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This time, she said it like his name was hers.

And so it was, and always had been.

For one moment he could only stare at her, and as expected the old usual doubts and fears swarmed around him, but they no longer ruled his thoughts the way they used to. He didn’t think they would ever go away, but they didn’t have to. Because this time he knew—-

“I love you,” he said simply.

Kyria’s lips trembled.

“I love you so damn much it turned me into an idiot.”

She giggled again even as tears started to run faster down her face. “Oh, M-Malik.” It was the loveliest sound, and if he could hear it every day, he knew he would die a happy man.

“I’m sorry, Kyria.”

“I forgive you.”

“I never wanted to hurt you.”

“I know.”

“I panicked.” His chest heaved. “Like an idiot, I panicked at the thought of what loving me would have you face. I didn’t know if it was right to make you go through it. You don’t deserve something like that, and I know I can never be worthy—-”

“S-stop.” She shook her head. “You’re always so s-silly that way,” Kyria chided tremulously. “I’m the one who should be thinking that, you know? Everyone knows I don’t deserve someone like you—-”

“Whoever those people are—-” His lip curled, but his voice was still raw when he finished, “They’re idiots.”

A fragile laugh slipped past her lips—-

She threw herself at him, just like she used to.

And he caught her, just like he used to.

His arms tightened around her for a moment, and then because he could no longer help it, he pulled back to cup her face, demanding rawly, “Will you take a chance on me again?”

She smiled up at him, and the sight was enchanting. But when she spoke, it was her words that pierced his soul. “You never lost it, Malik. I was just waiting for you to come back for me.”

His mouth touched hers, and her eyes closed.