The night sky was littered in beautiful stars, the moon casting a gentle glow on the garden below. Typically full of families and couples during the day, only a single pair were resting on a blanket by the flowers. A slight breeze rustled the greenery, raising goosebumps on Lena's bare arms. She unconsciously rubbed at her arms without tearing her gaze away from the stars.

Shin looked at Lena, "You should have said something if you're cold."

She jumped, slightly startled. With a blush she said, "No it's okay! I just wasn't expecting it to be a bit chilly. I'll be perfectly fine!" It didn't matter though, as Shin had already taken off his jacket. He extended it to her, his ruby eyes urging her to take it. Her blush intensified as she wordlessly accepted his jacket, her heart skipping a beat as their fingers briefly touched. Since it was a summer night, she hadn't considered bringing a sweater or wearing a dress with long sleeves. As Lena slid her arms through the soft jacket, she became increasingly aware of the lingering warmth that had once been around Shin. Not to mention the soft notes of his cologne, sweet saffron with hints of rose and vanilla. The realization that he was wearing the cologne she had gifted him sent a shiver down her spine and she clutched the jacket tighter around her.

"Better?"

"Plenty. Thank you, Shin."

The pair settled back into a comfortable silence. It wasn't often they had free uninterrupted time off like this. Especially between the two of them. Lena's blush did not fade away and Shin took notice of this. He could feel the tips of his ears burn slightly, acutely aware that another opportunity like this would not happen again anytime soon.

Things had been awkward between the two of them since they had kissed. Neither were confident enough to make things official, having their own insecurities and fears. Lena continued to claim the sins of her people did not feel she was enough for Shin. Likewise Shin wanted to be with Lena, but didn't think he was enough as a former eighty six for a noble woman like her. War had done a number on the psyche of soldiers that proved to be difficult to overcome. Yet it did not stop the feelings from growing between the two.

"Lena, I-"

"Shin -"

The two stopped and stared at each other. Lena let out a nervous giggle while Shin rubbed the back of his neck.

Lena looked down and traced the patterns on the blanket beneath them. "You know, this is the first time we've been able to hang out without everyone watching us. Ever since we got here, it's been pretty hard to see the stars. Maybe it's a good sign for us that it's a clear night."

Shin swallowed, "Yeah I suppose… I don't think I've star gazed in a long time. I'm glad I got to have that chance with you." Lena's cheeks flushed a deeper red if possible.

"Mhmm. I feel the same. Maybe next time we might be able to watch the fireworks together like we promised. I know this isn't the same, but it's a step in that direction."

Knowing it could be a while until their next free time together, Shin reached out and grabbed Lena's hand. She gasped softly, her silver eyes meeting his in anticipation. With his other hand he tucked a lock of stray hair behind her ear.

Ignoring the hammering of his heart, Shin spoke. "Lena, I meant what I said before. I have feelings for you. I respect and admire you, but even my patience runs thin waiting for your reply when I know you want the same. I can see it in the way you look at me, the way you stand by me. The way you look out for me. It's hard to keep my distance when I constantly think of you. I- I want more chances to be with you, even more so now that I know what I want to live for." He closed his eyes and leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers.

"Be with me."

Lena closed her eyes at his touch, small tears hanging on her lashes. His words touched her deeply, her insecurities and fears coming to a peak before dispersing. He was right, she did want to be with him. It wasn't fair to keep him waiting when she started all of this by kissing him first. Another breeze swept through and she leaned even closer to Shin. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her lips and she tightened her fingers around his. She knew she couldn't continue to ignore her feelings for Shin, not when being around him felt right. No one else made her feel complete like he did. After losing her family, and feeling weighed down by the mistreatment of the eighty six by her people, she had been hesitant about allowing herself happiness.

With a gentle nod and watery smile she whispered, "I want to be with you too Shin."

A slow smile appeared on his face, pure and genuine. With his other hand, he cupped her face and brought her in for a kiss. It was different from their previous kisses, this one was soft, filled with love and acceptance. The official proclamation of their status as a couple. They kissed again, this time with more greed and passion, the time they spent tip toeing around each other dissipating. Allowing their true feelings to catch up and present to each other.

Shin had spent a long time on the battlefield, believing one day that his death was soon approaching. He had not considered a future in which he survived after providing peace to his brother. Yet Lena had changed him, giving him a reason to live. To see the sea with her without the background of war. To have her in his arms generated a wave of different emotions in him, and he was happy to have found someone as true as her.

"Thank you."