So this, technically, is an alternate ending to my story "The Serendipity of Thunderjaws," but it also stands alone as a snippet, hence why it is posted here.
Intentions
He looked at her as she bound his ribs, her hands brushing his chest, her face just inches away. Slowly, he lifted his good arm and ran his fingers down her hair.
She stilled. "What are you doing?"
"Your hair was the first thing I saw," he said, "burning like forge-fire."
"Erend . . ."
"Aloy."
She tied off the bandage. "I need to finish so we can get back. You need rest."
"I need you."
"Please, Erend."
He grabbed her arm before she could retreat, staring desperately into her face. "You kissed me, Aloy. And it was the best thing that's ever happened. If it really was just a distraction, if it was just a . . . an innocent act between two friends, tell me and I won't bring it up again, but if it wasn't . . . please, Aloy. I need to know."
She tugged gently at her arm and he released her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kissed you."
Erend lowered his eyes. "I understand," he said and was proud of how steady his voice was.