[There are so many things Ai should be thinking about—things that could have been avoided altogether, had she thought twice—but Rinne doesn't judge her for this. She's just following her heart, right? Something corny like that? Him, too. He tends to do that. He touches her face, closes his eyes, and as he leans in, his affection makes room for a gentler smile. The way he speaks is different. It has been for a while.]
The elders always told me I was wrong for wanting to see you, but there's nothing wrong with what we want. I've always wanted someone just for me.
[As Rinne strokes the soft curve of Ai's cheeks, he kisses her cherry lips. This is almost too easy now. He thinks he could make it a habit.]
'Course it's okay.
[Even when it isn't. Especially when it shouldn't. His people, the elders, and his father might not ever approve of a woman with children out of wedlock to be his bride, but when they are so far away, Rinne can't bring himself to care all that much. All his life, everything he's ever done has always been for love. Everything has always been for Ai.]
1/2
The elders always told me I was wrong for wanting to see you, but there's nothing wrong with what we want. I've always wanted someone just for me.
[As Rinne strokes the soft curve of Ai's cheeks, he kisses her cherry lips. This is almost too easy now. He thinks he could make it a habit.]
'Course it's okay.
[Even when it isn't. Especially when it shouldn't. His people, the elders, and his father might not ever approve of a woman with children out of wedlock to be his bride, but when they are so far away, Rinne can't bring himself to care all that much. All his life, everything he's ever done has always been for love. Everything has always been for Ai.]