Tired, you leaned over a mountain of paper. A sigh caught in your throat, you refused to sound like a small, spoilt child who complained at every little opportunity.

Some days were just exhausting and this one was especially so. Rubbing your eyes, you glanced over your shoulder. Snoring quietly to himself, Jayce lay in your bed.

The duvet was pulled loosely up to his chest. His hair was dishevelled and he snored sometimes. A smile flits across your lips.

Although he had his own house and was probably needed there, he hadn't let himself be persuaded to leave. He seemed to feel much more comfortable with you. Maybe he would soon share the same house with you if the future allowed it.

But you didn't want to think about that at the moment. Tiredness tugged at your shoulders. Maybe it was just your mind.

The last few weeks had been long and full of events. Sometimes you had lain awake thinking about where it was all leading.

What if it had all been for nothing?

Your legs carried you from your chair over to Jayce. He frowned tiredly in his sleep as you sat down next to him on the bed. Your fingers twitched briefly, toying with the idea of stroking his chest before you sighed and fell into the pillows.

Sounding thoughtful, Jayce yawned. Closing your eyes, you turned to face him. Soft fabric was wrapped around your shoulders.

Warmth embraced your body before his arms pulled you closer. Your head came to rest on his chest.

"Tomorrow everything could change...", you said your thoughts out loud.

He smiled tiredly.

"I wouldn't have taken you for someone who questions himself.", Jayce breathed a kiss on the top of your head.

You shook your head.

"Everyone should reflect from time to time.", you sighed. "What do we do if they don't keep their word?"

His grip on you tightened. You could feel the doubt in him, the hesitation.

"I trust Caitlyn.", he said.

Your eyes opened to look into the darkness. That night was quiet, calm. Unlike other days, it didn't feel like the darkness was reaching for your throat.

Instead, you had the desire to snuggle into the loving arms and sleep.

How long had it been since you had been able to rest?

For years it had felt like you were worrying about something, overthinking everything and making sure the rest of your family was okay. Now it was different. At that moment, you couldn't imagine why you ever had to worry about anything.

"What if we succeed?", you finally asked, your fingers digging a little into his tanned skin.

He stiffened under the touch. Equality made Jayce exhale with a shudder.

"What if we succeed?", he asked. "We will proceed the way we planned."

A snort escaped your nose.

"What we have planned...", with a sweeping movement you sat astride him. "What did we plan? This?"

You leaned so far down towards him that the tips of your noses were almost touching. Jayce stared at you. Your gazes were firmly intertwined, as if they were melting into each other.

Green wanted to devour (E/C).

A mischievous smile grew on your lips. The beat of your heart almost tore you apart. Everything inside you burned as his large hands came to rest on your thighs. The touch was so gentle that it felt like love. You had to laugh softly.

Of course it was.

How long would it be before you accepted it?

"Was it planned?", the question could have spread bitterness but when you looked at him you couldn't find any negative emotions on Jayce's face.

He was curious. Regret filled your chest. But you shook your head.

"I wanted to win you over.", your hands cupped his face. "But for us to fall in love..."

His eyebrows lifted.

"Are we?", a smile twitched at the corners of his lips.

You kissed him, the taste so sweet it made you sigh. His lips were soft. You kissed him again. And again. It was like a drug you couldn't break away from, didn't want to break away from.

His hands travelled up your sides to hold you better. Your bodies pressed close together. As if you wanted to become one.

"I wish we are.", you whispered against his lips. "I really do."

And that was nothing but the truth. You wanted him to love you. Even though it would be difficult as two members of the Council, even though there were enemies who wanted to see you fail, you wanted to be happy with him.

Was this what your father had felt for your mother? If so, you were jealous that it had taken so long for you to experience those feelings.

"Maybe we asked too much.", he whispered into the darkness as one of his hands brushed your cheek with his knuckles. "But now that I have it I can't give it back."

He kissed you.

"We have to succeed tomorrow, Jayce.", now you couldn't help but show him you cared.

He could hear it. He saw it in the gleam in your eyes.

"We will.", tiredly he wrapped his arms around your body and turned onto his side with you.

Your hands clasped his powerful shoulders. Soft skin nestled in your hands and elicited a sigh from you.

"And when we do... will we go on like this? Will we go our separate ways?"

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and held his breath for a moment. The night was still outside the window, the stars shining in an almost black sky. It felt cold, lonely. And yet you were in your own bed, embraced by a man you loved like no other.

"I will be with you.", he replied.

Breathing out shakily, you bury your face against his neck. He smelled of expensive perfume and soap. At the same time, you couldn't forget how much he had smelled of ashes and fire when you had been in the forge.

"Don't leave me.", it was a silent plea that slipped over your lips.

His embrace around you tightened.

"I need you.", he kissed your neck.