“Be careful what you wish for, huh?” I grin. “You wanted Major Amelia. It seems you’ve got her.”

“But I…” Cleo tries to absorb my words. They stop walking almost involuntarily, as if needing the energy to free up more functions. “I didn’t even think you were bi?”

“Well, since you’re nonbinary, I’m not sure what identity that adds up to?”

“Pansexual?” Cleo offers.

“I’m not sure what to call it. But what I am sure of? I might not have thought of you in a romantic light before, but once I did, something clicked into place. It surprised me, honestly. But then, very quickly, it didn’t. You’re the most beautiful, smart, impressive person I know. I’m into you, Cleo. That doesn’t have to mean anything else, at the moment.”

Cleo stares back at me through their purple glasses like they still can’t believe what’s happening. Maybe it’s the undiluted sunshine or the thinning air up here, but everything has taken on a slightly surreal quality, heightened and rosy at the same time. If Cleo can’t find the words yet, that’s fine. I have plenty more.

“I already chose someone who obviously didn’t value me in the end, because I think on some level I didn’t know how to value myself. But you, Cleo, you value all of me. You always have. When the voices in my head tell me I’m too big or too much or just flat-out unworthy, you’re the one who always sees through me. You’re the voice that tells me I’m enough, that I’m beautiful. When I spin out with panic, you’re the one to ground me. I know I need to learn to do all those things for myself, but until then—and hopefully long after—yours is the voice I always want to hear.”

Tears collect in Cleo’s eyes. I didn’t mean to make them cry, until I realize tears slide from my own eyes.

“Amelia, always so freaking bold, every minute of every day,” Cleo finally says. “You’ve always inspired me to be brave, to be honest, to speak up. And you’ve always accepted me, exactly as I am. I just never thought…”

Cleo wipes at their eyes, a smile finally spreading across their face as these words seem to settle.

“Is this what people mean when they talk about being with someone who makes them a better person?” I ask, laughing a little. “Because you’re the best person I know.”

Cleo doesn’t answer me. Instead, they step forward and wrap their arms around me. It doesn’t matter that we’re sweaty from the hike or that it’s our first time holding each other when it really means something. Cleo hugs me and it feels like it just fits.

Then I kiss Cleo.

The feeling is hard to describe, except with a word like home.

“Is this really happening?” Cleo whispers, resting their forehead against mine. “I don’t believe it.”

“Of all the strange things we’ve experienced this trip, this is the part you can’t believe?”