I hate the caution on his face. He’s meant for sunny smiles and that careless warm charm. “I’m saying I want you.” I swallow hard. “I’m saying that I’m falling in love with you.”

He swallows hard, something fierce and impassioned in his face that makes him suddenly look older. “Why? I’m too young and irresponsible and flippant and–”

“And perfect,” I say quietly, cutting through the tumbling words. “You’re just perfect for me.”

For a long second we stare at each other, and I hope that’s enough. I don’t have any more words. I’ve said everything in my heart. Then he mutters something and throws himself onto my lap. Caught off guard, I flounder before falling backwards with him lying on top of me.

“Oof! Jesse,” I get out before he kisses me fiercely. I taste a flash of blood and then hug him tight, lost in the kiss. I make a murmur of disgust when he pulls back, but he laughs jubilantly.

“You really love me?” I nod and he kisses me again. “I love you too,” he says softly, and there is so much weight and passion to his words that I feel humbled.

“Really?” I ask almost shyly.

He nods, cupping my face in his palms. “I love everything. I love your sarcasm, your cleverness. I know you see age when you look at us, but all I see is the person I’m in love with. He’s funny and clever and kind. He’s protective, and he’s vulnerable. I don’t see how old you are or what you look like anymore, Zeb. I just see you and you–” He smiles. “You’re fucking everything to me.”

I kiss him then, feeling his weight and smell all around me. He feels safe. He feels right. He feels like my home. He’s perfect.

Epilogue

Six Months Later

Jesse

I let myself into Zeb’s flat with a quiet sigh of relief. It’s eleven o’clock at night, and I’m bloody shattered. I’ve been at work since seven this morning and it’s been a harrowing day with a case, but I can rest easy now because everything is settled and a mother and her child are now safe.

I look around the flat, inhaling the scent of vanilla and furniture polish on the air. He’s left the lamps on for me, and they shed pools of light on the wooden floors and white walls. It’s an oasis of calm and as far away from the feel of my workplace today as if I’d stepped into a house on the moon.