At a time when life danced on a knife's edge, trusting him so much didn't go unnoticed.

He lightly stroked her cheek, giving her the touch she needed, that they both craved, before each pulled back before it went too far.

"I'll protect it with my own," he promised in return.

The air felt saturated, but not heavy. He sucked in a breath and let his head fall back against the cushion.

He listened to Armstrong play. Lucky seemed to have quieted, too.

His body felt heavy and leaden. Sleepy. His eyes were half-lidded. "I don't usually get tired this fast."