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It was pure bliss. Arms tight around each other, their combined warmth protecting them from the cold of the desert. Their lips against each other felt surreal, both of them getting the taste they had each been craving. It wasn't fiery or passionate, just two lonely teens finally getting to enjoy the warmth of each others embrace.
Rayla broke away first, keeping her arms around him and moving her head to his shoulder, closing her eyes and smiling softly. Callum smiled at her, running his hand through her hair as they stood holding each other, savoring the ability to be here and holding her. He finally had the one person he wanted more than anything in the world, and he wished he could find a way to express how happy he was. It was cold out, but he felt a pleasant warm feeling in his chest, which seemed to get stronger the longer he stood here with her.
He loved her. He had for a while. He had just been scared to admit it. He had become aware of his feelings right when they entered Xadia. It had been when Rayla was standing up to Sol Regam on his behalf, defending him against a giant powerful dragon and praising him, taking his hand and vouching for him. It had hit him then. This was the kind of person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
He wanted to tell her. It would be easy, just three simple words, words that he had said before. Just not to her. How easy it seemed to just open his mouth and say, 'I love you'. But he couldn't. He didn't want to overwhelm her. They had just properly gotten together, and he didn't want to rush things. He was content to just be here with her for now, with the knowledge that he did love her.
Callum kissed her forehead. Now that he was able to kiss her, he wasn't going to waste that ability. Rayla yawned quietly, the exhaustion of the crazy day finally catching up with her. She knew she was close to falling asleep, but she didn't want to let go of him just yet. She doubted she would even fall over if she just let herself fall asleep here. She was perfectly secure in Callums arms. She moved her arms around his neck and let herself relax, content to fall asleep in her new lovers arms.
After a few minutes, Callum felt Rayla's weight shift against him as she fell asleep. He walked backward slowly, keeping a tight hold on her and pulling her with him. He sat down against the side of the saddle, gently setting her down next to him. Her head fell against his shoulder, and he smiled and laced their fingers together. He drifted off quickly, her soft snores lulling him into a comfortable sleep.
They both slept comfortably that night, letting themselves have a moment of happiness before the coming battle.