I wait for his reaction with bated breath. Is he surprised? Amused? But Zeke's face is blank, and his eyes express nothing I can read. I can hear the beats of my heart echoing in my ribcage.
Then, ever so slowly, Zeke raises his palms to my cheeks. I can stare, mesmerized by his touch, as he leans forward until our lips touch. My eyes close.
I fall into the kiss. It's a river of gentleness, a living proof that feelings exist and humans are not just mindless beasts. Neither is Zeke. Under his dark, often sinister exterior is a heart that cares for me—and who knows, maybe even for something else in this world.
I respond to his gentleness with my own, trying to put what I already said with words into actions. My hands rise to Zeke's shoulder and bring him closer until our chests touch. It's joy, and bliss, and everything I've wanted.