[ she is so precious. he savors that kiss as long as it lasts. both of his hands come to her cheeks. he brushes their noses and kisses her again. it lasts longer than usual and with a lot more longing, almost like a goodbye kiss. when it ends, he murmurs: ]

You go meltin' my heart every day. You know that? Don't know how I would take it if I lost you like I did everything else.

[ but if he lost her any other way... it reminds him of being in the graveyard without her, all at once aching and finding comfort in her being happy, dancing and humming and being full of love and life. as long as she was somewhere safe and sound and content, he could live with the separation. she would deserve it. ]

You're right, though. We're both here now, and I'm gonna protect you with everything I've got.