the right to finally rest; to be cared for. He would spend the rest of her life showing her just how much he cherished her. How much he appreciated the dedication she had shown him in the months of the aftermath. After the fall of Rowan and his plots, Hayden had needed closure, and she'd stayed right by his side every step of the way, helping him to discover himself, to grow into his own person - a person free at last of Eros. Yet they'd never grown apart, even as parts of him evolved and changed right before her eyes. If anything, it had brought them all the more closer, giving them the chance to fall in love all over again.

He scooped her up effortlessly, cradling the bundle of blankets and woman against his chest. She stiffened at the sudden contact, eyes opening in frantic panic as a frightened gasp escaped her lips. He swallowed hard, always hating it when he startled her. After all, she was always so strong when she was awake. It was easy to forget just how vulnerable she could be in her dreams when the nightmares came. She'd developed them later than he and Damien had, yet now it was a somber bond the three of them shared together.

There were still times when he awoke suddenly in the night, heart racing, clutching at his stomach or the sides of his head. Some nights were much worse than others. It was why when they'd first started he had slipped from the room to sleep alone. Because he'd been afraid. Not of reliving the pain, but of accidentally hurting Kai as he tossed and turned. Yet she'd been adamant, time and time again, for him to stay...and so he stayed. Some nights for her to be there for him, and others for him to be there for her. No matter what, they had become each other's tethered cords, holding them taunt in the present whenever the past dared to pull.

It was getting better, with time. The nightmares they all had were fewer and far between...but still there. Still always lurking, bringing out their deepest and darkest fears whenever they least expected them.

"You're okay. It's just me," he soothed, "It's Hayden. Close your eyes, sweetheart. I've got you. You're safe."

Her eyes fluttered to a close as she mumbled his name in sleepy acknowledgment, twisting her tiny hands into the fabric of shirt and burying her face against his chest.

He carried her back to the beach house, careful not to rouse her again as he made his way up the stairs and into the master suite. He tucked her in soundly, half sitting with his hip on the edge of the bed as he reached forward to tuck a stray strand of hair from her face.

"I love you," he said, struck by the way the words seemed to catch in his throat. He moved his hand to rest overtop hers, his thumb fiddling with the diamonds of her ring. "Always...no matter how long I may live."